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At least 919 records · Page 51

Effect of LID (Registered) processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo titanium foil-gauge materials

A study was undertaken to determine the mechanical properties and microstructures resulting from Liquid Interface Diffusion (LID -Registered) processing of foil-gauge specimens of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo coated with varying amounts of LID material. In addition, the effects of various elevated temperature exposures on the concentration profiles of the LID alloying elements were investigated, using specimens with a narrow strip of LID material applied to the surface. Room and elevated temperature tensile properties were determined for both coated and uncoated specimens. Optical microscopy was used to examine alloy microstructures, and scanning electron microscopy to examine fracture surface morphologies. The chemical concentration profiles of the strip-coated specimens were determined with an electron microprobe.

Balckburn, Linda B.↗

Pulling thin single crystal silicon wafers from a melt: The new leading-edge solar substrate

The Floating Silicon Method (FSM) has been established as a viable, stable method for growing single crystal ribbons directly from a silicon melt. With intense helium jet cooling to drive the linear progress of a [111] facet, pulled in the <110> direction, ribbons in the 0.6 – 3.0 mm thickness range can be grown at linear growth rates from 0.3 mm/s to >6 mm/s as reported in the literature. We report on recent progress towards growing (100) oriented ribbons with a net thickness of less than 200 microns and a ribbon width up to 18 cm using a stable, continuous process in the Leading Edge prototype furnace. Here, the 3D details of the single crystal growth are explained by extending the mechanics of the Limit Cycle Theory, with novel Internal Side Effect morphology described by a proposed Facet Flow Theory. Grown-in crystalline defect distributions are described as well as values of critical impurities like oxygen, carbon, dopants, and metals that are relevant for use as wafers for solar cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Low Cost Corrugated Substrates for High Efficiency OLEDs (Final Report)

The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of a planar OLED is limited to 25%. Around 75% of the light is trapped in the substrate, waveguided and SPP modes. In this project, we demonstrated that nano-structures can significantly improve the EQE of OLEDs. The objective is to improve the EQE to 70% using corrugated substrate, low index layer incorporation and micro lens arrays. We conducted optical study of the operating devices using ARES measurement, and used the result to guide the design of corrugated substrates as well as the OLED stack for better performance. During the first year of the program, we have demonstrated over 60% EQE in a corrugated green OLED with half-ball lens for light extraction. By comparing, the optical characteristics of OLEDs fabricated on single and poly crystal corrugated structures, we confirm that the enhancement using corrugated substrates comes from waveguided and SPP modes extraction. To push the device EQE to 70%, further optimization of the corrugated substrate is needed. The extraction of waveguided and SPP modes are influenced by the corrugation pitch, depth and profile. Therefore, we developed a series of processes to precisely control the corrugation morphology. Through comparison of different corrugated substrates, we observed that while an abrupt surface profile results in stronger mode extraction, it also introduces strong leakage current; while a smooth profile are less efficient in mode extraction, it preserves the quality of an OLED. Based on these observations, we conclude that a single crystal hole corrugation results in optimum EQE % and low leakage current when planarized with PEDOT. To improve the extraction of waveguided mode, we also introduce a low index contrast layer (ICL) to increase the index contrast between corrugated ITO and glass interface. We optimized our recipe for the index contrast layer processing and reduced its refractive index from 1.50 to 1.38. As a result, the optimized device shows 47.6% EQE, which is 1.64 times higher than the reference planar device. By extracting the substrate mode with a hemispherical lens, we obtained an EQE of 71.6%, which is a 2.46 times enhancement. The cross-section SEM image reveals the high EQE is due to the formation of an air gap at the interface of the ICL, resulting in an increase of the index contrast to Δn ~ 1. We use angle-resolved electroluminescence spectroscopy (ARES) to demonstrate that the ICL improves the diffraction efficiency at the ITO/glass interface, extracts TM, TE waveguide and SPP mode more efficiently, and leads to the observed high efficiency. We also address the directional emission issue with the single crystalline microlens arrays (MLAs) by fabricating polycrystalline MLAs. The process uses colloidal assembly method to create a mono-layer of silica spheres, then uses PDMS stamps to replicate the pattern for multi-use imprinting. The MLAs are close-packed in short range but have random orientations in the long range. This avoids stronger extraction along the optical axes of single crystal MLAs and prevents the directional emission issue. We also demonstrate that the color shift induced by the corrugation can be minimized using MLAs. In this scenario, the MLAs work as diffuser to randomize the directional emission from extracted waveguide and SPP modes.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Dissimilar Joints of Al-Mg{sub 2}Si and 5052 Aluminum Alloy by Friction Stir Welding

