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At least 721 records · Page 40

Thermodynamic modeling of the U 3 O 8-x solid solution phase

It is important to accurately characterize the equilibrium behavior of U 3 O 8 during UO 2 nuclear fuel fabrication as the determination of the oxygen to uranium ratio in UO 2 powders and pellets is dependent on U 3 O 8 stoichiometry. Prior thermodynamic modeling efforts have treated U 3 O 8 as stoichiometric; however, it is experimentally known that the phase exhibits hypostoichiometric behavior at temperatures >850 K. The goal of this work was to model U 3 O 8 as a solid solution using the compound energy formalism and optimize the model to experimental data according to the CALPHAD methodology. Results of the U 3 O 8-x model assessment were visualized by recalculating the previously assessed U–O binary phase diagram replacing a stoichiometric representation of U 3 O 8 with a U 3 O 8-x solid solution model. Moreover, a recommendation is made to revise the U 3 O 8 to U conversion factor used in the ASTM C 1453 standard based on the literature and updated thermodynamic representation for U 3 O 8-x presented in this work.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Near-IR Luminescence Tuning in a Series of Chalcogenophene Carboxylate-Decorated Neodymium Dimers

Here, the solvothermal synthesis of a series of Nd dimers decorated with various chalcogenophene carboxylates and 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine of the general formula, [Nd 2 (µ-XC 5 H 3 O 2 ) 2 (XC 5 H 3 O 2 ) 4 (N 3 C 15 H 11 ) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] where X = O, S, Se, and Te, is reported. The solid-state structures were characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (scXRD) and all the complexes are isomorphous, despite substitution of the heterocyclic chalcogen; phase purity was confirmed via powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD). Vibrational spectroscopy was collected and correlations between chalcogen identity and the binding strength of the carboxylate groups of the chalcogenophene ligands with each metal center were shown to be independent of chalcogen identity. All four complexes displayed Nd(III)-based near-IR luminescence and exhibited ligand-sensitized emission. Varying the chalcogenophene chromophore enabled tuning of the sensitizing triplet state energy level, as evidenced by an 8-fold increase in the sensitization of the TeCA-decorated dimer relative to the other chalcogenophene congeners. This behavior was rationalized by comparing the Nd(III) acceptor and ligand donor states across the series. The donor triplet state of each ligand was estimated via low-temperature (77 K) phosphorescence measurements from 1:1 mixtures with Gd(III); these were found to be 24,631 cm –1 for furan-2-carboxylic acid (FCA), 23,764 cm –1 for thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (TCA), 22,548 cm –1 for selenophene-2-carboxylic acid (SeCA), and 21,186 cm –1 for tellurophene-2-carboxylic acid (TeCA). The greater sensitization efficiency of TeCA is the result of well-matched ligand donor and metal acceptor levels and thus suppression of nonradiative back-energy transfer. More broadly, triplet energy level information for these ligands serves as a guide for future application to other target metals based on the electronic properties necessary to effect efficient sensitization.

Coordination Chemistry↗

Redox-Active 1D Coordination Polymers of Iron–Sulfur Clusters

Here we describe the combination of an archetypal redox-active metal sulfide cluster, Fe 4 S 4 , with an organic linker, 1,4-benzenedithiolate, to prepare coordination polymers containing infinite chains of Fe 4 S 4 clusters. The crystal structures of two solid materials have been solved from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data using simulated annealing and re-fined by a least-squares Rietveld refinement procedure. The electronic properties of these chains have also been characterized by UV-visible and Mössbauer spectroscopies. Additional experiments demonstrated that these chains can be solubilized by variation of the countercation and that the chain structure is maintained in solution. The redox-activity of the Fe 4 S 4 clusters can be accessed with chemical reagents. Introduction of charge carriers by reduction of the Fe 4 S 4 clusters is found to increase the electrical conductivity of the materials by up to four orders of magnitude. These results highlight the utility of Fe 4 S 4 clusters as redox-active building blocks in preparing new classes of coordination polymers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Probing orientation information using 3-dimensional reciprocal space volume analysis

We present that the crystallographic texture of polycrystalline materials is the result of how these materials are processed and what external forces materials have experienced. Neutron and X-ray diffraction are standard methods to characterize global crystallographic textures. However, conventional neutron and X-ray texture analyses rely on pole figure inversion routines derived from intensity analysis of individual reflections or powder Rietveld analysis to reconstruct and model the orientation distribution from slices through reciprocal space. In this work, we describe an original approach to directly probe the crystallographic texture information of rolled aluminum from the intensity distribution in 3-dimensional reciprocal space volumes measured simultaneously. Using the TOPAZ time-of-flight Laue neutron diffractometer, reciprocal space analysis allowed determination of “pole spheres” with <1° angular resolution. Finally, these pole spheres are compared with reconstructed pole figures from classic texture analysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Compression mechanisms of ferroelectric PbTiO 3 via high pressure neutron scattering

