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At least 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Neutron and X-ray diffraction studies on the high temperature phase of Mn{sub 3}(VO{sub 4}){sub 2}, the new isostructural compound NaMn{sub 4}(VO{sub 4}){sub 3} and their mixed crystals Na{sub x}Mn{sub 4.5-x/2}(VO{sub 4}){sub 3} (0{<=}x{<=}1)

This paper presents a detailed structure analysis (combined Rietveld analysis of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data as well as quantum mechanical calculations) of the high temperature phase of Mn{sub 3}(VO{sub 4}){sub 2} (space group I4 Macron 2d). Special attention is directed to the analysis of the local coordination around Mn{sup 2+} ions or vacancies within a stella quadrangula configuration of anions. Furthermore, the new compound NaMn{sub 4}(VO{sub 4}){sub 3} is described as well as a range of mixed crystals between NaMn{sub 4}(VO{sub 4}){sub 3} and Mn{sub 3}(VO{sub 4}){sub 2} (described by the formula Na{sub x}Mn{sub 4.5-x/2}(VO{sub 4}){sub 3}, 0{<=}x{<=}1) which were synthesized by a solid state route. All compounds were shown to be isostructural to the high temperature phase Mn{sub 3}(VO{sub 4}){sub 2}. - Graphical abstract: The crystal structure of the new compound NaMn{sub 4}(VO{sub 4}){sub 3}. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We present neutron and X-ray diffraction studies on high temperature-Mn{sub 3}(VO{sub 4}){sub 2}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structural details of partly filled stellae quadrangulae positions are discussed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Refined structural parameters and theoretical calculations are compared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We investigate the mixed crystal system Mn{sub 3}(VO{sub 4}){sub 2}-NaMn{sub 4}(VO{sub 4}){sub 3}.

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

Temperature induced phase transition of CaMn{sub 0.5}Zr{sub 1.5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} phosphate

In this work we investigated the structural behaviour of a CaMn{sub 0.5}Zr{sub 1.5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}. Due to the presence of divalent Mn{sup 2+} cations this compound can possess interesting luminescence properties. It was recently understood that this phosphate undergoes a temperature induced irreversible phase transition in the range of 800–875 °C. It has also been shown that the 3d–3d luminescence of Mn{sup 2+} increases 10 fold for the high temperature polymorph. To determine the Mn environment structural investigations of both phases have been performed by the X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy methods. The low temperature modification adopts the trigonal NZP structure type with a slightly lower symmetry (space group R32, a=8.7850(2) Å, c=22.6496(7) Å, V=1514.8(1) Å{sup 3}). The high temperature form in turn has orthorhombic symmetry (space group Pnma, a=6.2350(3) Å, b=6.6281(3) Å, c=14.4731(6) Å, V=598.13(5) Å{sup 3}). Both structures were solved ab-initio from powder data and structural analysis was performed. In-situ and RT Raman spectra are consistent with the XRD derived structural model. Mn{sup 2+} cations occupy different types of positions in these structures and a change in Mn coordination number (6 for LT phase, 7 for HT phase) results in different Mn–O bond lengths. These differences may explain the change in the optical properties between the polymorphs. - Graphical abstract: The compound CaMn{sub 0.5}Zr{sub 1.5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} was synthesized in order to create a material with enhanced luminescent properties. The goal of present studies is to define Mn{sup 2+} environment and its changes due to the structural transformations of the phosphate along phase transition at the T range of 800–875 °C. It was found that LT modification adopts the trigonal NZP structure type, sp.gr. R32, the HT form in turn exhibits orthorhombic symmetry sp.gr. Pnma. Mn2+ cations occupy different types of positions in those structures and a change in coordination number of Mn (6 for LT phase, 7 for HT phase) results in a change in Mn–O bond lengths.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

Microstructural and electrical changes in nickel manganite powder induced by mechanical activation

