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At least 1,459 records · Page 81
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Investigation of the transport properties and compositions of the Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} series (RE=Pr, Sm, Gd, Dy; Pn=Sb, Bi)

The Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases (RE=Pr, Sm, Gd, Dy; Pn=Sb, Bi) were successfully prepared from high temperature reactions at 1225–1300 °C. These phases maintain the same structure types as the parent RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases, except for a Ca/RE mixing. The study and preparation of these phases was motivated by the desire to shift the metallic type properties of the parent RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases to a level more suitable for thermoelectric applications. Electrical resistivity measurements performed on pure, bulk samples indicated all phases to be narrow band gap semiconductors or semimetals, supporting the charge balanced electron count of the Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} composition. Unfortunately, all samples are too electrically resistive for any potential usage as thermoelectrics. Electronic band structure calculations performed on idealized RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} structures revealed the presence of a pseudogap at the Fermi level, which is consistent with the observed electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient behavior. - Graphical abstract: Ca substitution in RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} leads to charge-balanced Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases with semiconducting or semimetallic properties. - Highlights: • The RE{sub 9}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} structure may be stabilized with calcium substitution in the form of Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5}. • The Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Pn{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases maintain the parent P 4/n structure, albeit with Ca/RE mixing. • The Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Sb{sub 5}O{sub 5} phases behave as semiconductors while Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Bi{sub 5}O{sub 5} are semimetals with electron-electron correlations. • Electronic structure calculations yield a semimetal-like density of states for both Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Sb{sub 5}O{sub 5} and Ca{sub 2}RE{sub 7}Bi{sub 5}O{sub 5}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Compositional analysis and depth profiling of thin film CrO{sub 2} by heavy ion ERDA and standard RBS: a comparison

Chromium dioxide (CrO{sub 2}) thin film has generated considerable interest in applied research due to the wide variety of its technological applications. It has been extensively investigated in recent years, attracting the attention of researchers working on spintronic heterostructures and in the magnetic recording industry. However, its synthesis is usually a difficult task due to its metastable nature and various synthesis techniques are being investigated. In this work a polycrystalline thin film of CrO{sub 2} was prepared by electron beam vaporization of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} onto a Si substrate. The polycrystalline structure was confirmed through XRD analysis. The stoichiometry and elemental depth distribution of the deposited film were measured by ion beam nuclear analytical techniques heavy ion elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), which both have relative advantage over non-nuclear spectrometries in that they can readily provide quantitative information about the concentration and distribution of different atomic species in a layer. Moreover, the analysis carried out highlights the importance of complementary usage of the two techniques to obtain a more complete description of elemental content and depth distribution in thin films. - Graphical abstract: Heavy ion elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) both have relative advantage over non-nuclear spectrometries in that they can readily provide quantitative information about the concentration and distribution of different atomic species in a layer. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Thin films of CrO{sub 2} have been grown by e-beam evaporation of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} target in vacuum. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The composition was determined by heavy ion-ERDA and RBS. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HI-ERDA and RBS provided information on the light and heavy elements, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Development of mechanical properties in a CaO added AZ31 magnesium alloy processed by equal-channel angular pressing

