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At least 541 records · Page 30

Charge-transfer-enhanced d – d emission in antiferromagnetic NiPS3

The d electron plays a significant role in determining and controlling the properties of magnetic materials. However, the d electron transitions, especially d–d emission, have rarely been observed in magnetic materials due to the forbidden selection rules. Here, we report an observation of d–d emission in antiferromagnetic nickel phosphorus trisulfides (NiPS3) and its strong enhancement by stacking it with monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2). We attribute the observation of the strong d–d emission enhancement to the charge transfer between NiPS3 and WS2 in the type-I heterostructure. The d–d emission peak splits into two peaks, D1 and D2, at low temperature below 150 K, from where an energy splitting due to the trigonal crystal field is measured as 105 meV. Moreover, we find that the d–d emissions in NiPS3 are nonpolarized lights, showing no dependence on the zigzag antiferromagnetic configuration. These results reveal rich fundamental information on the electronic and optical properties of emerging van der Waals antiferromagnetic NiPS3.

Physics↗

Study of the muon decay-in-flight in the τ - → μ - ν ¯ μ ν τ decay to measure the Michel parameter ξ '

We present the first measurement of the Michel parameter ξ' in the $\tau$ - → μ¯ $\overline{v}$ μ v $\tau$ decay using the full data sample of 988 fb -1 collected by the Belle detector operating at the KEKB asymmetric energy e + ⁢e - collider. The method is based on the reconstruction of the μ¯ → e⁢¯$\overline{v}$ e v μ decay-in-flight in the Belle central drift chamber and relies on the correlation between muon spin and its daughter electron momentum. We study the main sources of the background that can imitate the signal decay, such as kaon and pion decays-in-flight and charged particle scattering on the detector material. Highly efficient methods of their suppression are developed and applied to select 165 signal-candidate events. We obtain ξ' = 0.22±0.94±0.42 where the first uncertainty is statistical, and the second one is systematic. The result is in agreement with the Standard Model prediction of ξ' = 1.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Metal-Organic Framework Glasses as Rad Contaminant Sequesters and Nuclear Waste Forms

Remediation of Tc remains an unresolved problem at SRS and other DOE sites. The objective of this project was to develop novel metal organic framework (MOF) glasses for radioactive contaminant sequestration and stabilization from aqueous media. During FY20, we synthesized, characterized and evaluated additional cetyltrimethylcimmonium bromide (CTAB)-functionalized and F - , Cl - , I - , CF 3 SO 3 - exchanged MIL-101-Cr samples. MIL-10l-Cr-NO 3 -CTAB was demonstrated to have high ReO 4 - removed capacity (139 mg/g sorbent) from artificial groundwater (AGW). Re chemical specicition and binding mechanism on MIL-101-CTAB were also studied by synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy. ReO 4 - was demonstrated as being in the pore structure with slightly larger Re-O bond distances than those in NciReO 4 and binding with the positively charged sites of CTAB. In addition, a new Ni-TIPA MOF was demonstrated to be very stable, selective and effective for TcO 4 - removed from the SRS tank waste stream (~90% removed). The Ni-TIPA MOF sample containing ReO 4 - was prepared and shipped/planned for vitrification studies by a high-pressure technique. This research may provide a highly applicable platform for solving critical DOE and industrial problems related to nuclear environmental stewardship and nuclear power production.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Origin of Chirality Induced Spin Selectivity in Photoinduced Electron Transfer

Here we propose a mechanism by which spin-polarization can be generated dynamically in chiral molecular systems undergoing photoinduced electron transfer. The proposed mechanism explains how spin-polarization emerges in systems where charge transport is dominated by incoherent hopping, mediated by spin-orbit and electronic exchange couplings through an intermediate charge transfer state. We derive a simple expression for the spin-polarization that predicts a nonmonotonic temperature dependence, consistent with recent experiments, and a maximum spin-polarization that is independent of the magnitude of the spin-orbit coupling. We validate this theory using approximate quantum master equations and the numerically exact hierarchical equations of motion. The proposed mechanism of chirality induced spin selectivity should apply to many chiral systems, and the ideas presented here have implications for the study of spin transport at temperatures relevant to biology and provide simple principles for the molecular control of spins in fluctuating environments.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

