Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “electrode array”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 289 records · Page 16

Phase-change Reconfigurable Optical WavEfront Synthesis System (PROWESS)

We report the design, fabrication, and testing of electrically tunable metasurface k-space filters based on the low-loss, high-contrast phase-change material GSST and a transparent Si electrode heating architecture. A 10x10 array of PCM elements integrated with Si heaters was fabricated via foundry processes, and used to actively control the crystallinity of a metasurface consisting of GSST nano antennae. By selectively varying the structural state of individual PCM elements, specific k-vectors of transmitted light can effectively be filtered out, resulting in improved imaging quality by reducing the scattered light that reaches a detector. Optimized doping profiles in the Si heaters allow for uniform, low power, reliable and repeatable switching of the GSST state. Compared to other k-space filters, this new architecture is completely transparent to the wavelength of interest and can be actively reconfigured in real time with high performance, low power consumption and a small footprint. The 10x10 array device is a proof-of-concept demonstration that can enable high-resolution arbitrary wavefront synthesis and correction in the future, with key applications in optical communications, beam steering, remote sensing, and adaptive optics.

phase change material↗

Graphene oxide modified TiO 2 nanotube arrays: enhanced visible light photoelectrochemical properties

Novel nanocomposite films based on graphene oxide (GO) and TiO 2 nanotube arrays were synthesized by assembling GO on the surface of self-organized TiO 2 nanotube arrays through a simple assembling method. The composite films were characterized with field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Photoelectrochemical properties of the composite nanotube arrays were investigated under visible light illumination. Remarkably enhanced visible light photoelectrochemical response was observed for the GO decorated TiO 2 nanotube composite electrode compared with pristine TiO 2 nanotube arrays. Sensitizing effect of GO on the photoelectrochemical response of TiO 2 nanotube arrays was demonstrated and about 15 times enhanced maximum photoconversion efficiency was obtained with the presence of GO. Enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 nanotube arrays towards degradation of methyl blue was also demonstrated after modification of GO. The results presented here demonstrate GO to be efficient for the improvement of utilization of visible light for TiO 2 nanotube arrays.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Effects of bubbles on the electrochemical behavior of hydrogen-evolving Si microwire arrays oriented against gravity

The size-distribution, coverage, electrochemical impedance, and mass-transport properties of H 2 gas-bubble films were measured for both planar and microwire-array platinized n + -Si cathodes performing the hydrogen-evolution reaction in 0.50 M H 2 SO 4 (aq). Inverted, planar n + -Si/Ti/Pt cathodes produced large, stationary bubbles which contributed to substantial increases in ohmic potential drops. In contrast, regardless of orientation, microwire array n + -Si/Ti/Pt cathodes exhibited a smaller layer of bubbles on the surface, and the formation of bubbles did not substantially increase the steady-state overpotential for H 2 (g) production. Experiments using an electroactive tracer species indicated that even when oriented against gravity, bubbles enhanced mass transport at the electrode surface. Microconvection due to growing and coalescing bubbles dominated effects due to macroconvection of gliding bubbles on Si microwire array cathodes. Electrodes that maintained a large number of small bubbles on the surface simultaneously exhibited low concentrations of dissolved hydrogen and small ohmic potential drops, thus exhibiting the lowest steady-state overpotentials. The results indicate that microstructured electrodes can operate acceptably for unassisted solar-driven water splitting in the absence of external convection and can function regardless of the orientation of the electrode with respect to the gravitational force vector.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Cylindrical microelectrode array for neural stimulation and recording

A cylindrical microelectrode array having an elongated cylindrical core, and a multilayer structure conformally folded around and affixed to the cylindrical core so as to extend between opposite ends of the core. The multilayer structure has integrated sections including an electrode section with electrodes exposed through electrically insulating layers, a connector section with conductive bond pads for interfacing with external electronics, and a cable section with conductive traces encapsulated in electrically insulating layers and which connect between the electrodes and their corresponding bond pads. The array may be fabricated using a planar multilayer structure having the electrode, connector, and cable sections, and conformally folding the multilayer structure around and affixing to the cylindrical core. The cable section in particular may be conformally coiled around and affixed to the cylindrical core so that the electrical conduits helically extend between the connector and electrode sections.