Processing through the application of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) is recognized as one of the attractive severe plastic deformation techniques where the processed bulk metals generally achieve ultrafine-grained microstructure leading to improved physical characteristics and mechanical properties. Magnesium has received much attention to date for its lightweight, high strength and excellent elasticity. Mg alloys with addition of CaO is reported to provide the successful casting procedure without usage of greenhouse gas, SF{sub 6}, whereas it is generally used for preventing the oxidation of Mg during casting. In the present investigation, a CaO added AZ31 (AZ31-CaO) magnesium alloy was processed by ECAP at elevated temepratures with a few steps of reduction which result in significant grain refinement to ~ 1.5 μm after 6 passes. Compression testing at room temperature demonstrated the AZ31-CaO alloy after ECAP showed enhanced yield strength more than the as-processed commercial AZ31 alloy while both alloys maintained ductility in spite of significant reduction in grain size. The improved strength in the AZ31-CaO alloy was attributed to the formation of fine Al{sub 2}Ca precipitates which experience breaking-up through ECAP and accelerate the microstructural refinement. Moreover, the preservation of ductility was attributed to the enhancement of strain hardening capability in the AZ31 alloy at room temperature. This study discusses the feasibility of using ECAP to improve both strength and ductility on magnesium alloys by applying the diagram describing the paradox of strength and ductility. - Highlights: • AZ31 and AZ31-CaO magnesium alloys were processed by ECAP up to 6 passes. • AZ31-CaO alloy after ECAP showed improved yield strength without losing ductility. • CaO in AZ31 forms fine Al{sub 2}Ca accelerating microstructural refinement during ECAP. • Feasibility of using ECAP was shown to improve both strength and ductility in Mg.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Influence of quenching agent on microstructure, properties and thermal stress of SiC{sub p}/2009 composites

15% vol. SiC{sub p}/2009 composites prepared by powder metallurgy were quenched in room temperature water and 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution respectively, then aged naturally. The influence of quenching agent on microstructure, properties and thermal stress of SiC{sub p}/2009 composites were investigated by means of scanning/transmission electron microscope, hardness and tensile test. The results showed that the number of precipitated phase in water quenched composites increased, with much finer in size and more homogeneous in distribution compared with 20% PEG quenched one. Meanwhile, the density of dislocation in composites by water quenching was also much higher. Intergranular corrosion did not occur with the two quenching agents. The 20% PEG quenched composites exhibited slight lower hardness and higher electrical conductivity than that of water quenched one. The two quenched composites showed same level in tensile strength, but the yield strength of water-quenched composites was higher (8 MPa, 3%). The usage of 20% PEG reduced thermal stress and minimized warping deformation of the parts, it is a more suitable quenching agent for SiC{sub p}/2009 composites in engineering application fields. - Highlights: •SiC{sub p}/2009 composites quenched by water and 20% PEG solution were investigated. •Aging precipitation behavior of SiC{sub p}/2009 composites is sensitive to quenchant. •Influence of quenching agent on properties of SiC{sub p}/2009 composites are minimal. •Quenching with 20% PEG reduces thermal stress of SiC{sub p}/2009 composites remarkably. •20% PEG is a more suitable quenching agent for SiC{sub p}/2009 composites than water.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Microstructure characterization of recycled IN718 powder and resulting laser clad material

Highlights: • A simple and efficient recycling procedure of IN718 powder has been defined for the laser cladding process. • Characterization of wasted and cleaned powder and comparison with new IN718 powder pointed out a slight diameter increase. • Microstructure characterization of clad builds showed differences between builds with new and recycled powders. • Clad microstructure and porosity increase remain constant static properties but decrease rupture strain after 3 reuses. • Without special precautions for cladding, the recycled powder can be reused twice without modifying the properties of IN718. - Abstract: The possibility to reuse the metal powder wasted in Laser Material Deposition (LMD) process has been evaluated and a simple procedure developed. LMD uses metal powder which is fed through a nozzle into the focal point of a laser, where it melts the powder and the substrate material. During the process, a high ratio of particles hits against an unmelted area and directly bounces off the deposited area. The efficiency ratio of deposition can drop to 40% depending on the configuration and spot size. This work deals with the design of a procedure to recollect and reuse the wasted powder of a nickel based superalloy IN718. After usage, powder is recollected, undesired fractions are magnetically segregated and aggregates are removed by sieving. The particles are mixed again and ready for reuse. In order to study the effectiveness of the process, no new powder has been added to the recovered fraction, and this procedure has been repeated five times. Experimental tests show that deposited material present similar properties than those obtained with new powder grains. But, after 3 reuses, the porosity content increases consequently and the rupture strain decreases strongly. The implementation of this process allows the improvement of the final efficiency, reducing costs and decreasing the hazardous powder amount.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
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 OSTI2021