Al-Mg{sub 2}Si alloy and 5052 Al alloy were welded successfully by friction stir welding (FSW) in this study. The results show that the alloy consists of three distinct zones after FSW: the base material zone (BMZ), the transitional zone, and the weld nugget (WN). The morphologies of the primary Mg{sub 2}Si phases are identified as coarse equiaxed crystals for Al-Mg{sub 2}Si alloys in the BMZ. The WN is a mixture of rich Al-Mg{sub 2}Si and rich 5052 alloy, and a banded structure is formed in the zone. Interestingly, in the WN, the equiaxed crystals changed to polygonal particles with substantially reduced sizes in the rich Al-Mg{sub 2}Si zone. However, in addition to the white rich Mg phase appearing in the rich 5052 zone near the interface, the 5052 alloy does not show obvious changes. The hardness gradually increases from the BMZ of the 5052 to the welded joint to the Al-Mg{sub 2}Si BMZ. In addition, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the welded joint is higher than that of the base material of the Al-Mg{sub 2}Si, whereas it is lower than that of the 5052 base alloy. The results of the elongation are similar to the UTS results. The fracture mechanism is also investigated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dual Passivation of Cathode and Anode through Electrode–Electrolyte Interface Engineering Enables Long-Lifespan Li Metal–SPAN Batteries

The reliability and durability of lithium metal (Li 0 )–sulfur batteries are largely limited by the undesired Li 0 plating-stripping irreversibility and the detrimental polysulfide dissolution, yet approaches that can simultaneously address the above anodic and cathodic problems are scarce. In this study, we report the stable operation of a Li 0 -SPAN (sulfurized polyacrylonitrile) battery via an anode–cathode dual-passivation approach. By combination of a fluorinated localized high concentration electrolyte (LHCE) and a Li 3 N-forming additive (TMS-N 3 ), robust and highly conductive electrode passivation layers are formed in situ on the surface of both the Li 0 anode and the SPAN cathode. The resulting highly reversible, dendrite-free, and high-density Li 0 plating morphology enables a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.4%. Advanced tender energy X-ray spectroscopy also reveals the eliminated Li 2 S formation and minimized polysulfide dissolution in SPAN cathodes, leading to a high capacity of 580 mAh/g SPAN and stable cycling with negligible capacity decay (0.7%) for 800 cycles. This electrode–electrolyte interphase engineering strategy has tackled the major limitations of Li–S batteries in both ether- and carbonate-based electrolyte systems and under a wide temperature range from –10 to +50 °C, thus providing insightful guidelines for the rational design of highly durable and high-energy-density Li 0 -S batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Stress evolution in lithium metal electrodes

The potential advantages of lithium metal anodes have received widespread attention (highest capacity, lowest reduction potential, etc). However, the poor stability of Li metal / liquid electrolyte interfaces leads to chronic problems, such as dendrite formation and capacity loss. The possible impact of mechanical effects on interface stability and dendrite formation are difficult to probe directly. In this study, stress evolution during lithium plating and stripping was monitored with precise in situ measurements. The data obtained with different film thicknesses made it possible to separate the stresses associated with the lithium metal and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The results show that significant stresses are created in the SEI films. Based on this, a basic model of wrinkling-ratcheting-delamination is also presented. This analysis indicates that plasticity in a growing Li film can enhance surface wrinkling, and thus lead to morphological destabilization of a planar growth front.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Correlation between Structure, Chemistry, and Dielectric Properties of Iron-Doped Gallium Oxide (Ga 2– x Fe x O 3 )

