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At least 469 records · Page 26

Laser additive manufacturing for infrastructure repair: A case study of a deteriorated steel bridge beam

As our transportation infrastructure ages, its deterioration is becoming a growing concern. Rapid and effective methods for repair can reduce the need for time-and cost-intensive replacement of structures such as roadway bridges. In this work, laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) was developed for the re-pair of damaged beams in steel bridges. A corroded structural beam of low-carbon A36 steel was selected for this case study and 316L stainless steel was used for repair due to its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Simulated repair experiments were performed on specimens extracted from the beam, and prepared with various groove shapes (Rectangular, Trapezoidal, and U-shaped). More in-depth parametric and microstructural studies were carried out with a series of U-shaped specimens repaired with the linear laser input energy varied from 19.5 to 30.0 J mm -1 . The tensile properties of the repaired specimens and interface structures were also investigated in detail. It was found that the repaired specimens had a slightly higher tensile strength despite a reduction in tensile elongation compared to the A36 steel base metal. The influence of interfacial microstructure and heterogeneity on the mechanical proper-ties of the repaired specimens was discussed. Furthermore, our work suggests the promising potential to employ AM for structural repair and provides fundamental insights into processing-structure-property relationships in laser AM-repaired materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Molecular Simulation of Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Inorganic Salt Separation

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) enable molecular-level design of nanochannels for selective separation in pressure-driven membrane processes. Through variation of building blocks and, subsequently, the pore structure and chemistry, membrane performance can be tailored. This study employs nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to theoretically demonstrate the tunable selectivity of COF membranes through a bottom-up functionalization approach. Water and salt transport are evaluated for six β-ketoenamine-linked COFs with varying multilayer thicknesses. For the thinnest multilayer (0.64–0.72 nm), all COFs exhibit low sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4 ) rejection (55–66%). However, 20 stacked sheets (6.4–7.2 nm) provide 67–98% rejection, with the sulfonated COF providing the highest Na 2 SO 4 rejection. Analysis of time-resolved ion density profiles reveals that solute rejection is primarily governed by interfacial exclusion arising from pore size and functional group chemistry. Although increasing salt rejection compromises water permeance, the permeance of all COF membranes is at least two orders of magnitude greater than that of a commercially available nanofiltration membrane. Overall, this work guides the rational design of COF membranes for aqueous salt separation.

Nanofiltration↗

Reaction Current Heterogeneity at the Interface between a Lithium Electrode and Polymer/Ceramic Composite Electrolytes

Although lithium metal anodes are expected to increase the energy density of next-generation batteries, dendrite growth during charge remains a major bottleneck preventing widespread implementation. Composite solid electrolytes with ceramic particles embedded in a polymer matrix have the potential to prevent dendrites owing to the higher mechanical stiffness while also possessing the flexibility to maintain contact with the electrode. However, microscopically, the different mechanical and electrochemical properties of the polymer and ceramic domains can cause inhomogeneous charge transfer at the Li/electrolyte interface, which can lead to nonuniform Li deposition and propagation of dendrites. Here, we computationally examine the coupled electrochemical, transport, and mechanical processes at the interface to determine the propensity for dendrite formation and possible approaches to mitigate this issue. Predictions of two possible microstructures at the interface, namely, (i) where both the polymer and ceramic come in contact with Li metal and (ii) when only the polymer comes in contact with Li metal, suggest that the former has a greater tendency for nonuniform plating. In addition, predictions suggest that minimizing the interfacial resistance between polymers and ceramics and incorporating interlayers between the electrode and electrolyte help mitigate current heterogeneity. In conclusion, these predictions provide guidance for experimental approaches to prevent dendrites in composite electrolytes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Solid-state rigid-rod polymer composite electrolytes with nanocrystalline lithium ion pathways

A critical challenge for next-generation lithium-based batteries lies in development of electrolytes that enable thermal safety along with use of high-energy-density electrodes. We describe molecular ionic composite (MIC) electrolytes based on an aligned liquid crystalline polymer combined with ionic liquids and concentrated Li salt. This high strength (200 MPa) and non-flammable solid electrolyte possesses outstanding Li + conductivity (1 mS cm -1 at 25 °C) and electrochemical stability (5.6 V vs Li|Li + ) while suppressing dendrite growth and exhibiting low interfacial resistance (32 Ω cm 2 ) and overpotentials (≤ 120 mV @ 1 mA cm -2 ) during Li symmetric cell cycling. A heterogeneous salt doping process modifies a locally ordered polymer-ion assembly to incorporate an inter-grain network filled with defective LiFSI & LiBF 4 nanocrystals, strongly enhancing Li + conduction. Furthermore, this modular material fabrication platform shows promise for safe and high-energy-density energy storage and conversion applications, incorporating the fast transport of ceramic-like conductors with the superior flexibility of polymer electrolytes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Effects of Applied Interfacial Pressure on Li-Metal Cycling Performance and Morphology in 4 M LiFSI in DME

