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At least 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

High-Pressure Investigation of 2,4,6-Trinitro-3-bromoanisole (TNBA): Structural Determination and Piezochromism

Understanding phase transitions in energetic materials is crucial for developing predictive models of detonation. 2,4,6-Trinitro-3-bromoanisole (TNBA), an energetic material, was studied in its single-crystal form up to pressures of 45 GPa in a diamond anvil cell. The material was characterized by using X-ray, Raman, and optical transmission measurements. From single-crystal X-ray diffraction, the ambient structure of TNBA was determined which crystallizes in the P2 1 /c space group having four molecular units per unit cell. The X-ray data up to 9.2 GPa were fitted to a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state by using the parameters K o = 13.2(2.4) GPa and K p = 5.1(1.4). Between 6.8 and 7.3 GPa, a phase transition was inferred in TNBA from concurrent fading of X-ray diffraction, disappearance of Raman peaks, increase in sample fluorescence, and discontinuous color change. The new phase was consistent with an amorphous state of at least partially intact molecules judging from the presence of higher-order Raman modes and irreversibility of the Raman spectra upon release. Piezochromism was observed with the translucent yellow TNBA gradually darkening and becoming opaque black at ~25 GPa. This correlated to the absorption edge gradually shifting to the red in the visible spectrum. Signs of two possible additional structural transitions were detected in the 32.4–41.0 GPa range as suggested by a jump in the absorption edge, the irreversible changes in the absorption spectrum upon release to ambient pressure, and by the lack of Raman modes in recovered samples. Here, the crystal and electronic structures of TNBA were also investigated up to 10 GPa by using DFT calculations and crystal structure prediction (CSP) simulations. In agreement with the experimentally observed transition at 7 GPa, the simulations at 10 GPa found a bevy of polymorphs lower in enthalpy and higher in density than P2 1 /c. The lowest calculated enthalpy structure was determined to be P2 1 2 1 2 1 , being in a different space group than the ambient experimental result.

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

Unexpected structural softening of interstitial boron solid solution WB{sub 3+x}

Using first-principles calculations, we reveal an unexpected structural softening in a recently proposed WB{sub 3+x} structural model that tries to explain the X-ray diffraction, high resolution TEM, pressure dependence of the normalized lattice c/a ratio, and hardness experimental results of the synthesized tungsten boride compounds with a nominal composition WB{sub 4}. We show that the interstitial boron in WB{sub 3+x}, which was proposed to strengthen the covalent bonding network, unexpectedly weakens the atomic bonding, resulting in a large reduction of its indentation strength to well below that of WB{sub 3}. This is in direct contradiction to the experimental results showing that synthesized WB{sub 4} is harder than WB{sub 3}. The unusual structural softening is attributed to the unique three-center covalent bonding formed by the interstitial boron atoms that can easily deform under indentation. Our results show that the proposed interstitial boron solid solution WB{sub 3+x} structure is incompatible with experimental results, which calls for further investigations to determine the crystal structure of the synthesized WB{sub 4}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Structural phase transition, electronic structure and optical properties of half Heusler alloys LiBeZ (Z = As, Sb)

Ab initio calculations are performed to investigate the structural stability, electronic structure, mechanical properties and optical properties of half Heusler alloys (LiBeAs and LiBeSb) for three different phases of zinc blende crystal structure. Among the considered phases, α- phase is found to be the most stable phase for these alloys at normal pressure. A pressure induced structural phase transition from α-phase to β- phase is observed for LiBeAs. The electronic structure reveals that these alloys are semiconductors. The optical properties confirm that these alloys are semiconductor in nature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Complex structure due to As bonding and interplay with electronic structure in superconducting BaNi 2 As 2

BaNi 2 As 2 is a superconductor chemically related to the Fe-based superconductors, with a complex and poorly understood structural phase transition. We show, based on first-principles calculations, that, in fact, there are two distinct competing structures. These structures are different from the electronic, transport, and bonding points of view but are close in energy. These arise due to complex As bonding patterns and drive distortions of the Ni layers. This is supported by photoemission experiments. This is very distinct from views of the distortion as being primarily driven by electrons at the Fermi surface as in a classical charge density wave, or by correlated electron physics associated with the Ni d electrons and the Ni d orbitals. The structural distortion, although connected with As does lead to an interplay of electronic and structural behavior including induced anisotropic electronic transport. Here, the local bonding nature of the instabilities and the competition between distortions is discussed in the context of the complex behavior observed in BaNi 2 As 2 samples.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unraveling structural, electronic, and magnetic ambiguities in P⁢b 1−𝛿⁢ Cr⁢O 3 with an insulating charge-transfer band structure

