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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2010

Investigation of anti-Relaxation coatings for alkali-metal vapor cells using surface science techniques

Many technologies based on cells containing alkali-metal atomic vapor benefit from the use of antirelaxation surface coatings in order to preserve atomic spin polarization. In particular, paraffin has been used for this purpose for several decades and has been demonstrated to allow an atom to experience up to 10?000 collisions with the walls of its container without depolarizing, but the details of its operation remain poorly understood. We apply modern surface and bulk techniques to the study of paraffin coatings in order to characterize the properties that enable the effective preservation of alkali spin polarization. These methods include Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy, near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We also compare the light-induced atomic desorption yields of several different paraffin materials. Experimental results include the determination that crystallinity of the coating material is unnecessary, and the detection of C=C double bonds present within a particular class of effective paraffin coatings. Further study should lead to the development of more robust paraffin antirelaxation coatings, as well as the design and synthesis of new classes of coating materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

STXM-XANES analyses of Murchison meteorite samples captured by aerogel after hypervelocity impacts: A potential implication of organic matter degradation for micrometeoroid collection experiments

The Tanpopo mission is an astrobiology space experiment at the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) 'Kibo' on the International Space Station (ISS). One of the sub-divided themes of the Tanpopo mission is for the intact capture of organic bearing micrometeoroids in low Earth orbit using ultralow density silica aerogel (0.01 g/cm 3 ). In order to evaluate damage to organic matter in micrometeoroids during hyper velocity impacts into the aerogel, Murchison meteorite powdered samples, analogs of organic bearing micrometeoroids, were fired into flight-grade silica aerogel (0.01 g/cm 3 ) using a two-stage light-gas gun with velocities of 4.4 and 5.9 km/s. The recovered Murchison grains were analyzed using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy/X-ray absorption near edge structure (STXM/XANES), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). TEM observation did not show significant modifications of the recovered Murchison grains. Carbon-XANES spectra, however, showed a large depletion of the organic matter after the 5.9 km/s impact, but no such effects nor any significant hydrogen isotopic fractionation were observed after the 4.4 km/s impact.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Investigation of Antirelaxation Coatings for Alkali-metal Vapor Cells using Surface Science Techniques

Many technologies based on cells containing alkali-metal atomic vapor benefit from the use of antirelaxation surface coatings in order to preserve atomic spin polarization. In particular, paraffin has been used for this purpose for several decades and has been demonstrated to allow an atom to experience up to 10,000 collisions with the walls of its container without depolarizing, but the details of its operation remain poorly understood. We apply modern surface and bulk techniques to the study of paraffin coatings in order to characterize the properties that enable the effective preservation of alkali spin polarization. These methods include Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy, near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We also compare the light-induced atomic desorption yields of several different paraffin materials. Experimental results include the determination that crystallinity of the coating material is unnecessary, and the detection of C=C double bonds present within a particular class of effective paraffin coatings. Further study should lead to the development of more robust paraffin antirelaxation coatings, as well as the design and synthesis of new classes of coating materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Optimization of nanoparticle structure for improved conversion efficiency of dye solar cell

Heavy dye loading and the ability to contain the light within the thin layer (typically ∼12 μm) are the requirement needed for the photoelectrode material in order to enhance the harvesting efficiency of dye solar cell. This can be realized by optimizing the particle size with desirable crystal structure. The paper reports the investigation on the dependency of the dye loading and light scattering on the properties of nanostructured photoelectrode materials by comparing 4 different samples of TiO{sub 2} in the form of nanoparticles and micron-sized TiO{sub 2} aggregates which composed of nanocrystallites. Their properties were evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and UVVis spectroscopy while the performance of the fabricated test cells were measured using universal photovoltaic test system (UPTS) under 1000 W/cm{sup 2} intensity of radiation. Nano sized particles provide large surface area which allow for greater dye adsorption but have no ability to retain the incident light in the TiO{sub 2} film. In contrast, micron-sized particles in the form of aggregates can generate light scattering allowing the travelling distance of the light to be extended and increasing the interaction between the photons and dye molecules adsorb on TiO{sub 2}nanocrystallites. This resulted in an improvement in the conversion efficiency of the aggregates that demonstrates the close relation between light scattering effect and the structure of the photolectrode film.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2011