A study on the creep behavior of alloy 709 using in-situ scanning electron microscopy

In this research, an experimental evaluation of creep properties of Alloy 709 in the temperature range of 750–850 °C was undertaken. Alloy 709 is a novel austenitic stainless steel with 20% Cr and 25% Ni by wt% that was developed for application in structural components of nuclear power plants. Creep rupture tests were conducted in an in-situ heating-loading and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) unit equipped with Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) detector and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). “Real-time” creep damage mechanisms of Alloy 709 at various stresses and temperatures using a flat, un-notched sample with continuously reducing cross-section is studied so that the failure and maximum creep damage occurred at the center of the sample where the in-situ SEM imaging could be focused. Accelerated creep tests at temperatures and stresses above service conditions were performed by employing multiple blocks of constant loads where the loads were increased once the sample attained constant creep rate, indicating a secondary creep regime. This technique ensures multiple data points can be obtained from the same test, saves the time required for an otherwise long-term creep test and usage of SEM. Further, Coincident Site Lattice (CSL) boundary maps were collected as control maps before testing, and the grain boundaries were observed during the creep test to understand the effect of grain boundary character on the creep damage mechanism. Void growth, grain boundary separation, and sliding were found to be the main creep mechanisms whose rate is dependent on stress and temperature. Failure mechanisms studied on the fracture surface using SEM fractography were correlated to the sample surface observations to create complementary information to better understand the underline creep mechanism of Alloy 709.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Facile synthesis of mesoporous core-shell TiO{sub 2} nanostructures from TiCl{sub 3}

Highlights: {yields} Stable TiCl{sub 3} solution is adopted as Ti sources. {yields} Low-cost glucose assisted facile solvothermal reactions. {yields} Exquisite core-shell morphology and mesoporous structure of TiO{sub 2} nanostructures. {yields} Superior photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} nanostructures in UV light irradiation. -- Abstract: The present study reports the synthesis and formation process of mesoporous core-shell TiO{sub 2} nanostructures by employing a glucose-assisted solvothermal process using water-ethanol mixture as solvent and subsequent calcination process at 550 {sup o}C for 4 h. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis were used to investigate the structural properties of these nanostructures. By optimizing the preparation conditions, especially the contents of water and ethanol in the mixture solvent, mesoporous core-shell TiO{sub 2} nanostructures were obtained. These mesoporous nanostructures have anatase phase and exhibit the superior photocatalytic activity. This synthesis route is facile due to the usage of stable and low-cost Ti precursor such as TiCl{sub 3} and is thus applicable for large-scale production.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Surface and crystalline analysis of aluminum oxide single crystal treated by quasistationary compression plasma flow

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The effects of treatment of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (0001) surface by CPF are analyzed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Oriented low-dimensional structures are occurred for the treated Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} crystal. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The dimension of these ripples are 1 {mu}m and the distance between them is about 10 {mu}m. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The ripple-shaped structures contain a higher percentage of oxygen than the surroundings. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Results could promote CPF as a tool for producing organized oxygen-rich structures. -- Abstract: Material such as aluminum oxide (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) is important in electronics industry. On the other hand, plasma is one of the most efficient and sophisticated tools for materials processing. In this work a treatment of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (0001) surface by quasistationary compression plasma flow (CPF) is analyzed in detail. Offline metrology was performed using dielectric measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Oriented low-dimensional periodic structures are occurred for the plasma treated Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} single crystal. In the paper is reported that these oriented ripple-shaped structures contain a higher percentage of oxygen than the surrounding crystal surface. This could be the framework for usage of CPF as a tool in manufacturing of surfaces containing the highly organized oxygen-rich structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Structural characterization, thermoluminescence and EPR studies of Nd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Co{sup 2+} nanophosphors