Lithium-metal anodes can theoretically enable 10x higher gravimetric capacity than conventional graphite anodes. However, Li-metal anode cycling has proven difficult due to porous and dendritic morphologies, extensive parasitic solid electrolyte interphase reactions, and formation of dead Li. We systematically investigate the effects of applied interfacial pressure on Li-metal anode cycling performance and morphology in the recently developed and highly efficient 4 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in 1,2-dimethoxyethane electrolyte. We present cycling, morphology, and impedance data at a current density of 0.5 mA/cm 2 and a capacity of 2 mAh/cm 2 at applied interfacial pressures of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 MPa. Cryo-focused ion beam milling and cryo-scanning electron microscopy imaging in cross section reveal that increasing the applied pressure during Li deposition from 0 to 10 MPa leads to greater than a fivefold reduction in thickness (and therefore volume) of the deposited Li. This suggests that pressure during cycling can have a profound impact on the practical volumetric energy density for Li-metal anodes. A “goldilocks zone” of cell performance is observed at intermediate pressures of 0.1–1 MPa. Increasing pressure from 0 to 1 MPa generally improves cell-to-cell reproducibility, cycling stability, and Coulombic efficiency. However, the highest pressure (10 MPa) results in high cell overpotential and evidence of soft short circuits, which likely result from transport limitations associated with increased pressure causing local pore closure in the separator. All cells exhibit at least some signs of cycling instability after 50 cycles when cycled to 2 mAh/cm 2 with thin 50 μm Li counter electrodes, though instability decreases with increasing pressure. In contrast, cells cycled to only 1 mAh/cm 2 perform well for 50 cycles, indicating that capacity plays an important role in cycling stability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Research advances on cobalt-free cathodes for Li-ion batteries - The high voltage LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 as an example

LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 is one of the most promising cathode materials for use in either next generation lithium-ion batteries or all solid-state batteries. However, despite the significant Research and Development (R&D) carried out throughout the last two decades the material has not made serious inroads into market. One of the major reasons is the lack of consistency in the reported intrinsic properties and electrochemical performance owing to major controversies in synthesis, crystal structure and bulk and interfacial properties of LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 , notably in contact with electrolytes. This paper is a compelling review providing an assessment on the mainstream R&D dealing with the various crystal structures of LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 and their evolutions observed during synthesis and cycling in correlation with their electrochemical performance. Influence of electrolytes and additives along with modifications through doping and surface treatments are interrelated, and the electronic and ionic transport properties of the ordered and disordered LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 phases are discussed. Overall, this review provides a detailed assessment on LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 and the underlying mechanisms governing its electrochemical performance broadly providing a focused framework for further advancement towards commercialization.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Ion specific, thin film confinement effects on conductivity in polymerized ionic liquids.

Acrylate-based polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) with ammonium (Am) or imidazolium (Im) cations and tetrafluoroborate (BF4) or bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anions were synthesized and spin coated onto gold interdigitated electrodes on silica to investigate nanoconfinement effects on ion transport. The film thickness ranged from 23 to 313 nm. A significant reduction of the in-plane conductivity was observed in some PIL thin films with thickness below 100 nm. Specifically, Am BF4 PIL showed the largest conductivity drop (ca. 50% difference between a 22 nm and a 261 nm film) while Im TFSI PIL showed almost no change under confinement. The difference in conductivity drop is discussed in terms of (i) differences in interfacial layer thickness by fitting a two-layer conductivity model and (ii) potential changes in glass transition temperature (T-g) under confinement, which were estimated using the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann fits of bulk conductivities. Decreasing film thickness also caused the dielectric loss peaks to shift to lower frequency, indicating that the ion diffusion process slowed under confinement.

