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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 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Correlation versus hybridization gap in CaMn$$_{2}$$Bi$$_{2}$$

Abstract We study the interplay between electronic correlations and hybridization in the low-energy electronic structure of CaMn $$_2$$ 2 Bi $$_2$$ 2 , a candidate hybridization-gap semiconductor. By employing a DFT+ U approach we find both the antiferromagnetic Néel order and band gap in good agreement with the corresponding experimental values. Under hydrostatic pressure, we find a crossover from hybridization gap to charge-transfer insulting physics due to the delicate balance of hybridization and correlations. Increasing the pressure above $$P_c=4$$ P c = 4 GPa we find a simultaneous pressure-induced volume collapse, plane-to-chain, insulator to metal transition. Finally, we have also analyzed the topology in the antiferromagnetic CaMn $$_2$$ 2 Bi $$_2$$ 2 for all pressures studied.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Superionic-like diffusion in yttrium dihydride

For the next-generation high temperature microreactors, yttrium dihydride (YH 2 ) is an attractive solid state neutron moderator. Despite a number of recent investigations, the mechanism of hydrogen transport remains poorly understood. Experimental evaluations of diffusivity are inconclusive with large variations in diffusivities and activation energies. In this work, we perform ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations on YH 2 for temperatures spanning 300 K to 1200 K. Our main finding is that YH 2 shows a superionic-like behavior with hydrogen atoms hopping from one native site to another above a characteristic temperature of 800 K. This correlated motion results in quasi-one-dimensional string-like displacements that enable the hydrogen atoms to diffuse rapidly. We confirm that the octahedral sites are mostly unoccupied, although channeling through them is the most favored pathway between lattice hops above 800 K. At the highest temperature of 1200 K, the string relaxation time is merely of the order of a few picoseconds, which indicates a liquid-like diffusive behavior. Based on the formation of spontaneous thermal vacancies, an order-disorder crossover temperature T α ~ 800 K is established for YH 2 with an activation energy of 0.83 eV for hydrogen diffusion in the superionic-like state.

Superionic-like Diffusion↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thickness-dependent spin bistable transitions in single-crystalline molecular 2D material

Abstract The advent of two-dimensional (2D) crystals has led to numerous scientific breakthroughs. Conventional 2D systems have in-plane covalent bonds and a weak out-of-plane van-der-Waals bond. Here we report a new type of 2D material composed of discrete magnetic molecules, where anisotropic van-der-Waals interactions bond the molecules into a 2D packing. Through mechanical exfoliation, we can obtain single-crystalline molecular monolayers, which can be readily integrated into other 2D systems. Optical spectroscopy suggests the few-layered molecules preserve the temperature-induced spin-crossover switching observed in the bulk form but show a drastic increase in thermal hysteresis unique to these thin 2D molecule assemblies. The trapping of spin bistability with decreasing layer number can arise from domain wall dynamics in reduced dimensions. Our results establish molecular solids with strong anisotropy of intermolecular interactions as precursors to a new class of 2D materials, affording possibilities to control molecular functionalities through substrate and interlayer interactions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Neural-network quantum states for ultra-cold Fermi gases

Abstract Ultra-cold Fermi gases exhibit a rich array of quantum mechanical properties, including the transition from a fermionic superfluid Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) state to a bosonic superfluid Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). While these properties can be precisely probed experimentally, accurately describing them poses significant theoretical challenges due to strong pairing correlations and the non-perturbative nature of particle interactions. In this work, we introduce a Pfaffian-Jastrow neural-network quantum state featuring a message-passing architecture to efficiently capture pairing and backflow correlations. We benchmark our approach on existing Slater-Jastrow frameworks and state-of-the-art diffusion Monte Carlo methods, demonstrating a performance advantage and the scalability of our scheme. We show that transfer learning stabilizes the training process in the presence of strong, short-ranged interactions, and allows for an effective exploration of the BCS-BEC crossover region. Our findings highlight the potential of neural-network quantum states as a promising strategy for investigating ultra-cold Fermi gases.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dual nature of magnetism driven by momentum dependent f-d Kondo hybridization