Switchable atomic displacements generate electric dipole moments in ferroelectric materials utilized in many contemporary devices. Lead titanate, a perovskite oxide with formula PbTiO 3 , has been referred to as a textbook example of a prototype displacive ferroelectric and is a testing platform of widely used models of piezoelectric response of complex solid-solutions. PbTiO 3 has been addressed by experimental and computational studies, often with apparently conflicting conclusions. To date, hydrostatic pressure experiments have been interpreted in terms of a model in which the dipole moments gradually diminish with increasing pressure until a transition to a cubic phase, characterized by a zero average dipole moment, occurs. Additionally, the model unrealistically assumes an even compression of the crystal. Here we show by high-pressure neutron powder diffraction measurements that a fast and slow shrinkage of 12-oxygen cages around Pb and octahedra around Ti, respectively, takes place. A phase diagram consolidating earlier and present results is given.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Additively Manufactured Molten Salt to Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Heat Exchanger

Design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of the performance of a molten salt (MS)-to-supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO 2 ) heat exchanger (HE) for concentrating solar power (CSP) applications using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing (AM) of nickel-based superalloys is presented in this report. The hypothesis is that such additively manufactured HEs will result in a monolithic, compact, low-pressure drop HE that is durable under cyclic operation at high temperature and high pressure in a corrosive salt environment. Two nickel-based superalloys were considered in the project- Haynes 230 (H230) and Haynes 282 (H282). Process windows for LPBF AM were established to provide dense low porosity parts for both alloys. Creep tests results on heat treated AM H230 and H282 samples showed that the AM fabricated specimens were as robust as the wrought specimens and showed no deficit in creep strength at high temperatures. Haynes 282 was down selected for the HE fabrication based on better dimensional tolerance, better corrosion resistance to chloride salt, and higher creep strength.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Leaching of Rare Earth Elements from Central Appalachian Coal Seam Underclays

Rare earth elements (REE) are necessary for advanced technological and energy applications. To support the emerging need, it is necessary to identify new domestic sources of REE and technologies to separate and recover saleable REE product in a safe and economical manner. Underclay rock associated with Central Appalachian coal seams and prevalent in coal utilization waste products is an alternative source of REE to hard rock ores that are mainly composed of highly refractory REE-bearing minerals. This study utilizes a suite of analytical techniques and benchtop leaching tests to characterize the properties and leachability of the coal seam underclays sampled. Laboratory bench-top and flow-through reactor leaching experiments were conducted on underclay rock powders to produce a pregnant leach solution (PLS) that has relatively low concentrations of gangue elements Al, Si, Fe, and Th and is amenable to further processing steps to recover and produce purified REE product. The leaching method described here uses a chelating agent, the citrate anion, to solubilize elements that are adsorbed, or weakly bonded to the surface of clay minerals or other mineral solid phases in the rock. The citrate PLS produced from leaching specific underclay powders contains relatively higher concentrations of REE and lower concentrations of gangue elements compared to PLS produced from sequential digestion using ammonium sulfate and mineral acids. Citrate solution leaching of underclay produces a PLS with lower concentrations of gangue elements and higher concentrations of REE than achieved with hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. The results provide a preliminary assessment of the types of REE-bearing minerals and potential leachability of coal seam underclays from the Central Appalachian basin.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Single-atom gold oxo-clusters prepared in alkaline solutions catalyse the heterogeneous methanol self-coupling reactions

We report the direct use of inorganometallic gold complexes formed in alkaline solutions as robust heterogeneous catalysts. Specifically, mononuclear gold complexes with the gold atom surrounded by a shell of Na cations through -O- linkages were prepared by dissolving Au(OH) 3 in highly alkaline solutions of NaOH. The complexes remain intact upon impregnation onto supports or after drying in air to a crystalline powder. Supported catalysts containing exclusively atomic gold at loadings up to 1.2 wt.% Au were prepared. Either in supported or unsupported form, the mononuclear gold-centered oxo-clusters catalyze the selective methanol dehydrogenation reaction to methyl formate (MF) and hydrogen; a reaction of industrial interest as well as the key step in methanol steam reforming. The [Au1-Ox]- center was identified as the active catalytic site by experimental characterization and density functional theory studies. The methanol dehydrogenation reaction mechanism proceeds via the self-coupling of methanol to MF. No oxygen supply is necessary. Hence, hydrogen rather than water is produced at 2:1 (stoichiometric) molar ratio to MF. The dried crystalline powder of the solution was used as an unsupported catalyst, showing the same chemistry as the supported clusters. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations of methanol self-coupling on the mononuclear gold clusters revealed the formation of formate spectators on the clusters under reaction conditions, also corroborated by in situ DRIFTS. The inclusion of these spectators proved crucial towards the accurate description of the energetics of self-coupling of methanol on these clusters, thus unravelling the nature of the active site. Catalyst stability up to 250-300 oC in reaction conditions is demonstrated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