Iron (Fe) doped gallium oxide (Ga2O3) compounds (Ga2-xFexO3; x=0.0-0.3; referred to GFO) were synthesized by the standard high-temperature solid-state chemical reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed that the sintered GFO compounds stabilized in monoclinic crystal structure with C2/m space group. Local structure and chemical bonding analyses using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) revealed that the Fe occupies octahedral and tetrahedral sites similar to Ga in parent Ga2O3 lattice without considerable changes in the local symmetry. Morphology of the GFO compounds is characterized by the presence of rod-shaped particle (from around 2.0-3.5 µm) features. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the chemical stoichiometry of the GFO compounds, where the atomic ratio of the constituted elements is in accordance with the calculated concentration values. The frequency and temperature dependent dielectric properties of the GFO compounds exhibited the traditional dielectric dispersion behavior. Relatively high dielectric constant at lower frequencies is attributed to Maxwell-Wagner type of dielectric relaxation which primarily originated from uncompensated charges at electrode material interface. Based on the results and analyses, the effect of Fe content on the crystal structure, chemical bonding and local structure, and dielectric properties of Ga2-xFexO3 compounds is established.Based on the results and analyses, the effects of Fe content on the crystal structure, chemical bonding and local structure, and dielectric properties of Ga2-xFexO3 compounds are established.

Roy, Swadipta↗

Dual-Responsive Macromolecular Surfaces with Binary Patterns

The development of nanopatterned interfaces incorporating multiple stimuli-responsive polymers has great potential for advancing smart sensors and molecular capture devices, yet it remains challenging due to limitations in patterning techniques and “grafting from” methods. Here, we present a binary-patterned surface featuring honeycomb-shaped photothermal polypyrrole (PPy) and thermally responsive poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate) [poly(EGMEA-co-PEGMEA)] brushes within the cavities, fabricated using colloidal lithography and surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) polymerization. The morphology of the surface can be precisely tuned by adjusting the height of each domain. This design integrates unique topographical features with the stimuli-responsiveness of the polymer, enabling the collapse of the copolymer brushes through direct heating or photothermal conversion of PPy under near-IR light. In conclusion, this innovative system offers potential capture-release functionality, providing versatility for diverse applications and enhancing adaptability across different functional scenarios.

Copolymers↗

Microanalysis of Primary Biological Particles from Model Grass over Its Life Cycle

Airborne biological aerosols are an integral part of the atmosphere–biosphere interface and significantly impact the environment and Earth’s climate. Primary biological particles such as fungal spores, bacteria, and fragments of plant debris are emitted directly from the biosphere into the atmosphere. The phyllosphere (aboveground plant surfaces) is one of the major habitats for different microbes. Here, atmospheric emissions of primary biological particles from model grass Brachypodium distachyon were monitored by online particle number concentration counting at eight principal growth stages starting from leaf development to senescence. Particles collected at each of the growth stages were then characterized using microspectroscopy techniques. Our findings indicate that the morphological and compositional characteristics of emitted biological particles are highly variable at the different growth stages. We identified fungal spores as the most abundant biological particles in the heading stage, while bacteria were most abundant in the flowering and fruit development stages. Understanding differences in the composition and morphology of biological particles during the plant life cycle provides more accurate and reliable insights on structural, functional, and biochemical properties of plant systems, as well as their interactions with microbial communities. This study also provides insights into Earth geoscience system models that represent primary biological particle emissions from the biosphere.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The coupling and competition of crystallization and phase separation, correlating thermodynamics and kinetics in OPV morphology and performances

