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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.

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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Low Cost High Efficiency InP-Based Solar Cells (CRADA Final Report)

NREL will develop a method of growing and fabricating single junction InP solar cells on 2-inch InP substrates on which a release layer has been deposited by MicroLink Devices. NREL will transfer to MicroLink the details of the InP solar cell layer structure and test results in order that the 2-inch results can be replicated on 4-inch InP substrates. NREL will develop a method of growing andfabricating single junction InP solar cells, including a metamorphic layer, on 2-inch GaAs substrates on which a release layer has been deposited by MicroLink Devices. NREL will transfer to MicroLink the details of the InP solar cell layer structure and test results in order that the 2-inch results can be replicated on 6-inch GaAs substrates. NREL will perform characterization measurements ofthe solar cells, including I-V and quantum efficiency measurements at AM1.5 1-sun.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

High manganese redox variability and manganate predominance in temperate soil profiles as determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Manganese speciation is a key to understanding the fate of contaminants, nutrients, and organic matter in soils. To date, quantification of Mn species in bulk soils has been performed mainly by sequential extraction methods and rarely supported by spectroscopic analysis. In order to obtain quantitative information on the Mn species inventory of soils, we investigated 46 soil horizons (<2-mm fraction, 45.1–2,280 mg/kg Mn) of nine typical Central European soils (Cambisols, Chernozems, Luvisols, Podzol, Stagnosol) by chemical Mn analyses and Mn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and related speciation results to major soil properties. Amounts of Mn 2+ , Mn 3+ , and Mn 4+ and the average oxidation state of Mn were evaluated by linear combination fitting (LCF) of X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra. Additionally, we used extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to identify and quantify major Mn species. For this, EXAFS spectra of 20 organic and mineral soil samples from five soils (Cambisols, Chernozem, Luvisol) were analyzed by LCF and shell fitting. XANES analyses revealed a high Mn redox variability in organic surface layers, with Mn 2+ being most abundant (≤100%, $\overline{x}$ = 54%), followed by Mn 3+ (≤80%, $\overline{x}$ = 32%) and Mn 4+ (≤55%, $\overline{x}$ = 14%). Mineral soil horizons contained significantly less Mn 2+ (≤56%, $\overline{x}$ = 23%), about equal quantities of Mn 3+ (≤68%, $\overline{x}$ = 31%), and were enriched in Mn 4+ (≤89%, $\overline{x}$ = 46%). EXAFS analyses implied the presence of six major Mn species groups: manganates, organically complexed Mn, Mn(III) oxyhydroxides, silicate-bound Mn, Mn oxides without tunnel- or layer structure, and physisorbed Mn. In litter horizons, Mn was mainly present in organic complexes (58–91%, $\overline{x}$ = 78%) and as physisorbed Mn (≤15%), but individual horizons also comprised manganates, Mn(III) oxyhydroxides, and silicate-bound Mn. Manganates, likely mixtures of phyllomanganates with hexagonal layer symmetry and tectomanganates, dominated in all mineral soil horizons (37–94%, $\overline{x}$ = 67%). Correlation analysis showed that manganates dissolve completely during dithionite-citrate and acid ammonium oxalate extractions, and suggested that Mn 4+ -rich manganates preferentially form under less acidic soil conditions, partly by oxidation of organically complexed Mn(II), and that they are enriched in the soil clay fraction. Mineral soil horizons also contained minor quantities of organically complexed Mn (≤39%, $\overline{x}$ = 11%), silicate-bound Mn (≤30%, $\overline{x}$ = 8%), Mn(III) oxyhydroxides (≤37%, $\overline{x}$ = 7%), Mn oxides without tunnel- or layer structure (≤18%, $\overline{x}$ = 5%), and physisorbed Mn (≤14%, $\overline{x}$ <1%). The detection of Mn(III) oxyhydroxides such as feitknechtite (β-MnOOH) or groutite (α-MnOOH) as well as the spinel hausmannite (Mn 3 O 4 ) in acidic soils is remarkable, since their formation is normally linked to neutral or alkaline pH conditions. Minor contributions of silicate-bound Mn indicate the release of Mn from primary minerals already at early stages of soil formation, and low concentrations of physisorbed Mn suggest that exchangeable Mn is rapidly converted into manganates in oxic soils. In conclusion, the predominance of manganates in mineral soils has far-reaching implications for the functioning of soils and biogeochemical element cycles, as these minerals play an important role in metal binding, plant nutrition, and redox-related processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Ab initio electronic structure of quasi-two-dimensional materials: A “native” Gaussian–plane wave approach

