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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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Method of generating hydrogen-storing hydride complexes

A ternary hydrogen storage system having a constant stoichiometric molar ratio of LiNH.sub.2:MgH.sub.2:LiBH.sub.4 of 2:1:1. It was found that the incorporation of MgH.sub.2 particles of approximately 10 nm to 20 nm exhibit a lower initial hydrogen release temperature of 150.degree. C. Furthermore, it is observed that the particle size of LiBNH quaternary hydride has a significant effect on the hydrogen sorption concentration with an optimum size of 28 nm. The as-synthesized hydrides exhibit two main hydrogen release temperatures, one around 160.degree. C. and the other around 300.degree. C., with the main hydrogen release temperature reduced from 310.degree. C. to 270.degree. C., while hydrogen is first reversibly released at temperatures as low as 150.degree. C. with a total hydrogen capacity of 6 wt. % to 8 wt. %. Detailed thermal, capacity, structural and microstructural properties have been demonstrated and correlated with the activation energies of these materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of Microstructure of High Density Polyethylene on Catalytic Degradation: A Comparison Between Nano Clay and FCC

The effect of microstructure of high density polyethylene (HDPE) on catalytic degradation over fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst and Nano clay is investigated. An ethylene/1-hexene copolymer (HDPE) was fractionated based on 1-hexene content to different fractions using preparative temperature rising elution fractionation (P-TREF) method. The short chain branch (SCB) content of each fraction calculated based on {sup 1}H NMR results. The homogenous SCB content fractions were subsequently analyzed using TGA and thermal degradation behavior of samples were compared with catalytic degradation. The results showed that FCC, in contrast to nano clay, is more sensitive to microstructure of HDPE during catalytic degradation. Therefore, linear chains can start degradation sooner on FCC than the branched chains. In comparison of nano clay and FCC it was found that the nano clay, reduces temperature at maximum degradation rate (T{sub max}), but FCC reduces the T{sub 5%} and T{sub max} significantly.

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

Controllable synthesis and down-conversion properties of flower-like NaY(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2} microcrystals via polyvinylpyrrolidone-mediated

Double alkaline rare-earth molybdates NaY(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2} with multilayered flower-like architectures have been successfully synthesized via hydrothermal method in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-modified processes. The crystal structure and morphology of the obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that reaction time and the amount of PVP have crucial influences on the morphology of the resulting novel microstructures. Under 450 nm excitation, Ho{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped NaY(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2} samples exhibit 539 nm green emission and 960–1200 nm broadband near-infrared emission, corresponding to the characteristic lines of Ho{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+}, respectively. Moreover, increasing Yb{sup 3+} doping enhances the energy transfer efficiency from Ho{sup 3+} to Yb{sup 3+}. - Graphical abstract: Low and high-magnification SEM images demonstrate the perfect flower-like NaY(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2} prepared in the presence of PVP; Detailed TEM and HRTEM images further manifest the single-crystalline feature. Highlights: • NaY(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2} flower-like microstructures were synthesized by hydrothermal method using polyvinylpyrrolidone. • Polyvinylpyrrolidone induces the growth of the NaY(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2} to form multilayered architectures. • Flowerlike NaY(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2}: Ho{sup 3+}, Yb{sup 3+} phosphors were investigated as a downconversion layer candidate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Impact of Photon Recycling, Grain Boundaries, and Nonlinear Recombination on Energy Transport in Semiconductors

Energy carrier transport and recombination in semiconductors can be directly monitored with optical microscopy, revealing key insights into fundamental photophysics and informs efficient optoelectronic device design. Oftentimes, energy transport is measured by monitoring a time-resolved expanding carrier profile after optical excitation under a focused laser beam. Although this approach has gained widespread adoption, the presence of competing dynamic processes, such as diffusion and photon recycling, has made it difficult to accurately extract and understand important semiconductor properties. Here, we develop and apply a new framework for modeling energy transport in both excitonic and free carrier semiconductors. Here, we demonstrate that processes such as nonlinear recombination and photon recycling can have a significant impact on the apparent energy carrier profiles, especially for excitonic materials with short radiative lifetimes. Additionally, we find that film microstructure can lead to unique transport profiles that strongly depends on material boundary behavior and the difference between feature size and diffusion length. Here, these findings provide a deeper understanding of energy transport in semiconducting materials and provide new strategies for the design and optimization of electronic and optoelectronic devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Focus on Different Binders for Concentrated Alkali and Magnesium Hydroxide Waste Conditioning - 18122