The intricate nature of magnetism in uranium-based Kondo lattices is a consequence of correlations between U-5 f and conduction electrons. Previously, the source of magnetism has been ascribed to either Mott physics or Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction, both of which are not fully applicable to uranium-based Kondo lattices. Using linearized quasiparticle self-consistent GW plus dynamical mean-field theory, we demonstrate a crossover from incoherent to coherent f - d Kondo cloud in the paramagnetic phase of UTe 2 , USbTe and USbSe. As the transition occurs, we observe an augmented f - d coherence and Pauli-like magnetic susceptibility, with a substantial frozen magnetic moment of U-5 f persisting. We show that momentum dependent f - d hybridization is responsible for the magnetic moments arising from the renormalized f electrons’ van Hove singularity. Our findings provide a perspective to explain the dual nature of magnetism and the long-range magnetic ordering induced by pressure in UTe 2 .

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Orbital selective band re-normalization induced Lifshitz transition in TiSe 2

A Lifshitz transition is a sudden change in Fermi surface topology, often linked to quantum phenomena, with major impact on transport and sometimes superconductivity. Here we demonstrate a Lifshitz transition in TiSe 2 using micro–angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. At low temperatures an electron pocket appears at the Brillouin-zone center, whereas at higher temperatures spectral weight from a hole-like valence band dominates the Fermi level. Unlike previously reported cases typically driven by rigid band shifts, in TiSe 2 an orbital-selective strong band renormalization induces the crossover near 160 K. This mechanism naturally explains the longstanding resistivity anomaly of TiSe 2 , which peaks around 160 K. Our results clarify its puzzling transport behavior and open avenues to investigate how periodic lattice distortions interact with strong electronic correlations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermodynamic evidence for polaron stabilization inside the antiferromagnetic order of Eu5In2Sb6

Abstract Materials exhibiting electronic inhomogeneities at the nanometer scale have enormous potential for applications. Magnetic polarons are one such type of inhomogeneity which link the electronic, magnetic and lattice degrees of freedom in correlated matter and often give rise to colossal magnetoresistance. Here, we investigate single crystals of Eu 5 In 2 Sb 6 by thermal expansion and magnetostriction along different crystallographic directions. These data provide compelling evidence for the formation of magnetic polarons in Eu 5 In 2 Sb 6 well above the magnetic ordering temperature. More specifically, our results are consistent with anisotropic polarons with varying extent along the different crystallographic directions. A crossover revealed within the magnetically ordered phase can be associated with a surprising stabilization of ferromagnetic polarons within the global antiferromagnetic order upon decreasing temperature. These findings make Eu 5 In 2 Sb 6 a rare example of such coexisting and competing magnetic orders and, importantly, shed new light on colossal magnetoresistive behavior beyond manganites.

Dawczak-Dębicki, Hubert↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ion-specific phenomena limit energy recovery in forward-biased bipolar membranes

The ability for bipolar membranes (BPMs) to interconvert voltage and pH makes them attractive materials for use in energy conversion and storage. Reverse-biased BPMs, which use electrical voltage to dissociate water into acid and base, have become increasingly well studied. However, forward-biased BPMs (FB-BPMs), in which voltage is extracted from pH gradients through recombination, require further study. Here physics-based modeling elucidates how the complex coupling of transport and kinetics dictates the performance of FB-BPMs in electrochemical devices. Simulations reveal that the open-circuit potential of FB-BPMs is dictated by the balance of ion recombination and crossover, where recombination of buffering counter-ions attenuates the open-circuit potential. Counter-ion mass-transport limitations and uptake of ionic impurities limit achievable current densities by reducing the applied pH gradient or the available fixed-charge sites that mediate recombination. Further, the model highlights the importance of selective ion management in mitigating energy losses and provides insight into the rational material design of FB-BPMs for energy applications.