Ab initio electronic structure calculations of two-dimensional layered structures are typically performed using codes that were developed for three-dimensional structures, which are periodic in all three directions. The introduction of a periodicity in the third direction (perpendicular to the layer) is completely artificial and may lead in some cases to spurious results and to difficulties in treating the action of external fields. In this paper we develop a new approach, which is “native” to quasi-2D materials, making use of basis function that are periodic in the plane, but atomic-like in the perpendicular direction. We show how some of the basic tools of ab initio electronic structure theory — density functional theory, GW approximation and Bethe-Salpeter equation — are implemented in the new basis. We argue that the new approach will be preferable to the conventional one in treating the peculiarities of layered materials, including the long range of the unscreened Coulomb interaction in insulators, and the effects of strain, corrugations, and external fields.

Trevisanutto, Paolo E.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Y{sub 2}MoSe{sub 3}O{sub 12} and Y{sub 2}MoTe{sub 3}O{sub 12}: Solid-state synthesis, structure determination, and characterization of two new quaternary mixed metal oxides containing asymmetric coordination environment

Two new quaternary yttrium molybdenum selenium/tellurium oxides, Y{sub 2}MoSe{sub 3}O{sub 12} and Y{sub 2}MoTe{sub 3}O{sub 12} have been prepared by standard solid-state reactions using Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}, MoO{sub 3}, and SeO{sub 2} (or TeO{sub 2}) as reagents. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structures of the reported materials. Although both of the materials contain second-order Jahn–Teller (SOJT) distortive cations and are stoichiometrically similar, they reveal different structural features: while Y{sub 2}MoSe{sub 3}O{sub 12} shows a three-dimensional framework consisting of YO{sub 8}, MoO{sub 6}, and SeO{sub 3} groups, Y{sub 2}MoTe{sub 3}O{sub 12} exhibits a layered structure composed of YO{sub 8}, MoO{sub 4}, TeO{sub 3}, and TeO{sub 4} polyhedra. With the Mo{sup 6+} cations in Y{sub 2}MoSe{sub 3}O{sub 12}, a C{sub 3}-type intraoctahedral distortion toward a face is observed, in which the direction of the out-of-center distortion for Mo{sup 6+} is away from the oxide ligand linked to a Se{sup 4+} cation. The Se{sup 4+} and Te{sup 4+} cations in both materials are in asymmetric coordination environment attributed to the lone pairs. Elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analyses, intraoctahedral distortions, and dipole moment calculations for the compounds are also presented. - Graphical abstract: Y{sub 2}MoSe{sub 3}O{sub 12} reveals a three-dimensional framework consisting of YO{sub 8}, MoO{sub 6}, and SeO{sub 3} polyhedra, whereas Y{sub 2}MoTe{sub 3}O{sub 12} exhibits a layered structure composed of YO{sub 8}, MoO{sub 4}, TeO{sub 3}, and TeO{sub 4} groups. - Highlights: • Two new selenite and tellurite (Y{sub 2}MoQ{sub 3}O{sub 12}; Q=Se and Te) are synthesized. • Y{sub 2}MoQ{sub 3}O{sub 12} contain second-order Jahn–Teller distortive cations in asymmetric environments. • The intra-octahedral distortion of the Mo{sup 6+} is influenced by the Se{sup 4+}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Unblocking Oxygen Charge Compensation for Stabilized High‐Voltage Structure in P2‐Type Sodium‐Ion Cathode

Abstract Layered transition‐metal (TM) oxides are ideal hosts for Li + charge carriers largely due to the occurrence of oxygen charge compensation that stabilizes the layered structure at high voltage. Hence, enabling charge compensation in sodium layered oxides is a fascinating task for extending the cycle life of sodium‐ion batteries. Herein a Ti/Mg co‐doping strategy for a model P2‐Na 2/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 cathode material is put forward to activate charge compensation through highly hybridized O 2 p TM 3 d covalent bonds. In this way, the interlayer OO electrostatic repulsion is weakened upon deeply charging, which strongly affects the systematic total energy that transforms the striking P2–O2 interlayer contraction into a moderate solid‐solution‐type evolution. Accordingly, the cycling stability of the codoped cathode material is improved superiorly over the pristine sample. This study starts a perspective way of optimizing the sodium layered cathodes by rational structural design coupling electrochemical reactions, which can be extended to widespread battery researches.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Design and Characterization of Hybrid Multilayer Structures: Layer-by-Layer Growth of Polymer and Graphene Oxide Assemblies and Their Utility in Fuel Cell Applications

