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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Ab initio density functional theory study of non-polar (101{sup ¯}0), (112{sup ¯}0) and semipolar (202{sup ¯}1) GaN surfaces

The atomic structures of non-polar GaN(101{sup ¯}0), (112{sup ¯}0) and semipolar GaN(202{sup ¯}1), (202{sup ¯}1{sup ¯}) surfaces were studied using ab initio calculations within density functional theory. The bulk-like truncated (1 × 1) structure with buckled Ga-N or Ga-Ga dimers was found stable on the non-polar GaN(101{sup ¯}0) surface in agreement with previous works. Ga-N heterodimers were found energetically stable on the GaN(112{sup ¯}0)-(1 × 1) surface. The formation of vacancies and substitution site defects was found unfavorable for non-polar GaN surfaces. Semipolar GaN(202{sup ¯}1)-(1 × 1) surface unit cells consist of non-polar (101{sup ¯}0) and semipolar (101{sup ¯}1) nano-facets. The (101{sup ¯}1) nano-facets consist of two-fold coordinated atoms, which form N-N dimers within a (2 × 1) surface unit cell on a GaN(202{sup ¯}1) surface. Dimers are not formed on the GaN(202{sup ¯}1{sup ¯}) surface. The stability of the surfaces with single (101{sup ¯}0) or (101{sup ¯}1) nano-facets was analyzed. A single non-polar (101{sup ¯}0)-(1 × 1) nano-facet was found stable on the GaN(202{sup ¯}1) surface, but unstable on the GaN(202{sup ¯}1{sup ¯}) surface. A single (101{sup ¯}1) nano-facet was found unstable. Semipolar GaN surfaces with (202{sup ¯}1) and (202{sup ¯}1{sup ¯}) polarity can be stabilized with a Ga overlayer at Ga-rich experimental conditions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multifunctional Effect of Fe Substitution in Na Layered Cathode Materials for Enhanced Storage Stability

In this study, developing stable cathode materials that are resistant to storage degradation is essential for practical development and industrial processing of Na-ion batteries, as many sodium layered oxide materials are susceptible to hygroscopicity and instability when exposed to ambient air. Among the various layered compounds, Fe-substituted O 3 -type Na(Ni 1/2 Mn 1/2 ) 1-x Fe x O 2 materials have emerged as a promising option for high-performance and low-cost cathodes. While previous reports have noted the decent air-storage stability of these materials, the role and origin of Fe substitution in improving storage stability remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the air resistant effect of Fe substitution in O 3 -Na(Ni 1/2 Mn 1/2 ) 1-x Fe x O 2 cathode materials by performing systematic surface and structural characterizations. We find that the improved storage stability can be attributed to the multifunctional effect of Fe substitution, which forms a surface protective layer containing an Fe-incorporated spinel phase and decreases the thermodynamical driving force for bulk chemical sodium extraction. With these mechanisms, the Fe-containing cathodes can suppress the cascades of cathode degradation processes and better retain the electrochemical performance after air storage.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimization of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Heat Exchanger to Achieve Compactness, High Efficiency, and Low-Pressure Drop

With advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, high-quality triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures can now be produced. TPMS walled heat exchangers (HX) hold significant potential for industrial applications and are receiving increasing attention. This paper explores the impact of various TPMS design variables on flow and thermal performance to optimize TPMS heat exchangers for compactness, high efficiency, and low pressure drop. The design variables examined include the type of TPMS lattice, unit cell size, wall thickness, aspect ratio, TPMS orientation, and equivalent thickness. The study reveals that the flow and heat transfer performance of TPMS structures are significantly affected by these design variables. For the Gyroid, Diamond, and SplitP lattices, performance is nearly identical when the surface-to-volume ratio is kept constant. The average velocity of the fluid in the TPMS HX should be 0.3 m/s. The corresponding Re is between 300~800. Thin wall thickness, small equivalent thickness, and flat lattice configurations can significantly reduce pressure drop while maintaining the overall heat transfer coefficient. Additionally, the angle between the flow direction and TPMS orientation can increase pressure drop. Three aluminum heat exchangers were successfully printed using an AM machine, and testing results are comparable with theoretical prediction.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

The role of SO{sub 4}{sup 2−} surface distribution in arsenic removal by iron oxy-hydroxides