Oxalic acid mediated synthesis of WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O nanoplates and self-assembled nanoflowers under mild conditions

Tungsten oxide hydrate (WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O) nanoplates and flower-like assemblies were successfully synthesized via a simple aqueous method. The effects of reaction parameters in solution on the preparation were studied. Nanoplates and nanoflowers can be selectively prepared by changing the amount of H{sub 2}C{sub 2}O{sub 4}. In-situ assembly of nanoplates to nanoflowers was also proposed for the formation of assembled nanostructures. In addition, the reaction time and temperature have important effects on the sizes of the as-obtained samples. Crystal structure, morphology, and composition of final nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical properties of the synthesized samples and the growth mechanism were studied by UV-vis detection. Degradation experiments of Rhodamine B (RhB) were also performed on samples of nanoplates and nanoflowers under visible light illumination. Nanoflower sample exhibited preferable photocatalytic property to nanoplate sample. - Graphical abstract: The oxalic acid has a key role for the structure of WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O evolution from plates to flowers and the dehydration process of WO{sub 3}.2H{sub 2}O to WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O. Highlights: > Tungsten oxides hydrate was synthesized via a simple aqueous method. > The size of WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O was controlled by the reaction time and temperature. > The assembly of WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O nanoplates to nanoflowers was achieved with higher H{sub 2}C{sub 2}O{sub 4}/Na{sub 2}WO{sub 4} ratio. > Oxalic acid has a key role in the dehydration process of WO{sub 3}.2H{sub 2}O to WO{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O.

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

ZnO:Gd nanocrystals for fluorescent applications

Gadolinium doped ZnO crystals within the solubility limit of gadolinium in ZnO matrix were prepared by solid state reaction technique. The method is relatively less expense and enables the production in large scale. The samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques. Fluorescent property studies of gadolinium doped ZnO at room temperature show enhanced visible light emission due to the defects and oxygen vacancies produced via doping. This work reports the impact of gadolinium doping in the structural, optical and luminescent properties of ZnO in detail.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Pulsed laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of A356

Highlights: • Dense A356 specimens (98 ± 0.4%) were fabricated using a customized P-LPBF system. • Microstructure and grain morphology were examined using LOM, SEM, and EBSD. • Solidification front velocities (R) were evaluated through the KGT model. • A columnar grain structure was observed and predicted by the Hunt's criterion. - Abstract: A356 (Al7SiMg) specimens were fabricated through pulsed laser powder bed fusion (P-LPBF) additive manufacturing. Microstructural examinations and analyses were carried out through the usage of light optical microscopy (LOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results revealed a fine cellular microstructure with the intercellular network consisting of Al cells and defined by a network of Si arms. The Al cells at the center of the melt pools and within the melt pool boundary bands were measured to be 423 ± 49 nm and 664 ± 76 nm, respectively. The presence of a fine columnar grain structure and epitaxial growth on partially melted grains was observed and explained by the KGT model and Hunt's criterion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Enhanced Exciplex Emission of Pyrene Thin Films Doped by Perylene: Structural, Photophysical and Morphological Investigation

The present work reports on the preparation of thin films of pyrene luminophors doped by varying amounts of perylene by spin coating technique. The structural, morphological, and photophysical properties of pyrene thin films have been investigated as a function of perylene contents. X-ray diffraction studies of doped thin films show well-defined peaks, and estimated crystallite size decreases with increasing perylene content, due to the formation of closed packed crystal structure. SEM images of pure pyrene revealed smooth, and compact and separated crystals with amounts of perylene. The result of absorption spectra showed decrease in intensity with perylene content. However, the fluorescence spectra of pyrene containing higher amounts of perylene showed broad and structureless exciplex emission at 510 nm. The emission colour of pyrene luminophors tuned from blue to green by controlling the concentration of perylene. The phenomenon of change in colour was seen due to efficient excitation energy transfer from pyrene to perylene in thin films. It also found that the intensity of exciplex emission increases with increasing concentration of perylene is of high demand in fluorescent lamp as well as green organic light emitting diodes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Complexions at the iron-magnetite interface

