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Results for “plasma nanotechnology”

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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Simulation of metal nanoparticles growth in methane atmosphere of arc discharge: comparison to experiment

A direct current arc discharge in a methane atmosphere is a scalable and sustainable method to produce metal-carbon core–shell nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes, where a metal catalyst can be continuously supplied through evaporation of an anode made from the catalyst material. The size of catalyst particles is of critical importance as it can affect the synthesis yield and properties of nanotubes and core–shell nanoparticles. This study presents a numerical model describing the formation and growth of metal particles for the conditions representative of the arc discharge with an evaporating iron anode at near-atmospheric pressure of a methane-rich atmosphere. The model incorporates carbon adsorption to the metal surface and explains the limiting effect of carbon coverage on the size of metal nanoparticles. The predicted particle sizes are compared with experimental observations. The model also predicts higher concentrations of metal particles with the increasing partial pressure of methane.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dielectric properties of neutron and proton irradiated polymeric nanocomposite insulation for superconducting magnets of fusion power plants

Studies on radiation-resistant electrical insulation for superconducting magnets of nuclear fusion power plants are discussed. Metal oxide nanoparticle-incorporated organic polymer composite (MONAP) insulation films were manufactured and studied for their dielectric breakdown strength after exposure to neutrons and proton radiation at varying levels. Samples with up to 5 wt% of nanoparticles (NPs) of SiO 2 , MgO, and ZrO 2 were studied. The samples were exposed to radiation of up to 2 × 10 16 neutrons/cm 2 and 200 Mrad of protons. The addition of the nanoparticles improved the radiation resistance of the MONAP, and the performance depended on the type of NPs and the radiation exposure. Dielectric breakdown measurements at 77 K showed little degradation. Enhancement of dielectric strength was observed in some instances.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

FY20 LLNL Experimental Programs at Omega

In Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL’s) High-Energy-Density Physics (HED) and Indirect Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF-ID) programs conducted numerous campaigns on the OMEGA and OMEGA-EP (EP) laser systems. This was the 22ndyear of National Lab collaborative experiments at OMEGA since the Nova Laser at LLNL shut down in 1999, building upon prior collaborations. In FY20overall,these LLNL programs led 375target shots, with 166shots using just the OMEGA laser system and209 shots using just the EP laser system. Approximately 34% of the total number of shots (35OMEGA shots and 93EP shots) supported the Indirect Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion Campaign. The remaining 66% (131OMEGA-only shots and 116EP-only shots) were dedicated to experiments for High-Energy-Density Physics.Highlights of the various HED and ICF-ID campaigns are summarized in the following reports.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Method and device to synthesize boron nitride nanotubes and related nanoparticles

Methods and apparatus for producing chemical nanostructures having multiple elements, such as boron and nitride, e.g. boron nitride nanotubes, are disclosed. The method comprises creating a plasma jet, or plume, such as by an arc discharge. The plasma plume is elongated and has a temperature gradient along its length. It extends along its length into a port connector area having ports for introduction of feed materials. The feed materials include the multiple elements, which are introduced separately as fluids or powders at multiple ports along the length of the plasma plume, said ports entering the plasma plume at different temperatures. The method further comprises modifying a temperature at a distal portion of or immediately downstream of said plasma plume; and collecting said chemical nanostructures after said modifying.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Multiscale Cryo Electron Microscopy Reveals Interfacial Degradation and Stabilization in Battery Electrodes

Electrochemical interfaces are dynamic systems, evolving based on their local environment and reactant surface structures. The electrode-electrolyte interface in Li-ion batteries can be protective, limiting parasitic reactions with the electrolyte to passivate the surface [1]. Additionally, this interphase has an impact on the Li-ion transport through that layer based on its composition, bonding environment, and thickness. These parameters are challenging to collect and may vary depending on the electrode surface site investigated relative to its spatial position in a coin cell. This study will detail a multiscale cryogenic electron microscopy approach where millimeter-scale cross-sections through the coin cell batteries were made using a cryogenic stage within a fs-laser plasma focused ion beam (laser PFIB) with complementary energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy able to detect variations in the composition at electrode interfaces [2]. Microscale cross-sectioning and lamella sample preparation of battery electrodes was conducted at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies using a Ga-ion focused ion beam (FIB) with air-free and cryo-transfer [3], followed by nanoscale mapping of composition and bonding within the CEI through cryo-scanning transmission electron microscopy (cryo-STEM) electron energy loss spectroscopy [4]. This multiscale approach enabled identification of millimeter-scale features of a battery stack with visualization of degradation in electrodes such as cracks in cathode particles, gas evolution, and SEI evolution; microscale interfacial characteristics, such as heterogeneity in the SEI or barrier layer and identification of electrolyte networks to the electrode surfaces; and nanoscale measurement of the CEI thickness, mapping of transition metal bonding within the cathode particles to identify loss of active materials, and identification of beneficial electrolyte additives incorporated into the CEI structure. This multiscale approach allows for a statistical understanding of the primary mechanisms and parasitic degradation pathways that impact performance by limiting the ion transport pathways within Li+ batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Non-Equilibrium Synthesis of Semiconductor Alloys for Energy Applications