MRP: Qualification of Powder Metallurgy Hot Isostatic Pressed (PM HIP) Materials for Elevated-Temperature Nuclear Construction

PM HIP is a mature technology that offers many advantages that are attractive to the microreactor industry. The elevated-temperature creep-fatigue properties of the PM HIP 316H SS bar that has been characterized are reduced compared to the wrought material. Work will be carried out in fiscal year 2022 to identify the mechanisms responsible for the reduced creep-fatigue properties. Confirmatory testing of optimized material will be conducted to demonstrate long-term PM HIP properties comparable to the wrought-product form. The lessons learned for PM HIP 316H SS will be applied to the procurement and confirmatory testing of PM HIP Alloy 800H.

316H stainless steel↗

Active interlocking metasurfaces enabled by shape memory alloys

Interlocking metasurfaces (ILMs) are a newly developed joining technology that relies on arrays of interlocking features that transmit force and constrain motion between adjoining bodies in one or more directions. This study explores harnessing the shape memory effect (SME) in Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloys (NiTi SMAs) in structures fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) to advance the development of active ILMs by creating unit cells that open or close at specific temperatures. The study encompasses designing and fabricating two distinct interlocking array configurations using near-equiatomic NiTi powder and the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) AM technique, following a previously developed AM process optimization framework to manufacture defect-free parts. To guide the design process, finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to predict strain values during engage-disengage cycles. The martensitic transformation characteristics of the ILMs were characterized. Thermomechanical testing revealed that the ILMs demonstrate high locking force once engaged, coupled with complete shape recovery and good cyclic stability. Digital image correlation (DIC) was also employed to validate the FEA predictions during the engage-disengage cycles. The results indicate that NiTi SMA-based ILMs can be designed and fabricated into complex shapes using L-PBF. By leveraging the SME, the functionality of an ILM can be improved upon. The combination of computational modeling, additive manufacturing, and thermomechanical and physical property characterization provides a framework for designing future ILMs out of active materials.

Additive manufacturing↗

Characterization Inform Sustainable Recovery of Critical Minerals from Fossil Energy Waste Feedstocks

Rare earth elements (REE) and other critical minerals (CM, e.g., Co, Ni, Li) have important uses in green energy and modern technologies, yet are vulnerable to potential supply chain disruptions. One potential domestic CM source is fossil energy wastes, such as acid mine drainage (AMD) and treatment solids (AMD solids), coal combustion ash, and Oil and Gas (O&G) drilling wastes (drill cuttings and produced waters). While they can contain lower CM concentrations then traditional ore, the quantity and fast availability as waste feedstock makes them a promising CM resource. To explore their promise, researchers at DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) have collected and analyzed CM data for aforementioned fossil energy wastes, and utilized advanced geochemical characterization (e.g., synchrotron microprobe and sequential extraction) to identify the CM speciation and binding environments, and developed sustainable and targeted CM recovery. Successful examples include: (1) the discovery of easily mobile REE phases in Ca-rich coal combustion ash and developing a patented REE recovery process from Ca-rich Powder River Basin coal ash; (2) the successful identification of REE/Co/Ni/Zn hosting phases in acid mine drainage treatment solids (AMD solids) with diverse chemical composition (Al, Mn, or Fe-rich) informing the sequential recovery of different REE/CMs from AMD solids; (3) the recovery potential of Li and other CMs in O&G produced waters and drill cuttings. The innovations driven by characterization have the potential to offset the cost of waste management and wastewater treatments while reducing the cost and environmental footprint of CM extraction.