Synthesizing distinct phases and controlling crystalline defects are key concepts in materials design. These approaches are often decoupled, with the former grounded in equilibrium thermodynamics and the latter in nonequilibrium kinetics. By unifying them through defect phase diagrams, we can apply phase equilibrium models to thermodynamically evaluate defects—including dislocations, grain boundaries, and phase boundaries—establishing a theoretical framework linking material imperfections to properties. Using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging, we achieve the simultaneous imaging of heavy Fe and light O atoms, precisely mapping the atomic structure and chemical composition at the iron-magnetite (Fe/Fe 3 O 4 ) interface. We identify a well-ordered two-layer interface-stabilized phase state (referred to as complexion) at the Fe[001]/Fe 3 O 4 [001] interface. Using density-functional theory (DFT), we explain the observed complexion and map out various interface-stabilized phases as a function of the O chemical potential. The formation of complexions increases interface adhesion by 20% and alters charge transfer between adjacent materials, impacting transport properties. Our findings highlight the potential of tunable defect-stabilized phase states as a degree of freedom in materials design, enabling optimized corrosion protection, catalysis, and redox-driven phase transitions, with applications in materials sustainability, efficient energy conversion, and green steel production.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Solid State Lighting Program (Falcon)

Over the past two years, KLA-Tencor and partners successfully developed and deployed software and hardware tools that increase product yield for High Brightness LED (HBLED) manufacturing and reduce product development and factory ramp times. This report summarizes our development effort and details of how the results of the Solid State Light Program (Falcon) have started to help HBLED manufacturers optimize process control by enabling them to flag and correct identified killer defect conditions at any point of origin in the process manufacturing flow. This constitutes a quantum leap in yield management over current practice. Current practice consists of die dispositioning which is just rejection of bad die at end of process based upon probe tests, loosely assisted by optical in-line monitoring for gross process deficiencies. For the first time, and as a result of our Solid State Lighting Program, our LED manufacturing partners have obtained the software and hardware tools that optimize individual process steps to control killer defects at the point in the processes where they originate. Products developed during our two year program enable optimized inspection strategies for many product lines to minimize cost and maximize yield. The Solid State Lighting Program was structured in three phases: i) the development of advanced imaging modes that achieve clear separation between LED defect types, improves signal to noise and scan rates, and minimizes nuisance defects for both front end and back end inspection tools, ii) the creation of defect source analysis (DSA) software that connect the defect maps from back-end and front-end HBLED manufacturing tools to permit the automatic overlay and traceability of defects between tools and process steps, suppress nuisance defects, and identify the origin of killer defects with process step and conditions, and iii) working with partners (Philips Lumileds) on product wafers, obtain a detailed statistical correlation of automated defect and DSA map overlay to failed die identified using end product probe test results. Results from our two year effort have led to “automated end-to-end defect detection” with full defect traceability and the ability to unambiguously correlate device killer defects to optically detected features and their point of origin within the process. Success of the program can be measured by yield improvements at our partner’s facilities and new product orders.