We report the layer-by-layer growth of poly- (ethylenimine) (PEI) that has been modified with sulfamate functionalities (S-PEI) using Zr 4+ -complexation interlayer linking chemistry. We have also deposited adlayers of graphene oxide (GO) that have been modified to possess sulfate functionalities (SGO), onto the S-PEI layers. The multilayer assemblies are formed with sulfamate/sulfate and sulfate/sulfate (S-PEI + S-GO) interlayer linking chemistry. In all cases the adlayer thickness is consistent with predictions based on van der Waals volume and/or molecular mechanics calculations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to characterize the Zr/S stoichiometry in the multilayer assembly. The utility of these hybrid multilayer structures is demonstrated in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, where they are shown to reduce H 2 gas crossover by 15% with only a 12 nm thick layer.

fuel cell↗
DOE OSTI2020

Real-time mass spectrometric characterization of the solid–electrolyte interphase of a lithium-ion battery

Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a key component that dictates the performance of most electrochemical devices, but the understanding of its chemistry and structure has been limited by the lack of in-situ tools. In this work, we report SEI live-formation in Li-ion battery under operando condition with liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), which, in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, presents the first dynamic picture with molecular-accuracy about this key component. Before any interphasial chemistry occurs during the initial charging, an electric double layer forms at the electrode-electrolyte interface via the self-assembly of solvent molecules directed by both Li+ and potential of the electrified surface. Such double layer structure predicts the eventual interphasial chemistries formed from the electrolytes, where the negatively-charged electrode surface repels salt anions from the inner-Helmholtz layer and results in an inner SEI that is thin, dense and inorganic in nature but LiF-depleted. It was this dense layer that exercises the major functions of an interphase, i.e., conducting Li+ but insulating electrons. An outer layer that is electrolyte-permeable and organic-rich appears after formation of the inner SEI. In highly-concentrated electrolyte, the presence of LiF in the inner-SEI is raised due to the high population of salt anions in the double layer. These real-time observations at nano-scale reveal in general sense how an interphase inherits chemistry from inner-Helmholtz layer structure, and establish guidelines in engineering desirable interphases for the future battery chemistries.

Zhou, Yufan↗
DOE OSTI2016

Intense radiative heat transport across a nano-scale gap

In this paper, we analyze the radiative heat transport in layered structures. The analysis is based on our prior description of the spectrum of thermally excited waves in systems with a heat flux. The developed method correctly predicts results for all known special cases for both large and closing gaps. Numerical examples demonstrate the applicability of our approach to the calculation of the radiative heat transport coefficient across various layered structures.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Tungsten polyoxometalate molecules as active nodes for dynamic carrier exchange in hybrid molecular/semiconductor capacitors

In this work we study the utilization of molecular transition metal oxides known as polyoxometalates (POMs), in particular the Keggin structure anions of the formula PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻, as active nodes for potential switching and/or fast writing memory applications. The active molecules are being integrated in hybrid Metal-Insulator/POM molecules-Semiconductor capacitors, which serve as prototypes allowing investigation of critical performance characteristics towards the design of more sophisticated devices. The charging ability as well as the electronic structure of the molecular layer is probed by means of electrical characterization, namely, capacitance-voltage and current-voltage measurements, as well as transient capacitance measurements, C (t), under step voltage polarization. It is argued that the transient current peaks observed are manifestations of dynamic carrier exchange between the gate electrode and specific molecular levels, while the transient C (t) curves under conditions of molecular charging can supply information for the rate of change of the charge that is being trapped and de-trapped within the molecular layer. Structural characterization via surface and cross sectional scanning electron microscopy as well as atomic force microscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, UV and Fourier-transform IR spectroscopies, UPS, and XPS contribute to the extraction of accurate electronic structure characteristics and open the path for the design of new devices with on-demand tuning of their interfacial properties via the controlled preparation of the POM layer.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Special Features of the Structure of Titanium Nitride Coatings in Substrate Surface Cuts

Elemental compositions and structure-phase states of titanium nitride coatings on the flat surface and in a cut of substrate from 10Cr18Ni10Ti steel are investigated by the methods of x-ray microspectral analysis, Auger electron spectroscopy, and dark-field electron microscopy analysis of the bending-torsion of the crystal lattice. It is established that the coating in the cut, unlike the coating on the frontal surface, has a modified elemental composition and a two-layer structure whose special features and thicknesses change with distance from the sample surface. It is shown that these changes are caused by phase transformations, decreased number of defects, dispersion of layer structures, and increased concentration of impurities with increasing distance from the substrate surface. Based on the results obtained, possible conditions for coating structure formation in the cut of the substrate surface are discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Preparations, structures and properties of heterobimetallic complexes based on tetrahydrofuran-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylate

