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At least 37 records · Page 2

Three-dimensional nucleation and growth of deformation twins in magnesium

At two-thirds the weight of aluminum, magnesium alloys have the potential to reduce the fuel consumption of transportation vehicles. These advancements depend on our ability to optimize the desirable versus undesirable effects of deformation twins, which are three-dimensional (3D) microstructural domains that form under mechanical stresses. Previously only characterized through surface or thin-film measurements, we here present 3D in situ characterization of deformation twinning inside an embedded grain over mesoscopic fields of view using dark-field x-ray microscopy supported by crystal plasticity finite element analysis. The results revealed the role of triple junctions on twin nucleation and the sequence and irregularity of twin growth and showed that twin-grain junctions, twin-twin junctions, and twin boundaries were the sites of localized dislocation accumulation.

Lee, Sangwon [Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Un↗

Synthesis of Lanthanide-Based Intermetallic Silicides

Lanthanide-containing materials are of interest because of their useful magnetic and electronic behavior. To study this intrinsic behavior, researchers need high-quality single crystals to avoid interference from grain boundaries or defects commonly found in polycrystalline samples. One method for growing single crystals is metal-flux synthesis, an approach that promotes crystal growth at lower reaction temperatures thus providing access to complex intermetallic phases. My project focuses on synthesizing novel lanthanide-containing intermetallic silicides related to previously reported f-element compounds with the Gd1??Fe4Si10?? structure type. I investigated reactions targeting lanthanum, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, and gadolinium-containing products, and used scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to identify promising lanthanide-containing phases. I prepared reactions by loading lanthanide oxides, Co, Si, Al, and Ga into alumina crucibles in a 0.2:1:1:10:10 Ln2O3/Co/Si/Al/Ga mmol ratio, where Ln = La, Nd, Pr, Sm, Eu, or Gd. The reactions were sealed in quartz tubes, heated in a furnace, and centrifuged to separate crystals from excess flux. Afterwards, I mechanically isolated single crystals and prepared them for characterization. Pr-, Nd-, and Sm-containing reactions were confirmed through SEM-EDS to have formed the targeted quaternary phase. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) data showed the Nd-containing crystals exhibited a hexagonal unit cell associated with the Gd1??Fe4Si10?? structure type. La- and Eu-containing reactions instead formed competing Co(Al/Ga/Si)3 phase crystals. Single-crystal XRD, powder XRD, and magnetic susceptibility and heat-capacity measurements will be collected for the remaining lanthanide-containing crystals. This data will help determine the complete crystal structure of the lanthanide analogues, their phase purity and whether they exhibit localized magnetic behavior, magnetic ordering, or other electronic signatures that can be compared with the previously reported actinide analogues. The disordered structure of this intermetallic family is associated with unusual magnetic and electronic behavior meaning lanthanide analogues may show potential as thermoelectric materials. Developing new thermoelectric candidate materials is relevant to energy efficiency and waste-heat recovery, which supports DOE’s broader goal of advancing science and technology solutions for America’s energy needs.

37 - INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL C↗

Forensic characterization of surrogate nuclear explosion debris: radiochemical and spectroscopic strategies for method validation

Surrogate nuclear explosion debris (SNED) has emerged as a critical platform for advancing post-detonation nuclear forensic analysis in the absence of readily accessible historic materials. SNED enables controlled investigation and validation of analytical methodologies used to interrogate the chemical, isotopic, radiological, and microstructural signatures preserved in nuclear explosion debris. This review presents an integrated assessment of destructive and non-destructive analytical techniques commonly employed within decision-driven nuclear forensic workflows. Each technique is discussed individually while highlighting how it contributes to different stages of post-detonation analysis. Core methods – including gamma and alpha spectrometry, ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS, SEM-EDS, XRF, LIBS, vibrational spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy – are critically evaluated with respect to forensic maturity, information content, and matrix limitations. Emphasis is placed on the role of SNED in benchmarking multi-modal workflows and identifying gaps in reproducing heterogeneity, fractionation, and radiation-driven evolution relevant to forensic attribution.

