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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 1,567 records · Page 87
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Dynamics of active liquid interfaces

Controlling interfaces of phase-separating fluid mixtures is key to the creation of diverse functional soft materials. Traditionally, this is accomplished with surface-modifying chemical agents. Using experiment and theory, we studied how mechanical activity shapes soft interfaces that separate an active and a passive fluid. Chaotic flows in the active fluid give rise to giant interfacial fluctuations and noninertial propagating active waves. At high activities, stresses disrupt interface continuity and drive droplet generation, producing an emulsion-like active state composed of finite-sized droplets. When in contact with a solid boundary, active interfaces exhibit nonequilibrium wetting transitions, in which the fluid climbs the wall against gravity. These results demonstrate the promise of mechanically driven interfaces for creating a new class of soft active matter.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2022

Transcriptomic Data Sets for Zymomonas mobilis 2032 during Fermentation of Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX)-Pretreated Corn Stover and Switchgrass Hydrolysates

The transcriptomes of Zymomonas mobilis 2032 were captured during the fermentation of ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX)-pretreated corn stover and switchgrass hydrolysates containing different concentrations of glucose and xylose. RNA samples were collected when Z. mobilis was fermenting glucose or xylose. Here, we present transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) data obtained during separate phases of glucose or xylose consumption.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Local Structure of Fe–Cr Powders Prepared by Mechanical Alloying

We have studied the structure of Fe–Cr alloys prepared by mechanical alloying. According to X-ray diffraction data, all of the alloys are single-phase and consist of a BCC solid solution. The local structure of the alloys has been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Analysis of the local environment of the Fe atoms leads us to assume clustering processes in the alloy containing 20 at % Cr and suggests that the alloys containing 35 and 50 at % Cr experience phase separation into regions of a homogeneous disordered chromium- enriched solid solution and an iron-enriched imperfect structure containing a considerable amount of dissolved gases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Sn-enriched Ge/GeSn nanostructures grown by MBE on (001) GaAs and Si wafers

Elastically stressed metastable GeSn layers with a tin molar fraction as large as 0.185 are grown on (001) Si and GaAs wafers covered with a germanium buffer layer. A set of wafers with a deviation angle in the range 0°–10° is used. It is established that the GeSn crystal undergoes monoclinic deformation with the angle β to 88° in addition to tetragonal deformation. Misorientation of the wafers surface results in increasing efficiency of the incorporation of tin adatoms into the GeSn crystal lattice. Phase separation in the solid solution upon postgrowth annealing of the structures begins long before the termination of plastic relaxation of elastic heteroepitaxial stresses. Tin released as a result of GeSn decomposition predominantly tends to be found on the surface of the sample. Manifestations of the brittle–plastic mechanism of the relaxation of stresses resulting in the occurrence of microcracks in the subsurface region of the structures under investigation are found.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effect of Ag in CdSe thin films prepared using thermal evaporation

It has been a general practice to dope thin films with suitable dopants to modify the properties of the films to make them more suitable for potential applications. When the dopant concentrations are low, they do not normally affect the structure and morphology of the films. However, it may lead to drastic changes in electronic properties of the films. This might result from the dopant getting incorporated into the lattice of the material of the films. Cadmium selenide is an important compound semiconductor material with an attractive energy band gap. The present work relates to an attempt made to dope CdSe thin films with silver. CdSe:Ag (1–5%) thin films were deposited on glass substrates at an optimized substrate temperature of 453 K using thermal evaporation technique. The grown films were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX) techniques. It is observed that undoped CdSe thin films and CdSe:Ag films have hexagonal structure. The grain size was found to increase marginally with an increase in the Ag concentration. The optical band gap of the films determined by optical transmission measurements agree with that of CdSe. Electrical conductivity is observed to increase from 10{sup –4} to 3.66 (Ω cm){sup –1} on addition of silver. The variation of resistance with temperature indicates that the prepared films consist of CdSe and Ag existing as two separate phases coexisting and contributing individually to the resistivity of the films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Influence of europium doping on magnetic properties of 3D topological semimetal Cd{sub 3}As{sub 2} from ESR data

