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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 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2010

Incommensurate spin-density wave and magnetic lock-in transition in CaFe{sub 4}As{sub 3}.

The magnetic structure for the recently synthesized iron-arsenide compound CaFe4As3 has been studied by neutron-powder diffraction. Long-range magnetic order is detected below 85 K, with an incommensurate modulation described by the propagation vector k=(0,?,0), ??0.39. Below ?25 K, our measurements detect a first-order phase transition where ? locks into the commensurate value 3/8. A model of the magnetic structure is proposed for both temperature regimes, based on Rietveld refinements of the powder data and symmetry considerations. The structures correspond to longitudinal spin-density waves with magnetic moments directed along the b axis. A Landau analysis captures the change in thermodynamic quantities observed at the two magnetic transitions, in particular, the drop in resistivity at the lock-in transition.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

YbCuBi ARCS + POWGEN data

This dataset contains temperature-dependent powder diffraction patterns collected at POWGEN, SNS (10K - 520K), and inelastic neutron scattering data collected at ARCS, SNS at corresponding temperatures on YbCuBi powder samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis of nano-sized amorphous boron powders through active dilution self-propagating high-temperature synthesis method

Graphical abstract: Nano-sized amorphous boron powders were synthesized by active dilution self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method. The effects of endothermic reaction rate, the possible chemical reaction mechanism and active dilution model for synthesis of the product were also discussed. Highlights: ► Nano-sized amorphous boron powders were synthesized by active dilution self-propagating high-temperature synthesis method. ► The morphology, particle size and purity of the samples could be effectively controlled via changing the endothermic rate. ► The diluter KBH{sub 4} played an important role in active dilution synthesis of amorphous nano-sized boron powders. ► The active dilution method could be further popularized and become a common approach to prepare various inorganic materials. - Abstract: Nano-sized amorphous boron powders were synthesized by active dilution self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method at temperatures ranging from 700 °C to 850 °C in a SHS furnace using Mg, B{sub 2}O{sub 3} and KBH{sub 4} as raw materials. Samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Laser particle size analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission TEM (HRTEM). The boron powders demonstrated an average particle size of 50 nm with a purity of 95.64 wt.%. The diluter KBH{sub 4} played an important role in the active dilution synthesis of amorphous nano-sized boron powders. The effects of endothermic reaction rate, the possible chemical reaction mechanism and active dilution model for synthesis of the product were also discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structure of 18R shifted hexagonal perovskite La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} revisited by neutron diffraction

The structure of 18-layer shifted B-site deficient hexagonal perovskite La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} compound has been re-examined by neutron powder diffraction. Structural analysis reveals that La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} compound adopts a 18R octahedral-tilted structure with LaO{sub 3} layer stacking sequence of (hhcccc){sub 3} in space group R{sup {sup -}}3, in contrast with the previously proposed R3m. La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} demonstrates partially ordered Mg cation distribution with a preference on the central octahedral sites over the outer octahedral sites in the cubic perovskite blocks isolated by the single vacant octahedral layers between the two consecutive hexagonal layers. The instability of the La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} on alumina ceramic substrate at high temperature and its dependencies of cell parameters and permittivity were characterized as well. - Graphical abstract: 18-layer shifted hexagonal perovskite La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} adopts octahedral-tilted structure in R{sup {sup -}}3 and demonstrates partially ordered Mg distribution in the cubic perovskite blocks isolated by the vacant octahedral layers. - Highlights: • Neutron diffraction reveals an octahedra-tilted structure in R{sup {sup -}}3 for La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18}. • Mg/Ti distribution in La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} is partially ordered in the perovskite blocks. • Instability of La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} on alumina ceramic at high temperature is demonstrated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Ambient pressure synthesis and characterization of layered honeycomb Li 2 PdO 3

Single-phase polycrystalline Li 2 PdO 3 has been synthesized at 640°C in oxygen for the first time under ambient pressure. X-ray and neutron diffraction analyses show that the sample possesses a monoclinic layered structure belonging to the C2/m space group. Rietveld refinements of neutron powder diffraction data indicate ~10% Li–Pd site exchange and DIFFaX modelling manifest ~2% stacking faults present within LiPd 2 layers. A band gap of ~2.23 eV was calculated for the golden Li 2 PdO 3 using absorbance measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis of the sample shows that Li 2 PdO 3 is stable up to 730°C under oxygen. Here a Curie tail is observed at low temperature magnetic measurements (T < 50K), yielding an effective moment of 0.038 μ B , possibly due to spin ½ impurities.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Isomorphism and solid solutions among Ag- and Au-selenides