Stuckman, Mengling↗

Evaluation of Superconducting Properties and Diffusion Behavior of Ex Situ and In Situ Bulk MgB{sub 2} Materials with Ni Coating

Ex situ and in situ bulk MgB{sub 2} superconducting materials have successfully been produced by the simple amorphous boron and nano-amorphous boron powders with the processes of ball milling, pressing, and annealing. The superconducting properties and diffusion behavior of MgB{sub 2} samples after nickel (Ni) coating process have been characterized and compared to the microstructure and performance of uncoated (bare) MgB{sub 2} bulk sample. One surface of MgB{sub 2} superconductor sample was coated with a thin Ni layer of about 50 − 60μm thickness using vapor deposition techniques in versatile high vacuum coater, then every sample was annealed at temperatures between 923 and 1123 K for 1 h. The role of annealing temperature on physical, electrical, superconducting, and structural characterizations of bare and Ni-coated ex situ/in situ MgB{sub 2} bulk superconductors has been studied using X-ray diffraction and dc electrical resistivity versus temperature measurements. Finally, the Ni diffusion coefficients (D{sub Ni} = D{sub 0}exp(E/k{sub B}T)) are calculated in the temperature range to calculate the required minimum activation energy value for the Ni atoms/ions into the ex situ MgB{sub 2} crystal structure for the first time.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Creep Deformation and Damage Mechanisms in an Advanced High-Temperature Additively Manufactured Nickel-Base Superalloy

Abstract This research investigates the processing–structure–properties–performance relationship in a novel nickel-base superalloy, ABD ® -900AM, designed for extreme environments. Specifically tailored for additive manufacturing (AM), ABD ® -900AM maintains mechanical integrity at high temperatures and is comparable to other nickel-based superalloys with a 30–40% gamma-prime volume fraction. A comprehensive study was conducted using laser-beam powder bed fusion and electron-beam powder bed fusion methods. Factors such as heat treatment, porosity, build orientation, and hot isostatic pressing were evaluated to understand their effects on microstructure and mechanical performance. Microstructural characterization revealed significant differences in grain size and orientation across build processes and heat treatments. High-temperature mechanical testing indicated that grain size, heat treatment, and orientation significantly influence creep behavior. A super-solvus heat treatment led to recrystallization and grain growth, significantly improving creep properties compared to a near-solvus heat treatment. Various creep mechanisms were identified across different conditions, and creep rupture models were developed for each build process. Post-test microstructural analysis showed grain boundary damage, with differences in creep cavitation morphology under varying stress conditions. It was shown that MC carbides grow at the expense of gamma-prime near grain boundaries, leading to precipitate-free zones in specimens tested at higher temperatures. This study fills a significant gap in fundamental research by offering a deeper insight into the high-temperature mechanical behavior of additively manufactured nickel-base superalloys. It also explores critical research questions regarding the role of carbides and the significance of heat treatment. The insights gained enhance confidence in the industry adoption of ABD ® -900AM and similar alloys for high-temperature applications, bridging the knowledge gap and supporting the development of reliable AM processes for extreme environments.

Bridges, Alex (ORCID:000000030338759X)↗

Catalytic and electrocatalytic performance of Sr(Ti 0.3 Fe 0.7 Ru 0.07 )O 3-δ for applications in solid oxide fuel cells supplied with ethanol steam reforming mixtures

We discuss how direct utilization of alcohols in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) can improve the conversion efficiency by using excess heat for internal reforming and simplify the system balance of plant. Thanks to their scarce carbon- formation tendency, perovskite oxide anodes are promising alternatives to Ni-based cermets. Here we show that Sr(Ti 0.3 Fe 0.7 Ru 0.07 )O 3-δ (STF-Ru) exsolution anodes provide both catalytic reforming activity and electro- chemical activity with steam/ethanol (S/E) mixtures at 3:1 and 2:1 M ratio between 700 and 800 °C. Electrolyte- supported scandia stabilized zirconia SOFCs with STF-Ru anodes and Sr 0.95 Ti 0.3 Fe 0.7 O 3-δ (STF) cathodes are reasonably stable in the 3:1 S/E mixture over 20 h at 800 °C, with maximum power density of 195 mW/cm 2 and 140 mW/cm 2 at 0.7 V. Deactivation instead occurs with the 2:1 S/E mixture. Comparatively, cells with Ni-YSZ anodes rapidly coke and fail under the same conditions. Ethanol steam reforming experiments in a fixed bed powder reactor reveal that, above 650 °C, gas phase reactions convert ethanol to CO, hydrogen, acetaldehyde and ethylene, while STF-Ru catalyzes steam reforming. Thermogravimetric and Raman characterizations show that a moderate amount of carbon is deposited on the STF-Ru surface, which is more amorphous than the disruptive carbon which degrades Ni-YSZ.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Hydrothermal synthesis, structure, heterogeneous catalytic activity and photoluminescent properties of a novel homoleptic Sm(III)-organic framework