Zhao, Qiujie↗

Spin Rectification and Electrically Controlled Spin Transport in Molecular-Ferroelectrics-Based Spin Valves

We report a spin-rectification effect in a spin-valve structure consisting of ferroelectric croconic acid (C 5 H 2 O 5 ) sandwiched between ferromagnetic electrodes La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 and Co, which can be switched between a high-resistance (off ) and a low-resistance (on) state by a poling voltage. In the off state, the magnetoresistance (MR) sign reverses with the measurement voltage with a 0.1-V offset, suggesting a spin-rectification behavior, while in the on state the MR remains negative. These observations can be understood in terms of electrically controlled interfacial energy-band alignment either from the electrostatic effect or from the interfacial redox process. In conclusion, the observed spin-rectification effect suggests thepossibility of diodelike devices for spin-polarized current.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanistic origins of corrosion protection of aluminum alloys by graphene/polyetherimide nanocomposite coatings

Light-weighting vehicular components through adoption of light-metal structural alloys holds promise for reducing the fuel consumption of internal combustion engine vehicles and increasing the range of battery electric vehicles. However, the alloyed microstructure and surface precipitates of aluminum alloys render these materials susceptible to corrosion under modest excursions from neutral pH. Traditional chromium-based anodic passivation layers are subject to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, whereas options for sacrificial cathodic films are sparse for electropositive metals. While hybrid nanocomposite coatings have shown initial promise, mechanistic underpinnings remain poorly understood. Here, a fully imidized polyetherimide (PEI) resin is utilized as the continuous phase with inclusion of unfunctionalized exfoliated graphite (UFG). A comprehensive investigation of the mechanisms of corrosion protection reveals key fundamental design principles underpinning corrosion inhibition. First, strong interfacial adhesion, which for PEI is facilitated by binding of imide carbonyl moieties to Lewis acidic sites on Al surfaces. Second, the miscibility of ion-impervious nanoscopic UFG fillers and stabilization of a substantial interphase region at UFG/PEI boundaries that result in minimizing the free volume at the filler/polymer interface. Finally, extended tortuosity of ion diffusion pathways imbued by the below-percolation-threshold 2D fillers. These three design principles help govern and modulate ion transport from electrolyte/coating interfaces to the coating/metal interface and are crucial for the extended preservation of barrier properties. The results suggest an approach to systematically activate multiple modes of corrosion inhibition through rational design of hybrid nanocomposite coatings across hard-to-abate sectors where light metal alloys are likely to play an increasingly prominent role.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrochemical Flow Reactor Design Allows Tunable Mass Transport Conditions for Operando Surface Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract In situ attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR‐SEIRAS) is often used to investigate the near‐surface electrocatalytic reaction environment. However, there is a gap in directly correlating the near‐surface reaction environment with electrocatalytic reaction rates. To that end, we designed an electrochemical flow reactor for operando electrochemical ATR‐SEIRAS and demonstrate its capability with the CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR). Roughened gold catalyst thin films are prepared on ATR silicon crystals as a model system to probe local species under CO 2 RR conditions in 0.1 M KHCO 3 . We measured changes in the interfacial CO 2 concentration as a function of applied potential and electrolyte flow rate in operando , allowing us to correlate the changes in reaction rates with the observed CO 2 concentration. Including the choice of the catalyst and electrolyte, coupling hydrodynamic control with ATR‐SEIRAS in this platform enables investigations of how the local microenvironment affects the activity and selectivity of electrochemical reactions.

Avilés Acosta, Jaime E.↗

Optimization of the compositions of polyanionic sodium-ion battery cathode NaFe 2-x V x (PO 4 )(SO 4 ) 2

Sodium (Na) super ionic conductor (NASICON) polyanionic compounds have recently attracted much attention from the battery community because of their electroactive properties and reasonably high ionic conductivities, leading to their use as a cathode in sodium-ion batteries. This article describes the compositional optimizations, crystallographic evaluations, and electrochemical behavior of a new mixed NASICON polyanionic compound, NaFe 2-x V x (PO 4 )(SO 4 ) 2 . By doping the characteristic Fe 3+ sites of the FeO 6 octahedrons with varying amounts of V 3+ , the electrochemical stability and charge transport in NaFe 2 (PO 4 )(SO 4 ) 2 were enhanced. The resulting best composition, with crystal structure NaFe 1.4 V 0.6 (PO 4 )(SO 4 ) 2 resolved through the Rietveld method, exhibited a stable capacity compared with the other synthesized compositions. In situ powder x-ray diffraction measurements, a single-phase intercalation/deintercalation mechanism of the NASICON structure in the measured sodium concentration window was observed with no impurity phase formation. Further electrochemical assessments revealed the interfacial charge transfer kinetics to be the rate-limiting step in the sodium concentration window. Also, the measured sodium-ion diffusivity values in the range of 6 × 10 -11 to 7 × 10 -11 cm 2 /s in the measured sodium concentration range. The results reported here highlight the potential of compositionally and morphologically optimized NaFe 1.4 V 0.6 (PO 4 )(SO 4 ) 2 with higher particle surface areas as a cathode material for high-performance sodium-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Magnon-magnon coupling in an all-oxide insulator garnet Y 3 ⁢Fe 5 ⁢O 12 /Tm 3 ⁢Fe 5⁢ O 12 heterostructure