This study investigates the contribution of chemisorbed SO{sub 4}{sup 2−} in improving arsenic removal properties of iron oxy-hydroxides through an ion-exchange mechanism. An analytical methodology was developed for the accurate quantification of sulfate ion (SO{sub 4}{sup 2−}) distribution onto the surface and structural compartments of iron oxy-hydroxides synthesized by FeSO{sub 4} precipitation. The procedure is based on the sequential determination of SO{sub 4}{sup 2−} presence in the diffuse and Stern layers, and the structure of these materials as defined by the sulfate-rich environments during the reaction and the variation in acidity (pH 3–12). Physically sorbed SO{sub 4}{sup 2−}, extracted in distilled water, and physically/chemically adsorbed ions on the oxy-hydroxide's surface leached by a 5 mM NaOH solution, were determined using ion chromatography. Total sulfate content was gravimetrically measured by precipitation as BaSO{sub 4}. To validate the suggested method, results were verified by X-ray photoelectron and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that low precipitation pH-values favor the incorporation of sulfate ions into the structure and the inner double layer, while under alkaline conditions ions shift to the diffuse layer. - Graphical abstract: An analytical methodology for the accurate quantification of sulfate ions (SO{sub 4}{sup 2−}) distribution onto the diffuse layer, the Stern layer and the structure of iron oxy-hydroxides used as arsenic removal agents. - Highlights: • Quantification of sulfate ions presence in FeOOH surface compartments. • Preparation pH defines the distribution of sulfates. • XPS and FTIR verify the presence of SO{sub 4}{sup 2−} in the structure, the Stern layer the diffuse layer of FeOOH. • Chemically adsorbed sulfates control the arsenic removal efficiency of iron oxyhydroxides.

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

Nanocrystalline-Si-dot multi-layers fabrication by chemical vapor deposition with H-plasma surface treatment and evaluation of structure and quantum confinement effects

100-nm-thick nanocrystalline silicon (nano-Si)-dot multi-layers on a Si substrate were fabricated by the sequential repetition of H-plasma surface treatment, chemical vapor deposition, and surface oxidation, for over 120 times. The diameter of the nano-Si dots was 5–6 nm, as confirmed by both the transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The annealing process was important to improve the crystallinity of the nano-Si dot. We investigated quantum confinement effects by Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Based on the experimental results, we simulated the Raman spectrum using a phenomenological model. Consequently, the strain induced in the nano-Si dots was estimated by comparing the experimental and simulated results. Taking the estimated strain value into consideration, the band gap modulation was measured, and the diameter of the nano-Si dots was calculated to be 5.6 nm by using PL. The relaxation of the q ∼ 0 selection rule model for the nano-Si dots is believed to be important to explain both the phenomena of peak broadening on the low-wavenumber side observed in Raman spectra and the blue shift observed in PL measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electronic structure changes during the surface-assisted formation of a graphene nanoribbon

High conductivity and a tunability of the band gap make quasi-one-dimensional graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) highly interesting materials for the use in field effect transistors. Especially bottom-up fabricated GNRs possess well-defined edges which is important for the electronic structure and accordingly the band gap. In this study we investigate the formation of a sub-nanometer wide armchair GNR generated on a Au(111) surface. The on-surface synthesis is thermally activated and involves an intermediate non-aromatic polymer in which the molecular precursor forms polyanthrylene chains. Employing angle-resolved two-photon photoemission in combination with density functional theory calculations we find that the polymer exhibits two dispersing states which we attribute to the valence and the conduction band, respectively. While the band gap of the non-aromatic polymer obtained in this way is relatively large, namely 5.25 ± 0.06 eV, the gap of the corresponding aromatic GNR is strongly reduced which we attribute to the different degree of electron delocalization in the two systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Evolution Of Lattice Structure And Chemical Composition Of The Surface Reconstruction Layer In Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 Cathode Material For Lithium Ion Batteries