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

Negative thermal expansion and the role of hybridization in perovskite-type PbTiO 3 -Bi(Cu 0.5 Ti 0.5) O 3

PbTiO 3 -BiMeO 3 ferroelectrics have attracted much attention due to not only their extremely large polarization and piezoelectricity but also their controllable thermal expansion. In this study, we present a new binary system of (1 - x)PbTiO 3 -xBi(Cu 0.5 Ti 0.5 )O 3 possessing large tetragonality and enhanced spontaneous polarization. Interestingly, a combination of near zero thermal expansion and negative thermal expansion over a temperature range of RT to T C (~550 °C) has been observed in tetragonal 0.85PbTiO 3 -0.15Bi(Cu 0.5 Ti 0.5 )O 3 . The comprehensive structure analysis addressed that the abnormal thermal expansion is coupled to the spontaneous volume ferroelectrostriction. Moreover, the chemical bonding investigation by a maximum entropy method further attests that the covalent hybridization of Pb/Bi–O bonds plays a vital role in the improved ferroelectricity and interacts with thermal vibration to dominate the crossover from positive to negative thermal expansion. fINALLY, The present studies would give direct evidence to verify the theoretical calculations and could be extended to reveal the nature of thermal expansion in ferroelectrics.

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

Thermodynamics, dynamics, and structure of supercritical water at extreme conditions

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to understand the thermodynamic, dynamic, and structural changes in supercritical water across the Frenkel line and the melting line have been performed. The two-phase thermodynamic model [J. Phys. Chem. B(2010), 114(24), 8191-8198] and the velocity autocorrelation functions are used to locate the Frenkel line and to calculate the thermodynamic and dynamic properties. The Frenkel lines obtained from the two-phase thermodynamic model and the velocity autocorrelation criterion do not agree with each other. Structural characteristics and the translational diffusion dynamics of water suggest that this inconsistency could arise from the two oscillatory modes in water, which are associated with the bending of hydrogen bonds and intermolecular collisions inside the first coordination shell. Finally, the overall results lead us to conclude that the universality of the Frenkel line as a dynamic crossover line from rigid to nonrigid fluids is preserved in water.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Pursuing graphite-based K-ion O 2 batteries: a lesson from Li-ion batteries

The replacement of lithium metal by lithium intercalated graphite was crucial for developing safe lithium-ion batteries. Superoxide-based potassium–oxygen batteries represent an exciting metal–oxygen battery with the highest energy efficiencies. However, using potassium metal is a more serious safety threat than lithium. Herein, we explore the possibility of graphite-intercalation anodes for potassium-ion oxygen batteries (PIOBs) with enhanced safety. This work demonstrates for the first time that establishing an artificial potassium salt-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) enables a reversible graphite-intercalation anode (249.6 mA h g -1 after 600 cycles) in a potassium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (KTFSI)-based localized high-concentration electrolyte. Such an electrolyte is stable with the superoxide cathode. The PIOB delivers energy efficiencies above 90% at a depth of discharge (DOD) of 25% for 80 cycles. A three-electrode measurement shows that its overpotential mainly comes from the anode. The lifespan is limited to the gradual degradation of the artificial SEI caused by oxygen crossover. This work represents a step towards achieving holistic anode–electrolyte–cathode compatibility in a PIOB and its realistic evaluation under a controlled DOD.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Techniques to characterize dynamics in biomaterials microenvironments: XPCS and microrheology of alginate/PEO–PPO–PEO hydrogels

Many recent studies have highlighted the timescale for stress relaxation of biomaterials on the microscale as an important factor in regulating a number of cell-material interactions, including cell spreading, proliferation, and differentiation. Relevant timescales on the order of 0.1–100 s have been suggested by several studies. While such timescales are accessible through conventional mechanical rheology, several biomaterials have heterogeneous structures, and stress relaxation mechanisms of the bulk material may not correspond to that experienced in the cellular microenvironment. Here we employ X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) to explore the temperature-dependent dynamics, relaxation time, and microrheology of multicomponent hydrogels comprising of commercial poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO–PPO–PEO) triblock copolymer F127 and alginate. Previous studies on this system have shown thermoreversible behavior in the bulk oscillatory shear rheology. At physiological temperatures, bulk rheology of these samples shows behavior characteristic of a soft solid, with G' > G" and no crossover between G' and G" over the measurable frequency range, indicating a relaxation time >125 s. By contrast, XPCS-based microrheology shows viscoelastic behavior at low frequencies, and XPCS-derived correlation functions show relaxation times ranging from 10–45 s on smaller length scales. Finally, we are able to use XPCS to effectively probe the viscoelasticity and relaxation behavior within the material microenvironments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Bipolar membrane polarization behavior with systematically varied interfacial areas in the junction region

