Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “single crystal diffraction”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,513 records · Page 84

Impact of Pressure on Magnetic Order in Jarosite

We present that jarosite, a mineral with a kagome lattice, displays magnetic frustration yet orders magnetically below 65 K. As magnetic frustration can engender exotic physical properties, understanding the complex magnetism of jarosite comprises a multidecade interdisciplinary challenge. Unraveling the nature of the disparate magnetic coupling interactions that lead to magnetic order in jarosite remains an open question. Specifically, there is no observed trend in the interlayer spacing with magnetic order. Similarly, the relationship between metal-ligand bond distance and magnetic order remains uninvestigated. Here, we use applied pressure to smoothly vary jarosite's structure without manipulating the chemical composition, enabling a chemically invariant structure-function study. Using single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, we show that high applied pressures alter both the interlayer spacing and the metal-ligand bond distances. By harnessing a suite of magnetic techniques under pressure, including SQUID-based magnetometry, time-resolved synchrotron Mossbauer spectroscopy, and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, we construct the magnetic phase diagram for jarosite up to 40 GPa. Notably, we demonstrate that the magnetic ordering temperature increases dramatically to 240 K at the highest pressures. Additionally, we conduct X-ray emission spectroscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy experiments to comprehensively map the magnetic and electronic structures of jarosite at high pressure. Finally, we use these maps to construct chemically pure magnetostructural correlations which fully explain the nature and role of the disparate magnetic coupling interactions in jarosite.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Antiferroelectric Phase Transition in a Proton-Transfer Salt of Squaric Acid and 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine

A proton-transfer reaction between squaric acid (H 2 sq) and 2,3-dimethylpyrazine (2,3-Me 2 pyz) results in crystallization of a new organic antiferroelectric (AFE), (2,3-Me 2 pyzH + )(Hsq – )·H 2 O ( 1 ), which possesses a layered structure. The structure of each layer can be described as partitioned into strips lined with methyl groups of the Me 2 pyzH + cations and strips featuring extensive hydrogen bonding between the Hsq – anions and water molecules. Variable-temperature dielectric measurements and crystal structures determined through a combination of single-crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction reveal an AFE ordering at 104 K. The phase transition is driven by ordering of protons within the hydrogen-bonded strips. Considering the extent of proton transfer, the paraelectric (PE) state can be formulated as (2,3-Me 2 pyzH + ) 2 (Hsq 2 3– )(H 5 O 2 + ), whereas the AFE phase can be described as (2,3-Me 2 pyzH + )(Hsq – )(H 2 O). The structural transition caused by the localization of protons results in the change in color from yellow in the PE state to colorless in the AFE state. The occurrence and mechanism of the AFE phase transition have been also confirmed by heat capacity measurements and variable-temperature infrared and Raman spectroscopy. This work demonstrates a potentially promising approach to the design of new electrically ordered materials by engineering molecule-based crystal structures in which hydrogen-bonding interactions are intentionally partitioned into quasi-one-dimensional regions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Atomistic deformation mechanism of silicon under laser-driven shock compression

Abstract Silicon (Si) is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, and it is the most widely used semiconductor. Despite extensive study, some properties of Si, such as its behaviour under dynamic compression, remain elusive. A detailed understanding of Si deformation is crucial for various fields, ranging from planetary science to materials design. Simulations suggest that in Si the shear stress generated during shock compression is released via a high-pressure phase transition, challenging the classical picture of relaxation via defect-mediated plasticity. However, direct evidence supporting either deformation mechanism remains elusive. Here, we use sub-picosecond, highly-monochromatic x-ray diffraction to study (100)-oriented single-crystal Si under laser-driven shock compression. We provide the first unambiguous, time-resolved picture of Si deformation at ultra-high strain rates, demonstrating the predicted shear release via phase transition. Our results resolve the longstanding controversy on silicon deformation and provide direct proof of strain rate-dependent deformation mechanisms in a non-metallic system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tuning the bandgap of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 through dilute tin alloying