Shah, Kedar G.↗

Dielectrophoresis device and method having nonuniform arrays for manipulating particles

Microfluidic devices according to embodiments of the present invention include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a channel or chamber having a non-uniform array of insulating features on one or more surfaces. Electrodes are provided for generation of a spatially non-uniform electric field across the array. A voltage source, which may be an A.C. and/or a D.C. voltage source may be coupled to the electrodes for the generation of the electric field.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Self-induced redox cycling coupled luminescence on nanopore recessed disk-multiscale bipolar electrodes

Self-induced redox cycling at nanopore ring-disk electrodes is coupled, through a bipolar electrode, to a remote fluorigenic reporter reaction. We present a new configuration for coupling fluorescence microscopy and voltammetry using self-induced redox cycling for ultrasensitive electrochemical measurements. An array of nanopores, each supporting a recessed disk electrode separated by 100 nm in depth from a planar multiscale bipolar top electrode, was fabricated using multilayer deposition, nanosphere lithography, and reactive-ion etching. Self-induced redox cycling was induced on the disk electrode producing ~30× current amplification, which was independently confirmed by measuring induced electrogenerated chemiluminescence from Ru(bpy) 3 2/3+ /tri-n-propylamine on the floating bipolar electrode. In this design, redox cycling occurs between the recessed disk and the top planar portion of a macroscopic thin film bipolar electrode in each nanopore. Electron transfer also occurs on a remote (mm-distance) portion of the planar bipolar electrode to maintain electroneutrality. This couples the electrochemical reactions of the target redox pair in the nanopore array with a reporter, such as a potential-switchable fluorescent indicator, in the cell at the distal end of the bipolar electrode. Oxidation or reduction of reversible analytes on the disk electrodes were accompanied by reduction or oxidation, respectively, on the nanopore portion of the bipolar electrode and then monitored by the accompanying oxidation of dihydroresorufin or reduction of resorufin at the remote end of the bipolar electrode, respectively. In both cases, changes in fluorescence intensity were triggered by the reaction of the target couple on the disk electrode, while recovery was largely governed by diffusion of the fluorescent indicator. Reduction of 1 nM of Ru(NH 3 ) 6 3+ on the nanoelectrode array was detected by monitoring the fluorescence intensity of resorufin, demonstrating high sensitivity fluorescence-mediated electrochemical sensing coupled to self-induced redox cycling.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Coaxial Nanowire Electrodes Enable Exceptional Fuel Cell Durability

Polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) hold great promise for applications in clean energy conversion, but cost and durability continue to limit commercialization. This work presents a new class of catalyst/electrode architecture that does not rely on Pt particles or carbon supports, eliminating the primary degradation mechanisms in conventional electrodes, and thereby enabling transformative durability improvements. The coaxial nanowire electrode (CANE) architecture consists of an array of vertically aligned nanowires, each comprising an ionomer core encapsulated by a nanoscale Pt film. This unique design eliminates the triple-phase boundary and replaces it with two double-phase boundaries, increasing Pt utilization. It also eliminates the need for carbon support and ionomer binder, enabling improved durability and faster mass transport. Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies based on CANEs demonstrate extraordinary durability in accelerated stress tests (ASTs), with only 2% and 5% loss in performance after 5000 support AST cycles and 30000 catalysts AST cycles, respectively. The high-power density and extremely high durability provided by CANEs can enable a paradigm shift from random electrodes based on unstable platinum nanoparticles dispersed on carbon to ordered electrodes based on durable Pt nanofilms, facilitating rapid deployment of fuel cells in transportation and other clean energy applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Parallel Spectral Acquisition with Orthogonal ICR Cells