A Universal Model of Cation Effects in Electrocatalysis

Electrolyte cations are conventionally viewed as inert spectators in electrocatalysis. However, a wealth of observations show that catalytic rates are often highly sensitive to cation identity. Despite their prevalence, these cation effects have resisted a unified mechanistic explanation, with different physical phenomena implicated across reaction chemistries, catalyst compositions, and choice of solvent. In this perspective, we describe a general framework for understanding cation effects in electrocatalysis based on electrostatics. We argue that cations influence reaction rates by modifying the strength of the electric field present at the catalyst surface, which alters the energetics of adsorbed intermediates and transition states according to their dipole moments and polarizabilities. The magnitude of this field depends on how cations arrange at the electrode surface, controlled by their size, shape, solvation, and packing efficiency. Cations that can arrange more densely result in a steeper potential drop at the electrode surface and consequently a stronger electric field. Our model further identifies two criteria for observing cation effects: (1) the operating potential must be negative of the electrode’s potential of zero total charge, ensuring that cations accumulate at the interface, and (2) the energetics of the kinetically relevant elementary step must be field sensitive. This framework reconciles previously inconsistent trends, including why cation effects appear only for some catalysts, why reaction selectivity is sensitive to cation identity, and why activity can increase with cation size on certain metals but decrease on others. Supported by kinetic measurements, spectroscopy, and atomistic simulations, the model provides both conceptual value for building intuition about catalysis at charged interfaces and predictive value for anticipating trends for new reactions, catalysts, and electrolytes. We conclude by highlighting the importance of electric fields across electrochemical, thermochemical, and biological catalysis and propose that considering the electrostatic environment around active sites offers new opportunities for improving activity and selectivity.

cation effects↗

Ultrafast Formation of Jahn–Teller Polarons Revealed by State-Selective Excitation in Correlated Spinel Co 3 O 4

Jahn–Teller polarons are quasiparticles that stem from symmetry breaking and strong local electron–phonon coupling. They originate from an excess charge carrier being dressed by a local lattice distortion, caused by the Jahn–Teller effect, and they critically impact electrical, structural, and magnetic properties in transition metal oxides. The observation of the microscopic steps involved in their formation is essential for enabling control over material properties through the targeted activation of local, site-specific modifications with light pulses. While Jahn–Teller distortion associated with polaron formation was predicted to contribute significantly to changes in electronic band gap and optical properties in Co 3 O 4 , its experimental observation remains elusive, requiring signatures of local symmetry reduction. In this work, we demonstrate Jahn–Teller polaron formation in spinel Co 3 O 4 . By exciting electronic transitions at 3.10 eV and 1.55 eV, we target either the Oh Cobalt(III) or the Td Cobalt(II) ions, and drive the subsequent coherent responses of the system through two different pathways. For the former, we demonstrate that ligand-to-metal charge transfer leads to Jahn–Teller polaron formation, which is linked to the deformation potential and magnetoelastic coupling. For the latter, we identify the coherent excitation of a T 2g phonon mode launched by on-site d-d electronic transitions. Key to our observations is the ability to target site-specific electronic excitations in spinel Co 3 O 4 using ultrafast optical pulses, while monitoring the ensuing low-energy collective modes through the coherent time-domain response of the material. Our approach, which combines the comparative analysis of experimental fingerprints with the support from density functional theory calculations, is broadly applicable to systems in which Jahn–Teller polaron physics has been theoretically predicted but remains experimentally unverified, and it underscores the potential of electronic-state targeting as a route to selectively excite and probe quasiparticle dynamics in solids.