Hybrid magnonic systems have recently attracted significant attention due to their intriguing physics and potential applications in coherent information processing. In this regard, we have investigated magnon-magnon coupling in the all-oxide insulator garnet Y 3⁢ Fe 5⁢ O 12 (YIG)/Tm 3 ⁢Fe 5 ⁢O 12 (TmIG) heterostructure. The presence of an avoided mode crossing region between the ferromagnetic resonance modes of YIG and TmIG indicates interfacial exchange coupling. This all-insulator system enables interfacial coupling via magnon-magnon interactions. The mode crossing occurs at 𝑓 𝑐 = 6.88 GHz, corresponding to the minimal resonance separation between the two hybrid modes. The coupling strength is determined to be 78 MHz (or 2.8 mT), providing clear evidence of magnon-magnon coupling between the two Kittel modes in the YIG/TmIG insulator system at 200 K. As a result, these findings pave the way for engineering magnonic band structures, tunable coherent magnonic interactions, and nonreciprocal spin transport, which are crucial for advancing ultralow-power magnonic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Computational Investigation of Fuel Dispersal Phenomena during Large-Break Loss of Coolant Accident in Light-Water Reactors

In the event of cladding rupture, which could occur in light water reactor fuel assemblies during a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA), fuel particles, along with fission gases, can be expelled into the reactor core from the fractured fuel rod. This expulsion of fragmented fuel particles, referred as fuel dispersal, is the subject of investigation to evaluate the safety implications of increasing fuel burnup in light water reactors, with a specific focus on fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal. Particle trajectories and the resulting mass distribution of the settled particles within the reactor pressure vessel can pose a long-term cooling challenge for the reactor core. The fuel dispersal phenomenon is significantly influenced by the ejection characteristics of the fuel fragments, as well as the size and shape of the cladding rupture and fuel rod depressurization history during LOCA transients. In this study, the transport of fuel particles within a scaled 5 × 5 lattice of a pressurized water reactor rod bundle geometry is modeled through a two-fluid Eulerian framework that treats the gas and solid phases as interpenetrating continua. The required boundary conditions are evaluated from the fuel performance code BISON in a postulated large-break LOCA scenario. The modeling framework considers solid fuel particles as granular matter, interacting with the gaseous dry steam phase and fission gases through the governing interfacial momentum and energy exchange between the gas and solid phases. The simulation results provide the volume fraction of the solids settled on the bottom surface of the fuel bundle, quantifying the deposition within the bundle geometry.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Tracking Thermal Transport in Colloidal Quantum Dot Films Using in Situ Time-Resolved X-ray Diffraction

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) and their thin films are increasingly used in electronic and photonic devices replacing traditional bulk semiconductors. However, thermal properties of QDs remain underexplored relative to device development efforts. This study shows the use of time-resolved X-ray diffraction as a contact-free method to probe the thermal response of QDs in environments representative of the active layer in QD optoelectronic devices, providing in situ insights for future thermal management strategies. Through the extraction of Debye–Waller factors on a subnanosecond time scale, we directly capture the heating and cooling of core/shell CdSe/CdS QDs following pulsed optical excitation. In a QD thin film that actively provides optical gain, the thermal conductivity is found to be as low as 0.13 W m –1 K –1 , because of the poor heat flow between close-packed QD solids. For QDs dispersed in liquids, interfacial thermal conductance dominates thermal relaxation, with a conductance of 15 MW m –2 K –1 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Minimizing Interfacial Recombination in 1.8 eV Triple‐Halide Perovskites for 27.5% Efficient All‐Perovskite Tandems

Abstract All‐perovskite tandem solar cells show great potential to enable the highest performance at reasonable costs for a viable market entry in the near future. In particular, wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskites with higher open‐circuit voltage ( V OC ) are essential to further improve the tandem solar cells’ performance. Here, a new 1.8 eV bandgap triple‐halide perovskite composition in conjunction with a piperazinium iodide (PI) surface treatment is developed. With structural analysis, it is found that the PI modifies the surface through a reduction of excess lead iodide in the perovskite and additionally penetrates the bulk. Constant light‐induced magneto‐transport measurements are applied to separately resolve charge carrier properties of electrons and holes. These measurements reveal a reduced deep trap state density, and improved steady‐state carrier lifetime (factor 2.6) and diffusion lengths (factor 1.6). As a result, WBG PSCs achieve 1.36 V V OC , reaching 90% of the radiative limit. Combined with a 1.26 eV narrow bandgap (NBG) perovskite with a rubidium iodide additive, this enables a tandem cell with a certified scan efficiency of 27.5%.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Interface Aspects in All‐Solid‐State Li‐Based Batteries Reviewed