FT-based high performance mass analyzers yield increased resolving power and mass measurement accuracy, yet require increased duration of signal acquisition that can limit many applications. The implementation of stronger magnetic fields, multiple detection electrodes for harmonic signal detection, and an array of multiple mass analyzers arranged along the magnetic field axis have been used to decrease required acquisition time. The results presented here show that multiple ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass analyzers can also be implemented orthogonal to the central magnetic field axis. The orthogonal ICR cell system presented here consisting of two cells (master and slave cells) was constructed with printed circuit boards and installed within a single superconducting magnet and vacuum system. A master cell was positioned, as is normally done with ICR cells, on the central magnetic field axis and a slave cell was located off this central axis, but directly adjacent and alongside the master cell. To achieve ion transfer between cells, ions that were initially trapped in the master cell were drifted across the magnetic field into the slave cell with application of a small DC field applied perpendicularly to the magnetic field axis. A subsequent population of ions was injected and accumulated in the master cell. Simultaneous excitation of cyclotron motion of ions in both cells was carried out; ICR signals from each cell were independently amplified and recorded in parallel. Presented here are the initial results of successful parallel spectral acquisition with this orthogonal dual ICR cell array. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Parallel-plate avalanche counters for heavy-ion beam tracking: History and mysteries

Despite being an old detector concept, position-sensitive parallel-plate avalanche counters (PPACs) remain widely used today for heavy-ion position and timing measurements. In modern rare isotope beam facilities and large-acceptance fragment separators, PPACs are used to characterize beam properties (diagnostics), facilitate beam delivery (tuning), and provide event-by-event beam tracking for particle identification (PID). Most popular particle localization methods in PPAC detectors are based on strip electrodes electrically connected to resistive-chain circuits or delay lines. More exotic systems include optical readouts based on recording electroluminescence light with high-granularity photodetector arrays or high-resolution resistive anode electrodes. PPACs with conventional resistive-chain or delay-line readouts achieve typical position and time resolutions of below 1 mm ( σ ) and around 150 ps ( σ ), respectively. In addition, delay-line systems are capable of counting rates above several hundred kHz for beam areas of a few millimeters square, and around 1 MHz for larger beam sizes. Resistive-chain readouts have limited rates of a few tens of kHz. A review of the operation principles and performance of PPAC detectors is presented in this paper. We will discuss decades-long experience building and operating PPACs developed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, and then refined at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), mostly focusing on the delay-line readout technique (DLPPAC). We will also discuss problems that arise due to electric discharges at high rates and briefly describe ongoing developments at FRIB. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Physics↗

Large-scale fabrication of vertically aligned ZnO nanowire arrays

A generator includes a substrate, a first electrode layer, a dense plurality of vertically-aligned piezoelectric elongated nanostructures, an insulating layer and a second electrode layer. The substrate has a top surface and the first electrode layer is disposed on the top surface of the substrate. The dense plurality of vertically-aligned piezoelectric elongated nanostructures extends from the first electrode layer. Each of the nanostructures has a top end. The insulating layer is disposed on the top ends of the nanostructures. The second electrode layer is disposed on the non-conductive layer and is spaced apart from the nanostructures.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Si–Cu alloy nanowires grown by oblique angle deposition as a stable negative electrode for Li-ion batteries

Thin films having nanocolumnar arrays made of various Si–Cu atomic ratios (90–10, 80–20, 70–30 %) are fabricated by an ion-assisted oblique angle co-deposition technique to produce stable negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. Cu is added into the electrode because of its ductility and electron conductivity. Cu plays a crucial role in holding the electrode together, minimizing overall capacity loss and enabling faster electron transfer. Plus, Cu is inactive versus Li?; therefore, Si–Cu variation is expected to affect the electrochemical performances of the electrodes. In this work, the effect of Si–Cu atomic ratios on the morphologies and the structures of the electrodes are studied. Plus, the uses of these nanocolumns with different Cu contents are evaluated as anodes by electrochemical tests. The morphological analyses demonstrate that an increase in Si–Cu atomic ratio affects the width of the nanocolumns and the homogeneity of the thin film morphology. The increase in Cu content dramatically improves the capacity retention of Si–Cu anodes, whereas it decreases the initial discharge capacity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Space charge inhibition effect of nano-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} on improvement of impulse breakdown voltage of transformer oil based on improved Kerr optic measurements