Highlights: {yields} The influence of mechanical activation on microstructure evolution in the nickel manganite powder was investigated as well as electrical properties of the sintered samples. {yields} Structural refinement obtained by Topas-Academic software based on Rietveld analysis showed that the milling process remarkably changed the powder morphology and microstructure. {yields} SEM studies of sintered samples also revealed the strong influence of milling time on ceramics density (increases with milling time). {yields} The electrical properties of ceramic samples are clearly conditioned by terms of synthesis, in our case the time of mechanical activation. {yields} The highest density and higher values of dielectric constant were achieved at the sample activated for 45 min. -- Abstract: Nickel manganite powder synthesized by calcination of a stoichiometric mixture of manganese and nickel oxide was additionally mechanically activated in a high energy planetary ball mill for 5-60 min in order to obtain a pure NiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} phase. The as-prepared powders were uniaxially pressed into disc shape pellets and then sintered for 60 min at 1200 {sup o}C. Changes in the particle morphology induced by mechanical activation were monitored using scanning electron microscopy, while changes in powder structural characteristics were followed using X-ray powder diffraction. The ac impedance spectroscopy was performed on sintered nickel manganite samples at 25 {sup o}C, 50 {sup o}C and 80 {sup o}C. It was shown that mechanical activation intensifies transport processes causing a decrease in the average crystallites size, while longer activation times can lead to the formation of aggregates, defects and increase of lattice microstrains. The observed changes in microstructures were correlated with measured electrical properties in order to define optimal processing conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Solid-state reaction preparation and photoluminescence properties of Na{sub 2}Ba{sub 6}(Si{sub 2}O{sub 7})(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphors

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Green-emitting phosphor powder Na{sub 2}Ba{sub 6}(Si{sub 2}O{sub 7})(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+} was synthesized. • Two different emission centers occupied by Eu{sup 2+} were investigated. • The concentration quenching mechanism was studied. - Abstract: A kind of novel green-emitting phosphor Na{sub 2}Ba{sub 6}(Si{sub 2}O{sub 7})(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 2+} was synthesized by a solid-state reaction. The phase formation of as-prepared sample was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction. The photoluminescence emission (PL) and excitation (PLE) spectra results indicated that the phosphor could be efficiently excited by ultraviolet (UV) light from 240 to 400 nm, and presented a broad green emission band with two-band profile suggesting two different emission centers occupied by Eu{sup 2+}. The critical quenching concentration of Eu{sup 2+} was determined to be 0.01 mol and the concentration quenching mechanism was also investigated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Structural investigation of the new Ca{sub 3}Ln{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd and Dy) compounds and luminescence spectroscopy of Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} doped with the Eu{sup 3+} ion

The crystal structures of new rare earth-based germanate compounds (Ca{sub 3}Pr{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Nd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Sm{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12}, Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} and Ca{sub 3}Dy{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12}) have been determined by Rietveld refinement calculations on the collected synchrotron X-ray diffraction powder patterns. A different distribution of the rare earth ions in the three available crystal sites was observed, as the main structural feature. The reasons of the instability of the silico-carnotite structure for lanthanide ions out of the range Pr–Dy have been proposed. Finally, the luminescence spectroscopy of the Eu{sup 3+} dopant ion in Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} was presented and analyzed taking into account the observed structural characteristics. The Eu{sup 3+} luminescence spectroscopy was also compared with the one of Eu{sup 3+} doped Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12} and Ca{sub 3}Lu{sub 2}Si{sub 3}O{sub 12} isostructural materials. - Graphical abstract: The structural study on Ca{sub 3}Ln{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} exploiting synchrotron X-ray diffraction, allows us to determine the detailed geometry of the coordination polyhedra of the metals and their distribution in the crystal sites. These features are, in the case of Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} host, closely related to the luminescence spectroscopy of the Eu{sup 3+} dopant ion. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The structure of the Ca{sub 3}Ln{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd and Dy) was determined. • Different distribution of Ln{sup 3+} ions on the three available crystal sites was observed. • A detailed structural study focused on the metal coordination polyhedra was performed. • The instability of the silico-carnotite structure out of the range Pr–Dy was discussed. • The luminescence of the dopant Eu{sup 3+} ion in Ca{sub 3}Gd{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}O{sub 12} was presented and analyzed.