This project explores the synthesis under equilibrium/non-equilibrium conditions of semiconductor alloys critical to SSL to impose top-down influence on the formation of atomic-scale microstructures. A plasma-enhanced MOCVD (PE-MOCVD) technique is employed, in which plasma generated within the low-pressure reactor environment introduces additional energy that is delivered to the gas-phase reactants and growth surface, allowing relatively low substrate temperatures to be maintained, rapidly switching the crystal-growth environment into a non-equilibrium state. The project coordinates on-going work at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that addresses order/disorder Al x In 1-x P (AlInP) confinement structures, which are predicted to surpass the power-conversion efficiency of current materials used for red/amber LEDs as components of so-called color-mixed LEDs, which integrate multiple LEDs in a single device for improved color rendering. Ordering, phase separation, and strain relaxation are central to this technology. During growth, each spontaneous process could be suppressed or enhanced on demand by application of plasma as an additional handle. This technique could have broader applications to other energy technologies, such as photovoltaics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of a Flow-through Cell for Ultrasonic Extraction (UE)─Single Particle (SP)─ICP-MS─an Approach for Nano/Microparticle Elemental and Isotopic Analysis

Nanotechnology is a salient part of the scientific landscape, and analytical approaches are rapidly evolving to enable small-scale characterization of nano- and microparticle compositions and impurities. Here, a flow-through sonicating cell was developed for direct particle extraction from a silicon wafer and integrated with an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for subsequent elemental and isotopic characterization of the released particles. Ultrasonic extraction (UE)─single particle (SP)─ICP-MS offers controlled particle mobilization from solid substrates and allows for increased sample throughput by eliminating the need for pre-extraction of particles and decreasing sample preparation steps. Coupling this device to an ICP-MS with a time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzer, it is possible to distinguish unique isotopic compositions of the particles. Both tungsten and nickel isotopically tagged particles, which were deposited on Si wafers, are presented here with analysis via UE─SP─ICP-MS. This approach could support efforts in the fields of particle synthesis, nuclear safeguards and forensics, environmental monitoring, and semiconductor industries in which the detection of particles from substrates and wafers is critical.

Paul, Molly [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000009672055)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electrophoretic deposition for improved trace element homogeneity in silica reference materials

Spatially-resolved analysis requires homogeneous reference materials (RMs) to make reliable quantitative measurements. Here we previously developed an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method for fabrication of glassy microanalytical RMs with superior platinum-group element homogeneity **[1], and now include further dopants. For 39 trace elements, we analyzed dopant homogeneity in sintered silica (SiO 2 ) samples consolidated either mechanically by die-pressing (DP) or by EPD. A set of EPD and DP samples was made from each of two nanoparticle feedstocks produced by variations of the Stöber process **[2]. Spatially-resolved dopant distribution was characterized in all samples by laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). In both sample sets, homogeneity of most trace elements was substantially improved by EPD relative to their DP counterpart.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

6000 lines/mm blazed grating for a high-resolution x-ray spectrometer

We have designed and fabricated a high groove density blazed grating for a Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering spectrometer for the new Qerlin beamline at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) synchrotron facility. The gratings were fabricated using a set of nanofabrication techniques including e-beam lithography, nanoimprint, plasma etch, and anisotropic wet etching. Two gratings with groove density of 6000 lines/mm and 3000 lines/mm and optimized for operation in the 1st and 2nd negative diffraction order respectively were fabricated and tested. We report on fabrication details and characterization of the gratings at beamline 6.3.2 of the ALS.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effect of glutathione-coated Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots on nutrient delivery in basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) plants

