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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 685 records · Page 38

Transforming CO 2 to Porous Carbon as a High-Performing Sodium-Ion Battery Anode via Electrochemical Reduction in Molten Carbonates

The prevalence of sodium over lithium prompts exploration of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Hard carbon has emerged as a promising anode material for SIBs, yet its synthesis poses sustainability challenges and emits pollutants. Here, in this study, we introduce CO 2 -derived porous carbon (graphitic and amorphous) as an anode for SIBs via electrochemical reduction of CO 2 in a molten eutectic carbonate salt at a lower temperature that yields materials with controlled microstructure, morphology, and porosity conducive to energy storage. Our CO 2 -derived carbon demonstrates remarkable specific capacity, superior rate capability, and stable cycling performance as a SIB anode. This innovative strategy harnesses waste CO 2 toward advancing SIB energy technology.

CO2-derived carbon↗

Assessing the Facile Pretreatments of Bagasse for Efficient Enzymatic Conversion and Their Impacts on Structural and Chemical Properties

Here, novel and sustainable pretreatment approaches are desired to improve the techno-commercial feasibility of biorefineries in the future. In this study, 10 renewable deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were evaluated for their pretreatment efficiency at facile conditions with sugar cane bagasse as substrate and compared with conventional pretreatment approaches (dilute alkali, dilute acid, and ionic liquid (IL)) for lignin removal, saccharification yield, cellulose accessibility, crystallinity, and physiochemical properties. Although, the highest delignification was obtained with dilute alkali (59.7%) and choline chloride:lactic acid or ChCl:LA (50.6%), the maximum enzymatic conversion of 98.0% and 90.4% was observed with IL (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate) and ChCl:LA, respectively. uclear magnetic resonance analysis of ChCl:LA-derived lignin showed selective removal of guaiacyl lignin without condensation structure formation observed. Interestingly, unlike IL, the lignin was substantially depolymerized after ChCl:LA pretreatment as determined by gel permeation chromatography. Further, high compatibility of ChCl:LA with cellulase in comparison of IL with easy recyclability and recycling showed that DESs synthesized from a renewable resource are promising “green” solvents for future biorefinery operations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Solvent Screening for Separation Processes Using Machine Learning and High-Throughput Technologies

As the chemical industry shifts toward sustainable practices, there is a growing initiative to replace conventional fossil-derived solvents with environmentally friendly alternatives such as ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a key role in the discovery and design of novel solvents and the development of green processes. This review explores the latest advancements in AI-assisted solvent screening with a specific focus on machine learning (ML) models for physicochemical property prediction and separation process design. Additionally, this paper highlights recent progress in the development of automated high-throughput (HT) platforms for solvent screening. Finally, this paper discusses the challenges and prospects of ML-driven HT strategies for green solvent design and optimization. To this end, this review provides key insights to advance solvent screening strategies for future chemical and separation processes.

Artificial intelligence↗

Pseudo single crystal, direct-band-gap Ge{sub 0.89}Sn{sub 0.11} on amorphous dielectric layers towards monolithic 3D photonic integration

We demonstrate pseudo single crystal, direct-band-gap Ge{sub 0.89}Sn{sub 0.11} crystallized on amorphous layers at <450 °C towards 3D Si photonic integration. We developed two approaches to seed the lateral single crystal growth: (1) utilize the Gibbs-Thomson eutectic temperature depression at the tip of an amorphous GeSn nanotaper for selective nucleation; (2) laser-induced nucleation at one end of a GeSn strip. Either way, the crystallized Ge{sub 0.89}Sn{sub 0.11} is dominated by a single grain >18 μm long that forms optoelectronically benign twin boundaries with others grains. These pseudo single crystal, direct-band-gap Ge{sub 0.89}Sn{sub 0.11} patterns are suitable for monolithic 3D integration of active photonic devices on Si.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Multicomponent diffusion in molten salt LiF-BeF{sub 2}: Dynamical correlations and Maxwell–Stefan diffusivities