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

The system Ta-V-Si: Crystal structure and phase equilibria

Phase relations have been evaluated for the Ta-V-Si system at 1500 and 1200 Degree-Sign C. Three ternary phases were found: {tau}{sub 1}-(Ta,V){sub 5}Si{sub 3} (Mn{sub 5}Si{sub 3}-type), {tau}{sub 2}-Ta(Ta,V,Si){sub 2} (MgZn{sub 2}-type) and {tau}{sub 3}-Ta(Ta,V,Si){sub 2} (MgCu{sub 2}-type). The crystal structure of {tau}{sub 2}-Ta(Ta,V,Si){sub 2} was solved by X-ray single crystal diffraction (space group P6{sub 3}/mmc). Atom order in the crystal structures of {tau}{sub 1}-(Ta,V){sub 5}Si{sub 3} (Mn{sub 5}Si{sub 3} type) and {tau}{sub 3}-Ta(Ta,V,Si){sub 2} was derived from X-ray powder diffraction data. A large homogeneity range was found for {tau}{sub 1}-(Ta{sub x}V{sub 1-x}){sub 5}Si{sub 3} revealing random exchange of Ta and V at a constant Si content. At 1500 Degree-Sign C, the end points of the {tau}{sub 1}-phase solution (0.082{<=}x{<=}0.624) are in equilibrium with the solutions (Ta{sub 1-x}V{sub x}){sub 5}Si{sub 3} (Cr{sub 5}B{sub 3} type, 0{<=}x{<=}0.128) and (Ta{sub x}V{sub 1-x}){sub 5}Si{sub 3} (W{sub 5}Si{sub 3} type, 0{<=}x{<=}0.048). - Graphical abstract: Phase relations have been evaluated for the Ta-V-Si system at 1500 and 1200 Degree-Sign C. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phase relations have been evaluated for the Ta-V-Si system at 1500 and 1200 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three ternary phases were found at 1500 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer At 1500 Degree-Sign C, {tau}{sub 1}-phase has large homogeneity region (0.064{<=}x{<=}0.624).

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

Solvent-mediated secondary building units (SBUs) diversification in a series of Mn{sup II}-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)

The role of auxiliary solvents in the formation of MOFs has been investigated for a series of Mn{sup II}-based framework systems. Reactions of 4,4′,4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid (H{sub 3}L) with Mn{sup II} through varying auxiliary solvents of the medium resulted in the formation of diversified multinuclear Mn{sup II} subunits in four new coordination polymers: [Mn{sub 3}(L)(HCOO){sub 3}(DEF){sub 3}] (1), [Mn{sub 3}(L){sub 2}(EtOH){sub 2}]·DMF (2), [Mn{sub 5}(L){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]·2(H{sub 2}NMe{sub 2}){sup +}·4DMF·2H{sub 2}O (3), and [Mn{sub 3}(L){sub 2}(py){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O)]·H{sub 2}O (4) (H{sub 3}L=4,4′,4′-nitrilotribenzoic acid, DMF=dimethylformamide, DEF=N,N-diethylformamide, py=pyridine). These four compounds were fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, showing interesting SBUs variations. For compound 1, it displays a (3,6)-connected kgd net with wheel [Mn{sub 6}] cluster serving as SBU, whereas in 2, the sequence of Mn{sub 3}(COO){sub 9}(EtOH){sub 2} is repeated by inversion centers located between Mn1 and Mn3 to form an infinite Mn-carboxylate chain, which are further interlinked by L{sup 3−} ligands to form a 3D architecture. In 3, the pentanuclear Mn{sub 5}(CO{sub 2}){sub 12} clusters are interlinked to form a layer, which are further pillared by L{sup 3−} to generate a 3D network. Compound 4 has a (3,6)-connected network in which the SBU is a linear trimeric Mn{sub 3}(COO){sub 6}(py){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O) cluster. In addition, the thermal stabilities, X-ray powder diffraction of all the compounds were studied, photoluminescence behaviors of compounds 1, 3 and 4 are discussed. - Graphical abstract: Supramolecular assembly of C{sub 3}-symmetric ligand 4,4′,4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid (H{sub 3}L) with Mn{sup II} through varying auxiliary solvents of the medium resulted in the formation of diversified multinuclear Mn{sup II} subunits in four new coordination polymers. The results exhibit the structures of Mn-SBUs in these MOFs largely depend on the ancillary solvents involved in the reactions. Display Omitted.

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

Raman spectra and structural properties of hexagonal Yb{sub 1-x}Dy{sub x}MnO{sub 3} (x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1)

Single phase Yb{sub 1-x}Dy{sub x}MnO{sub 3} (x= 0, 0.05 and 0.1) samples are prepared by a solid state reaction method. X-ray powder diffraction shows that all samples crystallize in the hexagonal phase with P6{sub 3}cm space group. The structural analysis shows there is increase in lattice parameter c and cell volume of the hexagonal unit cell with Dy substitution and the average bond length between Mn-O increases. Raman spectra show that the phonon peaks of Yb{sub 1-x}Dy{sub x}MnO{sub 3} slightly shift to lower frequencies with doping.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Reverse Monte Carlo modeling in confined systems