Transition heterobimetallic metal-organic frameworks based on tetrahydrofuran-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylicate (FTA), namely [M(H₂O)₆][Cu₂M(FTA)₂(H₂O)₂]·4H₂O [M=Mn (1), Co (2)], and [CuZn(FTA)(H₂O)₅]·H₂O (3) have been synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction indicates that complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphic. In 1 and 2, FTA ligand links the metal ions to a 2-D wave-like negative-charged layer with a topology of (4;6²)₂(4;6³;8²)₂(6). They possess 1-D channels with [M(H₂O)₆]²⁺ and lattice water molecules enclathrated. While in the complex 3, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions are bridged by FTA to a 2-D neutral layer structure with a (8)₂(8⁴;12²) topology. Magnetic properties of 1–3 were analyzed in connection with their structures, which show that there exist weak antiferromagnetic interactions between metal ions. - Graphical abstract: Three heterobimetallic MOFs were constructed through the size-selectivity of TFA coordination sites for different transition metal ions based on the concept of “Hard and Soft Acids and Bases”. Highlights: • Complexes 1 and 3 contain 2-D wave-like negative-charged layers. • Complex 2 is a 2-D neutral layer structure with a (8)₂(8⁴;12²) topology. • Complexes 1–3 are the first example of heterobimetallic MOFs based on FTA. • The coordination sites of FTA show size-selectivity to metal ions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Construction of two novel indium phosphites with (3,6)- and (3,5)-connected frameworks: Synthesis, structure and characterization

Two novel anionic indium phosphites, formulated as [H{sub 3}O][In(HPO{sub 3}){sub 2}] (1) and [C{sub 4}H{sub 12}N{sub 2}][In{sub 2}(HPO{sub 3}){sub 3}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})] (2), were prepared under hydrothermal conditions by using piperazine (PIP) as a structure-directing agent (SDA). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in the hexagonal space group P6{sub 3}mc (No. 186) and orthorhombic space group Cmcm (No. 63), respectively. Compound 1, constructed from InO{sub 6} octahedra and HPO{sub 3} pseudo-pyramids, exhibits a rare (3,6)-connected layer structure with kgd (Kagome dual) topology. Compound 2, on the other hand, features a 3D phosphite-oxalate hybrid structure with intersecting 8- and 12-MRs channels. From a topological perspective 2 can be regarded as a (3, 5)-connected binodal net with the Schlaefli symbol (4{sup 2}.6)(4{sup 2}.6{sup 5}.8{sup 3}). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two novel indium phosphite and indium phosphite-oxalate hybrid compounds are synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer (3, 6)-connected layer structure with kgd topology. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer (3,5)-connected binodal net with the Schlaefli symbol (4{sup 2}.6)(4{sup 2}.6{sup 5}.8{sup 3}).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Skill of ship‐following large‐eddy simulations in reproducing MAGIC observations across the northeast P acific stratocumulus to cumulus transition region

Abstract During the Marine ARM GPCI Investigation of Clouds (MAGIC) in October 2011 to September 2012, a container ship making periodic cruises between Los Angeles, CA, and Honolulu, HI, was instrumented with surface meteorological, aerosol and radiation instruments, a cloud radar and ceilometer, and radiosondes. Here large‐eddy simulation (LES) is performed in a ship‐following frame of reference for 13 four day transects from the MAGIC field campaign. The goal is to assess if LES can skillfully simulate the broad range of observed cloud characteristics and boundary layer structure across the subtropical stratocumulus to cumulus transition region sampled during different seasons and meteorological conditions. Results from Leg 15A, which sampled a particularly well‐defined stratocumulus to cumulus transition, demonstrate the approach. The LES reproduces the observed timing of decoupling and transition from stratocumulus to cumulus and matches the observed evolution of boundary layer structure, cloud fraction, liquid water path, and precipitation statistics remarkably well. Considering the simulations of all 13 cruises, the LES skillfully simulates the mean diurnal variation of key measured quantities, including liquid water path (LWP), cloud fraction, measures of decoupling, and cloud radar‐derived precipitation. The daily mean quantities are well represented, and daily mean LWP and cloud fraction show the expected correlation with estimated inversion strength. There is a −0.6 K low bias in LES near‐surface air temperature that results in a high bias of 5.6 W m −2 in sensible heat flux (SHF). Overall, these results build confidence in the ability of LES to represent the northeast Pacific stratocumulus to trade cumulus transition region.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Electron microscopy analyses and electrical properties of the layered Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} phase