Meeks, Steven↗
DOE OSTI2016

ZnO nanoparticles based fiber optic gas sensor

In this work, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by simple aqueous chemical route method. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The sensitivity of the nanoparticles was studied for different gases like acetone, ammonia and ethanol in terms of variation in spectral light intensity. The XRD and SEM analysis confirms the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure with the grain size of 11.2 nm. The small cladding region of the optical fiber was replaced with the synthesized nanoparticles. The light spectrum was recorded for different gas concentrations. The synthesized nanoparticles showed high sensitivity towards ammonia in low ppm level and acetone in high ppm level.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Post-irradiation examination to assess performance and safety of nuclear fuel

This work presents some results from testing campaigns performed at JRC-ITU on irradiated fuels and analogues aimed at characterizing fuel alterations during and after irradiation. The characterization of local structural and property changes is the first step towards the description of the overall behaviour of the fuel, including safety- and performance-relevant properties. High burnup light water reactor (LWR) UO{sub 2} fuel (= 60 GWd/tHM) was used for morphology and mechanical property studies. Radial profiles of porosity obtained from scanning electron microscopy image analysis were compared with corresponding sub-surface data obtained using acoustic microscopy. An increase of porosity was observed at the rim of the pellet in correspondence with the high burnup structure (HBS), and also at intermediate radius locations in correspondence with the occurrence of the so-called dark zone. This zone is characterized by several features similar to the HBS: in addition to increased local porosity, grain subdivision features were observed. The examination of grain free surface morphology along the pellet radius revealed the onset of surface alteration which resulted in almost complete loss of the original grain shape in conjunction with the formation of the dark zone. Additionally, possible ageing effects due to accumulation of microstructural decay damage during storage were investigated and compared to the results obtained under accelerated ageing conditions using alpha-doped analogues. Similar hardening trends were observed by comparing the hardness evolution as a function of accumulated damaged in unirradiated analogues and spent fuel. No significant hardness increase was observed on the same high burnup/high dose spent fuel after >10 years of additional storage in hot cell, confirming that hardening saturates at a damage level near 0.1 dpa. These experimental campaigns contribute establishing a basis of data for further analysis, in combination with suitable modelling tools. The final goal is to achieve the full scientific understanding of mechanisms and processes affecting fuel properties and behaviour, as a necessary step to establish the basis for developing advanced fuel systems with optimized performance and safety. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Studies on the performance of TiO{sub 2} thin films as protective layer to chlorophyll in Ocimum tenuiflorum L from UV radiation

Thin films of TiO{sub 2} were prepared on glass substrates using sol-gel dip coating technique. The films with 10 coatings were prepared and annealed at temperatures 350°C, 450°C and 550°C for 1 hour in muffle furnace. The annealed films were characterized by X – Ray diffraction (XRD), UV – Visible, AFM, Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and EDAX studies. Chlorophyll has many health benefits due to its structural similarity to human blood and its good chelating ability. It has antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. UV light impairs photosynthesis and reduces size, productivity, and quality in many of the crop plant species. Increased exposure of UV light reduces chlorophyll contents a, b and total content in plants. Titanium Dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) is a wide band gap semiconductor and efficient light harvester. TiO{sub 2} has strong UltraViolet (UV) light absorbing capability. Here, we have studied the performance of TiO{sub 2} thin films as a protective layer to the chlorophyll contents present in medicinal plant, tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum L) from UV radiation. The study reveals that crystallite size increases, transmittance decreases and chlorophyll contents increases with increase in annealing temperature. This study showed that TiO{sub 2} thin films are good absorber of UV light and protect the chlorophyll contents a, b and total content in medicinal plants.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Carbon Dioxide Dimer Radical Anion as Surface Intermediate of Photoinduced CO 2 Reduction at Aqueous Cu and CdSe Nanoparticle Catalysts by Rapid-Scan FT-IR Spectroscopy

