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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 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

A new design strategy for observing lithium oxide growth-evolution interactions using geometric catalyst positioning

Understanding the catalyzed formation and evolution of lithium-oxide products in Li-O 2 batteries is central to the development of next-generation energy storage technology. Catalytic sites, while effective in lowering reaction barriers, often become deactivated when placed on the surface of an oxygen electrode due to passivation by solid products. Here we investigate a mechanism for alleviating catalyst deactivation by dispersing Pd catalytic sites away from the oxygen electrode surface in a well-structured anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) porous membrane interlayer. We observe the cross-sectional product growth and evolution in Li-O 2 cells by characterizing products that grow from the electrode surface. Morphological and structural details of the products in both catalyzed and uncatalyzed cells are investigated independently from the influence of the oxygen electrode. We find that the geometric decoration of catalysts far from the conductive electrode surface significantly improves the reaction reversibility by chemically facilitating the oxidation reaction through local coordination with PdO surfaces. Lastly, the influence of the catalyst position on product composition is further verified by ex situ Xray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy in addition to morphological studies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Minor titanium addition markedly improves the co-deformability of copper-tantalum composites

We investigated the microstructures of equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) processed sintered composites of copper (Cu) and tantalum (Ta). These composites were produced with nominal Ta volume percentages ranging from 25% to 75%. Additional composites of the same nominal Ta content were prepared with a minor amount of titanium (Ti) added to facilitate interphase bonding. Ti addition was found to markedly improve the strength and co-deformability of the composites, allowing reliable extrusion of Cu-Ta composites with novel microstructures. A major influence of the Ti appears to be to soften the Ta, which contributes to improved co-deformability by reducing the flow stress mismatch between the composite constituents. Here, a change in the fracture surface morphology in the Ti-modified composite compared to the unmodified composite suggests that the Ti may also improve cohesion between Cu and Ta by reducing Ta surface oxides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Effects of Sodium and Magnesium Ions on the Photochemically Induced Heterogeneous Formation of Manganese Oxides and Their Structural Evolution

Manganese (Mn) oxides are abundant in aquatic and terrestrial environments, where they play significant roles in redox cycling and biological metabolisms. We recently observed that Mn oxides were homogeneously formed during the abiotic oxidation of Mn 2+ (aq) to Mn(IV) by O 2 •– via nitrate photolysis, at a rate comparable to that of biotic Mn oxide formation. On the other hand, for the heterogeneous formation of Mn oxides, the presence of a substrate can alter the required thermodynamic driving force, which may affect their crystalline phases and further influence the oxidative capability of redox cycling in environmental systems. However, little is known about the photochemically induced heterogeneous formation of Mn oxides on substrates. In this study, we investigated the heterogeneous formation of Mn oxides on a quartz substrate in the presence of two environmentally abundant cations, Na + and Mg 2+ . In contrast to homogeneously generated Mn oxides, the heterogeneously formed Mn oxides displayed faster crystalline phase evolutions and morphological changes over time. Additionally, the coexistence of Na + and Mg 2+ ions greatly affected the initial crystalline phases and the phase evolution, as well as the surface morphologies of the Mn oxides. Finally, these discoveries contribute to our understanding of how various Mn oxides form in nature and provide insights into the processes involved in manufacturing specific Mn oxide crystalline structures for engineering applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Molecular Beam Epitaxy of Highly Crystalline Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide on Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Atomically thin molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), a direct-band-gap semiconductor, is promising for applications in electronics and optoelectronics, but the scalable synthesis of highly crystalline film remains challenging. Here we report the successful epitaxial growth of a continuous, uniform, highly crystalline monolayer MoS 2 film on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by molecular beam epitaxy. Atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy studies reveal that MoS 2 grown on h-BN primarily consists of two types of nucleation grains (0° aligned and 60° antialigned domains). By adopting a high growth temperature and ultralow precursor flux, the formation of 60° antialigned grains is largely suppressed. Further, the resulting perfectly aligned grains merge seamlessly into a highly crystalline film. Large-scale monolayer MoS 2 film can be grown on a 2 in. h-BN/sapphire wafer, for which surface morphology and Raman mapping confirm good spatial uniformity. Our study represents a significant step in the scalable synthesis of highly crystalline MoS 2 films on atomically flat surfaces and paves the way to large-scale applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Continuum model of surface roughening and epitaxial breakdown during low-temperature Ge(001) molecular beam epitaxy