As a recently identified Mott system, PbCr⁢O 3 remains largely unexplored, especially for its band structure, leading to many contentious issues on its structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. Here we present a comprehensive study of two different P⁢b 1−𝛿⁢ Cr⁢O 3 (δ = 0 and 0.15) samples involving atomic deficiency prepared under pressure. By means of state-of-the-art diffraction techniques, the crystal structure of PbCr⁢O 3 is definitively determined to adopt the pristine 𝑃𝑚⁢$\overline{3}$𝑚 symmetry, rather than other previously misassigned structures of M2-Pm$\overline{3}$⁢𝑚 and Pmnm. The two materials exhibit a similar charge-transfer-type insulating band structure, and the charge-transfer effect splits both Cr 2⁢𝑝 and Pb 4⁢𝑓 orbitals, rationalizing doublet splitting of the associated spectral lines. Nearly identical nominal cationic valence states of C⁢r 4+ and P⁢b 2+ are identified for this oxide system, hence calling into question the validity of recently proposed charge disproportionation mechanisms. In addition, P⁢b 0.85 ⁢Cr⁢O 3 exhibits an anomalously higher Néel temperature of ∼240 K than that of PbCr⁢O 3 (i.e., ∼200 K), likely due to the deficiency-induced enhancements of Cr3𝑑–O⁢2⁢𝑝 orbital overlap and magnetic exchange. In conclusion, these findings provide much solid evidence to look into the fundamental properties of this important material system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Structure–reactivity relationships in the removal efficiency of catechol and hydroquinone by structurally diverse Mn-oxides

Catechol and hydroquinone are widely present hydroxybenzene isomers in the natural environment that induce environmental toxicities. These hydroxybenzene compounds can be effectively removed by manganese (Mn)-oxides via sorption and oxidative degradation processes. In the present study, we investigated the structure–reactivity relationships in the sorption and oxidation of catechol and hydroquinone on Mn-oxide surfaces. Two widely present Mn-oxides, including hydrous Mn oxide (HMO) and cryptomelane, comprised of layer and tunnel structures, respectively, are specifically studied. Effects of Mn-oxide structures and environmental pH conditions on the removal efficiency of these hydroxybenzene compounds, via sorption and oxidative degradation, are investigated. Cryptomelane, which has a higher specific surface area than HMO, possesses a higher sorption and oxidation capacity. The complexation mechanisms of catechol and hydroquinone vary due to their structure-induced difference in reactivity. Catechol reduced and dissolved more Mn from Mn-oxides than hydroquinone, accompanied by a higher C loss of catechol-C, suggesting a higher reactivity of catechol. Structural changes occurred in the Mn-oxides resulting from reaction with catechol and hydroquinone: reduction of Mn(IV), corresponding formation of Mn(III) and Mn(II) in the mineral, and free Mn 2+ ions released into the suspension. Finally, these insights could help us better understand and predict the fate of hydroxybenzene compounds in Mn-oxide-rich soils and wastewater treatment systems that generate Mn-oxides via Mn removal and the associated environmental toxicity.

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

Stochastic generation of explicit pore structures by thresholding Gaussian random fields

We provide a description and computational investigation of an efficient method to stochastically generate realistic pore structures. Smolarkiewicz and Winter introduced this specific method in pores resolving simulation of Darcy flows (Smolarkiewicz and Winter, 2010 [1]) without giving a complete formal description or analysis of the method, or indicating how to control the parameterization of the ensemble. We address both issues in this paper. The method consists of two steps. First, a realization of a correlated Gaussian field, or topography, is produced by convolving a prescribed kernel with an initial field of independent, identically distributed random variables. The intrinsic length scales of the kernel determine the correlation structure of the topography. Next, a sample pore space is generated by applying a level threshold to the Gaussian field realization: points are assigned to the void phase or the solid phase depending on whether the topography over them is above or below the threshold. Hence, the topology and geometry of the pore space depend on the form of the kernel and the level threshold. Manipulating these two user prescribed quantities allows good control of pore space observables, in particular the Minkowski functionals. Extensions of the method to generate media with multiple pore structures and preferential flow directions are also discussed. To demonstrate its usefulness, the method is used to generate a pore space with physical and hydrological properties similar to a sample of Berea sandstone. -- Graphical abstract: -- Highlights: •An efficient method to stochastically generate realistic pore structures is provided. •Samples are generated by applying a level threshold to a Gaussian field realization. •Two user prescribed quantities determine the topology and geometry of the pore space. •Multiple pore structures and preferential flow directions can be produced. •A pore space based on Berea sandstone is generated.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2013

Factors governing Yb magnetism in Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2} and other MgCuAl{sub 2}-type structures