Influence of weak doping by rare-earth elements on magnetic and transport properties of a 3D topological semimetal Cd{sub 3}As{sub 2} was studied experimentally. In particular, the doping by europium causes to change of the magnetoresistance sign from positive to negative. First measurements of electron spin resonance and magnetic susceptibility have shown that there are two types of Eu{sup 2+} magnetic ions that occupy the positions of cadmium ions and tetrahedral vacancies and form the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases, respectively. These facts give an evidence of small-scaled phase separation and a transformation of the Dirac semimetal to a Weyl semimetal induced by magnetic impurities.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Frozen Superparaelectric State of Local Polar Regions in GdMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} and Gd{sub 0.8}Ce{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 5}

A comparative study of the dielectric properties and electric polarization of multiferroics GdMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} and Gd{sub 0.8}Ce{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 5} has been carried out in the temperature range 5–330 K. The polarization properties in the ferroelectric state that forms due to a charge ordering and exchange striction have been studied at T ≤ T{sub C} = 30 K. The properties of the restricted polar phase separation domains formed in the crystals containing ions Mn{sup 3+} and Mn{sup 4+} have been studied, too. These domains exhibit the electric polarization in the temperature range from 5 K to some temperatures T{sub f} ≫ T{sub C}. Such a high-temperature polarization is due to the frozen superparaelectric state of the restricted polar domains.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Magnetic Properties of Eu{sub 0.9}Yb{sub 0.1}B{sub 6}

The magnetic properties of substitutional solid solutions Eu{sub 0.9}Yb{sub 0.1}B{sub 6} have been investigated in the temperature range of 2–300 K in fields up to 5 T. The data obtained confirm that the state with the electronic and magnetic phase separation (typical of europium hexaboride) is implemented in Eu{sub 0.9}Yb{sub 0.1}B{sub 6} when the system metallization (T{sub M} ≈ 15 K) precedes the ferromagnetic ordering (T{sub C} ≈ 11.4 K). An analysis of the curves M(H) in the Belov–Arrott coordinates makes it possible to evaluate spontaneous magnetization M{sub sp} and zero field susceptibility χ{sub 0} and determine the character of their critical behavior near the Curie point. The calculated critical indices (γ ≈ 1.28 and β ≈ 0.34) are in agreement with the predictions of the three-dimensional Heisenberg model.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Competition between the Spin and Pseudospin Subsystems in a Model Cuprate

The competition between the magnetic and charge orderings in a model cuprate is considered in terms of a simplified static 2D spin–pseudospin model. This model is equivalent to the 2D dilute antiferromagnetic (AFM) Ising model with charged impurities. The mean-field approximation results are presented for the system under study and briefly compared to the classical Monte Carlo (MC) calculations. The numerical simulation shows that the cases of the strong exchange and the strong charge correlation differ qualitatively. In the case of a strong exchange, the AMF phase is instable with respect to the phase separation (PS) into the pseudospin (charge) and magnetic (spin) subsystems that behave as immiscible quantum liquids. The analytical expression has been obtained for the PS temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

What dielectric spectroscopy can tell us about supramolecular networks

Polymers which can form supramolecular networks are a promising class of materials to provide highly sought-after properties such as self-healing, enhanced mechanical strength, super-stretchability as well as easy recyclability. However, due to the vast range of possible chemical structures it is very demanding to optimize these materials for the desired performance. Consequently, a detailed understanding of the molecular processes that govern the macroscopic properties is paramount to their technological application. Here we discuss some telechelic model systems with hydrogen-bonding end groups and how dielectric spectroscopy in combination with linear oscillatory shear rheology helped to understand the association mechanism on a molecular scale, and verify the model of bond-lifetime renormalization. Furthermore, we analyze a limitation of these H-bonding polymers, namely that there is a trade-off between high plateau modulus and long terminal relaxation time --both cannot be maximized at the same time. Lastly, we show how more complex end groups phase separate from the main chain melt and thus lead to a more sophisticated rheological behavior which can overcome that limitation.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2019