Lattices↗

Unprecedented Multifunctionality in 1D Nb 1- x Ta x S 3 Transition Metal Trichalcogenide Alloy

One-dimensional (1D) van der Waals materials, such as nanofibers or nanoribbons are considered as the future ultimate limit of downscaling for modern electrical and electrochemical devices. Here, for the first time, we successfully synthesize nanofibers of a solid solution transition metal trichalcogenide (TMTC), Nb 1-x Ta x S 3 , with outstanding electrical, thermal, and electrochemical characteristics rivaling the performance of the-state-of-the art materials for each application. This material shows nearly unchanged sheet resistance (≈740 Ω/sq -1 ) versus bending cycles tested up to 90 cycles, stable sheet resistance in ambient conditions tested up to 60 days, remarkably high electrical breakdown current density of ≈ 30 MA cm -2 , strong evidence of successive charge density wave (CDW) transitions, and outstanding thermal stability up to ≈900 K. Additionally, this material demonstrates excellent activity and selectivity for CO2 conversion to CO reaching ≈ 350 mA cm -2 at – 0.8 V vs RHE with an outstanding turnover frequency number of 25 for CO formation. It also exhibits an excellent performance in a high-rate Li-air battery with the specific capacity of 3000 mAhg -1 at a high current density of 0.3 mAcm -2 . This study uncovers the multifunctionality in 1D TMTC alloys for a wide range of high-impact applications and opens a new direction for the design of the next generation of low-dimensional materials with high performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Real-Time Anomaly Detection for Charge-Based Triggering in LArTPCs

Modern particle detectors, including liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs), collect a vast amount of data, making it impractical to save everything for offline analysis. As a result, these experiments need to employ different down-selection techniques during data acquisition, referred to as triggering. In this talk, I will present a framework that would enable real-time, data-driven triggering for LArTPCs, using anomaly detection algorithms implemented on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Drawing on a study that makes use of collected charge data from the MicroBooNE LArTPC Public Dataset, I will discuss the overall performance of such algorithms and potential applications for future neutrino experiments.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Optical Excitation of a Nanoparticle Cu/p-NiO Photocathode Improves Reaction Selectivity for CO 2 Reduction in Aqueous Electrolytes

We report the light-induced modification of catalytic selectivity for photoelectrochemical CO 2 reduction in aqueous media using copper (Cu) nanoparticles dispersed onto p-type nickel oxide (p-NiO) photocathodes. Optical excitation of Cu nanoparticles generates hot electrons available for driving CO 2 reduction on the Cu surface, while charge separation is accomplished by hot-hole injection from the Cu nanoparticles into the underlying p-NiO support. Photoelectrochemical studies demonstrate that optical excitation of plasmonic Cu/p-NiO photocathodes imparts increased selectivity for CO 2 reduction over hydrogen evolution in aqueous electrolytes. Specifically, we observed that plasmon-driven CO 2 reduction increased the production of carbon monoxide and formate, while simultaneously reducing the evolution of hydrogen. Our results demonstrate an optical route toward steering the selectivity of artificial photosynthetic systems with plasmon-driven photocathodes for photoelectrochemical CO 2 reduction in aqueous media.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Optimized V1G and V2G Electric Vehicle Fleet Management and Grid Transaction at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, CA