X-ray spectroscopic methods↗

Electrochemical Behavior of Cerium at an Indium Tin-Doped Oxide Electrode in Acidic Media

The redox behavior and speciation of cerium at mesoporous thin films composed of nanoparticles of indium tin-doped oxide (nITO) electrodes were characterized in pH 4.8, 0.1 M acetate buffer and both 0.1 and 1 M HNO 3 using electrochemical techniques and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Anodic deposition of ceria species from Ce(III) to the nITO electrode was achieved under all solvent conditions via spontaneous condensation of electrochemically generated ceric hydroxide species. In 1 M nitric acid, the rate of CeO 2 dissolution is on the same order as CeO 2 deposition, resulting in negligible amounts of CeO 2 electrodeposited at the nITO surface. The cathodic stripping of CeO 2 from the nITO substrate deposited in 0.1 M nitric acid or pH 4.8 acetate buffer follows a 2-step process where Ce(IV)-oxide is initially reduced to an unstable Ce(III)-oxide species that rapidly undergoes acid catalyzed dissolution to yield soluble Ce(III) (aq) . These findings provide a foundation for the pH and anodic potential controlled deposition of CeO 2 thin films to ITO substrates, which can aid in the development of materials composed of ceria. As a result, they can also be used to infer likely analogous actinide redox behavior and speciation at these electrodes.

Cerium↗

Effect of Preparation Conditions of Fe@SiO2 Catalyst on Its Structure Using High-Pressure Activity Studies in a 3D-Printed SS Microreactor

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) in a 3D-printed stainless steel (SS) microchannel microreactor was investigated using Fe@SiO2 catalysts. The catalysts were prepared by two different techniques: one pot (OP) and autoclave (AC). The mesoporous structure of the two catalysts, Fe@SiO2 (OP) and Fe@SiO2 (AC), ensured a large contact area between the reactants and the catalyst. They were characterized by N2 physisorption, H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis–differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC) techniques. The AC catalyst had a clear core–shell structure and showed a much greater surface area than that prepared by the OP method. The activities of the catalysts in terms of FTS were studied in the 200–350 °C temperature range at 20-bar pressure with a H2/CO molar ratio of 2:1. The Fe@SiO2 (AC) catalyst showed higher selectivity and higher CO conversion to olefins than Fe@SiO2 (OP). Stability studies of both catalysts were carried out for 30 h at 320 °C at 20 bar with a feed gas molar ratio of 2:1. The Fe@SiO2 (AC) catalyst showed higher stability and yielded consistent CO conversion compared to the Fe@SiO2 (OP) catalyst.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

Decorated Honeycomb Lattice and Successive Magnetic Transitions of the Delafossite Derivative K 4 Ni 5 Te 3 O 16

Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of the delafossite derivative K 4 Ni 5 Te 3 O 16 , which hosts a decorated honeycomb Ni 2+ lattice. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and neutron diffraction establish a noncentrosymmetric Pmm2 crystal structure that combines regular honeycomb units with elongated motifs formed by Ni 2+ trimers along extended edges. Magnetic susceptibility reveals strong antiferromagnetic interactions, while heat capacity measurements identify two successive magnetic transitions at 30 and 12 K. Neutron diffraction shows that these transitions correspond to a progression from partial to full long-range magnetic order on distinct Ni sites, reflecting competition among the various exchange interactions. The resulting magnetic point group, mm2.1′, inherits the lattice polarity and permits high-order magnetoelectric coupling. Consistent with this symmetry, a quadratic magnetic-field-induced polarization is experimentally observed below the magnetic ordering temperature, likely arising from exchange-driven magnetostriction coupled to the polar lattice. These results establish K 4 Ni 5 Te 3 O 16 as an interesting platform for engineering B-site ordering in delafossite derivatives to realize complex quantum magnetism and functional responses.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Laser-heated diamond anvil cell synthesis and recovery of metastable MnSb 2 and YbZn 2 for post-synthesis transport studies

The creation and exploration of new materials under extreme pressure–temperature conditions has become increasingly reliant on laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) techniques, which provide direct access to previously unexplored regions of multinary phase diagrams. Whereas numerous high-pressure phases have been identified in situ, systematic recovery and post-synthesis physical property characterization of these materials remain significant challenges. In this work, we describe the setup and implementation of an LHDAC-based synthesis and recovery workflow and demonstrate its application to metastable MnSb 2 and YbZn 2 phases. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction and spatial mapping confirm dominant formation of the targeted phases, whereas laboratory-based refinement quantifies phase fractions despite intrinsic microstrain and minor secondary phases. High-pressure transport measurements on recovered samples reveal pressure-tunable electronic instabilities in both systems. In MnSb 2 , pressure suppresses two high-temperature magnetic ordering anomalies, observed in transport, by ∼5 GPa and, for higher pressures, induces a new low-temperature feature that increases with further pressure increase. In hexagonal high-pressure YbZn 2 , an electronic reconstruction emerges at ∼11 GPa, characterized by semiconducting-like behavior from ∼30 to 300 K and a broad low-temperature coherence crossover near 30 K. Our results establish LHDAC synthesis not only as a structural discovery tool but also as an experimental platform for investigating correlated quantum states stabilized far from equilibrium thermodynamic conditions.