Transformer oil-based nanofluids (NFs) with 0.03 g/L Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticle content exhibit 11.2% higher positive impulse breakdown voltage levels than pure transformer oils. To study the effects of the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles on the space charge in transformer oil and to explain why the nano-modified transformer oil exhibits improved impulse breakdown voltage characteristics, the traditional Kerr electro-optic field mapping technique is improved by increasing the length of the parallel-plate electrodes and by using a photodetector array as a high light sensitivity device. The space charge distributions of pure transformer oil and of NFs containing Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles can be measured using the improved Kerr electro-optic field mapping technique. Test results indicate a significant reduction in space charge density in the transformer oil-based NFs with the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. The fast electrons are captured by the nanoparticles and are converted into slow-charged particles in the NFs, which then reduce the space charge density and result in a more uniform electric field distribution. Streamer propagation in the NFs is also obstructed, and the breakdown strengths of the NFs under impulse voltage conditions are also improved.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Delineating Bukit Bunuh impact crater boundary by geophysical and geotechnical investigation

Evidences of crater morphology and shock metamorphism in Bukit Bunuh, Lenggong, Malaysia were found during the archaeological research conducted by the Centre for Global Archaeological Research Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia. In order to register Bukit Bunuh as one of the world meteorite impact site, detailed studies are needed to verify the boundary of the crater accordingly. Geophysical study was conducted utilising the seismic refraction and 2-D electrical resistivity method. Seismic refraction survey was done using ABEM MK8 24 channel seismograph with 14Hz geophones and 40kg weight drop while 2-D electrical resistivity survey was performed using ABEM SAS4000 Terrameter and ES10-64C electrode selector with pole-dipole array. Bedrock depths were digitized from the sections obtained. The produced bedrock topography map shows that there is low bedrock level circulated by high elevated bedrock and interpreted as crater and rim respectively with diameter approximately 8km. There are also few spots of high elevated bedrock appear at the centre of the crater which interpreted as rebounds zone. Generally, the research area is divided into two layers where the first layer with velocity 400-1100 m/s and resistivity value of 10-800 Om predominantly consists of alluvium mix with gravel and boulders. Second layer represents granitic bedrock with depth of 5-50m having velocity >2100 m/s and resistivity value of >1500 Om. This research is strengthen by good correlation between geophysical data and geotechnical borehole records executed inside and outside of the crater, on the rim, as well as at the rebound area.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Synergy of Ion Doping and Spiral Array Architecture on Ti 2 Nb 10 O 29 : A New Way to Achieve High-Power Electrodes

Ameliorating electronic/ionic transport and structural stability of electrode materials is important to the development of power-intensive lithium ion batteries. Despite its great potential as a high-power anode, titanium niobium oxide (Ti 2 Nb 10 O 29 , TNO) still underperforms due to its unsatisfactory electronic/ionic conductivity. In this work, a powerful synergistic strategy by combining ion doping and spiral array architecture to boost high-rate performance of TNO is reported. Cr 3+ doped TNO nanoparticles (Cr-TNO) of 5-10 nm intimately grow on a conductive vertical graphene@TiC-C (VGTC) skeleton, forming novel Cr-TNO@VGTC spiral arrays. The unique spiral growth of TNO is achieved due to the confinement effect of VGTC skeleton. Meanwhile, a more open TNO crystal structure with faster ion transfer paths and enhanced structural stability is realized by Cr 3+ doping, demonstrated via density functional theory calculation and in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique. Benefiting from the superior conductive network, enhanced intrinsic electronic/ionic conductivity of Cr-TNO and reinforced structural stability, the Cr-TNO@VTC arrays show prominent high-power performance with a large capacity of 220 mAh g -1 at 40 C (power density of ≈11 kW kg -1 ) and superior durability (91% retention after 500 cycles). This work provides a new path for the construction of widespread high-power electrodes for fast energy storage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Properties criteria for components and materials used in lightweight solar arrays