A novel metal-organic framework, (H{sub 2}pip){sub n}[Sm{sub 2}(pydc){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sub n} (1) (H{sub 2}pydc=2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, H{sub 2}pip=piperazine) has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by the elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The structure of 1 was determined to be three-dimensional, linked along Sm-O-Sm chains. The asymmetric unit consisted of one singly anionic fragment consisting of Sm(III) coordinated to two H{sub 2}pydc ligands and one water, and one half of a protonated H{sub 2}pip, which sits on an inversion center. 1 exhibited luminescence emission bands at 534 nm at room temperature when excited at 440 nm. Its thermal behavior and catalytic performance were investigated and the selectivity was measured as 100% for the oxidation of thymol to thymoquinone. - Graphical abstract: A novel 3D lanthanide-organic framework has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The thermal behavior and catalytic performance of 1 were investigated and its selectivity was measured as 100% for the oxidation of thymol to thymoquinone.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development and experimental study of an automated laser-foil-printing additive manufacturing system

Purpose This paper aims to present the development and experimental study of a fully automated system using a novel laser additive manufacturing technology called laser foil printing (LFP), to fabricate metal parts layer by layer. The mechanical properties of parts fabricated with this novel system are compared with those of comparable methodologies to emphasize the suitability of this process. Design/methodology/approach Test specimens and parts with different geometries were fabricated from 304L stainless steel foil using an automated LFP system. The dimensions of the fabricated parts were measured, and the mechanical properties of the test specimens were characterized in terms of mechanical strength and elongation. Findings The properties of parts fabricated with the automated LFP system were compared with those of parts fabricated with the powder bed fusion additive manufacturing methods. The mechanical strength is higher than those of parts fabricated by the laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition technologies. Originality/value To the best knowledge of authors, this is the first time a fully automated LFP system has been developed and the properties of its fabricated parts were compared with other additive manufacturing methods for evaluation.

Engineering↗

Synthesis and Thermal Oxidation Resistance of Boron-Rich Boron–Carbide Material

A boron-rich boron–carbide material (B4+δC) was synthesized by spark plasma sintering of a ball-milled mixture of high-purity boron powder and graphitic carbon at a pressure of 7 MPa and a temperature of 1930 °C. This high-pressure, high-temperature synthesized material was recovered and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Vickers hardness measurements, and thermal oxidation studies. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed a single-phase rhombohedral structure (space group R-3m) with lattice parameters in hexagonal representation as a = 5.609 ± 0.007 Å and c = 12.082 ± 0.02 Å. The experimental lattice parameters result in a value of δ = 0.55, or the composition of the synthesized compound as B4.55C. The high-resolution scans of boron binding energy reveal the existence of a B-C bond at 188.5 eV. Raman spectroscopy reveals the existence of a 386 cm−1 vibrational mode representative of C-B-B linear chain formation due to excess boron in the lattice. The measured Vickers microhardness at a load of 200 gf shows a high hardness value of 33.8 ± 2.3 GPa. Thermal gravimetric studies on B4.55C were conducted at a temperature of 1300 °C in a compressed dry air environment, and its behavior is compared to other high-temperature ceramic materials such as high-entropy transition metal boride. The high neutron absorption cross section, high melting point, high mechanical strength, and thermal oxidation resistance make this material ideal for applications in extreme environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microscale Isotopic Variation in Uranium Fuel Pellets with Implications for Nuclear Forensics

Until recently, the analysis and identification of nuclear fuel pellets in the context of a nuclear forensics investigation have been mainly focused on macroscopic characteristics, such as fuel pellet dimensions, uranium enrichment, and other reactor-specific features. Here, we report microscale isotopic heterogeneity observed in different fuel pellet fragments that were characterized in situ by nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). The materials analyzed include fuel fragments obtained as part of the Collaborative Materials Exercise (CMX-4) organized by the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group (ITWG), as well as a fuel pellet fragment from a commercial power reactor. Although the commercial fuel pellet showed a homogeneous 235 U/ 238 U ratio across the sample (within analytical error), NanoSIMS imaging of the CMX-4 fuel pellet fragments showed distinct microscale variations in the uranium isotopic composition. The average 235 U enrichments were 2.2 and 2.9% for the two samples; however, the measured 235 U/ 238 U ratios varied between 0.0081 and 0.035 (0.79–3.3 atom % 235 U) and between 0.0090 and 0.045 (0.89–4.3 atom % 235 U). The measurement of 236 U in one of the CMX-4 samples suggested the use of at least three uranium oxide powders of different isotopic compositions (“source terms”) in the production of the pellets. These variations were not detected using the conventional bulk, macroscopic techniques applied to these materials. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of characterizing samples on the microscale for heterogeneities that would otherwise be overlooked and demonstrates the potential use of NanoSIMS in guiding further nuclear forensic analysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