Huyan, S. [Iowa State University, Ames, IA (United↗

Comprehensive structural characterization of charged polymers involved in moisture-driven direct air capture

This study provides a comprehensive structural characterization of commercially available alkaline anion-exchange polymers (Fumasep FAA-3 and IRA 900) used in moisture-driven direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. Using X-ray diffraction, SAXS/WAXS, atomic force microscopy, FIB-SEM, and transmission electron microscopy, the authors identify nanoscale clustering, porosity, swelling behavior, and humidity-dependent structural changes that influence CO₂ adsorption and release. These findings establish structure–function relationships critical for designing more durable and energy-efficient DAC polymer materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Design Trade-Offs in Composite Fuel Cell Membranes: Effects of Reinforcement and Chemical Additives

Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes are critical components in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, where performance depends on balancing ionic conductivity, mechanical durability, and chemical stability. This study characterizes a composite membrane (NC700) featuring PFSA-impregnated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) reinforcement and cerium-based radical scavengers, benchmarked against unreinforced NR211. Complementary techniques, including electron microscopy, X-ray scattering, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis, identify the structural and compositional strategies employed in NC700. Water sorption isotherms reveal lower water uptake for NC700 across all conditions, attributed to reinforcement and cerium incorporation. Reinforcement reduces in-plane swelling from 11% to 2.1% at 90% RH, confirming strong swelling anisotropy, while maintaining mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. While the ionic conductivity of NC700 is approximately 10% lower than that of NR211, the reduced thickness yields a 40% decrease in calculated area-specific resistance, suggesting the composite architecture can favorably shift the conductivity-stability trade-off. The composite structure also reduces gas permeability, indicating potential for improved separator function alongside favorable transport properties. Systematic deconvolution of reinforcement and additive contributions shows that conductivity losses from cerium incorporation are largely offset by gains from the lower equivalent-weight polymer, providing quantitative relationships that may guide composite membrane design for fuel cells and other electrochemical applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Superconducting Material Growth for Radio-Frequency (RF) Cavities

Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, usually manufactured from Niobium (Nb), are vital components of modern particle accelerators because of their ability to achieve high acceleration gradients with little power dissipation. Naturally forming Nb surface oxides significantly alter cavity performance by changing surface resistance. A nondestructive characterization of oxide thickness is helpful for relating surface processing treatments to cavity performance. This work develops a protocol to measure Nb oxide thickness using Angle-Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ARXPS) while correcting instrumental errors. Using uniform bulk standard samples (Silver, Aluminum oxide, and Germanium), we determined a baseline correction factor to account for analyzer-related intensity evolution as the measurement angle increases. The correction factor was then applied to Nb 3d ARXPS data. Applying the Strohmeier equation to the corrected data yielded a Nb2O5 thickness of 6.04 nm, closely matching the 5.5 (±.05) nm value obtained from cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Our approach will bring a method to incorporate inherent errors in the thickness measurements using ARXPS and can be broadly applied to improve the accuracy of thickness measurements in a wide range of heterostructures.

Lambert, Nathan [Fermilab]↗

Superconducting Material Growth for Radio-Frequency (RF) Cavities

Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, usually manufactured from Niobium (Nb), are vital components of modern particle accelerators because of their ability to achieve high acceleration gradients with little power dissipation. Naturally forming Nb surface oxides significantly alter cavity performance by changing surface resistance. A nondestructive characterization of oxide thickness is helpful for relating surface processing treatments to cavity performance. This work develops a protocol to measure Nb oxide thickness using Angle-Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ARXPS) while correcting instrumental errors. Using uniform bulk standard samples (Silver, Aluminum oxide, and Germanium), we determined a baseline correction factor to account for analyzer-related intensity evolution as the measurement angle increases. The correction factor was then applied to Nb 3d ARXPS data. Applying the Strohmeier equation to the corrected data yielded a Nb2O5 thickness of 6.04 nm, closely matching the 5.5 (±.05) nm value obtained from cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Our approach will bring a method to incorporate inherent errors in the thickness measurements using ARXPS and can be broadly applied to improve the accuracy of thickness measurements in a wide range of heterostructures.