Ensuring efficient nutrient delivery while minimizing environmental impacts remains a significant challenge for modern agriculture. Nanotechnology-based fertilizers offer promising strategies to improve nutrient uptake and bioavailability in plants. This research aims to evaluate the use of Glutathione-coated Manganese-doped Zinc Sulfide quantum dots (GSH-ZnS-Mn QDs) as a potential nano fertilizer for basil (Ocimum basilicum). QDs' physicochemical properties were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, FTIR, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming successful Mn doping and glutathione surface functionalization. Basil plants were exposed to different concentrations of GSH-ZnS-Mn QDs under soil and hydroponic conditions. Plant growth parameters, oxidative stress responses, photosynthetic pigments, and macro- and micronutrient uptake were assessed using biochemical assays and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Elemental uptake, spatial distribution, and zinc speciation were further investigated using synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) imaging and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Results show that exposure to GSH-ZnS-Mn QDs resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in leaf and stem biomass, accompanied by enhanced Zn accumulation in plant tissues. Catalase activity decreased across all tested concentrations, suggesting a shift toward glutathione-dependent antioxidant pathways rather than oxidative damage. Chlorophyll levels exhibited moderate reductions at higher concentrations. The higher increase in macronutrient (K, Ca, and Mg) uptake was reported in plants exposed to 200 ppm of QDs. μ-XRF imaging indicated a selective accumulation of Zn in roots and stems, with partial translocation to leaves. XANES analyses revealed that Zn from QDs was mainly converted into organic Zn species, such as Zn-phytate, Zn-acetate, and Zn-cysteine, indicating transformation and complexation within the plant. The findings demonstrate that a glutathione coating on GSH-ZnS-Mn QDs improves biocompatibility and nutrient delivery efficiency. These results highlight the relevance of surface functionalization in regulating nanoparticle fate, transformation, and nutrient bioavailability, supporting the potential application of GSH–ZnS–Mn QDs as modern nano fertilizers.

Basil↗
DOE OSTI2025

Metallic 2D Janus SNbSe layers driven by a structural phase change

Synthesis of 2D metallic Janus SNbSe and SeNbS in 1T phase from 1H-phase NbS 2 and NbSe 2 , respectively, is achieved through using a room temperature plasma-assisted technique that induces a structural phase transition.

Wu, Cheng-Lun [Materials Science and Engineering, ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Plasma Focused Ion Beam Nanothermometry

In this report we detail demonstration of temperature dependent effects on grayscale intensity imaged in Focused Ion Beam (FIB) microscope, as well as secondary electron (SE) dependence on temperature in the Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In each instrument an intrinsic silicon sample is imaged at multiple temperatures over the course of each experiment. The grayscale intensity is shown to scale with sample temperature. Sample preparation procedures are discussed, along with hypothesized explanations for unsuccessful trials. Anticipated outcomes and future directions for these measurements are also detailed.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Space flight associated changes in astronauts’ plasma-derived small extracellular vesicle microRNA: Biomarker identification

This pilot study suggests relatively short (median 12 days long) low-Earth orbit (LEO) spaceflight induces changes in circulating plasma small extracellular vesicle (sEV) microRNA expression. Normalization of small RNA sequencing (sRNAseq) data and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) validation confirmed miR-4732-3p is significantly upregulated up to 3 days post-landing, and enrichment analysis suggests this miRNA is expressed in various central nervous system tissues and hematopoietic cells and may be linked to different organ disorders.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Quantitative Protein Corona Composition and Dynamics on Carbon Nanotubes in Biological Environments

When nanoparticles enter biological environments, proteins adsorb to form the "protein corona" which alters nanoparticle biodistribution and toxicity. Herein, we measure protein corona formation on DNA-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (ssDNA-SWCNTs), a nanoparticle used widely for sensing and delivery, in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. We characterize corona composition by mass spectrometry, revealing high-abundance corona proteins involved in lipid binding, complement activation, and coagulation. We investigate roles of electrostatic and entropic interactions driving selective corona formation. Lastly, we study real-time protein binding on ssDNA-SWCNTs, obtaining agreement between enriched proteins binding strongly and depleted proteins binding marginally, while highlighting cooperative adsorption mechanisms. Knowledge of protein corona composition, formation mechanisms, and dynamics informs nanoparticle translation from in vitro design to in vivo application.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