The active layer morphology transition of organic photovoltaics under non-equilibrium conditions are of vital importance in determining the device power conversion efficiency and stability; however, a general and unified picture on this issue has not been well addressed. Using combined in situ and ex situ morphology characterizations, morphological parameters relating to kinetics and thermodynamics of morphology evolution are extracted and studied in model systems under thermal annealing. The coupling and competition of crystallization and demixing are found to be critical in morphology evolution, phase purification and interfacial orientation. A unified model summarizing different phase diagrams and all possible kinetic routes is proposed. The current observations address the fundamental issues underlying the formation of the complex multi-length scale morphology in bulk heterojunction blends and provide useful morphology optimization guidelines for processing devices with higher efficiency and stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impact of particle arrays on phase separation composition patterns

We examine the symmetry-breaking effect of fixed constellations of particles on the surface-directed spinodal decomposition of binary blends in the presence of particles whose surfaces have a preferential affinity for one of the components. Our phase-field simulations indicate that the phase separation morphology in the presence of particle arrays can be tuned to have a continuous, droplet, lamellar, or hybrid morphology depending on the interparticle spacing, blend composition, and time. In particular, when the interparticle spacing is large compared to the spinodal wavelength, a transient target pattern composed of alternate rings of preferred and non-preferred phases emerges at early times, tending to adopt the symmetry of the particle configuration. We reveal that such target patterns stabilize for certain characteristic length, time, and composition scales characteristic of the pure phase-separating mixture. To illustrate the general range of phenomena exhibited by mixture-particle systems, we simulate the effects of single-particle, multi-particle, and cluster–particle systems having multiple geometrical configurations of the particle characteristic of pattern substrates on phase separation. Our simulations show that tailoring the particle configuration, or substrate pattern configuration, a relative fluid-particle composition should allow the desirable control of the phase separation morphology as in block copolymer materials, but where the scales accessible to this approach of organizing phase-separated fluids usually are significantly larger. Limited experiments confirm the trends observed in our simulations, which should provide some guidance in engineering patterned blend and other mixtures of technological interest.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nucleation, growth, and strain relaxation of lattice-mismatched 3-5 semiconductor epitaxial layers

We have investigated the early stages of evolution of highly strained 2-D InAs layers and 3-D InAs islands grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on (100) and (111)B GaAs substrates. The InAs epilayer/GaAs substrate combination has been chosen because the lattice-mismatch is severe (approximately 7.2 percent), yet these materials are otherwise very similar. By examining InAs-on-GaAs composites instead of the more common In(x)Ga(1-x)As alloy we remove an additional degree of freedom (x) and thereby simplify data interpretation. A matrix of experiments is described in which the MOCVD growth parameters - susceptor temperature, Thin flux, and AsH3 flux - have been varied over a wide range. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis have been employed to observe the thin film surface morphology. In the case of 3-D growth, we have extracted activation energies and power-dependent exponents that characterize the nucleation process. As a consequence, optimized growth conditions have been identified for depositing approximately 250 A thick (100) and (111)B oriented InAs layers with relatively smooth surfaces. Together with preliminary data on the strain relaxation of these layers, the above results on the evolution of thin InAs films indicate that the (111)B orientation is particularly promising for yielding lattice-mismatched films that are fully relaxed with only misfit dislocations at the epilayer/substrate interface.