Lambert, Nathan [Fermilab]↗

Dose-dependent structural and electron-density features in the lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase NcAA9D

Structural studies of copper-containing lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) by X-ray crystallography are often complicated by radiation damage. In this study, we analyze a series of 36 X-ray crystal structures of NcAA9D, a Neurospora crassa AA9-family LPMO, determined from data collected at cryogenic temperature from a single crystal to investigate the progressive effects of radiation damage at the active site of this enzyme. We report new insights into the dose-dependence of active-site geometry in LPMOs and utilize the unique pre-bound dioxygen site of NcAA9D to analyze the impact of X-ray dose on the electron density of this species. It is well established that photoreduction of the LPMO active-site copper(II) leads to expulsion of its water ligands. We further characterize this displacement and the corresponding electron-density smearing, a phenomenon that can lead to the erroneous modeling of copper-bound dioxygen species. These findings suggest that radiation-dose series collected from a single crystal provide invaluable data to support unambiguous assignment of radiation-sensitive intermediates at the active site of LPMOs and other radiation-sensitive redox enzymes.

Miller, Samuel [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000459491817)↗

Pressure-Stabilized MnSb2 with Complex Incommensurate Magnetic Order

Marcasite-type compounds have been proposed as promising hosts of exotic magnetic quantum states, yet experimental realizations in stoichiometric, disorder-free systems remain limited. Here, we report the high-pressure stabilization and magnetic characterization of MnSb2, a marcasite-type compound that is thermodynamically metastable under ambient pressure. Single crystals were synthesized using a cubic multianvil press at 3.3 GPa and 490 °C for 24 h, and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirm the orthorhombic Pnnm structure. These crystals are stable at ambient pressure for a long time up to between 450 and 500 K. Heat-capacity measurements reveal phase transitions at approximately T0 ∼ 118 K and T1 ∼ 220 K. Neutron diffraction uncovers an unconventional magnetic state below T1 ∼ 220 K. Magnetic powder neutron diffraction refinements reveal possible multiple magnetic configurations that provide comparably acceptable fits to the experimental data. While most solutions are consistent with a spin-density-wave (SDW) description, helical models systematically yield inferior agreement factors. Across a broad range of models, the Mn ordered moment reaches a maximum value of approximately 2 μB and remains predominantly collinear, with minimal canting along the c-axis. At 200 K, the magnetic propagation vector is q = (0, 0.3975, 0.3783); upon cooling, the b component increases toward 0.5, reflecting a temperature-dependent evolution of the modulation. The need for modification of the magnetic model between high and low temperatures further highlights the complex and strongly temperature-dependent nature of the magnetic order in this system. These results establish MnSb2 as a pressure-stabilized marcasite magnet with a tunable, complex magnetic state and a compelling stoichiometric platform for exploring unconventional magnetic behavior, including potential altermagnetism.

Xu, Mingyu [Michigan State University , , , ,; Iow↗

Synthesis, Characterization, and Testing of High-Lithium-Density Composite Breeders

Solid tritium breeder materials must first and foremost have sufficiently high concentrations of lithium to enable a plant-scale tritium breeding ratio greater than 1:1. However, in addition to lithium content, such breeder materials must also meet other performance metrics including high tritium release rates, thermal conductivities, and irradiation damage tolerance. Perhaps most importantly, tritium breeders must maintain their mechanical integrity during reactor operation so as to avoid degradation which can jeopardize the functionality of the tritium breeder blanket module, which in most designs takes the form of a pebble bed geometry. Unfortunately, the mechanical robustness of most lithium-bearing ceramics under investigation for fusion applications is often inversely related to the lithium atom density. For example, a material such as lithium oxide (Li2O), which has one of the highest lithium atom densities, has a much lower mechanical splitting strength than lithium metatitanate (Li2TiO3), though Li2TiO3 has less than half the lithium atom density of Li2O. This work seeks to provide an alternative to monolithic ceramic tritium breeders, in the form of metal-reinforced composite tritium breeders. Specifically, composite tritium breeders have been synthesized combining Li2O with various ferrous metal reinforcements via electric field assisted sintering (EFAS), also known as spark plasma sintering (SPS). As the metal reinforcement content is increased, metallic networks are observed, via electron microscopy and X-ray computed tomography, to form throughout the composite material. Through destructive mechanical testing, even dilute metal reinforcement loading enables drastic mechanical strength improvements over pure Li2O while higher loadings give rise to quasi-ductile behavior and higher ultimate strengths than Li2TiO3 – while still maintaining a higher density of lithium atoms than Li2TiO3 and many other breeder candidates. In addition to microstructural characterization and mechanical testing, thermal property measurements and hydrogen permeability testing are underway to further assess the suitability of such composites for fusion reactor applications.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Crystal Growth Scale-Up and Stability of RbSr 2 X 5 :Eu Scintillators