Au-Ag selenides were synthesized by heating stoichiometric mixtures of elementary substances of initial compositions Ag{sub 2−x}Au{sub x}Se with a step of x=0.25 (0≤x≤2) to 1050 °C and annealing at 500 °C. Scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, electron microprobe analysis and X-ray powder diffraction methods have been applied to study synthesized samples. Results of studies of synthesized products revealed the existence of three solid solutions with limited isomorphism Ag↔Au: naumannite Ag{sub 2}Se – Ag{sub 1.94}Au{sub 0.06}Se, fischesserite Ag{sub 3}AuSe{sub 2} - Ag{sub 3.2}Au{sub 0.8}Se{sub 2} and gold selenide AuSe - Au{sub 0.94}Ag{sub 0.06}Se. Solid solutions and AgAuSe phases were added to the phase diagram of Ag-Au-Se system. Crystal-chemical interpretation of Ag-Au isomorphism in selenides was made on the basis of structural features of fischesserite, naumannite, and AuSe. - Highlights: • Au-Ag selenides were synthesized. • Limited Ag-Au isomorphism in the selenides is affected by structural features. • Some new phases were introduced to the phase diagram Ag-Au-Se.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Thermal neutron diffraction determination of the magnetic structure of EuCu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}

The magnetic structure of EuCu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} has been determined by flat-plate neutron powder diffraction. Two magnetic phases are present in the neutron diffraction pattern at 3.5 K. They have the same moment, within error, and a common transition temperature. Both {sup 151}Eu and {sup 153}Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy show that the two magnetic phases belong to the same crystallographic phase. Both phases can be modelled by planar helimagnetic structures: one with a propagation vector of [0.654(1), 0, 0], the other with a propagation vector of [0.410(1), 0.225(1), 0].

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

Materials Research with X-ray Micro-beams at the Advanced Photon Source

X-ray scattering has had a rich and prominent place in the history of materials research. For samples that are large single crystals, X-ray diffraction provides very detailed, high-quality information about the atomic structure of almost every kind. However, most engineering materials are not a large single crystal, but mixtures of materials or a poly-crystalline material. Still, X-ray diffraction using X-ray beams significantly larger than the structures being investigated has produced much excellent information. Examples of this are powder diffraction, texture analysis, strain analysis, etc. While these types of analyses have been very useful in providing a microscopic understanding, they do not provide the microscopic information that we really want. What we really want to have is this useful X-ray diffraction information for every volume element in our sample; not just the diffraction information about small volume elements, but all of the volume elements, exactly where they are in our sample, and how each one diffracts. Furthermore this detailed spatial and structural information is what is needed for a full understanding of the source of the properties that we find in engineering materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Metastable Li 1+δ Mn 2 O 4 (0 ≤ δ ≤ 1) Spinel Phases Revealed by in Operando Neutron Diffraction and First-Principles Calculations

Here, we examine the reaction mechanisms driven by the lithiation of Li 1+δ Mn 2 O 4 (0 ≤ δ ≤ 1) spinels via in operando neutron powder diffraction (NPD). New reaction mechanisms are proposed involving solid-solution regions within both cubic and tetragonal spinel phases in addition to a continuous phase transition between them. In operando NPD is an ideal tool to follow the light elements such as lithium and oxygen in cathode materials which are often the key to fully understand their structural evolutions. Here, we report a novel methodology to prepare an extremely thick electrode with ~378 mg·cm –2 loading density suitable for the in operando NPD studies. Enabled by such thick electrode, we find that the metal oxygen M–O (M = Li and Mn) bond lengths in both end members LiMn 2 O 4 and Li 2 Mn 2 O 4 experience pronounced changes larger than dictated by the change in lattice parameters because of the locally formed Jahn–Teller distorted Mn 3+ . First-principles density functional theory calculations confirm these metastable intermediates and further propose atomistic reaction pathways for the phase transition by coupling a global structure search algorithm. In conclusion, these findings redefine the conventional understandings on two-phase reactions of this spinel material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