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Nd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Co{sup 2+} (1–4 mol%) nanophosphors have been prepared at much lower temperatures. ► Phosphors are well characterized by PXRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, Raman, UV–vis spectroscopy. ► EPR and thermoluminescence properties were also reported. ► TL intensity increases linearly with γ dose suggesting usage in radiation dosimetry. -- Abstract: Nd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Co{sup 2+} (1–4 mol%) nanophosphors (15–25 nm) have been prepared via low temperature solution combustion method. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) shows that the product is highly porous in nature. The stokes line in the Raman spectrum at ∼2000 cm{sup −1} is assigned to F{sub g} mode and the anti-stokes lines are assigned to a combination of A{sub g} + E{sub g} modes. With increase of Co{sup 2+} concentration, the intensity of F{sub g} mode decreases, whereas the combination of A{sub g} + F{sub g} modes completely disappears. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum exhibits two resonance signals with effective g values at g = 2.25 and g = 2.03. Thermoluminescence (TL) response of Nd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Co{sup 2+} nanopowders with γ dose 0.23–2.05 kGy was studied. The activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) are estimated using Chen's glow peak shape method and obtained to be in the range 0.45–1.67 eV and 1.8 × 10{sup 4} to 4.0 × 10{sup 12} s{sup −1}, respectively. It is observed that the TL glow peak intensity at 430 K increases linearly with γ dose which is suitable for radiation dosimetry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Simple polyol route to synthesize heptanoic acid coated magnetite (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles

Highlights: ► Heptanoic acid@Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocomposite has been prepared via simple polyol. ► Heptanoic acid used as both surfactant and solvents. ► Magneto polymer composite with adjustable Ea has a potential usage as functional composites. - Abstract: Magnetite (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles were prepared via polyol method by using FeCl{sub 2} as only source of iron. As-prepared samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Crystalline phase was identified as Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and the crystallite sizes were calculated as 19.1 ± 1.1 and 22 ± 1.3 nm for uncalcinated and calcinated products from X-ray line profile fitting. The capping of heptanoic acid around Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, the interaction being via bridging oxygen's of the carboxylate and the nanoparticle surface and also by TG analysis. VSM measurements showed that both samples exhibited typical superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature with different Ms values. The ε′ decreases with increasing frequency for both composites and permeability has almost same values for all temperatures at higher frequencies. As synthesized and calcinated samples conductivity increase linearly with the temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Magnetic hydrogel with high coercivity

Highlights: • Polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels containing magnetic BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} nanoparticles have been prepared. • Magnetization measurements reveal that hydrogels have hard magnetic properties with high coercivity. • Magnetic nanoparticles makes the gel more homogeneous and do not diffuse out of the gel during water intake. • These gels are useful in applications as wastewater treatment once gels are magnetized before its usage. - Abstract: This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels containing magnetic BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} nanoparticles. Structural, electrical, and magnetic characterization of the gels have been performed with X-ray powder diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, DC conductivity, magnetization and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The preparation and characterization of polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels that contain 5 and 10 mg BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} (16 and 21 nm diameter) nanoparticles are described herein. It is seen from the fluorescence spectra that, nanoparticles surrounded to pyranine molecules so that some of pyranine molecules could not bound to the polymer strands. Electrical measurements show that presence of nanoparticles make the gel more homogeneous. Magnetization measurements reveal that hydrogels have hard magnetic properties with quite high coercivity of 4.2 kOe, which does not change with swelling. This feature makes these gels useful in applications as wastewater treatment if they are magnetized before use.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Sol–gel auto combustion synthesis of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone nanocomposite with ethylene glycol: Its magnetic characterization

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was generated by sol–gel autocombustion using 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and ethylene glycol. • The presence of spin-disordered surface layer on magnetic core was established. • A linear dependence of the coercivity on temperature was fitted to Kneller's law. - Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles were generated by sol–gel auto combustion synthesis of metal salts in the presence of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, a functional solvent and ethylene glycol as usual solvent. The average crystallite size was obtained by using line profile fitting as 11 ± 5 nm. The saturation magnetization value decreases with usage of the ethylene glycol in synthesis. The observed exchange bias effect further confirms the existence of the magnetically ordered core surrounded by spin-disordered surface layer and the ethylene glycol. Square-root temperature dependence of coercivity can be fitted to Kneller's law in the temperature range of 10–400 K. The reduced remanent magnetization values lower than the theoretical value of 0.5 for non-interacting single domain particles indicate the CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone nanocomposite to have uniaxial anisotropy instead of the expected cubic anisotropy according to the Stoner–Wohlfarth model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Photocatalytic pure water splitting activities for ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} synthesized by various methods