Voltage and capacity fading of layer structured lithium and manganese rich (LMR) transition metal oxide is directly related to the structural and composition evolution of the material during the cycling of the battery. However, understanding such evolution at atomic level remains elusive. Based on atomic level structural imaging, elemental mapping of the pristine and cycled samples and density functional theory calculations, it is found that accompanying the hoping of Li ions is the simultaneous migration of Ni ions towards the surface from the bulk lattice, leading to the gradual depletion of Ni in the bulk lattice and thickening of a Ni enriched surface reconstruction layer (SRL). Furthermore, Ni and Mn also exhibit concentration partitions within the thin layer of SRL in the cycled samples where Ni is almost depleted at the very surface of the SRL, indicating the preferential dissolution of Ni ions in the electrolyte. Accompanying the elemental composition evolution, significant structural evolution is also observed and identified as a sequential phase transition of C2/m →I41→Spinel. For the first time, it is found that the surface facet terminated with pure cation is more stable than that with a mixture of cation and anion. These findings firmly established how the elemental species in the lattice of LMR cathode transfer from the bulk lattice to surface layer and further into the electrolyte, clarifying the long standing confusion and debate on the structure and chemistry of the surface layer and their correlation with the voltage fading and capacity decaying of LMR cathode. Therefore, this work provides critical insights for designing of cathode materials with both high capacity and voltage stability during cycling.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2021

Beryllium-driven structural evolution at the divertor surface

Erosion of the beryllium first wall material in tokamak reactors has been shown to result in transport and deposition on the tungsten divertor. Experimental studies of beryllium implantation in tungsten indicate that mixed W–Be intermetallic deposits can form, which have lower melting temperatures than tungsten and can trap tritium at higher rates. To better understand the formation and growth rate of these intermetallics, we performed cumulative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of both high and low energy beryllium deposition in tungsten. In both cases, a W–Be mixed material layer (MML) emerged at the surface within several nanoseconds, either through energetic implantation or a thermally-activated exchange mechanism, respectively. While some ordering of the material into intermetallics occurred, fully ordered structures did not emerge from the deposition simulations. Targeted MD simulations of the MML to further study the rate of Be diffusion and intermetallic growth rates indicate that for both cases, the gradual re-structuring of the material into an ordered intermetallic layer is beyond accessible MD time scales(≤1 μs). However, the rapid formation of the MML within nanoseconds indicates that beryllium deposition can influence other plasma species interactions at the surface and begin to alter the tungsten material properties. Therefore, beryllium deposition on the divertor surface, even in small amounts, is likely to cause significant changes in plasma-surface interactions and will need to be considered in future studies.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Surface Chemistry of Methanol on Cu 3 Pd(111): Effects of Metal Alloying and Reaction with Hydrogen

Synchrotron-based ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) was used to study the adsorption and surface chemistry of methanol on a Cu 3 Pd(111) model surface. The composition and morphological properties of the pristine Cu 3 Pd(111) substrate were analyzed using a combination of low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and low-energy ion scattering (LEIS). The results of ion scattering showed segregation of Pd toward the surface, with a Pd/Cu ratio close to 0.5, a larger value than the ratio of 0.33 expected for a Cu 3 Pd bimetallic structure. The surface of the alloy exhibited a good LEED pattern with three-fold long-range periodicities. In STM, clusters of palladium with hexagonal arrays and Pd- Pd distances of 2.7-2.8 Å were detected. Bonding to copper perturbed the electronic properties of the atoms in the Pd clusters, shifting their 4d states toward higher binding energy with respect to the Fermi level. Further, the valence band spectrum of Cu 3 Pd(111) exhibited a line shape that was very different from those displayed by Cu(111) or Pd(111). At low pressures, the adsorption of methanol on Cu 3 Pd(111) at 300 K mainly produced CH 3 O, CO and CH x species. AP-XPS showed that most Pd atoms in the surface of the Cu 3 Pd(111) alloy interacted with the decomposition products of methanol. No significant changes were observed in the core levels of copper upon the adsorption and dissociation of methanol, suggesting that the molecule mainly interacted with Pd sites of the alloy. Reaction with hydrogen led to fast removal of CH x , C and PdC x species from Cu 3 Pd(111) at moderate (< 450 K) temperatures and prevented a CH x → C transformation. If the stability of adsorbed CH 3 O is used as a descriptor for the hydrogenation of CO 2 to methanol, Cu 3 Pd should be a much better catalyst than monometallic palladium. This may be a consequence of electronic and ensemble effects in the alloy that moderate the reactivity of Pd sites.