As part of a nuclear dismantling process, an effluent highly concentrated in alkali hydroxides and magnesium hydroxide could be produced and should be conditioned in a matrix capable of ensuring the adequacy between the hydraulic binder performances and the conditioning requirements. First, several matrices were chosen according to the compatibility of their interstitial pore water pH with our highly concentrated in alkali and magnesium hydroxide waste. Then, we observed their behavior from a macroscopic point of view when an increasing amount of alkali hydroxide is added in the mixing water. The compressive strength - an important requirement for the storage acceptance - along with some microstructural comprehension allowed us to discriminate the different binders. Only one was chose to continue the study with the integration of magnesium hydroxide in the formula. Finally, a validation of the early ages performance acquired without magnesium hydroxide was performed and a durability study is undergoing. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2017

A laboratory nanoseismological study on deep-focus earthquake micromechanics

Global earthquake occurring rate displays an exponential decay down to ~300 km and then peaks around 550 to 600 km before terminating abruptly near 700 km. How fractures initiate, nucleate, and propagate at these depths remains one of the greatest puzzles in earth science, as increasing pressure inhibits fracture propagation. We report nanoseismological analysis on high-resolution acoustic emission (AE) records obtained during ruptures triggered by partial transformation from olivine to spinel in Mg 2 GeO 4 , an analog to the dominant mineral (Mg,Fe) 2 SiO 4 olivine in the upper mantle, using state-of-the-art seismological techniques, in the laboratory. AEs’ focal mechanisms, as well as their distribution in both space and time during deformation, are carefully analyzed. Microstructure analysis shows that AEs are produced by the dynamic propagation of shear bands consisting of nanograined spinel. These nanoshear bands have a near constant thickness (~100 nm) but varying lengths and self-organize during deformation. This precursory seismic process leads to ultimate macroscopic failure of the samples. Several source parameters of AE events were extracted from the recorded waveforms, allowing close tracking of event initiation, clustering, and propagation throughout the deformation/transformation process. AEs follow the Gutenberg-Richter statistics with a well-defined b value of 1.5 over three orders of moment magnitudes, suggesting that laboratory failure processes are self-affine. The seismic relation between magnitude and rupture area correctly predicts AE magnitude at millimeter scales. A rupture propagation model based on strain localization theory is proposed. Future numerical analyses may help resolve scaling issues between laboratory AE events and deep-focus earthquakes.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Synthesis, thermal and electrical properties of Al-doped Bi{sub 4}V{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 0.2}O{sub 10.7}

Partial substitution of copper with aluminum in Bi{sub 4}V{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 0.2}O{sub 10.7} has led to the Bi{sub 4}V{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 0.2−x}Al{sub x}O{sub 10.7+x/2} solid solution. X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis have shown that the compounds with x=0.05 and x=0.10 are tetragonal with γ′ form of Bi{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 11}, while the compound with x=0.15 is of β polymorph. The effect of Al{sup 3+} doping on electrical conductivity has been studied using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity of doped samples along with the amount of Al{sup 3+} has been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 250–700 °C. The slope changes observed in the Arrhenius plots agree with the microstructural transitions occurring in these compounds. The highest ionic conductivity values are obtained for the sample with x=0.05. - Graphical abstract: Arrhenius plots of the electrical conductivity of the of Bi{sub 4}V{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 0.2−x}Al{sub x}O{sub 10.7+x/2} compounds. Display Omitted.