Applying Green–Kubo formalism and equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have studied the dynamic correlation, Onsager coeeficients and Maxwell–Stefan (MS) Diffusivities of molten salt LiF-BeF{sub 2}, which is used as coolant in high temperature reactor. All the diffusive flux correlations show back-scattering or cage dynamics which becomes pronouced at higher temperature. Although the MS diffusivities are expected to depend very lightly on the composition due to decoupling of thermodynamic factor, the diffusivity Đ{sub Li-F} and Đ{sub Be-F} decreases sharply for higher concentration of LiF and BeF{sub 2} respectively. Interestingly, all three MS diffusivities have highest magnitude for eutectic mixture at 1000K (except Đ{sub Be-F} at lower LiF mole fraction) which is desirable from coolant point of view. Although the diffusivity for positive-positive ion pair is negative it is not in violation of the second law of thermodynamics as it satisfies the non-negative entropic constraints.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A reconfigurable liquid metal antenna driven by electrochemically controlled capillarity

We describe a new electrochemical method for reversible, pump-free control of liquid eutectic gallium and indium (EGaIn) in a capillary. Electrochemical deposition (or removal) of a surface oxide on the EGaIn significantly lowers (or increases) its interfacial tension as a means to induce the liquid metal in (or out) of the capillary. A fabricated prototype demonstrates this method in a reconfigurable antenna application in which EGaIn forms the radiating element. By inducing a change in the physical length of the EGaIn, the operating frequency of the antenna tunes over a large bandwidth. This purely electrochemical mechanism uses low, DC voltages to tune the antenna continuously and reversibly between 0.66 GHz and 3.4 GHz resulting in a 5:1 tuning range. Gain and radiation pattern measurements agree with electromagnetic simulations of the device, and its measured radiation efficiency varies from 41% to 70% over its tuning range.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor using a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer array integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor electronics

This paper presents an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor based on a 24 × 8 array of 22 MHz piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) with 100 μm pitch, fully integrated with 180 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry through eutectic wafer bonding. Each PMUT is directly bonded to a dedicated CMOS receive amplifier, minimizing electrical parasitics and eliminating the need for through-silicon vias. The array frequency response and vibration mode-shape were characterized using laser Doppler vibrometry and verified via finite element method simulation. The array's acoustic output was measured using a hydrophone to be ∼14 kPa with a 28 V input, in reasonable agreement with predication from analytical calculation. Pulse-echo imaging of a 1D steel grating is demonstrated using electronic scanning of a 20 × 8 sub-array, resulting in 300 mV maximum received amplitude and 5:1 contrast ratio. Because the small size of this array limits the maximum image size, mechanical scanning was used to image a 2D polydimethylsiloxane fingerprint phantom (10 mm × 8 mm) at a 1.2 mm distance from the array.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Phase change alloy viscosities down to T{sub g} using Adam-Gibbs-equation fittings to excess entropy data: A fragile-to-strong transition

A striking anomaly in the viscosity of Te{sub 85}Ge{sub 15} alloys noted by Greer and coworkers from the work of Neumann et al. is reminiscent of the equally striking comparison of liquid tellurium and water anomalies documented long ago by Kanno et al. In view of the power laws that are used to fit the data on water, we analyze the data on Te{sub 85}Ge{sub 15} using the Speedy-Angell power-law form, and find a good account with a singularity T{sub s} only 25 K below the eutectic temperature. However, the heat capacity data in this case are not diverging, but instead exhibit a sharp maximum like that observed in fast cooling in the Molinero-Moore model of water. Applying the Adam-Gibbs viscosity equation to these calorimetric data, we find that there must be a fragile-to-strong liquid transition at the heat capacity peak temperature, and then predict the 'strong' liquid course of the viscosity down to T{sub g} at 406 K (403.6 K at 20 K min{sup −1} in this study). Since crystallization can be avoided by moderately fast cooling in this case, we can check the validity of the extrapolation by making a direct measurement of fragility at T{sub g}, using differential scanning calorimetric techniques, and then comparing with the value from the extrapolated viscosity at T{sub g}. The agreement is encouraging, and prompts discussion of relations between water and phase change alloy anomalies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Effect of Group-III precursors on unintentional gallium incorporation during epitaxial growth of InAlN layers by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