The promise of lead halide hybrid perovskites for optoelectronic applications makes finding less-toxic alternatives a priority. The double perovskite Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 ( 1 ) represents one such alternative, offering long carrier lifetimes and greater stability under ambient conditions. However, the large and indirect 1.95 eV bandgap hinders its potential as a solar absorber. Here we report that alloying crystals of 1 with up to 1 atom% Sn results in a bandgap reduction of up to ca. 0.5 eV while maintaining low toxicity. Crystals can be alloyed with up to 1 atom% Sn and the predominant substitution pathway appears to be a ~2 : 1 substitution of Sn 2+ and Sn 4+ for Ag + and Bi 3+ , respectively, with Ag + vacancies providing charge compensation. Spincoated films of 1 accommodate a higher Sn loading, up to 4 atom% Sn, where we see mostly Sn 2+ substitution for both Ag + and Bi 3+ . Density functional theory (DFT) calculations ascribe the bandgap redshift to the introduction of Sn impurity bands below the conduction band minimum of the host lattice. Using optical absorption spectroscopy, photothermal deflection spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, 119 Sn NMR, redox titration, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, multiple elemental analysis and imaging techniques, and DFT calculations, we provide a detailed analysis of the Sn content and oxidation state, dominant substitution sites, and charge-compensating defects in Sn-alloyed Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 ( 1:Sn ) crystals and films. An understanding of heterovalent alloying in halide double perovskites opens the door to a wider breadth of potential alloying agents for manipulating their band structures in a predictable manner.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Inference of principal species in caustic aluminate solutions through solid-state spectroscopic characterization

Tetrahedrally coordinated aluminate Al(OH) 4 – and dialuminate Al 2 O(OH) 6 2– anions are considered to be major species in aluminum-rich alkaline solutions. However, their relative abundance remains difficult to spectroscopically quantify due to local structure similarities and poorly understood effects arising from extent of polymerization and counter-cations. To help unravel these relationships in this paper we report detailed characterization of three solid-phase analogues as structurally and compositionally well-defined reference materials. We successfully synthesized a cesium salt of the aluminate monomer, CsAl(OH) 4 ·2H 2 O, for comparison to potassium and rubidium salts of the aluminate dimer, K 2 Al 2 O(OH) 6 , and Rb 2 Al 2 O(OH) 6 , respectively. Single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods clearly reveal the structure and purity of these materials for which a combination of 27 Al MAS-NMR, Al K-edge X-ray absorption and Raman/IR spectroscopies was then used to fingerprint the two major tetrahedrally coordinated Al species. The resulting insights into the effect of Al–O–Al bridge formation between aluminate tetrahedra on spectroscopic features may also be generalized to the many materials that are based on this motif.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A series of Rb 4 Ln 2 (P 2 S 6 )(PS 4 ) 2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) rare earth thiophosphates with two distinct thiophosphate units [P V S 4 ] 3- and [P IV 2 S 6 ] 4-

A series of rubidium rare earth thiophosphates with the formula Rb 4 Ln 2 (P 2 S 6 )(PS 4 ) 2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Gd) were synthesized using the high temperature molten flux crystal growth method utilizing a RbBr flux. Single crystals of all title compounds, as well as phase pure powders of the La-, Ce-, and Sm-containing compositions, were obtained. Single crystals of the title compounds were characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction for structure and phase identification. Rb 4 Ln 2 (P 2 S 6 )(PS 4 ) 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system adopting the P2 1 /n space group for the large rare earths (Ln = La, Ce, Pr) and the C2/c space group for the smaller rare earths (Ln = Nd, Sm, Gd). This Rb 4 Ln 2 (P 2 S 6 )(PS 4 ) 2 series is a rare example of thiophosphates containing both tetrahedral [P V S 4 ] 3– and dimeric [P IV 2 S 6 ] 4– thiophosphate units that, in this structural family, link corrugated rare earth sulfide chains into sheets. Here, the band gaps of the materials were determined from UV–Vis data and the fluorescence spectrum of Rb 4 Ce 2 (P 2 S 6 )(PS 4 ) 2 was collected. Optical band gaps were estimated to be 2.9 and 2.4 for the Nd and Sm analogues, respectively.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Combining coordination and chelation moieties to engineer a new linker for lanthanide coordination chemistry

Organic linkers play a crucial role in constructing lanthanide (Ln) coordination polymers (CPs), influencing structural topologies and physicochemical properties. Herein, we introduce 6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (2,5-H 3 PODC) as a new ligand for constructing lanthanide coordination polymers that integrates the structural features of terephthalic acid with the chelation capabilities of pyridinone-based functional groups. Six lanthanide-based coordination polymers were synthesized with 2,5-H 3 PODC, forming two types of CPs – type 1: [Ln(HPODC)(Ox) 0.5 (H 2 O) 2 ] (where (Ox) = oxalic acid and Ln = Pr 3+ (1), Nd 3+ (2)) and type 2: [Ln(H 2 PODC)(HPODC)(H 2 O)] (Ln = Eu 3+ (3), Gd 3+ (4), Dy 3+ (5), Er 3+ (6)). All compounds were structurally characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, and both compound types are 2D ladder-like networks with cem topologies where the trivalent metal centers are bridged via HPODC 2− and Ox 2− ligands in type 1 structures and H 2 PODC − and HPODC 2− linkers in type 2 structures. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the metal–organic networks of type 1 and type 2 compounds exhibit distinct decomposition patterns, and the photoluminescent properties of 3 were also examined, revealing efficient ligand based sensitization and characteristic emission bands for Eu(III).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Emergence of the isotropic Kitaev honeycomb lattice $α$–RuCl 3 and its magnetic properties