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

Dispersion states and acid properties of SiO{sub 2}-supported Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}

Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}/SiO{sub 2} samples were prepared by the incipient-wetness impregnation method using niobium oxalate aqueous solution. The microstructure and dispersion process of the niobia species supported on SiO{sub 2} were characterized by means of power X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The acid properties were investigated by the method of Hammett indicator and Pyridine adsorption infrared (Py-IR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the dispersion process of Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} was performed by consuming surface hydroxyl groups of the amorphous SiO{sub 2} support. The aggregation of niobia species led to the formation of microcrystalline particles, so that there was no a clear monolayer dispersion capacity for Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} supported on amorphous SiO{sub 2}. Furthermore, the catalytic activities of the as-prepared samples were evaluated by the condensation reaction of iso-butene (IB) and iso-butyraldehyde (IBA) to form 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene (DMHD). The catalytic activities of the as-prepared samples for the condensation and their acid properties were strongly affected by the dispersion states. - Graphical abstract: The acid amount and strength of Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}/SiO{sub 2} samples varied with the increase of Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} loading. The catalytic activities of the as-prepared samples for the condensation and their acid properties were strongly affected by the dispersion states. - Highlights: • The dispersed process of Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} was completed by consuming surface hydroxyl groups of SiO{sub 2}. • XRD quantitative phase analysis is not applicable for oxides dispersing on amorphous support. • The catalytic activity of Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}/SiO{sub 2} is closely related to the dispersion state of SiO{sub 2}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Chromium incorporation into TiO{sub 2} at high pressure

Chromium incorporation into TiO{sub 2} up to 3 GPa at 1300 Degree-Sign C and 900 Degree-Sign C has been studied by XRD as well as TEM. A CaCl{sub 2} type TiO{sub 2} polymorph has been observed in the quenched samples from high pressure. Two different mechanisms of solubility occur in the recovered samples. Chromium replaces titanium on normal octahedral sites but it also occupies interstitial octahedral sites, especially in the samples recovered from higher pressures. Interstitial chromium is responsible for an orthorhombic distortion of the TiO{sub 2} rutile structure in the quenched samples and gives rise to a (1 1 0) twinned CaCl{sub 2}-structured polymorph. This phase is very likely the result of temperature quench at high pressure. The formation of this phase is directly related to the chromium content of the TiO{sub 2} grains. Chromium solubility in TiO{sub 2} increases with increasing the synthesis pressure. TiO{sub 2} is able to accommodate up to 15.3 wt% Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} at 3 GPa and 1300 Degree-Sign C, compared to 5.7 wt% at atmospheric pressure at the same temperature. - Graphical abstract: Microstructure consisting of twins domains of recovered Cr-doped CaCl{sub 2} type TiO{sub 2} grains synthesised at high pressure. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Chromium solubility in TiO{sub 2} increases at high pressure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Chromium occupies substitutional and interstitial positions in the rutile structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Interstitial chromium causes a decrease of the rutile symmetry. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An orthorhombic CaCl{sub 2} type structure is observed in the quenched samples.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2005

Structures Self-Assembled Through Directional Solidification

Nanotechnology has created a demand for new fabrication methods with an emphasis on simple, low-cost techniques. Directional solidification of eutectics (DSE) is an unconventional approach in comparison to low-temperature biomimetic approaches. A technical challenge for DSE is producing microstructural architectures on the nanometer scale. In both processes, the driving force is the minimization of Gibb's free energy. Selfassembly by biomimetic approaches depends on weak interaction forces between organic molecules to define the architectural structure. The architectural structure for solidification depends on strong chemical bonding between atoms. Constituents partition into atomic-level arrangements at the liquid-solid interface to form polyphase structures, and this atomic-level arrangement at the liquid-solid interface is controlled by atomic diffusion and total undercooling due to composition (diffusion), kinetics, and curvature of the boundary phases. Judicious selection of the materials system and control of the total undercooling are the keys to producing structures on the nanometer scale. The silicon-titanium silicide (Si-TiSi2) eutectic forms a rod structure under isothermal cooling conditions. At the NASA Glenn Research Center, directional solidification was employed along with a thermal gradient to promote uniform rods oriented with the thermal gradient. The preceding photomicrograph shows the typical transverse microstructure of a solidified Si-TiSi2 eutectic composition. The dark and light gray regions are Si and TiSi2, respectively. Preferred rod orientation along the thermal gradient was poor. The ordered TiSi2 rods have a narrow distribution in diameter of 2 to 3 m, as shown. The rod diameter showed a weak dependence on process conditions. Anisotropic etch behavior between different phases provides the opportunity to fabricate structures with high aspect ratios. The photomicrographs show the resulting microstructure after a wet chemical etch and a dry plasma etch. The wet chemical etches the silicon away, exposing the TiSi2 rods, whereas plasma etching preferentially etches the Si-TiSi2 interface to form a crater. The porous architectures are applicable to fabricating microdevices or creating templates for part fabrication. The porous rod structure can serve as a platform for fabricating microplasma devices for propulsion or microheat exchangers and for fabricating microfilters for miniatured chemical reactors. Although more work is required, self-assembly from DSE can have a role in microdevice fabrication.