The overall technical goal of the project was to demonstrate an all-electric bi-directional non-tactical fleet at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar that was integrated and controlled with other distributed energy resources (DERs) (i.e., PV, stationary battery, and building loads) to provide resilience to critical electric loads in the event of grid outages, to minimize charging costs, and to provide economic energy resources to electricity markets. In this project, the specific, technical objectives were: 1. Demonstrate that bi-directional electric vehicles can provide critical complementary services to fixed storage batteries in microgrid applications while performing function as non-tactical vehicles. 2. Demonstrate participation of bi-directional (V2G) and unidirectional (V1G) PEVs for demand management and minimization of charging costs. 3. Demonstrate integration of multiple DERs for grid service participation. US Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego was the site of this electric vehicle-to-microgrid-utility grid test and demonstration project. Existing microgrid assets in this study included (1) a public works building; (2) a 30-kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system and (3) a separate 250 kW carport PV system. In this project, six bi-directional V2G vans were located at the MCAS Miramar’s showcase building-scale microgrid to develop and test technical capabilities that V2G can provide in microgrid applications (e.g., cost reduction and resiliency). These resources provided aggregated demand management and simulated participation in current retail DR programs. The vehicles used in this demonstration were selected because they provided functionality that MCAS Miramar needed, 15 passenger transport and facilities work cargo carrying capacity, and bi-directional charging capability that the research project required. All vehicles in this study were manufactured and distributed by VIA Motors, Inc. There were six vehicles total and each was VIA’s VTRUX eREV V2G model, a modified General Motors Chevrolet 2500 2WD van. Three of the vans were configured as passenger vans and the other three were configured as cargo vans. Each van had an on-board bi-direcrtional inverter/charger, Bel Power Solutions model 350INVCHGT150-120-240-8G nominally rated at +/-15 kW. The VIA van’s charging connector follows the J1772 charging protocol. The bi-directional EVSEs demonstrated in this study were manufactured by Coritech, Inc. Each VGI-80-AC charging station enabled enhanced V2G charging capability to a Clipper Creek CS-100 charging module. The enhanced capabilities included ethernet communication following the SEP2.0 protocol with a distributed energy resource function set and an operator screen displaying real-time SOC, voltage, and current. The VGI-80-AC charging stations are classified as level 2 with a maximum current output of 80 A or effectively 19 kW. The VIA van’s onboard charger limited the charging and discharging power to 15 kW in each direction. A control computer was installed in the EWOC and connected to an existing monitor. The V2G control communication network was a completely stand-alone closed system that did not have any connection to any other networks on the base. A cybersecure remote communication connection was created with a cellular modem, firewall hardware, and a virtual private network configuration.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Chemical control of excited-state reactivity of the anionic green fluorescent protein chromophore

Controlling excited-state reactivity is a long-standing challenge in photochemistry, as a desired pathway may be inaccessible or compete with other unwanted channels. An important example is internal conversion of the anionic green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophore where non-selective progress along two competing torsional modes (P: phenolate and I: imidazolinone) impairs and enables Z-to-E photoisomerization, respectively. Developing strategies to promote photoisomerization could drive new areas of applications of GFP-like proteins. Motivated by the charge-transfer dichotomy of the torsional modes, we explore chemical substitution on the P-ring of the chromophore as a way to control excited-state pathways and improve photoisomerization. As demonstrated by methoxylation, selective P-twisting appears difficult to achieve because the electron-donating potential effects of the substituents are counteracted by inertial effects that directly retard the motion. Conversely, these effects act in concert to promote I-twisting when introducing electron-withdrawing groups. Specifically, 2,3,5-trifluorination leads to both pathway selectivity and a more direct approach to the I-twisted intersection which, in turn, doubles the photoisomerization quantum yield. Our results suggest P-ring engineering as an effective approach to boost photoisomerization of the anionic GFP chromophore.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ionic Liquid Engineering in Perovskite Photovoltaics

Over the past decade, perovskite photovoltaics have approached other currently available technologies and proven to be the most prospective type of solar cells. Although the many-sided research in this very active field has generated consistent results with regard to their undisputed consistently increasing power conversion efficiency, it also produced several rather contradictory opinions. Among other important details, debate surrounding their proneness to surface degradation and poor mechanical robustness, as well as the environmental footprint of this materials class, remains a moot point. The application of ionic liquids appears as one of the potential remedies to some of these challenges due to their high conductivity, the opportunities for chemical “tuning” of the structure, and relatively lower environmental footprint. This article provides an overview, classification, and applications of ionic liquids in perovskite solar cells. Here, we summarize the use and role of ionic liquids as versatile additives, solvents, and modifiers in perovskite precursor solution, in charge transport layer, and in interfacial and stability engineering. Finally, challenges and the future prospects for the design and/or selection of ionic liquids with a specific profile that meets the requirements for next-generation highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells are proposed.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Production of Λ and $K^{0}_{S}$ in jets in p–Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV and pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ =7 TeV