Welser, R. E.↗

Nucleation, Growth, and Strain Relaxation of Lattice-Mismatched III-V Semiconductor Epitaxial Layers

We have investigated the early stages of evolution of highly strained 2-D InAs layers and 3-D InAs islands grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on (100) and (111) B GaAs substrates. The InAs epilayer / GaAs substrate combination has been chosen because the lattice-mismatch is severe (approx. 7.20%), yet these materials are otherwise very similar. By examining InAs-on-GaAs composites Instead of the more common In(x)Ga(1-x)As alloy, we remove an additional degree of freedom (x) and thereby simplify data interpretation. A matrix of experiments is described in which the MOCVD growth parameters -- susceptor temperature, TMIn flux, and AsH3 flux -- have been varied over a wide range. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis have been employed to observe the thin film surface morphology. In the case of 3-D growth, we have extracted activation energies and power-dependent exponents that characterize the nucleation process. As a consequence, optimized growth conditions have been identified for depositing approx. 250 A thick (100) and (111)B oriented InAs layers with relatively smooth surfaces. Together with preliminary data on the strain relaxation of these layers, the above results on the evolution of thin InAs films indicate that the (111)B orientation is particularly promising for yielding lattice-mismatched films that are fully relaxed with only misfit dislocations at the epilayer / substrate interface.

Welser, R. E.↗

Effects of channel thickness on structure and transport properties of AlGaN/InGaN heterostructures grown by pulsed metal organic chemical vapor deposition

Highlights: • High quality AlGaN/InGaN heterostructures are grown and the effects of InGaN channel thickness on the structural and transport properties are investigated in detailed. • A high electron mobility of 1712 cm{sup 2}/Vis achieved for the heterostructures with an optimum channel thickness of 21 nm, indicating the huge potential of InGaN channel heterostructures in high frequency and high power applications. • The analyze method in this work can be generalized to both the studies of InGaN channel heterostructures with arbitrary component and all the heterostructures with inserted channel. - Abstract: High-quality AlGaN/InGaN heterostructures are grown and the effects of InGaN channel thickness on the structure and transport properties are investigated. With the increase of InGaN channel thickness from 7 nm to 28 nm, the two-dimensional electron gas density decreases continuously, while the mobility shows a trend of increasing at first, and then decreasing. The optimum thickness of 21 nm is obtained for the In{sub 0.05}Ga{sub 0.95}N channel, achieving a high electron mobility of 1712 cm{sup 2}/V, which indicates the huge potential for InGaN channel heterostructures in high-frequency and high-power applications. The variation in transport properties is studied by analyzing the structure formation, material quality, and interface characteristic in detail. The results are not only beneficial for the further study of the InGaN channel heterostructures, but also instructive for the other inserted channel system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Influence of duplex ageing on secondary α precipitates and mechanical properties of the near β-Ti alloy Ti-55531

Highlights: • High strength β-Ti alloys are widely used for their excellent properties. • To reach an excellent combination of strength and ductility, it is attractive to explore the right heat treatment system. • While compared to the conventional single-step ageing process, duplex ageing could change the development and refinement of secondary α precipitations in near/metastable β-Ti alloys resulting varying in performance. • Therefore it is of scientific significance and engineering value to understand the influence of duplex ageing on the formation of secondary α precipitates and mechanical properties for this type of alloy. - Abstract: This paper presents the results of studies on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a near β-Ti alloy processed with different ageing approaches. Influences of intragranular ultrafine α precipitates and grain boundary α layer on mechanical properties in Ti-55531 alloy were analyzed. The results indicate that the precipitation microstructure of the duplex aged alloy exhibits a uniform size and acicular α precipitated orientation shows an angle of approximately 60°. While the morphology of secondary α precipitates in single-step aged samples appear the irregular distribution and heterogeneous size. With the final ageing time increasing, the morphology of intragranular α precipitates and grain boundary α phase brings out a distinct coarsening. The single-step aged alloy can yield a better combination of the ultimate tensile strength (1265 MPa) and ductility (9%). However, the ultimate tensile strength of the duplex aged alloy even reaches 1368 MPa but it breaks at the stage of elastic deformation. The fracture mode of Ti-55531 alloy changes from predominantly dimple fracture in single-step aged samples to predominantly faceted and cleavage type fracture in duplex aged samples causing by the differences of intragranular α precipitates and the interface between grain boundary α layer and intragranular microstructure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Sizing of discontinuous natural fibers: Effect of sizing approach and sizing concentration on composite properties