Numerical simulations based on a discrete model describing step edge motion are used to compute the surface morphological evolution of Ge(001) layers deposited by low-temperature (T{sub s} = 45-230 deg. C) molecular beam epitaxy and to probe the relationship between surface roughening and the onset of epitaxial breakdown - the abrupt growth mode transition from epitaxial to amorphous - at temperature-dependent critical film thicknesses h{sub 1}(T{sub s}). Computed surface widths w and in-plane coherence lengths d as a function of layer thickness h exhibit good agreement with experimental values. Inspired by experimental results indicating that epitaxial breakdown is initiated at facetted interisland trenches as the surface roughness reaches a T{sub s}-independent overall aspect ratio, we show that simulated data for w/d = 0.03 correspond to thicknesses h{sub 1{proportional_to}} exp (-E{sub 1}/kT{sub s}) with E{sub 1} = 0.63 eV, a value equal to the Ge adatom diffusion activation energy on Ge(001). Simulated h{sub 1} values agree well with experimental data. Above a critical growth temperature of 170 deg. C, computed w/d values saturate at large film thicknesses, never reaching the critical aspect ratio w/d = 0.03. Thus, the model also predicts that epitaxial breakdown does not occur for T{sub s} > 170 deg. C as observed experimentally.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Quantitative EP Studies and Results for SRF Nb Cavity Production

Cavities and their performance quality are major cost drivers in SRF-based projects. EP is a superior chemical treatment, and now is replacing BCP for producing high gradient SRF cavities. To achieve high performance and reliability, which is essential for Nb SRF cavities production, it is important for us to understand Nb EP in detail so that we can tailor it to the best effect. The analytical tools of electrochemistry and surface topography are the means of developing such understanding. In this talk, the recent incorporation of analytic electrochemical techniques into the development of well controlled protocols for Nb electroplishing will be reported, such as using three electrode method for polarization curve measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to understand the mechanism of EP, and rotating disk electrode (RDE) to study the diffusion coefficient of active species of F ions, and the related diffusion layers etc. In parallel, investigations for monitoring scale-dependent Nb surface morphology evolution under different Nb EP parameters, which is expected to lead to matrix a best EP parameter and have a predictive power to describe the Nb surface evolution during EP will be demonstrated. Early lessons learned that are relevant to Nb cavities will be introduced, and directions for the future are aimed at well control, high reproducibility, efficient, and geometry independent EP process for coming SRF-based projects.

Tian, H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Procedures for analysis of debris relative to Space Shuttle systems

Debris samples collected from various Space Shuttle systems have been submitted to the Microchemical Analysis Branch. This investigation was initiated to develop optimal techniques for the analysis of debris. Optical microscopy provides information about the morphology and size of crystallites, particle sizes, amorphous phases, glass phases, and poorly crystallized materials. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry is utilized for information on surface morphology and qualitative elemental content of debris. Analytical electron microscopy with wavelength dispersive spectrometry provides information on the quantitative elemental content of debris.

Kim, Hae Soo↗
NASA NTRS1994

Bell Regio, Venus: Integration of remote sensing data and terrestrial analogs for geologic analysis

The geology and surface morphology of Bell Regio (18-42 deg N, 32-58 deg E) are investigated using a combination of Magellan, Venera, and analogous terrestrial data. The properties of surface units are compared to either direct terrestrial analog measurements or to the behaviors predicted by theoretical models. Five major volcanic sources are identified from geologic mapping (Tepev Mons, Nefertiti corona, a large shield volcano east of Tepev, and two small edifices southeast of Tepev). The volcano Api Mons lies northeast of the main Bell uplift. The oldest volcanic units are associated with an extensive low shield volcano east of Tepev Mons and a small edifice southeast of Tepev. The annular flow apron of Tepev Mons formed next, with volcanism at a second small edifice on the southeast flank of Tepev Mons producing the youngest flow units. Comparisons between Magellan data, terrestrial radar images, and field topography profiles suggest that only three units resemble terrestrial a'a flows; the remainder are consistent with smoother pahoehoe-type surfaces. This suggests that most of the flow units were erupted at relatively low volume effusion rates (less than 100 cu m/sec) over long periods of time or had very low viscosities

Campbell, Bruce A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Vapor Growth and Characterization of Cr-Doped ZnSe Crystals

Cr-doped ZnSe single crystals were grown by self-seeded physical vapor transport technique under both vertical (stabilized) and horizontal configurations. The source materials were mixtures of ZnSe and CrSe. The growth temperatures were in the range of 1140 to 1150C and the furnace translation rates were 1.9 to 2.2 mm/day. The surface morphology of the as-grown crystals was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The different features on the as-grown surface of the vertically and horizontally grown crystals suggests that different growth mechanisms were involved for the two growth configurations. The [Cr] doping levels were determined to be in the range of 1.8 to 8.3 x 10(exp 19)/cubic centimeter from optical absorption measurements. The crystalline quality of the grown crystals were examined by high resolution triple crystal X-ray diffraction (HRTXD) analysis.