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

Effect of target-substrate distance on properties of flexible InZnSnO films grown by linear facing target sputtering

The authors have investigated the effect of target-to-substrate distance (TSD) on the electrical, optical, and structural properties of flexible InZnSnO (IZTO) films grown on polyethylene terephthalate substrates using linear facing target sputtering (LFTS) at room temperature. The electrical and optical properties of IZTO film grown by LFTS were significantly influenced by TSD while the structural and surface properties of IZTO film were not affected by TSD, unlike conventional magnetron sputtering. Regardless of TSD, all IZTO film showed completely amorphous structure with very low root mean square roughness of 0.33 nm, due to the low kinetic energy of sputtered IZTO atoms and a substrate position that did not directly face the targets. Based on the figure of merit value, the optimized TSD for deposition of flexible IZTO films is 2.5 cm. At optimized conditions, the IZTO film showed a sheet resistance of 23.1 {Omega}/sq and an optical transmittance of 80%.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

A method to predict fatigue crack initiation in metals using dislocation dynamics

Abstract A theory is proposed to predict the initiation of fatigue cracks using cyclic dislocation dynamics (DD) simulations. The evolution of dislocation networks in a grain is simulated over several cycles. It is shown that the dislocation density and the energy stored in the dislocation networks increase with the number of cycles. The results of the DD simulations are used to construct an energy balance expression for crack initiation. A hypothetical crack is inserted into the grain, and the Gibbs energy consisting of the energy of the dislocation structure, the surface energy of the hypothetical crack, and the reduction in continuum energy is evaluated. Once the Gibbs energy attains a maximum, the dislocation structure becomes unstable, and it becomes energetically more favorable to form a real crack. The proposed method is applied to oxygen-free high conductivity copper, and the results are compared against experiments. Finally, it is shown how the method can be amended to account for environmental effects.

Electrochemistry↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effects of the Structure of Water Rights on Agricultural Production During Drought: A Spatiotemporal Analysis of California's Central Valley

Abstract California's Central Valley region has been called the “bread‐basket” of the United States. The region is home to one of the most productive agricultural systems on the planet. Such high levels of agricultural productivity require large amounts of fresh water for irrigation. However, the long‐term availability of water required to sustain high levels of agricultural production is being called into question following the latest drought in California. In this paper, we use Bayesian multilevel spatiotemporal modeling techniques to examine the influence of the structure of surface water rights in the Central Valley on agricultural production during the recent drought. California is an important place to study these dynamics as it is the only state to recognize the two dominant approaches to surface water management in the United States: riparian and appropriative rights. In this study, Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling is employed to account for spatial processes that have the potential to influence the effects of water right structures on agricultural production. Results suggest that, after accounting for spatiotemporal dependencies in the data, seniority in surface water access significantly improves crop health and productivity on cultivated lands but does not independently affect the ability to maintain cultivated extent. In addition, agricultural productivity in watersheds with more junior surface water rights shows less sensitivity to cumulative drought exposure than other watersheds, however the extent of cultivation in these same watersheds is relatively more sensitive to cumulative drought exposure.

Nelson, K. S.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Understanding the mechanisms of anisotropic dissolution in metal oxides by applying radiolysis simulations to liquid-phase TEM

Iron-based redox-active minerals are ubiquitous in soils, sediments, and aquatic systems. Their dissolution is of great importance for microbial impacts on carbon cycling and the biogeochemistry of the lithosphere and hydrosphere. Despite its widespread significance and extensive prior study, the atomic-to-nanoscale mechanisms of dissolution remain poorly understood, particularly the interplay between acidic and reductive processes. Here, we use in situ liquid-phase-transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) and simulations of radiolysis to probe and control acidic versus reductive dissolution of akaganeite (β–FeOOH) nanorods. Informed by crystal structure and surface chemistry, the balance between acidic dissolution at rod tips and reductive dissolution at rod sides was systematically varied using pH buffers, background chloride anions, and electron beam dose. We find that buffers, such as bis-tris, effectively inhibited dissolution by consuming radiolytic acidic and reducing species such as superoxides and aqueous electrons. In contrast, chloride anions simultaneously suppressed dissolution at rod tips by stabilizing structural elements while promoting dissolution at rod sides through surface complexation. Dissolution behaviors were systematically varied by shifting the balance between acidic and reductive attacks. The findings show LP-TEM combined with simulations of radiolysis effects can provide a unique and versatile platform for quantitatively investigating dissolution mechanisms, with implications for understanding metal cycling in natural environments and the development of tailored nanomaterials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Ion acceleration from microstructured targets irradiated by high-intensity picosecond laser pulses