The bismuth tungstate Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} was synthesized using a classical coprecipitation method followed by a calcination process at different temperatures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) analyses. The Rietveld analysis and electron diffraction clearly confirmed the Pca2{sub 1} non centrosymmetric space group previously proposed for this phase. The layers Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}{sup 2+} and WO{sub 4}{sup 2−} have been directly evidenced from the HRTEM images. The electrical properties of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} compacted pellets systems were determined from electrical impedance spectrometry (EIS) and direct current (DC) analyses, under air and argon, between 350 and 700 °C. The direct current analyses showed that the conduction observed from EIS analyses was mainly ionic in this temperature range, with a small electronic contribution. Electrical change above the transition temperature of 660 °C is observed under air and argon atmospheres. The strong conductivity increase observed under argon is interpreted in terms of formation of additional oxygen vacancies coupled with electron conduction. - Graphical abstract: High resolution transmission electron microscopy: inverse fast Fourier transform giving the layered structure of the Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} phase, with a representation of the cell dimensions (b and c vectors). The Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}{sup 2+} and WO{sub 4}{sup 2−} sandwiches are visible in the IFFT image. - Highlights: • Using transmission electron microscopy, we visualize the layered structure of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. • Electrical analyses under argon gas show some increase in conductivity. • The phase transition at 660 °C is evidenced from electrical modification.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Six new inorganic–organic hybrids based on rigid triangular ligands: Syntheses, structures and properties

Six new inorganic–organic hybrids based on rigid triangular N-containing ligands, NaCu{sup I}{sub 2}(tib){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}[H{sub 2}PW{sup V}W{sup VI}{sub 11}O{sub 40}][H{sub 2}PW{sup VI}{sub 12}O{sub 40}]·6H{sub 2}O (1), Cu{sup II}{sub 3}(tib){sub 4}Cl{sub 4}[H{sub 2}PW{sup VI}{sub 12}O{sub 40}]{sub 2}·4H{sub 2}O (2), Co(tib){sub 2}[PW{sup V}{sub 3}W{sup VI}{sub 9}O{sub 38}]·5H{sub 2}O (3), Cu{sup II}{sub 3}(tib){sub 2}[P{sub 2}Mo{sup VI}{sub 5}O{sub 22}(O{sub 2})]·4H{sub 2}O (4), Mn(pytpy){sub 2}Mo{sup VI}{sub 4}O{sub 13} (5) and Co(pytpy){sub 2}Mo{sup VI}{sub 4}O{sub 13} (6) (tib=1,3,5-tris(1-imidazolyl)benzene, pytpy=4’-(4”-pyridyl)2,4’:6’,4”-terpyridine), have been hydrothermally synthesized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that compounds 1–4 display two-dimensional (2D) layered structures, and in compounds 1–3, the adjacent Keggin anions link with each other by W–O–W covalent interactions to form 1D inorganic chains. Compounds 5–6 are 3D “pillar-layer” frameworks based on bimetal–oxide layers pillared by the pytpy ligands. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, powder X−ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analyses. Moreover, the electrochemical and catalytic properties of compound 1 have been investigated as well. - Graphical abstract: Six new inorganic–organic hybrids based on rigid triangular N-containing ligands have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, elemental analyses, IR spectra, and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Compounds 1–4 display two-dimensional (2D) layers structure, and in compounds 1–3, the adjacent Keggin anions link with each other by W–O–W covalent interactions to form 1D inorganic Keggin anions chains. Compounds 5–6 are 3D “pillar-layer” frameworks based on bimetal–oxide layers pillared by the pytpy ligands. - Highlights: • MOFs based on POMs have been prepared. • Six new compounds based on rigid triangular N-containing ligands. • The adjacent POMs only share the oxygen atom to form a 1D inorganic Keggin chains.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Proof of Concept Thin Films and Multilayers Toward Enhanced Field Gradients in SRF Cavities

Due to the very shallow penetration depth of the RF fields, SRF properties are inherently a surface phenomenon involving a material thickness of less than 1 micron thus opening up the possibility of using thin film coatings to achieve a desired performance. The challenge has been to understand the dependence of the SRF properties on the detailed characteristics of real surfaces and then to employ appropriate techniques to tailor these surface properties for greatest benefit. Our aim is to achieve gradients >100 MV/m and no simple material is known to be capable of sustaining this performance. A theoretical framework has been proposed which could yield such behavior [1] and it requires creation of thin film layered structures. I will present our systematic studies on such proof-of-principle samples. Our overarching goal has been to build a basic understanding of key nano-scale film growth parameters for materials that show promise for SRF cavity multilayer coatings and to demonstrate the ability to elevate the barrier for vortex entry in such layered structures above the bulk value of Hc1 for type-II superconductors and thus to sustain higher accelerating fields.

Lukaszew, R A↗