Su, Ching-Hua↗
NASA NTRS2003

An Impact Ejecta Behavior Model for Small, Irregular Bodies

In recent years, spacecraft observations of asteroids 951 Gaspra, 243 Ida, 253 Mathilde, and 433 Eros have shown the overriding dominance of impact processes with regard to the structure and surface morphology of these small, irregular bodies. In particular, impact ejecta play an important role in regolith formation, ranging from small particles to large blocks, as well as surface feature modification and obscuration. To investigate these processes, a numerical model has been developed based upon the impact ejecta scaling laws provided by Housen, Schmidt, and Holsapple, and modified to more properly simulate the late-stage ejection velocities and ejecta plume shape changes (ejection angle variations) shown in impact cratering experiments. A target strength parameter has also been added to allow the simulation of strength-dominated cratering events in addition to the more familiar gravity-dominated cratering events. The result is a dynamical simulation which models -- via tracer particles -- the ejecta plume behavior, ejecta blanket placement, and impact crater area resulting from a specified impact on an irregularly shaped target body, which is modeled in 3-dimensional polygon fashion. This target body can be placed in a simple rotation state about one of its principal axes, with the impact site and projectile/target parameters selected by the user. The gravitational force from the irregular target body (on each tracer particle) is determined using the polygonized surface (polyhedron) gravity technique developed by Werner.

Richardson, J. E.↗
DOE OSTI2011

Characterization of cell surface and extracellular matrix remodeling of Azospirillum brasilense chemotaxis-like 1 signal transduction pathway mutants by atomic force microscopy

To compete in complex microbial communities, bacteria must sense environmental changes and adjust cellular functions for optimal growth. Chemotaxis-like signal transduction pathways are implicated in the regulation of multiple behaviors in response to changes in the environment, including motility patterns, exopolysaccharide production, and cell-to-cell interactions. In Azospirillum brasilense, cell surface properties, including exopolysaccharide production, are thought to play a direct role in promoting flocculation. Recently, the Che1 chemotaxis-like pathway from A. brasilense was shown to modulate flocculation, suggesting an associated modulation of cell surface properties. Using atomic force microscopy, distinct changes in the surface morphology of flocculating A. brasilense Che1 mutant strains were detected. Whereas the wild-type strain produces a smooth mucosal extracellular matrix after 24 h, the flocculating Che1 mutant strains produce distinctive extracellular fibril structures. Further analyses using flocculation inhibition, lectin-binding assays, and comparison of lipopolysaccharides profiles suggest that the extracellular matrix differs between the cheA1 and the cheY1 mutants, despite an apparent similarity in the macroscopic floc structures. Collectively, these data indicate that disruption of the Che1 pathway is correlated with distinctive changes in the extracellular matrix, which likely result from changes in surface polysaccharides structure and/or composition.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Fabrication of AlN/BN bishell hollow nanofibers by electrospinning and atomic layer deposition

Aluminum nitride (AlN)/boron nitride (BN) bishell hollow nanofibers (HNFs) have been fabricated by successive atomic layer deposition (ALD) of AlN and sequential chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of BN on electrospun polymeric nanofibrous template. A four-step fabrication process was utilized: (i) fabrication of polymeric (nylon 6,6) nanofibers via electrospinning, (ii) hollow cathode plasma-assisted ALD of AlN at 100 °C onto electrospun polymeric nanofibers, (iii) calcination at 500 °C for 2 h in order to remove the polymeric template, and (iv) sequential CVD growth of BN at 450 °C. AlN/BN HNFs have been characterized for their chemical composition, surface morphology, crystal structure, and internal nanostructure using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. Measurements confirmed the presence of crystalline hexagonal BN and AlN within the three dimensional (3D) network of bishell HNFs with relatively low impurity content. In contrast to the smooth surface of the inner AlN layer, outer BN coating showed a highly rough 3D morphology in the form of BN nano-needle crystallites. It is shown that the combination of electrospinning and plasma-assisted low-temperature ALD/CVD can produce highly controlled multi-layered bishell nitride ceramic hollow nanostructures. While electrospinning enables easy fabrication of nanofibrous template, self-limiting reactions of plasma-assisted ALD and sequential CVD provide control over the wall thicknesses of AlN and BN layers with sub-nanometer accuracy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Formation of ultrasmooth thin silver films by pulsed laser deposition