Unintentional incorporation of gallium (Ga) in InAlN layers grown with different molar flow rates of Group-III precursors by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition has been experimentally investigated. The Ga mole fraction in the InAl(Ga)N layer was increased significantly with the trimethylindium (TMIn) flow rate, while the trimethylaluminum flow rate controls the Al mole fraction. The evaporation of metallic Ga from the liquid phase eutectic system between the pyrolized In from injected TMIn and pre-deposited metallic Ga was responsible for the Ga auto-incorporation into the InAl(Ga)N layer. The theoretical calculation on the equilibrium vapor pressure of liquid phase Ga and the effective partial pressure of Group-III precursors based on growth parameters used in this study confirms the influence of Group-III precursors on Ga auto-incorporation. More Ga atoms can be evaporated from the liquid phase Ga on the surrounding surfaces in the growth chamber and then significant Ga auto-incorporation can occur due to the high equilibrium vapor pressure of Ga comparable to effective partial pressure of input Group-III precursors during the growth of InAl(Ga)N layer.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The Rehbinder effect in iron during giga-cycle fatigue loading

The influence of the adsorptive strength reduction effect (the Rehbinder effect) on the fatigue life of pure iron under the giga-cycle loading regime was investigated. Specimens were loaded by an ultrasonic testing machine with a frequency of 20 kHz in air and in contact with eutectic alloy of gallium with tin and indium. A significant (by several orders of magnitude) worsening of the life-time of iron in contact with a molten metal as compared with tests in air was established. The liquid metal penetrates into the material to a depth of 200 μm to the center of a fatigue crack. The mechanism of the fatigue crack initiation in the giga-cycle regime of loading in contact with a surfactant is differing: the crack is formed on the surface of the specimen rather than within it as is the case for air. Based on the electron and optical microscopy data for the fracture surface, it can be concluded that exactly the change in the crack initiation mechanism reduces the fatigue life of iron in contact with a liquid metal because the initiated crack propagates regardless of the surfactant.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Investigation of the structure and properties of boron-containing coatings obtained by electron-beam treatment

An investigation of surface-hardened materials obtained by cladding with an electron beam injected into the air atmosphere was carried out. Structural investigations of coatings revealed that an increase in boron carbide concentration in a saturating mixture contributed to a rise of a volume fraction of iron borides in coatings. The maximum hardened depth reached 2 mm. Hardened layers were characterized by the formation of heterogeneous structure which consisted of iron borides and titanium carbides distributed uniformly in the eutectic matrix. Areas of titanium boride conglomerations were detected. It was found that an increase in the boron carbide content led to an enhancement in hardness of the investigated materials. Friction testing against loosely fixed abrasive particles showed that electron-beam cladding of powder mixtures containing boron carbides, titanium, and iron in air atmosphere allowed enhancing a resistance of materials hardened in two times.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Incubation behavior of silicon nanowire growth investigated by laser-assisted rapid heating

We investigate the early stage of silicon nanowire growth by the vapor-liquid-solid mechanism using laser-localized heating combined with ex-situ chemical mapping analysis by energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy. By achieving fast heating and cooling times, we can precisely determine the nucleation times for nanowire growth. We find that the silicon nanowire nucleation process occurs on a time scale of ∼10 ms, i.e., orders of magnitude faster than the times reported in investigations using furnace processes. The rate-limiting step for silicon nanowire growth at temperatures in the vicinity of the eutectic temperature is found to be the gas reaction and/or the silicon crystal growth process, whereas at higher temperatures it is the rate of silicon diffusion through the molten catalyst that dictates the nucleation kinetics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Coaxial printing method for directly writing stretchable cable as strain sensor

Through applying the liquid metal and elastomer as the core and shell materials, respectively, a coaxial printing method is being developed in this work for preparing a stretchable and conductive cable. When liquid metal alloy eutectic Gallium-Indium is embedded into the elastomer matrix under optimized control, the cable demonstrates well–posed extreme mechanic performance, under stretching for more than 350%. Under developed compression test, the fabricated cable also demonstrates the ability for recovering original properties due to the high flowability of the liquid metal and super elasticity of the elastomeric shell. The written cable presents high cycling reliability regarding its stretchability and conductivity, two properties which can be clearly predicted in theoretical calculation. This work can be further investigated as a strain sensor for monitoring motion status including frequency and amplitude of a curved object, with extensive applications in wearable devices, soft robots, electronic skins, and wireless communication.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Thermodynamically controlled crystallization of glucose pentaacetates from amorphous phase