Natural fiber reinforced composites (NFRCs) are gaining attention in automotive applications as an alternative to glass fiber composites due to their lightweight and renewable sourcing. However, the inherent hydrophilicity of natural fibers leads to poor compatibility with hydrophobic polymers which adversely affects the mechanical properties of the composites and can limit their application to non-structural parts. Sizing is a common approach used for synthetic fibers to improve the interface between fiber and matrix. However, there is limited study on the sizing of natural fibers, and hence the focus of this work. Here, in this study, two different approaches to sizing discontinuous coir fibers were investigated, namely; (1) ex-situ sizing and (2) in-situ sizing. A commercial polypropylene (PP) based sizing agent was used and the effects of varying sizing solution concentrations (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 wt%) on the properties of the composites was studied. Results showed that composites prepared via the in-situ sizing process had better fiber–matrix adhesion and improved tensile properties compared to ex-situ sized composites. On studying the effect of different sizing concentrations on composite properties, we found that the tensile strength of the composites increased (by ∼ 42 %) up to 2.5 wt% sizing concentration (in solution) and then decreased. However, the impact strength decreased significantly on increasing the sizing content beyond 1.5 wt% (by ∼ 40 %). Additionally, the study was further extended to investigate the effect of sizing on different NFRCs (coir, banana, and cottonized hemp fiber) where effectiveness of sizing was found to be influenced by the fiber surface morphology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Linking structure to performance: Characterization of porous transport layers for high-pressure water electrolysis

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is a promising technology to produce cost-efficient hydrogen. PEM electrolyzers offer a large current density range and the ability to operate at differential pressure which can be used to minimize both capital and operational expenditures. However, directly producing pressurized hydrogen at the cathode results in pushing the membrane against the anode porous transport layer (PTL). This can lead to detrimental effects, such as membrane deformation or ruptures, which depend on membrane properties as well as PTL material properties such as pore size, structure, and morphology. In this work, a range of sinter and felt-based commercial PTLs are evaluated for their contributions to the cell's electrochemical and H 2 crossover performance at cathode pressures up to 30 bar. X-ray tomography and post-operando optical microscopy are used to assess the morphology of the PTLs, and the PTL induced deformation experienced by the catalyst coated membrane (CCM), respectively. PTL samples with lower porosity were found to reduce both the cell voltage and the amount of H 2 permeating from the cathode to the anode exhaust, which was ascribed to improved catalyst layer contact and reduced membrane deformation, respectively. The best performing PTLs improved electrolyzer efficiency by ~1.5 kWh/kg H2 . Specifically, 1 kWh/kg H2 was gained due to reducing membrane deformation and decreasing H 2 crossover. The remainder 0.5 kWh/kg H2 were achieved by improving the electrical contact at the electrode/PTL interface which decreased cell voltage.

08 HYDROGEN↗

The surface chemistry of colloidal lead halide perovskite nanowires

This study explored the interplay between the ligand–surface chemistry of colloidal CsPbBr 3 nanowires (NWs) and their optical properties. The ligand equilibrium was probed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and by perturbing the equilibrium via dilution, the gradual removal of ligands from the CsPbBr 3 surface was observed. This removal was correlated with an increase in the surface defect density, as suggested by a broadening of the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, a decrease in the PL quantum yield (PLQY), and quenching of the PL decay. These results highlight similar surface binding between the traditional CsPbBr 3 quantum dots and our NWs, thereby expanding the scope of well-established ligand chemistry to a relatively unexplored nanocrystal morphology. In conclusion, by controlling the dilution factor, it was revealed that CsPbBr 3 NWs achieve a PLQY of 72% ± 2% and a relatively long average PL lifetime of 400 ± 10 ns, without relying on additional surface passivation techniques, such as ligand exchange.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