The present work describes the characteristics and design criteria for components and materials used in lightweight substrate solar arrays. This includes descriptions of wraparound-electrode solar cells, cell covers, and cell interconnects. Cell cover systems briefly discussed are fused silica, cerium stabilized glass, microsheet, FEP (tape, heat laminated, and spray on), and ESB 7070 glass integral covers. The majority of solar arrays orbited have used either silver, Kovar, copper, or molybdenum as interconnect metals. Data are presented comparing the Young's modulus E, ultimate tensile strength, coefficient of expansion, thermal conductivity, and percent elongation of these and other interconnect candidate materials. Guidelines for the use of end tab wraparound cells are listed.

Lott, D. R.↗

Microfluidic electrochemical cell for in situ structural characterization of amorphous thin-film catalysts using high-energy X-ray scattering

Porous, high-surface-area electrode architectures are described that allow structural characterization of interfacial amorphous thin films with high spatial resolution under device-relevant functional electrochemical conditions using high-energy X-ray (>50 keV) scattering and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. Porous electrodes were fabricated from glass-capillary array membranes coated with conformal transparent conductive oxide layers, consisting of either a 40 nm–50 nm crystalline indium tin oxide or a 100 nm–150 nm-thick amorphous indium zinc oxide deposited by atomic layer deposition. These porous electrodes solve the problem of insufficient interaction volumes for catalyst thin films in two-dimensional working electrode designs and provide sufficiently low scattering backgrounds to enable high-resolution signal collection from interfacial thin-film catalysts. For example, PDF measurements were readily obtained with 0.2 Å spatial resolution for amorphous cobalt oxide films with thicknesses down to 60 nm when deposited on a porous electrode with 40 µm-diameter pores. This level of resolution resolves the cobaltate domain size and structure, the presence of defect sites assigned to the domain edges, and the changes in fine structure upon redox state change that are relevant to quantitative structure–function modeling. The results suggest the opportunity to leverage the porous, electrode architectures for PDF analysis of nanometre-scale surface-supported molecular catalysts. In addition, a compact 3D-printed electrochemical cell in a three-electrode configuration is described which is designed to allow for simultaneous X-ray transmission and electrolyte flow through the porous working electrode.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

CdS and CdS/CdSe sensitized ZnO nanorod array solar cells prepared by a solution ions exchange process

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • CdS and CdS/CdSe quantum dots are assembled on ZnO nanorods by ion exchange process. • The CdS/CdSe sensitization of ZnO effectively extends the absorption spectrum. • The performance of ZnO/CdS/CdSe cell is improved by extending absorption spectrum. - Abstract: In this paper, cadmium sulfide (CdS) and cadmium sulfide/cadmium selenide (CdS/CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) are assembled onto ZnO nanorod arrays by a solution ion exchange process for QD-sensitized solar cell application. The morphology, composition and absorption properties of different photoanodes were characterized with scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum and Raman spectrum in detail. It is shown that conformal and uniform CdS and CdS/CdSe shells can grow on ZnO nanorod cores. Quantum dot sensitized solar cells based on ZnO/CdS and ZnO/CdS/CdSe nanocable arrays were assembled with gold counter electrode and polysulfide electrolyte solution. The CdS/CdSe sensitization of ZnO can effectively extend the absorption spectrum up to 650 nm, which has a remarkable impact on the performance of a photovoltaic device by extending the absorption spectrum. Preliminary results show one fourth improvement in solar cell efficiency.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