Ultrasmooth thin silver films have been formed on a quartz substrate with a buffer yttrium oxide layer by pulsed laser deposition. The dependence of the surface morphology of the film on the gas (N{sub 2}) pressure in the working chamber and laser pulse energy is investigated. It is found that the conditions of film growth are optimal at a gas pressure of 10{sup -2} Torr and lowest pulse energy. The silver films formed under these conditions on a quartz substrate with an initial surface roughness of 0.3 nm had a surface roughness of 0.36 nm. These films can be used as a basis for various optoelectronics and nanoplasmonics elements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2010

Diamond/AlN Thin Films for Optical Applications

In this work we report on membranes made of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) and AlN for the use in tunable micro-optics. For the growth of the AlN and NCD thin films, magnetron sputtering and chemical vapor deposition techniques have been used, respectively. A chemical-mechanical polishing process of NCD layers has been introduced, which is crucial for the growth of c-oriented, fiber textured AlN films. AlN layers deposited on as grown and polished nanocrystalline diamond along with free standing membranes have been compared by studying microstructure, surface morphology, piezoelectrical response as well as optical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures on fused silica upon multiple cross-polarized double-femtosecond-laser-pulse irradiation sequences

The formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) upon irradiation of fused silica with multiple irradiation sequences consisting of five Ti:sapphire femtosecond (fs) laser pulse pairs (150 fs, 800 nm) is studied experimentally. A Michelson interferometer is used to generate near-equal-energy double-pulse sequences with a temporal pulse delay from -20 to +20 ps between the cross-polarized individual fs-laser pulses ({approx}0.2 ps resolution). The results of multiple double-pulse irradiation sequences are characterized by means of Scanning Electron and Scanning Force Microscopy. Specifically in the sub-ps delay domain striking differences in the surface morphologies can be observed, indicating the importance of the laser-induced free-electron plasma in the conduction band of the solids for the formation of LIPSS.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Direct selective laser sintering of hexagonal barium titanate ceramics

Abstract A direct selective laser sintering (SLS) process was combined with a laser preheating procedure to decrease the temperature gradient and thermal stress, which was demonstrated as a promising approach for additive manufacturing of BaTiO 3 ceramics. The phase compositions in BaTiO 3 ceramics fabricated by SLS were investigated by X‐ray and neutron diffractions. The surface morphologies and cross‐section microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A dense hexagonal h‐BaTiO 3 layer was formed on the surface and extended to a depth of 500 μm, with a relative density higher than 97% and absence of pores or microcracks. SLS resulted in the formation of the high‐temperature phase, h‐BaTiO 3 , which was retained at room temperature possibly due to the high cooling rate. The grain boundaries of SLSed h‐BaTiO 3 ceramics consist of a Ti‐rich secondary phase. Compared with that of the pressureless sintered t‐BaTiO 3 ceramics, the Vickers hardness of SLSed h‐BaTiO 3 is 70% higher.

Zhang, Xiang↗
DOE OSTI2019

Chemical, Morphological, Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Transition Metal Titanium (Ti)-Doped LaFeO{sub 3} Nanoparticles

In the present work, pure and transition metal titanium (Ti)-doped LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3}(x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis technique for various molar ratios of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6. The prepared samples were grinned and annealed in furnace at 600 {sup ∘}C/4 h. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the phase orthorhombic formation of LaFeO{sub 3} and Ti-doped LaFeO{sub 3}. The stoichiometric analysis was performed through energy-dispersive X-ray studies (EDX). The micro-structural features of surface morphology were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Further, surface nanocrystalline of the titanium (Ti)-doped LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} was also investigated through high-resolution transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis. The enhancement of room temperature magnetization value has been observed from the M–H curve which is measured using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM).The weak ferromagnetic behavior was observed from hysteresis loop. From hysteresis loop, saturation takes place when the applied magnetic field intensity is 15 kO{sub e}.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