Dynys, Frederick W.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Bifurcation and Pattern Symmetry Selection in Reaction-Diffusion Systems with Kinetic Anisotropy

Abstract Ordering and self-organization are critical in determining the dynamics of reaction-diffusion systems. Here we show a unique pattern formation mechanism, dictated by the coupling of thermodynamic instability and kinetic anisotropy. Intrinsically different from the physical origin of Turing instability and patterning, the ordered patterns we obtained are caused by the interplay of the instability from uphill diffusion, the symmetry breaking from anisotropic diffusion, and the reactions. To understand the formation of the void/gas bubble superlattices in crystals under irradiation, we establish a general theoretical framework to predict the symmetry selection of superlattice structures associated with anisotropic diffusion. Through analytical study and phase field simulations, we found that the symmetry of a superlattice is determined by the coupling of diffusion anisotropy and the reaction rate, which indicates a new type of bifurcation phenomenon. Our discovery suggests a means for designing target experiments to tailor different microstructural patterns.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Chemical Imaging of Atmospheric Organic Particles in the Southern Great Plains Field Campaign Report

The main goal of this field project was to characterize the chemical and physical properties of atmospheric particles representative of the Southern Great Plains (SGP) environment to establish a relationship between the composition of aerosol particles and their atmospheric impacts. The specific research efforts were focused on in-depth microscopy studies of chemical and physical properties of atmospheric organic particles collected at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) SGP observatory. An array of novel molecular-level characterization and chemical imaging approaches were used to characterize chemical composition of particles and elucidate fundamental processes governing their atmospheric aging, evolution of chemical composition, optical properties, cloud formation ability, and implications for particle-cloud interactions – the most challenging problems relevant to predictive understanding of aerosol effects on climate.(1, 2) Atmospheric particles consist of a complex mixture of organic compounds with a wide range of molecular structures, morphologies, physical properties, and chemical reactivity. The chemical composition, morphology, and phase state of atmospheric particles are of crucial importance for understanding the formation and reaction mechanisms of particles, their atmospheric evolution, and their impact on climate. It is of great interest to understand how the chemical and morphological particle microstructure affects their physicochemical properties such as chemical reactivity, thermodynamics of gas-particle partitioning, phase separations inside individual particles, hygroscopicity, optical properties, and ability to form liquid droplets (cloud condensation nuclei) and ice crystals (ice nuclei) in clouds. The phase state of organic particles, which yet remains poorly understood, plays a key role in their physicochemical properties and has important implications in various atmospheric processes. Fundamental understanding of these physicochemical properties and their possible evolution in time requires advanced analytical approaches for chemical imaging of particles with a resolution on the scale of 10-100 nm.(3) Comprehensive characterization of the size-dependent chemical composition of individual particles collected at the site was carried out using advanced molecular-level characterization and imaging approaches to identify their possible sources and to correlate to their climatic properties.