The ternary compound 'YbPtIn{sub 2}' has been synthesized and its crystal structure determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The compound crystallizes in the MgCuAl{sub 2} structure, a ternary structure type often formed when rare earth metals, Group 10 transition metals, and indium are present in a 1:1:2 ratio. The unit cell is C-centered orthorhombic, space group Cmcm (no. 63) with lattice parameters of a=4.3410(1) A, b=10.3230(2) A, and c=7.8510(2) A. Evidence is found for a substantial non-stoichiometry on the Yb site, in contrast to the Pt and In sites which behave as expected, and it is believed that the stoichiometry of this compound is more properly described as Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2}. Magnetic and resistivity measurements reveal that 'YbPtIn{sub 2}' is a weakly interacting, non-magnetic metal exclusively containing Yb{sup 2+}, and with a resistivity ({rho}) varying from 34 {mu}{Omega} cm at room temperature to a residual resistivity {rho}{sub 0} of 23 {mu}{Omega} cm at 1.8 K. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the observed diamagnetic Yb behavior is expected for this compound, but that certain substitutions on the Pt or In site could help stabilize magnetic Yb{sup 3+} and potentially induce heavy fermion behavior. - Graphical abstract: The crystal structure, magnetic behavior, and temperature-dependent resistivity of the new ternary compound Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2.} Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Flux growth method used to produce Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2} single crystals. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Found rare example of non-stoichiometry in a MgCuAl{sub 2}-type structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The resistivity and diamagnetic response of Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2} were modeled. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer DFT correctly predicts presence of Yb{sup 2+} in Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer COHP results suggest other MgCuAl{sub 2}-type indides that may contain paramagnetic Yb{sup 3+}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Crystal structure study of new lanthanide silicates with silico-carnotite structure

The crystal structures of new rare earth-based silicate compounds (Ca{sub 3}Eu{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Dy{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Er{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12} and Ca{sub 3}Lu{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12}) have been determined using powder X-ray diffraction. From Rietveld refinement calculations on the collected powder patterns we observe a different distribution of the rare earth ions on the three available crystal sites characterized by different coordination numbers, depending on the ionic radius of the rare earth ion. The reasons of the instability of the silico-carnotite structure for lanthanide ions larger than Eu{sup 3+} have been deduced. In addition, in order to detect crystal phase transitions, the powder patterns of Ca{sub 3}Eu{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12} and Ca{sub 3}Sm{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12} samples have been collected as a function of the temperature (RT-1000 Degree-Sign C range), but no phase transitions have been observed. - Graphical abstract: Synchrotron X-ray diffraction allows us the accurate determination of the RE{sup 3+} ions distribution on the three available crystal sites of the silico-carnotite structure. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The structure of the Ca{sub 3}M{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12} (M=Eu, Gd, Dy, Er and Lu) was determined. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Different distribution of RE{sup 3+} ions on the three available crystal sites was observed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The instability of the silico-carnotite structure for RE=La{yields}Sm was discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Intermetallic solid solution Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}Ga{sub 3}: Synthesis, structure, NQR study and electronic band structure calculations

Unlimited solid solution Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}Ga{sub 3} was prepared from Ga flux. Its crystal structure was refined for Fe{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 3} (P4{sub 2}/mnm, a=6.2436(9), c=6.4654(13), Z=4) and showed no ordering of the metal atoms. A combination of the electronic band structure calculations within the density functional theory (DFT) approach and {sup 69,71}Ga nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy clearly shows that the Fe-Fe and Co-Co dumbbells are preferred to the Fe-Co dumbbells in the crystals structure. The band structure features a band gap of about 0.4 eV, with the Fermi level crossing peaks of a substantial density of electronic states above the gap for x>0. The solid solution is metallic for x>0.025. The study of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation shows that the rate of the relaxation, 1/T{sub 1}, is very sensitive to the Co concentration and correlates well with the square of the density of states at the Fermi level, N{sup 2}(E{sub F}). - Graphical abstract: Rate of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation, 1/T{sub 1}, observed in the {sup 69}Ga NQR experiments for the intermetallic solid solution Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}Ga{sub 3} is the highest for x=0.25 with the highest calculated density of electronic states at the Fermi level, N(E{sub F}); in general, 1/T{sub 1} correlates with N{sup 2}(E{sub F}). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}Ga{sub 3} solid solution is prepared in single crystalline form from Ga flux. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In the crystal structure Fe-Fe and Co-Co dumbbells are preferred to Fe-Co dumbbells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Metal-to-semiconductor transition occurs at 0<x<0.025. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {sup 69,71}Ga NQR spectra efficiently probe local environment of two independent Ga atoms. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rate of nuclear spin-lattice relaxation follows squared DOS at the Fermi level.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis, crystal structure, and properties of KSbO{sub 3}-type Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 1.9}Te{sub 1.1}O{sub 11}