Structures on the front surface of thin foil targets for laser-driven ion acceleration have been proposed to increase the ion source maximum energy and conversion efficiency. While structures have been shown to significantly boost the proton acceleration from pulses of moderate-energy fluence, their performance on tightly focused and high-energy lasers remains unclear. Here, we report the results of laser-driven three-dimensional (3D)-printed microtube targets, focusing on their efficacy for ion acceleration. Using the high-contrast (~10 12) PHELIX laser (150 J, 10 21 W / cm 2 ), we studied the acceleration of ions from 1-μm-thick foils covered with micropillars or microtubes, which we compared with flat foils. The front-surface structures significantly increased the conversion efficiency from laser to light ions, with up to a factor of 5 higher proton number with respect to a flat target, albeit without an increase of the cutoff energy. An optimum diameter was found for the microtube targets. Our findings in this work are supported by a systematic particle-in-cell modeling investigation of ion acceleration using 2D simulations with various structure dimensions. Simulations reproduce the experimental data with good agreement, including the observation of the optimum tube diameter, and reveal that the laser is shuttered by the plasma filling the tubes, explaining why the ion cutoff energy was not increased in this regime.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Nanocrystalline Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3−δ} synthesized using a chelating route for use in IT-SOFC cathodes: Microstructure, surface chemistry and electrical conductivity

Nanocrystalline Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3−δ} powders were synthesized by a chelating route using different polyfunctional H{sub x}APC acids (APC=aminopolycarboxylate; x=3, 4, 5). Different homologous aminopolycarboxylic acids, namely nitrilotriacetic (H{sub 3}nta), ethylenediaminetetraacetic (H{sub 4}edta), 1,2-cyclohexanediaminetetracetic (H{sub 4}cdta) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic (H{sub 5}dtpa) acid, were used as chelating agents to combine Sm, Sr, Co elements into a perovskite structure. The effects of the chelating agents on the crystalline structure, porosity, surface chemistry and electrical properties were investigated. The electrical properties of the perovskite-type materials emphasized that their conductivities in the temperature range of interest (600–800 °C) depend on the nature of the precursors as well as on the presence of a residual Co oxide phase as shown by XRD and XPS analysis. The surface chemistry and the surface stoichiometries were determined by XPS revealing a complex chemical behavior of Sr that exhibits a peculiar “surface phase” and “bulk phase” chemistry within the detected volume (<10 nm). - Graphical abstract: Synthesis of nanocrystalline Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3−δ} powders by a chelating route and the investigation of the microstructure, surface chemistry and electrical properties. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Nanocrystalline Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3−δ} obtained by a chelating synthesis route. • Cubic perovskite structures with crystallite sizes ∼23±2 nm. • The porous nature revealed by N{sub 2} adsorption/desorption (BET). • The surface chemistry and the surface stoichiometries highlighted by XPS. • A complex chemical behavior of Sr exhibits a peculiar “surface phase” and “bulk phase” chemistry.

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

A comparative study of physico-chemical properties of CBD and SILAR grown ZnO thin films

Graphical abstract: Schematic model indicating ZnO nanorods by CBD (Z{sub 1}) and nanograins by SILAR (Z{sub 2}). - Highlights: • Simple methods for the synthesis of ZnO thin films. • Comparative study of physico-chemical properties of ZnO thin films prepared by CBD and SILAR methods. • CBD outperforms SILAR method. - Abstract: In the present work, nanocrystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films have been successfully deposited onto glass substrates by simple and economical chemical bath deposition (CBD) and successive ionic layer adsorption reaction (SILAR) methods. These films were further characterized for their structural, optical, surface morphological and wettability properties. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns for both CBD and SILAR deposited ZnO thin films reveal the highly crystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure. From optical studies, band gaps obtained are 2.9 and 3.0 eV for CBD and SILAR deposited thin films, respectively. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) patterns show growth of well defined randomly oriented nanorods and nanograins on the CBD and SILAR deposited samples, respectively. The resistivity of CBD deposited films (10{sup 2} Ω cm) is lower than that of SILAR deposited films (10{sup 5} Ω cm). Surface wettability studies show hydrophobic nature for both films. From the above results it can be concluded that CBD grown ZnO thin films show better properties as compared to SILAR method.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