An extension of the well established Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) method for modeling systems under close confinement has been developed. The method overcomes limitations induced by close confinement in systems such as fluids adsorbed in microporous materials. As a test of the method, we investigate a model system of {sup 36}Ar adsorbed into two zeolites with significantly different pore sizes: Silicalite-I (a pure silica form of ZSM-5 zeolite, characterized by relatively narrow channels forming a 3D network) at partial and full loadings and siliceous Faujasite (which exhibits relatively wide channels and large cavities). The model systems are simulated using grand canonical Monte Carlo and, in each case, its structure factor is used as input for the proposed method, which shows a rapid convergence and yields an adsorbate microscopic structure in good agreement with that of the model system, even to the level of three body correlations, when these are induced by the confining media. The application to experimental systems is straightforward incorporating factors such as the experimental resolution and appropriate q-sampling, along the lines of previous experiences of RMC modeling of powder diffraction data including Bragg and diffuse scattering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2010

Synthesis and characterization of bismuth doped barium sulphide nanoparticles

We have synthesized BaS:Bi nanocrystalline powder of average grain size 35 nm by solid-state diffusion method using sodium thiosulphate as a flux. During this work we have optimized the nature and amount of flux, amount of the dopant and temperature of firing for maximum yield of photoluminescence. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) method, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and UV-visible techniques. On excitation by 425 nm, these nanophosphors give one emission peak at 575 nm which corresponds to green color. In the excitation spectra of these particles there are two peaks at 350 nm and 425 nm. The effect of dopant concentration on the photoluminescence of BaS:Bi nanocrystallites has been studied which is in agreement with the principle of concentration quenching. The energy band gap of bismuth doped BaS nanopowder has been calculated to be 4.25 eV and is blue shifted in comparison to their bulk counterparts. The blue shift may be due to the quantum confinement in the particles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

A New Ti{sub 9}O{sub 10} Nanophase Prepared by Heat-Treating Nonstoichiometric Milled TiO{sub y} Nanopowder

A Ti{sub 9}O{sub 10} nanophase (sp. gr. Immm) has been synthesized via high-energy milling followed by prolonged high-temperature vacuum heat treatment of nonstoichiometric TiO{sub y} titanium monoxide. The atomic structure and microstructure of Ti{sub 9}O{sub 10} have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. According to quantum-chemical calculation results, macrocrystalline Ti{sub 9}O{sub 10} is less energetically favorable than a disordered cubic phase of the same composition, TiO{sub 10/9}, so the formation of the former phase is due to size effects.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Phase Stability and Electrochemical Performance of La-Site-Doped Li6La3Zr0.5Nb0.5Ta0.5Hf0.5O12 High-Entropy Garnets

We investigate La-site substitution in the high-entropy garnet Li6La3Zr0.5Nb0.5Ta0.5Hf0.5O12 (LLZNTH) using Ba2+, Sr2+, and Sm3+ to elucidate how dopant governs phase stability, Li-site distribution, and electrochemical behavior. X-ray diffraction shows that Sr2+ is incorporated homogeneously into the garnet lattice, whereas the larger Ba2+ and smaller Sm3+ ions partially exceed the structural tolerance, generating secondary phases. Nevertheless, the Sm-doped composition (x = 0.05) exhibits the highest room-temperature ionic conductivity (2.7 × 10–4 S cm–1). Neutron powder diffraction reveals that Sm substitution drives a redistribution of Li+ from the tetrahedral 24 d sites into the higher-mobility 96 h positions, enhancing the connectivity of the three-dimensional Li-ion migration network. A Sm-doping series (x = 0.01–0.05) further shows that only sufficiently high Sm levels induce this redistribution, whereas lower concentrations retain Li arrangements similar to the undoped garnet. Critical current density measurements demonstrate that La-site dopants also influence interfacial stability against Li metal, underscoring a trade-off between bulk transport enhancement and mechanical robustness. Collectively, these findings reveal that in high-entropy garnets improved ionic conductivity can originate not only from phase-pure structures but also from targeted modification of the Li sublattice, even when accompanied by secondary phases, offering a compositional design principle for garnet electrolytes.