Here, we present a comprehensive investigation of the crystal and magnetic structures of the van der Waals antiferromagnet $α$–RuCl 3 using single crystal x-ray and neutron diffraction. The crystal structure at room temperature is a monoclinic (C2/m). However, with decreasing temperature, a remarkable first-order structural phase transition is observed, leading to the emergence of a rhombohedral ($R\bar3$) structure characterized by three-fold rotational symmetry forming an isotropic honeycomb lattice. On further cooling, a zigzag-type antiferromagnetic order develops below $T_{\textrm{N}} = 6\sim6.6$ K. The critical exponent of the magnetic order parameter was determined to be $\beta = 0.11(1)$, which is close to the two-dimensional Ising model. Additionally, the angular dependence of the magnetic critical field of the zigzag antiferromagnetic order for the polarized ferromagnetic phase reveals a six-fold rotational symmetry within the ab–plane. These findings reflect the symmetry associated with the Ising-like bond-dependent Kitaev spin interactions and underscore the universality of the Kitaev interaction-dominated antiferromagnetic system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Charge density wave with anomalous temperature dependence in UPt 2 Si 2

Using single-crystal neutron and x-ray diffraction, we discovered a charge density wave (CDW) below 320 K, which accounts for the long-sought origin of the heat capacity and resistivity anomalies in UPt 2 Si 2 . The modulation wave vector, Q mod , is intriguingly similar to the incommensurate wave vector of URu 2 Si 2 . Q mod shows an unusual temperature dependence, shifting from commensurate to incommensurate position upon cooling and becoming locked at aproximately (0.42 0 0) near 180 K. Furthermore, bulk measurements indicate a crossover toward a correlated coherent state around the same temperature, suggesting an interplay between the CDW and Kondo-lattice-like coherence before coexisting antiferromagnetic order sets in at T N =35 Κ.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Stabilization of collinear ferromagnetic order in Ir-doped triple-layer ruthenate Sr 4 Ru 3 O 10

The triple-layer Sr 4 Ru 3 O 10 is a spin-orbit-coupled metal featuring an intriguing combination of ferromagnetic and metamagnetic states. Here we report a comprehensive study of single-crystal neutron and x-ray diffraction on Sr 4 Ru 3 O 10 with 4% iridium doping. The system crystallizes in an orthorhombic Bbem structure in which two triple layers are related by a base centering symmetry operation within one unit cell. The 4% Ir doping at the Ru site sensitively alters the structural balance between the RuO 6 layers, as such the two outer-layer octahedra rotate 6.7° about the c axis, while the central-layer one rotates in the opposite direction by 11.0°. The increased lattice distortion stabilizes a collinear ferromagnetic state with magnetic moments fully aligned along the c axis. The emerging perpendicular magnetic anisotropy naturally increases the critical field for the inplane metamagnetic transition to 4.5 Tesla. All results highlight the critical linkage between the magnetic properties and underlying lattice through orbital degrees of freedom, as well as the enhanced spin orbit coupling due to heavier 5d ions. Our observation provides a viable route for an efficient manipulation of the magnetic states with functionalities.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Conductive surface states and Kondo exhaustion in insulating YbIr 3 Si 7

The interplay of Kondo screening and magnetic ordering in strongly correlated materials containing local moments is a subtle problem. Usually the number of conduction electrons per unit cell matches or exceeds the number of moments, and a Kondo-screened heavy Fermi liquid develops at low temperatures. Changing the pressure, magnetic field, or chemical doping can displace this heavy Fermi liquid in favor of a magnetically ordered state. Alternatively, Kondo singlet formation can be suppressed when the number of conduction electrons is small compared to the number of magnetic moments, known as the Kondo exhaustion scenario. Furthermore we report the discovery of such an “exhausted” Kondo lattice material, YbIr 3 Si 7 , where the bulk electrical conductivity tends to zero in the antiferromagnetic state below the Néel temperature T N = 4.1 K, as all the free carriers are consumed in the formation of Kondo singlets. By contrast, the surface is conducting, as the Yb 3+ ions relax into larger nonmagnetic Yb 2+ in the presence of reduced chemical pressure, which shifts the chemical potential.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Lattice-level observation of the elastic-to-plastic relaxation process with subnanosecond resolution in shock-compressed Ta using time-resolved in situ Laue diffraction