Imaging Quantum Vortices in Superfluid Helium Droplets

Free superfluid helium droplets constitute a versatile medium for a diverse range of experiments in physics and chemistry that extend from studies of the fundamental laws of superfluid motion to the synthesis of novel nanomaterials. In particular, the emergence of quantum vortices in rotating helium droplets is one of the most dramatic hallmarks of superfluidity and gives detailed access to the wave function describing the quantum liquid. This review provides an introduction to quantum vorticity in helium droplets, followed by a historical account of experiments on vortex visualization in bulk superfluid helium and a more detailed discussion of recent advances in the study of the rotational motion of isolated, nano- to micrometer-scale superfluid helium droplets. Ultrafast X-ray and extreme ultraviolet scattering techniques enabled by X-ray free-electron lasers and high-order harmonic generation in particular have facilitated the in situ detection of droplet shapes and the imaging of vortex structures inside individual, isolated droplets. Here, new applications of helium droplets ranging from studies of quantum phase separations to mechanisms of low-temperature aggregation are discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Reports From The Frontier: Overcoming Limitations for Pure-water Anion-exchange-membrane Electrolysis

Anion-exchange-membrane electrolysis is positioned to play a key role in the predicted exponential growth of green hydrogen technology with essential R&D advances. We reveal key design parameters essential to commercialization. First, stable alkaline oxygen-evolution reaction catalysts with high electronic conductivity and minimal surface reconstruction during operation must be designed. Alkaline catalyst layers must also be applied to the membrane electrode assembly with scalable, industrially relevant techniques. Second, ionomer oxidation mitigation strategies must be developed. Furthermore, this approach could also target other creative catalyst layer design, such as phase-separation control to protect oxidation-prone organic components or catalyst engineering to direct selectivity for hydroxide over polymer oxidation. If competitive efficiency and durability can be achieved in pure water, AEM electrolysis has the potential to become a dominant electrolyzer technology.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

system2atoms

system2atoms is a suite of models that can simulate the performance of hydrogen infrastructure across multiple scales. Examples of the different scale levels include: 1. System Scale - techno-economic analysis for hydrogen applications, integration of hydrogen infrastructure with the electrical grid, and supply and demand constraints across applications 2. Component Scale - continuous-flow catalyst beds, electrochemical conversion units, gas-phase separators, pumps, compressors, storage tanks, evaporators, heaters, and coolers 3. Material Scale - surface reactions, degradation mechanisms, and catalyst poisoning

Mcnenly, MatthewJ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Process Controlled Multiscale Morphologies in Metal-containing Block Copolymer Thin Films

Poly(styrene-block-ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PS-b-PFS) is a metal-containing block copolymer that exhibits certain advantages as a mask for lithographic applications. These advantages include compatibility with a wide range of substrates, ease of control over domain morphologies and robust stability to etch plasma, which aid in the development of high-aspect-ratio patterns. An asymmetric cylinder-forming PS-b-PFS copolymer is subjected to different processing to manipulate the morphology of the phase-separated domains. Control of film structure and domain morphology is achieved by adjusting the film thickness, mode of annealing, and/or annealing time. Changing the process from thermal or solvent annealing to hybrid annealing (thermal and then solvent annealing in sequence) leads to the formation of mesoscale spherulitic and dendritic morphologies. In this communication, we show that reversing the order of the hybrid annealing (solvent annealing first and then thermal annealing) of relatively thick films (>100 nm) on homogeneously thick substrates develops disordered lamellar structure. Furthermore, the same processing applied on a substrate with a thin, mechanically flexible window in the center leads to the formation of sub-micron scale concentric ring patterns. Enhanced material mobility in the thick film during hybrid annealing along with dynamic rippling effects that may arise from the vibration of the thin window during spin casting are likely causes for these morphologies.