Monitoring of visible light sensitized reduction of CO 2 at Cu nanoparticles in aqueous solution by rapid-scan ATR FT-IR spectroscopy on the time scale of seconds allowed structural identification of a one-electron intermediate and demonstrated its kinetic relevancy for the first time. Isotopic labeling ( 12 C: 1632, 1358, 1346 cm -1 ; 13 C: 1588, 1326, 1316 cm -1 ) revealed a species of carbon dioxide dimer radical anion structure, most likely bound to the catalyst surface through carbon. Intermediacy of Cu—C(═O)OCO 2 - surface species is in agreement with a recently proposed mechanism for electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction at Cu metal nanoparticles based on Tafel slope analysis. Spontaneous decrease of the intermediate after termination of the photosensitization pulse (Sn porphyrin excited at 405 nm) was accompanied by the growth of HCO 3 - . CO was produced as well, but sensitive detection required photolysis for tens of minutes. A direct kinetic link between a C 2 O 4 - surface intermediate and the CO product was also demonstrated for photocatalyzed CO 2 reduction at aqueous CdSe nanoparticles, where first order growth of a Cd—C(═O)OCO 2 - species was accompanied by rise of CO (monitored by a fast Ni complex trap) and HCO 3 - showing a distinct induction period. The detection of the one-electron surface intermediate and confirmation of its catalytic relevancy was enabled by the delivery of electrons one-by-one by the photosensitization method. The observation of carbon dioxide dimer radical anion points to approaches for rate enhancements of heterogeneous CO 2 reduction by creating catalytic environments that favor formation of this intermediate.

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

A novel fabrication of Cu{sub 2}O@Cu{sub 7}S{sub 4} core-shell micro/nanocrystals from Cu{sub 2}O temples and enhanced photocatalytic activities

Highlights: • The Cu{sub 2}O@Cu{sub 7}S{sub 4} core-shell crystals maintained the same morphology with template. • The crystals exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity than the pure Cu{sub 2}O crystals. • The photocatalytic activity of different R crystals is diverse from each other. • A possible formation mechanism has been proposed. - Abstract: Uniform and monodispersed Cu{sub 2}O@Cu{sub 7}S{sub 4} core-shell micro/nanocrystals have been synthesized successfully at room temperature via a simple chemical etching reaction, using Cu{sub 2}O as sacrificial template. The structure and properties of the crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The photocatalytic activity of the Cu{sub 2}O@Cu{sub 7}S{sub 4} crystals was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of MeO (methyl orange) aqueous solution at ambient temperature under visible-light irradiation. The results show that the as-prepared Cu{sub 2}O@Cu{sub 7}S{sub 4} crystals revealed core-shell structure, which maintained the same morphology with corresponding template and were composed of cuboctahedron Cu{sub 7}S{sub 4} shell and active Cu{sub 2}O core. Due to the unique Cu{sub 2}O@Cu{sub 7}S{sub 4} core-shell structure, the crystals exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity than that of the pure Cu{sub 2}O crystals, and the photocatalytic activity of different R crystals is diverse from each other. A possible formation mechanism has been proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Influence of UV and visible laser light on the structure and composition of layered organic - inorganic zinc and copper nanocomposites

The effect of UV and visible laser light on the structure and composition of layered organic-inorganic nanocomposites of transition metals, zinc [zinc hydroxide/dodecyl sulfate, Zn(OH){sub 2}DS] and copper [copper hydroxide/dodecyl sulfate, Cu{sub 2}(OH){sub 3}DS], has been experimentally investigated. Nanocomposites have been synthesised by laser ablation of targets from the aforementioned materials in aqueous solutions of a surfactant: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The absorption and Raman spectra of the thus obtained colloids are analysed. The structural composition and morphology of the solid phase isolated from the colloids are determined using X-ray diffraction, atomic-force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that exposure of nanocomposites to UV and visible laser light with intensities in the range of 5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 5}-10{sup 7} W cm{sup -2} or higher leads to their fragmentation and change in their composition. (optical nanostructures)

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Comparing linear and cyclic synthetic homopolypeptides: Synthesis and molecular characterization

We report the synthesis and molecular characterization of a linear and a cyclic homopolypeptide of protected l-tyrosine. The successful synthesis of polypeptides exhibiting the desired linear and cyclic structures through various characterization methods such as high temperature gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis was verified in this work. Our results are very promising especially if such cyclic materials will be potentially used as carriers for drug delivery, either through conjugation with specific ligands or directly through the functional hydroxyl groups of the monomeric units of poly(l-Tyr) after deprotection.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