We report direct lattice level measurements of plastic relaxation kinetics through time-resolved, in-situ Laue diffraction of shock-compressed single-crystal [001] Ta at pressures of 27-210 GPa. For a 50 GPa shock, a range of shear strains is observed extending up to the uniaxial limit for early data points (<0.6 ns) and the average shear strain relaxes to a near steady state over ~1 ns. For 80 and 125 GPa shocks, the measured shear strains are fully relaxed already at 200 ps, consistent with rapid relaxation associated with the predicted threshold for homogeneous nucleation of dislocations occurring at shock pressure ~65 GPa. The relaxation rate and shear stresses are used to estimate the dislocation density and these quantities are compared to the Livermore Multiscale Strength model as well as various molecular dynamics simulations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Soft antiphase tilt of oxygen octahedra in the hybrid improper multiferroic Ca 3 Mn 1.9 Ti 0.1 O 7

Here, we report a single crystal neutron and x-ray diffraction study of the hybrid improper multiferroic Ca 3 Mn 1.9 Ti 0.1 O 7 (CMTO), a prototypical system where the electric polarization arises from the condensation of two lattice distortion modes. With increasing temperature ( T ), the out-of-plane, antiphase tilt of MnO 6 decreases in amplitude while the in-plane, in-phase rotation remains robust and experiences abrupt changes across the first-order structural transition. Application of hydrostatic pressure ( P ) to CMTO at room temperature shows a similar effect. The consistent behavior under both T and P reveals the softness of antiphase tilt and highlights the role of the partially occupied d orbital of the transition-metal ions in determining the stability of the octahedral distortion. Polarized neutron analysis indicates the symmetry-allowed canted ferromagnetic moment is less than the 0.04μ B /Mn site, despite a substantial out-of-plane tilt of the MnO 6 octahedra.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Anisotropic antiferromagnetic order in the spin-orbit coupled trigonal-lattice Ca 2 Sr 2 IrO 6

Here, we used single-crystal x-ray and neutron diffraction to investigate the crystal and magnetic structures of trigonal lattice iridate Ca 2 Sr 2 IrO 6 . The crystal structure is determined to be R ¯3 with two distinct Ir sites. The system exhibits long-range antiferromagnetic order below T N = 13.1 K. The magnetic wave vector is identified as (0,0.5,1) with ferromagnetic coupling along the a axis and antiferromagnetic correlation along the b axis. Spins align dominantly within the basal plane along the [1,2,0] direction and tilt 34° toward the c axis. The ordered moment is 0.66(3) μ B /Ir, larger than other iridates where iridium ions form corner- or edge-sharing IrO 6 octahedral networks. The tilting angle is reduced to ≈19° when a magnetic field of 4.9 T is applied along the c axis. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the experimentally determined magnetic configuration is the most probable ground state with an insulating gap ~0.5 eV.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic Precursor of the Pressure-Induced Superconductivity in Fe-Ladder Compounds

We studied the pressure effects on the antiferromagentic orders in iron-based ladder compounds CsFe$_2$Se$_3$ and BaFe$_2$S$_3$ using single crytal neutron diffraction technique. With identical crystal structure and similar magnetic structures, the two compounds exhibit highly contrasting magnetic behaviors under moderate external pressures. In CsFe$_2$Se$_3$ the ladders are brought much closer to each other by pressure, but the stripe-type of magnetic order shows no observable change. Furthermore, the stripe order in BaFe$_2$S$_3$, undergoes a quantum phase transition where an abrupt increase of $N\acute{e}el$ temperature by more than 50$\%$ occurs at about 1 GPa, accompanied by a jump in ordered moment. Finally, with its spin structure unchanged, BaFe$_2$S$_3$ enters an enhanced magnetic phase that bears the characteristics of an orbital selective Mott phase, which is the true herald for superconductivity emerging at higher pressures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Charge Density Wave in Kagome Lattice Intermetallic ScV 6 Sn 6

Materials hosting kagome lattices have drawn interest for the diverse magnetic and electronic states generated by geometric frustration. In the AV 3 Sb 5 compounds (A=K, Rb, Cs), stacked vanadium kagome layers give rise to unusual charge density waves (CDW) and superconductivity. In this work, we report single-crystal growth and characterization of ScV 6 Sn 6 , a hexagonal HfFe 6 Ge 6 -type compound that shares this structural motif. We identify a first-order phase transition at 92 K. Single crystal x-ray and neutron diffraction reveal a charge density wave modulation of the atomic lattice below this temperature. This is a distinctly different structural mode than that observed in the AV 3 Sb 5 compounds, but both modes have been anticipated in kagome metals. The diverse HfFe 6 Ge 6 family offers more opportunities to tune ScV 6 Sn 6 and explore density wave order in kagome lattice materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