The production of Λ baryons and $K^{0}_{S}$ mesons (V 0 particles) was measured in p–Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV and pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV with ALICE at the LHC. The production of these strange particles is studied separately for particles associated with hard scatterings and the underlying event to shed light on the baryon-to-meson ratio enhancement observed at intermediate transverse momentum (p T ) in high multiplicity pp and p–Pb collisions. Hard scatterings are selected on an event-by-event basis with jets reconstructed with the anti-k T algorithm using charged particles. The production of strange particles associated with jets $p^{ch}_{T,}$ jet > 10 and $p^{ch}_{T,}$ jet > 20 GeV/c in p–Pb collisions, and with jet $p^{ch}_{T,}$ jet > 10 GeV/c in pp collisions is reported as a function of p T . Its dependence on angular distance from the jet axis, R(V 0 , jet), for jets with $p^{ch}_{T,}$ jet > 10 GeV/c in p–Pb collisions is reported as well. The p T -differential production spectra of strange particles associated with jets are found to be harder compared to that in the underlying event and both differ from the inclusive measurements. In events containing a jet, the density of the V 0 particles in the underlying event is found to be larger than the density in the minimum bias events. The Λ/$K^{0}_{S}$ ratio associated with jets in p–Pb collisions is consistent with the ratio in pp collisions and follows the expectation of jets fragmenting in vacuum. On the other hand, this ratio within jets is consistently lower than the one obtained in the underlying event and it does not show the characteristic enhancement of baryons at intermediate p T often referred to as “baryon anomaly” in the inclusive measurements.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Chirality transfer from chiral perovskite to molecular dopants via charge transfer states

Chiral perovskites are semiconductors with broken mirror symmetries. Their photo responses are often constrained in the UV range. In this work, we demonstrate that doping 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane in the chiral perovskite matrix introduces a visible light absorption feature through the emerging charge-transfer electronic states. These charge-transfer states exhibits circular dichroism inherited from the chiral host, indicating effective chirality transfer from host to guest component via electronic coupling. Quantum-chemical modeling identifies a strong wave function overlap between an electron and a hole of the guest-host in a closely packed crystal configuration promoting the charge transfer state’s optical activity. We further integrate the doped chiral perovskite film into photodetectors and demonstrate a selective detection of circularly polarized light in both UV and visible regions. Our results suggest a universal approach of introducing visible photo absorption states to the chiral matrix to broaden the optical active range while enhancing the electrical conductivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-efficiency purification of CH 4 and H 2 energy sources enabled by a phosphotungstic acid-supported Os single-atom catalyst

Methane (CH 4 ) and hydrogen (H 2 ) show promise as low-carbon energy sources, but their impurities, including H 2 and CO, pose challenges for storage and use. To address these challenges, a robust purification protocol for CH 4 and/or H 2 , combined with the catalytic conversion of impurities into CO 2 and H 2 O, is a compelling solution. Here, in this work, we investigated 11 phosphotungstic acid (PTA)-supported single-atom catalysts (SACs) by density functional theory (DFT) computations. Os 1 /PTA SACs exhibited superior catalytic activity, and the ease of oxidation follows the CO > H 2 > CH 4 order. It facilitated efficient purification of CH 4 in solvents such as water, MeOH, and various others. For H 2 purification, Os 1 /PTA SACs demonstrated excellent performance in gas, water, and MeOH. Notably, in water and MeOH, it selectively removed CO without consuming H 2 with low free energy barriers. The strong Os-PTA interactions and charge transfer mechanism contributed to its exceptional catalytic activity. Our findings shed light on SAC behavior and their potential for efficient CH 4 and H 2 purification. By addressing impurity challenges and improving clean energy utilization, these findings contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Light and Dark in Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber Neutrino Detectors

Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detectors have emerged as a detector technology poised to perform measurements of neutrino interactions with unprecedented precision and as a result answer some of the largest open questions in neutrino physics in the coming decade. This thesis describes methods developed to tackle the computational challenges faced as LArTPC detectors increase in scale and complexity moving towards the multi-kiloton DUNE detectors. These include a new, approximated, model that enables rapid simulation of scintillation light in very large scale detectors, as well as the first demonstration of running the LArSoft software framework on a high performance computer. The high precision of LArTPC detectors designed for next-generation neutrino measurements enables them to also search for Beyond the Standard Model physics produced in high-energy proton--fixed-target collisions in neutrino beams. This thesis presents searches for two dark-sector models performed with the ArgoNeuT experiment: Heavy Neutral Leptons and Heavy QCD Axions. Between them, these models can provide solutions for various unresolved puzzles including neutrino mass generation, the baryon asymmetry of the universe, dark matter and the strong CP problem. In both cases, the dark-sector particles could be produced in the NuMI neutrino beam and can then decay to a pair of oppositely charged muons observable in ArgoNeuT and the downstream MINOS near detector. Both measurements required the development of novel experimental selection techniques and enabled new constraints to be set on the existence of these particles in previously unexplored parameter-space. These searches are both the first of their kind in LArTPC neutrino detectors and pave the way for searches at future neutrino facilities.Date of Award31 Dec 2022Original languageEnglishAwarding InstitutionThe University of ManchesterSupervisorStefan Soldner-Rembold (Supervisor) & Justin Evans (Supervisor)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Selectivity mechanisms of ion intercalation in Prussian blue analogs

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are a family of materials with facile, reversible, and selective ion transport capability for various ions via electrochemical intercalation, owing to their vacancy structure. The large tunable compositional space of PBAs allows for manipulation of intercalation behavior and selectivity by controlling structural vacancy level through choice of transition metal centers and modifications to the synthesis process. However, a lack of understanding of the mechanisms of ion selectivity hinders the material’s design process. Here, for this work, we investigated the origins of ion selectivity using a model PBA, copper hexacyanoferrate, and focused on eight technologically and biologically prominent ions, for which we determined a sequence of selectivity: Rb + > K + > Na + > Ba 2+ > Sr 2+ ≈ Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > Li + . We provide electrochemical, structural, and redox evidence of strong correlation between the ion identity, the dominant charge-compensating redox, and preferred occupancy site. Specifically, using synchrotron anomalous X-ray diffraction (AXRD), we reveal that monovalent ions exhibit significant association with the corner sites of the unit cell and iron redox, whereas divalent ions display affinity toward the center site with higher ratios of copper redox. Informed by selectivity results, we applied CuHCFe to Li purification and achieved 99.9% purity. Our findings demonstrate an approach to elucidating ion intercalation behavior in order to distinguish and manipulate material properties to optimize separation performance.

Prussian blue analog↗

Pentaerythritol structure-directing agents bias aluminum siting in MFI zeolites to increase para -xylene selectivity during toluene methylation

MFI zeolites contain ten-membered ring channels (∼0.55 nm diameter) that intersect to form larger voids (∼0.70 nm diameter). The distribution of framework Al sites dictates the void environments that confine active H + sites. MFI synthesized with pentaerythritol (PET) and Na + as structure-directing agents are interrogated using kinetically controlled toluene methylation rates and xylene isomer selectivities. High para-xylene selectivity and low toluene methylation rates indicate that MFI-PET samples contain H + sites predominantly in smaller channels. As-synthesized samples contain more framework Al than Na + , indicating that some charge compensation is provided by protonated PET-solvent complexes that bias Al siting towards these smaller channels.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