Southern Great Plains, aerosols, HI-SCALE field ca↗
DOE OSTI2015

Oriented and ordered mesoporous ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers with well-organized linear and spring structure

Graphical abstract: The ultra-stable order mesoporous ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers with well-organized linear and spring structure and large surface area under higher temperatures were prepared by a simple EISA process. - Highlights: • The ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers were prepared by EISA process combined with steam heat-treatment. • The mesoporous ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers have well-organized linear and spring structure. • The fibers were composed of oval rod nanocrystals of ZrTiO{sub 4}. - Abstract: The ultra-stable order mesoporous ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers with well-organized linear and spring structure and large surface areas under higher temperatures were prepared by a (simple evaporation-induced assembly) EISA process. The preparation, microstructures and formation processes were characterized by Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N{sub 2} adsorption–absorption measurements. The fibers take on pinstripe configuration which is very orderly along or perpendicular to the axial direction of the fibers. The diameters of the pinstripe are in the region of 200–400 nm and arranges regularly, which are composed of oval rod nanocrystals of ZrTiO{sub 4}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Electronic and transport properties of polycrystalline Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 15}Ge{sub 31} type I clathrate prepared by SPS method

Samples of germanium Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 15}Ge{sub 31} clathrate of type I were prepared using standard metallurgy methods. The structure, microstructure and phase composition of the prepared samples were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction XRD and scanning electron microscope SEM combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis EDX. Scanning thermoelectric microprobe STMP was used to characterize uniformity of Seebeck coefficient distribution at different stages of the material synthesis in order to optimize the synthesis method. Electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity were measured in the temperature range 20-450 Degree-Sign C. Based on the measured electrical properties and Hall carrier concentration n=5-9{center_dot}10{sup 20} cm{sup -3} at room temperature, electron effective mass m{sup Low-Asterisk} was estimated to be between 2.1-3 m{sub 0}. Preliminary FP-LAPW DFT calculations were performed for two chosen high symmetry superstructures Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 16}Ge{sub 30} and Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 6}Ge{sub 40} by means of WIEN2K package. Additionally topological analysis of total electron density according to Bader's Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules was carried out. The energy band gaps were calculated to be 0.3 eV for Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 16}Ge{sub 30} and 0.38 eV for Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 6}Ge{sub 40} which was close to the experimental results for Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 16}Ge{sub 30}. The observed electrical properties were compared with the electronic band structure calculations, showing good qualitative correlation between the measured transport properties and the theoretical predictions. - Graphical abstract: Scanning thermoelectric microprobe STMP was used to investigate uniformity of the prepared polycrystalline Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 15}Ge{sub 31} clathrate samples at different synthesis stages. Maps and histograms of the Seebeck coefficient distribution (presented in the picture) for Ba{sub 8}Ga{sub 15}Ge{sub 31} ingot after the first synthesis stage showed it is not uniform. The Seebeck coefficient distribution in the ingot was bimodal. The same analysis for the sample after annealing and sintering showed that the Seebeck coefficient distribution is unimodal. Compared to the ingot from I synthesis stage a significant improvement of material uniformity was observed. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Scanning thermoelectric microprobe STMP measurements show important uniformity change during sample annealing. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Calculated band gap E{sub g} values are close to the reported E{sub g}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ga/Ge ratio change doesn't affect significantly the bonding properties. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Band structure calculations show that bond's character agrees with the Zintl concept.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Fracture capture of organic pores in shales

Shales are heterogeneous media with porosity at many scales and in many microtextural positions, including within organic matter and clay aggregates. Because these materials have contrasting mechanical properties, it remains unclear how induced fractures manage to connect with this porosity whether during hydrocarbon production, wastewater injection, or carbon-capture-and-storage efforts. To explore porosity changes related to fracturing, we experimentally failed shale samples in a triaxial load apparatus and observed changes in microstructure through scanning electron microscopy, low-pressure nitrogen sorption, and nuclear magnetic resonance. We observed a system of microcracks, many of which were likely experimentally induced and localized on grain boundaries. In some cases these fractures propagated into regions of natural porosity in organic matter. In the subsurface this “fracture capture” likely enhances pore connectivity, but only selectively depending upon mechanical conditions. Finally, fracture capture is one possible mechanism by which multiscale compositional heterogeneity in shales may affect rheological heterogeneity.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Solvothermal synthesis of monodispersed CoZr{sub 4}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6} microspheres and their application as microwave absorber