Li, Chang [Mechanical Engineering, School of Scien↗
NASA NTRS2003

Use of an Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer to Obtain Sample Powder for CHEMIN, a Combined XRD/XRF Instrument

A miniature CHEMIN XRD/XRF (X-Ray Diffraction/X-Ray Fluourescence) instrument is currently being developed for definitive mineralogic analysis of soils and rocks on Mars. One of the technical issues that must be addressed in order to enable XRD analysis on an extraterrestrial body is how best to obtain a representative sample powder for analysis. For XRD powder diffraction analyses, it is beneficial to have a fine-grained sample to reduce preferred orientation effects and to provide a statistically significant number of crystallites to the X-ray beam. Although a 2-dimensional detector as used in the CHEMIN instrument will produce good results with poorly prepared powders, the quality of the data will improve if the sample is fine-grained and randomly oriented. An Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller/Corer (USDC) currently being developed at JPL is an effective mechanism of sampling rock to produce cores and powdered cuttings. It requires low axial load (< 5N) and thus offers significant advantages for operation from lightweight platforms and in low gravity environments. The USDC is lightweight (<0.5kg), and can be driven at low power (<5W) using duty cycling. It consists of an actuator with a piezoelectric stack, ultrasonic horn, free-mass, and drill bit. The stack is driven with a 20 kHz AC voltage at resonance. The strain generated by the piezoelectric is amplified by the horn by a factor of up to 10 times the displacement amplitude. The tip impacts the free-mass and drives it into the drill bit in a hammering action. The free-mass rebounds to interact with the horn tip leading to a cyclic rebound at frequencies in the range of 60-1000 Hz. It does not require lubricants, drilling fluid or bit sharpening and it has the potential to operate at high and low temperatures using a suitable choice of piezoelectric material. To assess whether the powder from an ultrasonic drill would be adequate for analyses by an XRD/XRF spectrometer such as CHEMIN, powders obtained from the JPL ultrasonic drill were analyzed and the results were compared to carefully prepared powders obtained using a laboratory bench scale Retsch mill.

Chipera, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Preliminary Examination of Returned Samples From Bennu Using Quantitative Particle Analysis in the Scanning Electron Microscope

The sample of regolith collected from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will land in Utah on September 24, 2023. A 100-mg aliquot of fine Bennu dust adhering to the internal surfaces of the sample return capsule and associated hardware will be collected by curation staff during disassembly and analyzed immediately by members of the sample analysis team in a “Quick-Look” (Q-L) procedure. The Q-L objectives are (1) to provide images for release to the public to inform on the nature of the returned sample, and (2) to perform a reconnaissance investigation of the mineralogic characteristics of the returned material for science purposes. We will determine the minerals that occur in the dust, assess their diversity, and determine relative abundances at the >5% level using a combination of optical microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Here we describe the procedures and techniques developed for the Q-L analyses using analog samples analyzed by SEM equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). To test these techniques, we have applied them to several samples, including powders of the Murchison (Fig. 1) and Orgueil meteorites, as well as simulant samples prepared by the mission.

OSIRIS-REx↗
DOE OSTI2013

A neutron diffraction study of structural distortion and magnetic ordering in the cation-ordered perovskites Ba{sub 2}Nd{sub 1−x}Y{sub x}MoO{sub 6}

The cation ordered perovskites Ba{sub 2}Nd{sub 1−x}Y{sub x}MoO{sub 6} (0.04≤x≤0.35) have been synthesised by solid-state techniques under reducing conditions at temperatures up to 1350 °C. Rietveld analyses of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data show that these compounds adopt a tetragonally distorted perovskite structure. The tetragonal distortion is driven by the bonding requirements of the Ba{sup 2+} cation that occupies the central interstice of the perovskite; this cation would be underbonded if these compounds retained the cubic symmetry exhibited by the prototypical structure. The size and charge difference between the lanthanides and Mo{sup 5+} lead to complete ordering of the cations to give a rock-salt ordering of Nd{sup 3+}/Y{sup 3+}O{sub 6} and MoO{sub 6} octahedra. The I4/m space group symmetry is retained on cooling the x=0.1, 0.2 and 0.35 samples to low temperature ca. 2 K. Ba{sub 2}Nd{sub 0.90}Y{sub 0.10}MoO{sub 6} undergoes a gradual distortion of the MoO{sub 6} units on cooling from room temperature to give two long trans bonds (2.001(2) Å) along the z-direction and four shorter apical bonds (1.9563(13) Å) in the xy-plane. This distortion of the MoO{sub 6} units stabilises the 4d{sup 1} electron in the d{sub xz} and d{sub yz} orbitals whilst the d{sub xy} orbital is increased in energy due to the contraction of the Mo–O bonds in the xy-plane. This bond extension along z is propagated through the structure and gives a negative thermal expansion of −13×10{sup −6} K{sup −1} along c. The overall volumetric thermal expansion is positive due to conventional expansion along the other two crystallographic axes. With increasing Y{sup 3+} content this distortion is reduced in x=0.2 and eliminated in x=0.35 which contains largely regular MoO{sub 6} octahedra. The x=0.1 and x=0.2 show small peaks in the neutron diffraction profile due to long range antiferromagnetic order arising from ordered moments of ca. 2 μ{sub B}. - Graphical Abstract: The distortion in the molybdenum crystal field is continuously adjusted by chemical composition of the perovskite. Highlights: ► Introducing Y{sup 3+} into Ba{sub 2}NdMoO{sub 6} stabilises tetragonal symmetry to 2 K. ► A distortion of the ligand field around the Mo{sup 5+} 4d{sup 1} cation confers electronic stabilisation. ► The size of the distortion is progressively reduced with increasing Y{sup 3+} content. ► Distortion gives negative thermal expansion along z and antiferromagnetic order at T≤15 K.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2010