Highlights: • High temperature solid state reaction, hydrothermal, sol-gel methods were applied. • All ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} samples show UV-light catalytic activities on pure water splitting. • Bulk ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} has a good photocatalytic activity per specific surface area. • Sol-gel is a superior method to prepare nanosized ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} with a high activity. • The AQY for SG-ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} is 2.6% for pure water splitting under 313 nm irradiation. - Abstract: We studied and compared the photocatalytic water splitting performances for ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} prepared by high temperature solid state reaction (HTSSR), hydrothermal (HY) and sol-gel (SG) methods. HTSSR-ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} has a relative large photocatalytic activity per surface area (1.6 μmol/h/m{sup 2}) in pure water by UV irradiation due to its high crystallinity. The HY- and SG-samples both have small particle sizes (20∼30 nm) and therefore high surface area (20 and 29 m{sup 2}/g, respectively), which leads to superior photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution rates per unit mass (11.5 and 28.5 μmol/h/g). The apparent quantum yield of SG-ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} for pure water splitting under 313 nm irradiation is 2.6%. The existence of substantial surface defects is the major problem for HY- and SG-ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4}. Consequently, the usage of sacrificial agents could greatly enhance the activities and indeed the H{sub 2} evolution rates in 20 Vol. % methanol aqueous solution increase to 100 and 142 μmol/h/g for HY- and SG-ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4}, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Photoluminescence investigations on Sm3+ ions doped borate glasses for tricolor w-LEDs and lasers

Highlights: • Borate glasses with Sm3+ ions were synthesized by melt quenching technique. • Under 402 nm excitation Borate glasses show reddish orange luminescence. • Energy transfer through cross-relaxation leads to fall in decay time of Sm3+ ions. • I-H model confirms energy transfer between Sm3+ ions as dipole-dipole in nature. • 1 mol% Sm3+ ions in these glasses are apt for red photonic device applications. - Abstract: This work describes mainly the optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and decay spectral properties of Sm{sup 3+} ions doped borate glasses to understand their possible usage in tricolor w-LEDs and lasers.The XRD spectrum recorded for an un-doped glass confirms glassy nature of the as prepared glass. The Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters evaluated from experimental oscillator strengths were used in estimating the various radiative parameters. Under 402 nm excitation, the PL spectra exhibit intense emission at 600 nm for which the decay spectral profiles were recorded.The decay profiles are converting from single exponential to non-exponential with increase in Sm{sup 3+} ion concentration ensuing decrease in experimental lifetimes which may be attributed to the efficient energy transfer through cross-relaxation process. The non-exponential decay curves fitted to I-H model reveals the interaction between the Sm{sup 3+} ions as dipole-dipole in nature. From the evaluated emission cross-sections, quantum efficiency, branching ratios and CIE co-ordinates, it is concluded that 1 mol% Sm{sup 3+} ions in these glasses are aptly suitable to fabricate reddish-orange luminescent devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Enhanced efficiency of large-area dye-sensitized solar cells by light-scattering effect using multilayer TiO2 photoanodes