A Comparison of Cocrystal Structure Solutions from Powder and Single Crystal Techniques

We demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of high resolution powder diffraction for determination of cocrystal structures through a double-blind study. Structures of 10 cocrystals of varying complexity were determined independently using single crystal and powder techniques. The two methodologies give identical molecular packing and hydrogen bond topology, and an rms difference in covalent bond lengths of 0.035 {angstrom}. Powder techniques are clearly sufficient to establish a complete characterization of cocrystal geometry.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis of new structurally related cyanamide compounds LiM(CN{sub 2}){sub 2} where M is Al{sup 3+}, In{sup 3+} or Yb{sup 3+}

Highlights: • New cyanamide compounds LiM(CN{sub 2}){sub 2} where M is Al{sup 3+}, In{sup 3+} or Yb{sup 3+}. • New luminescent material LiIn(CN{sub 2}){sub 2}:Tb{sup 3+}. • Reduction in efficiency of luminescence with temperature increase. - Abstract: New ternary cyanamide compounds isostructural to LiY(CN{sub 2}){sub 2} were obtained by solid state metathesis reaction. The crystal structure of LiAl(CN{sub 2}){sub 2} was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, the structures of LiIn(CN{sub 2}){sub 2} and LiYb(CN{sub 2}){sub 2} were solved from X-ray powder diffraction data. Photoluminescence properties of Tb{sup 3+}-doped LiIn(CN{sub 2}){sub 2} are reported too.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2004

High Pressure X-Ray Diffraction Studies of Nanocrystalline Materials

Experimental evidence obtained for a variety of nanocrystalline materials suggest that the crystallographic structure of a very small size particle deviates from that in the bulk crystals. In this paper we show the effect of the surface of nanocrystals on their structure by the analysis of generation and distribution of macro- and micro-strains at high pressures and their dependence on the grain size in nanocrystalline powders of Sic. We studied the structure of Sic nanocrystals by in-situ high-pressure powder diffraction technique using synchrotron and neutron sources and hydrostatic or isostatic pressure conditions. The diffraction measurements were done in HASYLAB at DESY using a Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) in the energy dispersive geometry in the diffraction vector range up to 3.5 - 4/A and under pressures up to 50 GPa at room temperature. In-situ high pressure neutron diffraction measurements were done at LANSCE in Los Alamos National Laboratory using the HIPD and HIPPO diffractometers with the Paris-Edinburgh and TAP-98 cells, respectively, in the diffraction vector range up to 26 Examination of the response of the material to external stresses requires nonstandard methodology of the materials characterization and description. Although every diffraction pattern contains a complete information on macro- and micro-strains, a high pressure experiment can reveal only those factors which contribute to the characteristic diffraction patterns of the crystalline phases present in the sample. The elastic properties of powders with the grain size from several nm to micrometers were examined using three methodologies: (l), the analysis of positions and widths of individual Bragg reflections (used for calculating macro- and micro-strains generated during densification) [I], (2). the analysis of the dependence of the experimental apparent lattice parameter, alp, on the diffraction vector Q [2], and (3), the atomic Pair Distribution Function (PDF) technique [3]. The results of our studies show, that Sic nanocrystals have the features of two phases, each with its distinct elastic properties. and under pressures up to 8 GPa.

Palosz, B.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Low temperature phase transition and crystal structure of CsMgPO{sub 4}