The discovery and development of new scintillation materials support national security needs. In these applications, large volumes of scintillator crystals are needed to achieve efficient screening for contraband. Therefore, one important step in the discovery of new scintillator compositions is testing their feasibility for scale-up and their stability. In this work, high-quality Ø22 mm crystals of two new scintillators RbSr 2 Br 5 :Eu and RbSr 2 I 5 :Eu were grown via the Vertical Bridgman method, and their scintillation properties were characterized. Here, the Ø22 mm RbSr 2 I 5 :Eu crystals could be grown with fast translation rates up to 3.5 mm/h. Both RbSr 2 Br 5 :Eu and RbSr 2 I 5 :Eu had high scintillation performance, including light yields of 46,000 and 61,000 ph/MeV, respectively, for Ø22 × 35 mm crystals. Additionally, properties related to physical stability were investigated, including the coefficients of thermal expansion via high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD) as well as moisture sensitivity. HTXRD confirmed the absence of solid–solid phase transitions and showed that RbSr 2 Br 5 had minimal thermal expansion anisotropy compared to RbSr 2 I 5 and some other inorganic metal halide scintillators, which favors the growth of large-sized crystals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Visualization of the surface distribution of photocatalytic activity at the anatase/rutile TiO2 interface using X-ray photoelectron emission microscopy

We applied X-ray photoelectron emission microscopy (XPEEM) to visualize the surface distribution of photocatalytic activity at the anatase/rutile (A/R) interface of titanium dioxide. Acetic acid was adsorbed on the surface, and its decomposition and desorption reactions under ultraviolet light irradiation were monitored by observing C 1s spectra, enabling direct observation of the spatial distribution of photocatalytic activity. Complementary crystal structure information was obtained using spatially resolved low-energy electron diffraction, low-energy electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and micro-focused Raman spectroscopy. Comparison with these structural data allowed for the evaluation of the photocatalytic activity as a function of the distance from the A/R interface. The activity is enhanced in the vicinity of the interface and gradually decreases toward both the anatase and rutile regions. These results demonstrate that XPEEM is an effective technique for spatially resolved mapping of photocatalytic activity, which has\\r\\npreviously been inaccessible using conventional characterization techniques.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of a Tb(IV) polyoxometalate

There has been a renaissance in high valent lanthanide chemistry, which has resulted in the first examples of tetravalent praseodymium (Pr) and terbium (Tb) in molecular systems. These feats have been achieved with tailored ligands that facilitate tetravalent lanthanide stability in non-aqueous conditions. The next step in realizing the potential of high valent lanthanide chemistry is moving towards complexes that are stable in ambient and aqueous conditions. In this investigation, we advance this paradigm by obtaining definitive evidence of Tb(IV) in a molecular system under aqueous conditions utilizing the lacunary Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate, K 10 P 2 W 17 O 61 •20H 2 O. Herein we present the single crystal structure of K 16 Tb(IV)(P 2 W 17 O 61 ) 2 •39.85H 2 O (Tb(IV)W 34 ) as well as extensive spectroscopic evidence obtained via UV–Vis-NIR, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy, continuous wave X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry measurements to confirm the oxidation state of Tb in W 34 complexes as +4.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Taking three-dimensional x-ray diffraction (3DXRD) from the synchrotron to the laboratory scale

Three-dimensional x-ray diffraction (3DXRD), a rotating x-ray diffraction technique, is a powerful tool for studying the micromechanical behavior of polycrystalline materials, capable of measuring the volume, position, orientation, and strain of thousands of grains simultaneously. However, its application has been historically limited to synchrotron facilities. Here, we present the first demonstration of laboratory-scale 3DXRD (Lab-3DXRD) using a liquid-metal-jet source. Lab-3DXRD achieves accuracy comparable to synchrotron-based 3DXRD, as validated against laboratory diffraction contrast tomography (LabDCT) and synchrotron-3DXRD. Over 96% of the grains detected with Lab-3DXRD are cross-validated, particularly for coarse grains (> ~60 μm), while the results suggest that finer grains should be accessible by taking advantage of high-efficiency detectors. We further demonstrate that its sensitivity to finer grains is enhanced by incorporating pre-characterization into the analysis. This study establishes Lab-3DXRD as a practical alternative to synchrotron techniques, making 3DXRD accessible to a wider range of academic and industrial researchers.

characterization and analytical techniques↗