The palette of applications for bipolar membranes (BPMs) has expanded recently beyond electrodialysis as they are now being considered for fuel cell and electrolysis applications. Their deployment in emerging electrochemical technologies arises from the need to have a membrane separator that provides disparate pH environments and to prevent species crossover. Most materials research for BPMs has focused on water dissociation catalysts and less emphasis has been given to the design of the polycation–polyanion interface for improving BPM performance. Here, soft lithography fabricated a series of micropatterned BPMs with precise control over the interfacial area in the bipolar junction. Polarization experiments showed that a 2.28× increase in interfacial area led to a 250 mV reduction in the onset potential. Additionally, the same increase in interfacial area yielded marginal improvements in current density due to the junction region being under kinetics-diffusion control. A simple physics model based on the electric field of the junction region rationalized the reduction in the overpotential for water dissociation as a function of interfacial area. Finally, the soft lithography approach was also conducive for fabricating BPMs with different chemistries ranging from perfluorinated polymer backbones to alkaline stable poly(arylene) hydrocarbon polymers. These polymer chemistries are better suited for fuel cell and electrolysis applications. The BPM featuring the alkaline stable poly(terphenyl) anion exchange membrane had an onset potential of 0.84 V, which was near the thermodynamic limit, and was about 150 mV lower than a commercially available variant.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Critical role of structural order in bipolar redox-active molecules for organic redox flow batteries

Bipolar redox-active molecules (BRMs) have been suggested as a means to address crossover related issues in all-organic redox flow batteries (RFBs). In such species, electron donors (anolytes) and electron acceptors (catholytes) are linked by a chain, and the same chemical composition is used in both anode and cathode compartments to reduce chemical gradients and unbalanced ion transport. The resultant RFBs resemble the aqueous vanadium RFBs, but offer greater design flexibility and potentially more favorable electrochemical and physicochemical properties. Yet the complex trade-offs in these properties have been a complication. Here we developed a fundamental rubric to uncover the likely origins in the performance metrics of these BRMs that are salient for their use in RFBs. Methylene linked phenothiazine and phthalimide moieties were employed as model BRMs and variations in their properties and molecular conformations were evaluated by systematically varying the methylene linker. Our results revealed that even minimalistic changes in the linker length resulted in dramatic oscillations in the solubility and stability. Using crystallography, quantum chemistry, and molecular dynamics, we clarify that the seemingly fluctuating behavior is due to (1) the inter- and intra-molecular charge transfer between the donor and acceptor through bond or/and through space; (2) the formation of distinctive packing/clustering motifs. Both interactions are strongly dependent on the molecular conformation. As these structural factors modify the electronic structure of both electroactive functional groups and do not change monotonically, the structure–property response in BRMs is often complex. Finally, accordingly, these behaviors need to be taken into account in developing BRMs and knowledge of these structural factors will allow the more rational design of BRMs for grid-scale energy storage.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Single-photoelectron collection efficiency in 4D ultrafast electron microscopy

In femtosecond (fs) 4D ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM), a tradeoff is made between photoelectrons per packet and time resolution. One consequence of this can be longer-than-desirable acquisition times for low-density packets, and particularly for low repetition rates when complete photothermal dissipation is required. Thus, gaining an understanding of photoelectron trajectories in the gun region is important for identifying factors that limit collection efficiency (CE; fraction of photoelectrons that enter the illumination system). Here, we continue our work on the systematic study of photoelectron trajectories in the gun region of a Thermo Fisher/FEI Tecnai Femto UEM, focusing specifically on CE in the single-electron regime. Using General Particle Tracer, calculated field maps, and the exact architecture of the Tecnai Femto UEM, we simulated the effects of fs laser parameters and key gun elements on CE. The results indicate CE strongly depends upon the laser spot size on the source, the (unbiased) Wehnelt aperture diameter, and the incident photon energy. The CE dispersion with laser spot size is found to be strongly dependent on aperture diameter, being nearly dispersionless for the largest apertures. A gun crossover is also observed, with the beam-waist position being dependent on the aperture diameter, further illustrating that the Wehnelt aperture acts as a simple, fixed electrostatic lens in UEM mode. This work provides further insights into the operational aspects of fs 4D UEM.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