CsMgPO{sub 4} doped with radioisotopes is a promising compound for usage as a radioactive medical source. However, a low temperature phase transition at temperatures close to ambient conditions (∼−40 °C) was observed. Information about such kind of structural changes is important in order to understand whether it can cause any problem for medical use of this compound. The phase transition has been investigated in detail using synchrotron powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The structure undergoes a transformation from an orthorhombic modification, space group Pnma (RT phase) to a monoclinic polymorph, space group P2{sub 1}/n (LT phase). New LT modification adopts similar to RT but slightly distorted unit cell: a=9.58199(2) Å, b=8.95501(1) Å, c=5.50344(2) Å, β=90.68583(1)°, V=472.198(3) Å{sup 3}. CsMgPO{sub 4} belongs to the group of framework compounds and is made up of strictly alternating MgO{sub 4}- and PO{sub 4}-tetrahedra sharing vertices. The cesium counter cations are located in the resulting channel-like cavities. Upon the transformation a combined tilting of the tetrahedra is observed. A comparison with other phase transitions in ABW-type framework compounds is given. - Graphical abstract: Structural behavior of β-tridymite-type phosphate CsMgPO{sub 4}, considered as potential chemical form for radioactive Cs-source has been studied at near ambient temperatures. A phase transition at (∼−40 °C) has been found and investigated. It has been established that the known orthorhombic RT modification, space group Pnma, adopts a monoclinic cell with space group P2{sub 1}/n at low temperatures. In this paper, we present results of structural analysis of changes accompanying this phase transition and discuss its possible impact on the application properties. - Highlights: • β-Tridymite type phosphate CsMgPO{sub 4} undergoes so called translationengleiche phase transition of index 2 at −40 °C. • The structure transforms from an orthorhombic (space group Pnma) to a monoclinic (space group P2{sub 1}/n) phase. • In comparison with the RT form, the LT modification adopts a similar but slightly distorted unit cell.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Diffused phase transitions in Pb(Zr{sub 0.65}Ti{sub 0.35})O{sub 3}-Pb(Fe{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3})O{sub 3} multiferroics

The solid solutions of (1−x)Pb(Zr{sub 0.65}Ti{sub 0.35})O{sub 3}-xPb(Fe{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3})O{sub 3} in different ratios were fabricated by a high-temperature solid-state reaction method using high-purity oxides for possible multi-ferroic applications. Structural analysis using x-ray diffraction powder patterns of the system by Rietveld refinement method exhibits the formation of rhombohedral phase with R3c space group. Detailed studies of dielectric permittivity as a function of temperature of the systems show that the frequency independent dielectric maximum temperature shifts toward room temperature on increasing x. In addition to this, the degree of diffuseness of the permittivity anomaly is more pronounced for higher content of Pb(Fe{sub 2/3}W{sub 1/3})O{sub 3}, implying the existence of a composition-induced diffuse phase transition for the limited range of compositional ratios. Detailed impedance spectroscopy analysis shows the contributions of grain, grain boundary, and interfacial polarizations in the resistive characteristics and conduction mechanism of the materials. The weak ferromagnetic and saturated ferroelectric loops indicate that system with x = 0.1, 0.2 have good multiferroic characteristics, and may be useful for future spintronic devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Low Temperature and Surfactant-Free Hydrothermal Synthesis of CoNi Nanoparticles: Structure, Microstructure, and Magnetic Properties

We report on the synthesis of Co{sub 30}Ni{sub 70} nanoparticles using hydrothermal method at low temperatures and short times (100 °C, 2 h) without any surfactant or external magnetic field. The effect of NaOH concentration on the crystal structure, microstructure, and magnetic properties of CoNi samples has been investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and high-resolution transmission (HRTEM) electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). From the Rietveld refinement of x-ray powder diffraction patterns, we have evidenced the coexistence of two phases with face-centered cubic (FCC) and hexagonal (HCP) crystal structures, being 12 nm and 3 nm, respectively, the values for the mean grain size of both phases. SEM images show that the basic microstructure is composed of quasi-spheres and a chain-like morphology appears with increasing the amount of NaOH. HRTEM images evidence the formation of such chains, and confirm the coexistence of FCC and HCP phases. The magnetic hysteresis loops show a clear dependence of the coercivity on the particle morphology indicating the role played by the magnetic shape anisotropy.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Understanding Electrochemical Sulfur-Based Phase Evolution via Complementary Insight from Operando Spatially Resolved X-ray Diffraction and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Lithium/sulfur batteries are emerging as promising candidates for use in large-scale energy storage, but practical challenges, including insufficient power density and polysulfide shuttling, remain. Here, this work presents the first use of operando energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) to monitor Li/S electrochemistry within a liquid electrolyte. Complementary operando synchrotron-based EDXRD, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray powder diffraction (XPD), and ex situ laboratory Raman analysis provide evidence for α-S 8 conversion upon discharge into Li 2 S x polysulfide phases and conversion into β-S 8 during charge. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of sulfur reduction and oxidation within thick electrodes will enable advances in next-generation Li/S batteries and material design.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