Highlights: • DSSCs with an active area of 100.6 cm{sup 2} and light-scattering layers are fabricated. • The light-scattering effect is shown to enhance the light absorption in the red part of the solar spectrum. • The light-scattering effect is more important than the dye adsorption capacity for TiO{sub 2} photoanodes with same thickness. • The highest power conversion efficiency of 7.52% has been obtained by the DSSC with optimized conditions. - Abstract: In order to reduce the usage of photoactive dye and improve light harvesting by the photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), TiO{sub 2} scatting layers were introduced. We have investigated the light-scattering effect in large-area DSSCs with an active area of 100.6 cm{sup 2} that contain diffusing or reflective layers. The result shows that the light-scattering effect is more important than the dye adsorption capacity for the light harvesting property of TiO{sub 2} photoanodes with same thickness, and the light-scattering effect is shown to enhance the light absorption in the red part of the solar spectrum. The highest power conversion efficiency of 7.52% has been obtained by the cell with optimized high dye adsorption layer and high light-scattering layer, which is 9.5% higher than that of the cell without the light-scattering layer (6.87%).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Reversible Mg insertion into chevrel phase Mo6S8 cathode: Preparation, electrochemistry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study

Highlights: • Surface modification of Mo6S8 to enhance the reactivity against Mg. • Mechanism study using XPS and EIS. • Excellent Mg-ion battery performance. - Abstract: Electrical energy storage is absolute for complete usage of all renewable energy sources. Herein, we have studied the electrochemical performance of Chevrel phase Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8} as cathode material towards rechargeable Mg battery. Solution chemistry route is adopted for the synthesis of Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8.} The morphology, phase purity is analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction techniques. The cyclic Voltammetry and Galvanostatic charge-discharge studies confirmed the reversibility of Mg-ion insertion. Herein, Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8} cubes show excellent capacity retention of 70 mAh g{sup −1} for 200 cycles at C/5 rate. The role of CNT in improving rate performance was also demonstrated. The reasonable reversible capacity, rate performance, and cycling stability reveal the feasibility of Mo{sub 6}S{sub 8} material for future rechargeable Mg battery. In order to study the kinetics of Chevrel phase compound upon cycling, EIS study was carried out. The redox process upon insertion/extraction is investigated by X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy which shows no change in oxidation state of a transition metal.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Highly efficient deep desulfurization of fuels by meso/macroporous H3PW12O40/TiO2 at room temperature

Highlights: • A new kind of meso/macroporous structured HPW/TiO{sub 2} catalyst was prepared by monodispersed polystyrene spheres and quaternary ammonium bromide. • Quaternary ammonium bromide with longer alkyl chains length (STAB) was found to be the best mesostructure-directing agent in the synthesis of meso/macroporous HPW/TiO{sub 2} catalyst. • The influence of dosage of macroporous templates (monodispersed polystyrene spheres) and alkyl chains length of quaternary ammonium bromide on the textural of meso/macroporous HPW/TiO{sub 2} catalyst were investigated. • With proper PS spheres and quaternary ammonium bromide usage, disordered macropores arranged periodicity and led relatively larger pore size and pore volume. • The meso/macroporous HPW/TiO{sub 2} materials exhibited enhanced excellent desulfurization performance of thiophenic sulfur in model fuel than other samples. Dibenzothiophene can be completely removed within 2 h at 30 °C. - Abstract: This paper described the synthesis of meso/macroporous phosphotungstic acid (HPW) /TiO{sub 2} catalyst with quaternary ammonium bromide and monodispersed polystyrene spheres (PS) as dual-template. The synthetic parameters, such as concentration of the templates and the alky chain length of quaternary ammonium bromide was studied carefully and optimized to generate catalyst with regulated porous features. The chemical properties of the catalyst was also investigated, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements confirmed the Keggin-type HPW were highly dispersed on the TiO{sub 2} framework. The optimal meso/macroporous HPW/TiO{sub 2} catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the oxidation of refractory sulphur compounds such as benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT), and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT). DBT was removed within 2 h at 30 °C under selected reaction conditions and the apparent activation energy for DBT oxidation was calculated to be 45.7 kJ/mol. The high ODS reaction rate of catalyst could be attributed to the combination of unique meso/macroporous architecture allowing for efficient mass transport of reactants and products in pore channel and its high surface area, large mesoporous size, and pore volume enabling sufficient exposure of catalytic active sites. Moreover, the meso/macroporous HPW/TiO{sub 2} catalyst also exhibited excellent reusability with no obviously degradation even after eight cycles.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