Block copolymer↗
DOE OSTI2025

Compatibilization Strategy and Mechanism for Co-stabilizing Commingled Plastics and Pyrolyzed Rubber in Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt mixture is considered the ideal approach to reuse waste plastics in high-value applications because of its very high amount of usage in highway construction. However, the differences in polarity and density between polymers and asphalt lead to polymer coalescence and therefore the poor storage stability of modified asphalt. These challenges are exalted when recycling commingled plastics. This study introduced an innovative compatibilization strategy and mechanism for co-stabilizing commingled plastics and pyrolyzed rubber in asphalt. Commingled plastics were first grafted with maleic anhydride for surface activation, followed by reactive kneading with pyrolyzed rubber and crosslinking agent to form an integrated thermoplastic elastomer (ITPE) for asphalt modification. The mechanical, thermal, and interfacial behaviors of the ITPE were evaluated through tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The storage stability and rheological properties of the modified binder blends were evaluated through the cigar tube test and dynamic shear rheometer testing. Results demonstrated a successful formation of imide bonds in the ITPE, which can improve the strength, ductility, and thermal stability of rubber–plastic composites. Appropriate utilization of crosslinking agents can improve both rutting and fatigue resistance of ITPE-modified asphalt with good storage stability because of the co-existence of rigid plastic and soft rubbery regimes and the formation of a crosslink network. Furthermore, excessive content of crosslinker led to severe phase separation and reduced storage stability of modified binder blends. Extra crosslinker tended to float in asphalt because of its low density and caused an excessive formation of the crosslink network in the top section of the asphalt.

asphalt binder modifiers↗
DOE OSTI2020

Pericentromeric heterochromatin is hierarchically organized and spatially contacts H3K9me2 islands in euchromatin

Membraneless pericentromeric heterochromatin (PCH) domains play vital roles in chromosome dynamics and genome stability. However, our current understanding of 3D genome organization does not include PCH domains because of technical challenges associated with repetitive sequences enriched in PCH genomic regions. We investigated the 3D architecture of Drosophila melanogaster PCH domains and their spatial associations with the euchromatic genome by developing a novel analysis method that incorporates genome-wide Hi-C reads originating from PCH DNA. Combined with cytogenetic analysis, we reveal a hierarchical organization of the PCH domains into distinct “territories.” Strikingly, H3K9me2-enriched regions embedded in the euchromatic genome show prevalent 3D interactions with the PCH domain. These spatial contacts require H3K9me2 enrichment, are likely mediated by liquid-liquid phase separation, and may influence organismal fitness. Our findings have important implications for how PCH architecture influences the function and evolution of both repetitive heterochromatin and the gene-rich euchromatin.

Genetics & Heredity↗
DOE OSTI2018

Gram scale synthesis of Fe/Fe x O y core–shell nanoparticles and their incorporation into matrix-free superparamagnetic nanocomposites

In this paper, significant reductions recently seen in the size of wide-bandgap power electronics have not been accompanied by a relative decrease in the size of the corresponding magnetic components. To achieve this, a new generation of materials with high magnetic saturation and permeability are needed. Here, we develop gram-scale syntheses of superparamagnetic Fe/Fe x O y core–shell nanoparticles and incorporate them as the magnetic component in a strongly magnetic nanocomposite. Nanocomposites are typically formed by the organization of nanoparticles within a polymeric matrix. However, this approach can lead to high organic fractions and phase separation; reducing the performance of the resulting material. Here, we form aminated nanoparticles that are then cross-linked using epoxy chemistry. The result is a magnetic nanoparticle component that is covalently linked and well separated. By using this ‘matrix-free’ approach, we can substantially increase the magnetic nanoparticle fraction, while still maintaining good separation, leading to a superparamagnetic nanocomposite with strong magnetic properties.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Atomic layer deposition of cubic tin–calcium sulfide alloy films

Here, we deposit films of tin–calcium sulfide by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and demonstrate the metastability of this material. Rough and spiky films are obtained by using Sn and Ca precursors with different ligands, whereas compact and smooth films are obtained when the two metal sources share the same ligands. Compositional and quartz crystal microbalance results indicate that part of the underlaying SnS film is replaced and/or removed during the CaS ALD cycle during the ternary film deposition, possibly via a temperature-dependent cation exchange mechanism. The crystal structure transforms from orthorhombic to cubic as the calcium content increases. Furthermore, resistivity increases with calcium content in the alloy films, whereas optical band gap only depends weakly on Ca content. After annealing at 400 °C in an H 2 S environment, the cubic alloy film undergoes a phase transition into the orthorhombic phase and its resistivity also decreases. Both phenomena could be explained by phase separation of the metastable alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