Single crystals of Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 1.9}Te{sub 1.1}O{sub 11} were prepared from NaCl+KCl flux. This compound adopts KSbO{sub 3}-type crystal structure as evidenced by electron and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The three-dimensional channel structure is formed by corner-sharing octahedral (Mn{sub 0.63}Te{sub 0.37}){sub 2}O{sub 10} dimers and two identical (Bi1){sub 4}(Bi2){sub 2} interpenetrating lattices. The intra-dimer Mn/Te-Mn/Te distances in Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 1.9}Te{sub 1.1}O{sub 11} are short and are consistent with weak metal-metal interactions. The mixed oxidation state of manganese and the edge-sharing octahedral features are confirmed by X-ray near edge absorption spectroscopy measurements, which indicate Bi{sub 3}(Mn{sup III}{sub 1.1}Mn{sup IV}{sub 0.8})Te{sup VI}{sub 1.1}O{sub 11} with 57.7% Mn{sup 3+} and 42.3% Mn{sup 4+}. The partial substitution of Te for Mn perturbs long-range magnetic interactions, thereby destroying the ferromagnetic ordering found in Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 3}O{sub 11} (T{sub C}=150 K). - Graphical abstract: Single crystal of Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 1.9}Te{sub 1.1}O{sub 11} was grown from NaCl+KCl binary flux, suggesting that the high pressure Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 3}O{sub 11} phase can be stabilized by partial substitution of Mn by Te at ambient pressure. Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 1.9}Te{sub 1.1}O{sub 11} adopts a typical three dimensional KSbO{sub 3}-type crystal structure with three interpenetrating lattices and weak intra-dimmer metal-metal interaction caused by the d electrons of Mn. The edge-shared (Mn{sub 0.63}Te{sub 0.37}){sub 2}O{sub 10} octahedral dimer and mixed oxidation state of manganese (Bi{sub 3}(Mn{sup III}{sub 1.1}Mn{sup IV}{sub 0.8})Te{sup VI}{sub 1.1}O{sub 11} with 57.7% Mn{sup 3+} and 42.3% Mn{sup 4+}) features were evidenced by X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. Compared with Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 3}O{sub 11}, the Te substituted Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 1.9}Te{sub 1.1}O{sub 11} relaxes the crystal structure, but destroys the long-range magnetic ordering and gives short-range magnetic ordering below 5 K. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High pressure Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 3}O{sub 11} is stabilized by partial Te substitution at ambient pressure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New KSbO{sub 3}-type Bi{sub 3}Mn{sub 1.9}Te{sub 1.1}O{sub 11} single crystal was grown from binary flux. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The presence of mixed oxidation state of manganese is evidenced by XANES study. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The Te-substitution destroys the long-range magnetic ordering and relaxes the structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Synthesis, crystal growth, structural and magnetic characterization of NH{sub 4}MCl{sub 2}(HCOO), M=(Fe, Co, Ni)

An ambient-pressure solution route and an improved solvothermal synthetic method have been developed to produce polycrystalline powders and large single crystals of NH{sub 4}MCl{sub 2}(HCOO) (M=Fe, Co, Ni). The magnetic structure of the 1D linear chain compound NH{sub 4}FeCl{sub 2}(HCOO) has been determined by low-temperature neutron powder diffraction, revealing ferromagnetic intra-chain interactions and antiferromagnetic inter-chain interactions. The newly-reported Co and Ni analogs are isostructural with NH{sub 4}FeCl{sub 2}(HCOO), but there are significant differences in the magnetic properties of each compound; the Ni analog behaves similarly to the Fe compound but with stronger magnetic coupling, exhibiting antiferromagnetic ordering (T{sub N}=8.5 K) and a broad metamagnetic transition between 2 and 5 T, while the Co analog does not order magnetically above 2 K, despite strong antiferromagnetic nearest-neighbor interactions. - Graphical abstract: Large single crystals of NH{sub 4}MCl{sub 2}(HCOO) (M=Fe, Co, Ni), which adopt a 1D zig-zag chain structure, can be grown via a solvothermal method. Neutron diffraction experiments revealed that the magnetic structure of the iron compound exhibits ferromagnetic intra-chain coupling and antiferromagnetic inter-chain coupling. - Highlights: • Large crystals of NH{sub 4}MCl{sub 2}(HCOO) (M=Fe, Co, Ni) have been grown solvothermally. • The magnetic structure of M=Fe was solved by low-temperature neutron diffraction. • NH{sub 4}FeCl{sub 2}(HCOO) exhibits FM intra-chain and AFM inter-chain interactions. • NH{sub 4}CoCl{sub 2}(HCOO) exhibits no 3D magnetic ordering above 2 K. • NH{sub 4}NiCl{sub 2}(HCOO) exhibits AFM ordering (T{sub N}=8.5 K) and FM intra-chain interactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