Abstract Extensive efforts have been made to improve the Li‐ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes (SE) for developing promising all‐solid‐state Li‐based batteries (ASSB). Recent studies suggest that minimizing the existing interface problems is even more important than maximizing the conductivity of SE. Interfaces are essential in ASSB, and their properties significantly influence the battery performance. Interface problems, arising from both physical and (electro)chemical material properties, can significantly inhibit the transport of electrons and Li‐ions in ASSB. Consequently, interface problems may result in interlayer formation, high impedances, immobilization of moveable Li‐ions, loss of active host sites available to accommodate Li‐ions, and Li‐dendrite formation, all causing significant storage capacity losses and ultimately battery failures. The characteristic differences of interfaces between liquid‐ and solid‐type Li‐based batteries are presented here. Interface types, interlayer origin, physical and chemical structures, properties, time evolution, complex interrelations between various factors, and promising interfacial tailoring approaches are reviewed. Furthermore, recent advances in the interface‐sensitive or depth‐resolved analytical tools that can provide mechanistic insights into the interlayer formation and strategies to tailor the interlayer formation, composition, and properties are discussed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Interface property–functionality interplay suppresses bimolecular recombination facilitating above 18% efficiency organic solar cells embracing simplistic fabrication

Efficient exciton-to-charge generation from the introduction of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) has been an important breakthrough in organic solar cell (OSC) developments. However, low device fill factors (FFs) following significant free charge carrier recombination loss continue to undermine their marketplace potential. Previous studies have successfully uncovered the importance of donor and acceptor domains in promoting charge transport. However, the functionality of donor/acceptor (D/A) interfaces relevant to free charge recombination remains unclear despite such interfaces being present throughout the material. In this work, the disorder-induced uphill bulk-to-D/A interface transport energy landscape is unveiled to enhance the polaron recombination resistance thereby also mitigating the triplet state formation from back charge transfer. In simple words, increasing the interface disorder while keeping the purer domains highly ordered will impart greater bulk-to-interface differential energy which then serves as a recombination energy barrier. Herein, these are made possible by varying the NFA outer side chains from linear alkyls to bulkier 2D phenylalkyls which influence the donor–acceptor interaction and define the interfacial disorder. Meanwhile, the extent of interface disorder without tradeoff in geminate losses is dependent on electrostatics and nanomorphology driving efficient exciton dissociation. By understanding these interplays, remarkable FFs over 80% and power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) above 18% are revealed to remain accessible even with simple binary component device fabrication without additional components/treatments thereby maintaining the scalability. Consequently, the principles uncovered here will serve as the foundation to reach the optimum potential of binary and simple systems, a prerequisite to ultimately realize the most cost-effective OSC design strategies for practical applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

The Radiation-Induced Fate of Fission Product Iodine in Molten Salts

Understand and Predict Radiation-Induced Iodine Speciation, Chemistry, and Transport in High-Temperature Molten Salts Award Number: DE-AC07-05ID1451 Gregory P. Holmbeck (Gregory.Holmbeck@inl.gov), Center for Radiation Chemistry Research, Idaho National Laboratory, 1955 N. Fremont Avenue Idaho Falls, ID, 83415, USA. Project Scope The goal of this Chemical and Materials Sciences to Advance Clean Energy Technologies and Low-Carbon Manufacturing project is to understand and predict the radiation-induced speciation, chemistry, and transport of fission product iodine in the triumvirate extremes of high-temperature, ionizing radiation, and corrosive molten salts. This missing fundamental information is critical for the accelerated development and deployment of safe, clean nuclear energy based on molten salt reactor (MSR) and pyrochemical reprocessing technologies. The central hypothesis driving this research is, the radiation-induced conversion of iodide will yield an extensive suite of transient and steady-state iodine radiolysis products that will alter the bulk chemical and physical properties of the irradiated molten salt system—the speciation, distribution, and chemical transport of which will be dictated by the composition and the availability of multivalent metal cations and metal alloy interfaces. To test this hypothesis, this project initiated three synergistic Research Objectives: (1) determine how the inclusion of iodine/iodide influences the chemical and physical properties of complex molten salt mixtures; (2) elucidate the speciation and fundamental chemical behavior of transient and steady-state iodine/iodide species formed by the irradiation of molten and solid salt mixtures; and (3) understand the influence of interfacial processes on determining the final disposition of iodine in high temperature molten salts, notably the structure and chemical speciation of iodine at metal-salt interfaces.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