Graphical abstract: Monodispersed CoZr{sub 4}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6} porous microspheres with shell structure were synthesized via a combined solvothermal method and calcination route. The radar-wave absorbability of the purple sample calcined at 900 Degree-Sign C was strongest at the frequency of about 8.5 GHz. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In this study we synthesized monodispersed CoZr{sub 4}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6} porous microspheres as microwave absorber. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The relationship between microstructures and the electromagnetic properties was indicated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The radar-wave absorbability of the sample was included. -- Abstract: Monodispersed CoZr{sub 4}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6} microspheres with a diameter of 40 {mu}m were achieved via a combining solvothermal and calcination route. The crystallinity of the calcined microspheres with shell structure was improved, while the monodisperse property and morphologies remained. The possible formation mechanism of the porous CoZr{sub 4}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6} microspheres with nanoshell was proposed. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) technologies, thermal analysis (TG and DSC), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and network analyzer. The sample calcined at 900 Degree-Sign C shows a strongest absorbability in the radar-wave absorbability test.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Self-propagating reactions in Al/Zr multilayers: Anomalous dependence of reaction velocity on bilayer thickness

High temperature, self-propagating reactions are observed in vapor-deposited Al/Zr multilayered foils of overall atomic ratios 3 Al:1 Zr and 2 Al:1 Zr and nanoscale layer thicknesses; however, the reaction velocities do not exhibit the inverse dependence on bilayer thickness that is expected based on changes in the average diffusion distance. Instead, for bilayer thicknesses of 20-30 nm, the velocity is essentially constant at ∼7.7 m/s. We explore several possible explanations for this anomalous behavior, including microstructural factors, changes in the phase evolution, and phase transformations in the reactant layers, but find no conclusive explanations. We determine that the phase evolution during self-propagating reactions in foils with a 3 Al:1 Zr stoichiometry is a rapid transformation from Al/Zr multilayers to the equilibrium intermetallic Al{sub 3}Zr compound with no intermediate crystalline phases. This phase evolution is the same for foils of 90 nm bilayer thicknesses and foils of bilayer thicknesses in the range of 27 nm to 35 nm. Further, for foils with a bilayer thickness of 90 nm and a 3 Al:1 Zr overall chemistry, the propagation front is planar and steady, in contrast to unsteady reaction fronts in foils with 1 Al:1 Zr overall chemistry and similar bilayer thicknesses.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Amorphous 1-D nanowires of calcium phosphate/pyrophosphate: A demonstration of oriented self-growth of amorphous minerals

Amorphous inorganic solids are traditionally isotropic, thus, it is believed that they only grow in a non-preferential way without the assistance of regulators, leading to the morphologies of nanospheres or irregular aggregates of nanoparticles. However, in the presence of (ortho)phosphate (Pi) and pyrophosphate ions (PPi) which have synergistic roles in biomineralization, the highly elongated amorphous nanowires (denoted ACPPNs) form in a regulator-free aqueous solution (without templates, additives, organics, etc). Based on thorough characterization and tracking of the formation process (e.g., Cryo-TEM, spherical aberration correction high resolution TEM, solid state NMR, high energy resolution monochromated STEM-EELS), the microstructure and its preferential growth behavior are elucidated. In ACPPNs, amorphous calcium orthophosphate and amorphous calcium pyrophosphate are distributed at separated but close sites. The ACPPNs grow via either the preferential attachment of ~2 nm nanoclusters in a 1-dimension way, or the transformation of bigger nanoparticles, indicating an inherent driving force-governed process. Here, we propose that the anisotropy of ACPPNs microstructure, which is corroborated experimentally, causes their oriented growth. This study proves that, unlike the conventional view, amorphous minerals can form via oriented growth without external regulation, demonstrating a novel insight into the structures and growth behaviors of amorphous minerals.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