The α and β glucose pentaacetates are known sugar derivatives, which can be potentially used as stabilizers of amorphous phase of active ingredients of drugs (API). In the present work, crystallization behavior of equimolar mixture of α and β form in comparison to both pure anomers is revealed. It was shown that despite the same molecular interactions and similar molecular dynamics, crystallization from amorphous phase is significantly suppressed in equimolar mixture. Time dependent X-ray diffraction studies confirmed higher stability of the quenched amorphous equimolar mixture. Its tendency to crystallization is about 10 times lower than for pure anomers. Calorimetric studies revealed that the α and β anomers don’t form solid solutions and have eutectic point for x{sub α} = 0.625. Suppressed crystallization tendency in the mixture is probably caused by the altered thermodynamics of the system. The factors such as difference of free energy between crystalline and amorphous state or altered configurational entropy are probably responsible for the inhibitory effect.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Coercivity enhancement in heavy rare earth-free NdFeB magnets by grain boundary diffusion process

Grain boundary diffusion of a Pr 3 (Co,Cu) eutectic alloy has been performed for coercivity enhancement on Nd-lean Nd 10 Fe 84 B 6 nanocrystalline ribbons. The coercivity increases from 0.5 T to 2.5 T after 6 h of infiltration at 600 °C. High resolution electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show that the excess α-Fe present in the initial samples diminishes during infiltration, giving rise to the formation of a Rare Earth-rich RE-Fe inter-boundary phase and a layer of (Nd,Pr) 2 Fe 14 B close to the surface of the hard magnetic grains. Such a microstructure favours the coercivity by increasing the nucleation field for reversal magnetization and providing magnetically isolated/decoupled hard grains.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Broadband NMR relaxometry of electrolytes for energy storage

An increasing use of the fast field cycling nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry technique to investigate dynamics in electrolytes for energy storage has been evidenced during the last decade. Therefore, this review article describes some of the research carried out on electrolytes during the last ten years using this technique. These studies include various types of liquid electrolytes, such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, semi-solid-state electrolytes, in particular ionogels and polymer gels, and solid electrolytes such as glasses, glass ceramics and polymers. Here, an extended description of the different models used to explain the relaxation rate profiles is presented throughout this article.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Formation of a fine-dispersed liquid-metal target under the action of femto- and picosecond laser pulses for a laser-plasma radiation source in the extreme ultraviolet range

We report the results of studying the dynamics of deformation and fragmentation of liquid-metal droplets under the action of ultrashort laser pulses. The experiments have been performed to optimise the shape of the droplet target used in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation sources based on the laser-produced plasma using the pre-pulse technology. The pre-pulse is generated by a system incorporating a master Ti : sapphire oscillator and a regenerative amplifier, allowing one to vary the pulse duration from 50 fs to 50 ps. The power density of laser radiation at the droplet target, averaged over the pulse duration and spatial coordinates, has reached 3 × 10{sup 15} W cm{sup -2}. The production of liquid-metal droplets has been implemented by means of a droplet generator based on a nozzle with a ring piezoceramic actuator. The droplet material is the eutectic indium – tin alloy. The droplet generator could operate in the droplet and jet regime with a maximal rate of stable operation 5 and 150 kHz, respectively. The spatial stability of droplet position σ = 1% – 2% of its diameter is achieved. The size of the droplets varied within 30 – 70 μm, their velocity was 2 – 8 m s{sup -1} depending on the operation regime. (interaction of laser radiation with matter. laser plasma)

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High brightness EUV sources based on laser plasma at using droplet liquid metal target

We present the study of a source of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation based on laser plasma generated due to the interaction of radiation from a nanosecond Nd : YAG laser with a liquidmetal droplet target consisting of a low-temperature eutectic indium–tin alloy. The generator of droplets is constructed using a commercial nozzle and operates on the principle of forced capillary jet decomposition. Long-term spatial stability of the centre-of-mass position of the droplet with the root-mean-square deviation of ∼0.5 μm is demonstrated. The use of a low-temperature working substance instead of pure tin increases the reliability and lifetime of the droplet generator. For the time- and space-averaged power density of laser radiation on the droplet target 4 × 10{sup 11} W cm{sup -2} and the diameter of radiating plasma ∼80 μm, the mean efficiency of conversion of laser energy into the energy of EUV radiation at 13.5 ± 0.135 nm equal to 2.3% (2π sr){sup -1} is achieved. Using the doublepulse method, we have modelled the repetitively pulsed regime of the source operation and demonstrated the possibility of its stable functioning with the repetition rate up to 8 kHz for the droplet generation repetition rate of more than 32 kHz, which will allow the source brightness to be as large as ∼0.96 kW (mm{sup 2} sr){sup -1}. (laser-plasma euv radiation source)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