Spectroscopic analysis of Eu{sup 3+} -and Eu{sup 3+}:Yb{sup 3+}-doped yttrium silicate crystalline powders prepared by combustion synthesis

Yttrium silicate powders doped with Eu{sup 3+} and codoped with Eu{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+} were prepared by combustion synthesis. The x-ray powder diffraction data showed the presence of Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5} and Y{sub 2}Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} crystalline phases. Singly doped (1 wt %) sample illuminated with ultraviolet light ({lambda}=256 nm) showed the characteristic red luminescence corresponding to {sup 5}D{sub 0}{yields}{sup 7}F{sub J} transitions of Eu{sup 3+}. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters were calculated from experimental data and the radiative and nonradiative relaxation rates were estimated. The results showed that the nonradiative relaxation rate is smaller in yttrium silicate compared to yttrium oxide powder, a reference material, prepared under similar conditions. Codoped samples were exposed to near-infrared laser excitation ({lambda}=975 nm) and the red luminescence of Eu{sup 3+} was also observed. In this case, the luminescence is achieved due to a cooperative upconversion (CUC) process involving energy transfer (ET) from pairs of ytterbium ions to europium ions. The ET rate was estimated by fitting a rate equation model with the dynamics of CUC red emission.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

A novel solvethermal method for the preparation of magnetic monodisperse Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles II: High-surface-activity ferrihydrite used as precursor

Graphical abstract: The magnetic monodisperse Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by novel solvethemal method at moderate temperature using high surface active ferrihydrit and iron powder as precursors in orgnic solvent. - Highlights: • Facile synthesis of organic ligands-coated monodisperse Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles at low temperature. • Low-cost high surface active ferrihydrit and reductive iron powder were used as precursors. • N{sub 2}-free reaction environment. • Organic ligands act as reductive. - Abstract: Magnetic monodisperse Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared from ferrihydrite and iron powder by a novel solvethermal method at moderate temperatures in aqueous and organic solvent media. The effects of temperature and solvent medium on the phase and particle size of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs were investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. At 120 °C in the organic medium, uniform organic-ligand-coated superparamagnetic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs were produced; the particle size increased with the temperature, and the calculated mean particle size was 8.9 nm. At 180 °C in the aqueous medium, pure-phase Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} was obtained. Thus, the organic solvent did not only serve as a solvent but also participated in the reaction. Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} production in the aqueous and organic solvent media had different mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

When x-rays alter the course of your experiments

The continuing increase in the brilliance of synchrotron radiation beamlines allows for many new and exciting experiments that were impossible before the present generation of synchrotron radiation sources came on line. However, the exposure to such intense beams also tests the limits of what samples can endure. Whilst the effects of radiation induced damage in a static experiment often can easily be recognized by changes in the diffraction or spectroscopy curves, the influence of radiation on chemical or physical processes, where one expects curves to change, is less often recognized and can be misinterpreted as a 'real' result instead of as a 'radiation influenced result'. This is especially a concern in time-resolved materials science experiments using techniques as powder diffraction, small angle scattering and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. In this work, the effects of radiation (5–50 keV) on some time-resolved processes in different types of materials and in different physical states are discussed. We show that such effects are not limited to soft matter and biology but rather can be found across the whole spectrum of materials research, over a large range of radiation doses and is not limited to very high brilliance beamlines.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