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291 records · Page 9

Electrolyte-Induced Restructuring of Acid-Stable Oxygen Evolution Catalysts

Crystalline metal oxide catalysts operating under oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions invariably restructure, resulting in active sites with hydroxo/oxo species in an amorphous environment. An increase in the population of terminal hydroxo/oxo species (i.e., edge sites) facilitates proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) kinetics for oxygen generation and thus improves catalyst competency. While amorphous films benefit from a greater density of active sites, they suffer from diminished charge transport as compared to that of extended crystalline lattices. Managing this amorphous–crystalline dichotomy is essential when designing OER catalysts, which we highlight with the examination of electrodeposited PbO x materials, which historically are very poor OER catalysts. Along these lines, the presence of phosphate during PbO x electrodeposition truncates the growth of an extended lattice owing to its strong bonding to oxide surfaces to afford an amorphous catalyst film (A-PbO x ) with significant charge-transfer resistance (138 ± 42 Ω) and poor OER kinetics (420 ± 105 mV dec –1 Tafel slope). Conversely, electrodeposition of Pb 2+ in the presence of less coordinating electrolytes such as nitrate affords crystalline β-PbO2 with improved charge-transfer resistance (42.6 ± 1.1 Ω), though still poor OER kinetics (134 ± 36 mV dec –1 Tafel slope). By operating amorphous A-PbOx in less coordinating electrolytes, however, a new partially crystalline material can be generated (μc-PbO x ) with further reduced charge-transfer resistance (33.0 ± 1.4 Ω) and improved OER kinetics (70 ± 15 mV dec –1 Tafel slope). The enhanced OER activity of μc-PbO x is the result of coupling the high edge-site population of an amorphous PbOx phase with crystalline-like charge transport properties. Finally, the ability to use an electrolyte to induce OER activity in an inactive amorphous form of PbO x highlights the benefits of optimizing the amorphous–crystalline phase compositions in the design of active OER catalysts.

catalysts

Comparative neutron-irradiation effects on thermal conductivity degradation and dimensional stability of TiC, TiB 2 , and ZrB 2 at 200–1000 °C

Ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs), including TiC, Ti 11 B₂, and Zr 11 B₂, show great potential for plasma-facing components due to their excellent high-temperature properties prior to irradiation. However, their response to neutron irradiation remains insufficiently understood, limiting robust assessment of their viability for fusion energy applications. Here, this study examines the thermal conductivity, dimensional stability and microstructure of TiC, TiB₂, and ZrB₂ following neutron irradiation at temperatures of 200–1000 °C and fast neutron fluences of 2.0 × 10 25 to 1.1 × 10 26 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV). Lattice swelling measured by synchrotron X-ray diffraction in all three UHTCs was maximized at 200 °C and decreased with increasing irradiation temperature, with no evidence of amorphization observed at 200 °C. Above 600 °C, significant macroscopic volume swelling was observed in irradiated Ti 11 B₂ and Zr 11 B₂, but not in TiC, likely due to cavity formation in the diborides. The post-irradiation thermal conductivity, measured at the irradiation temperature, ranged from 28 to 45 W/m·K, representing a 34–45% reduction relative to the unirradiated material. Notably, neutron-irradiated UHTCs exhibit recoverable thermal conductivity at elevated temperatures, comparable to ferritic–martensitic steels and potentially superior to W when transmutation effects are considered, highlighting promise for shielding or armor plasma-facing components. At 600 °C, both thermal conductivity degradation and lattice swelling saturated at doses exceeding 2–4 dpa.

fusion materials

230Th/234U radiochronometry for uranium materials by alpha spectrometry for nuclear forensics analysis

We have developed an alpha spectrometry method for 230Th/234U radiochronometry to determine the model separation age for uranium materials. This method offers an alternative to the more commonly used, but significantly more resource intensive multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) while providing similar accuracy and precision. The development included radiochemical separation of uranium and thorium, calibration of the 232U tracer and the alpha spectrometry measurement. The method was validated by analyzing a certified reference material, CRM 125-A, which is a uranium oxide pellet assay, isotopic, and radiochronometric standard. The results were compared to those obtained by our routine MC-ICP-MS 230Th/234U radiochronometry analysis method to assess the performance parameters for alpha spectrometry compared to the state-of-the-art technique.

Macsik, Zsuzsanna [Los Alamos National Laboratory

Electronic structure of the kagome compound CaTi 3⁢ Bi 4 using high-field torque magnetometry and density functional theory

Here, we report systematic torque magnetometry measurements to investigate the electronic properties of the newly discovered kagome compound CaTi 3 ⁢Bi 4 . Electrical transport, magnetic susceptibility, and thermal measurements reveal no evidence of a magnetic ground state in this material. Torque data obtained in magnetic fields up to 41.5 T exhibit clear de Haas–van Alphen (dHvA) oscillations, with nine distinct frequencies ranging from 13 to 6164 T. Angular-dependent dHvA measurements show that, with the exception of the lowest frequency (13 T), all observed frequencies nearly follow a 1/cos ⁡𝜃 dependence, where 𝜃 is the angle between the crystallographic 𝑐 axis and the magnetic field direction. This behavior is characteristic of quasi-two-dimensional Fermi-surface sheets with nearly circular cross sections. To further elucidate the electronic structure, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the band structure and Fermi surface. The calculated bands reveal the presence of multiple Dirac points (DP), flat bands (FB), and van Hove singularities (VHS) near the Fermi level. The resulting Fermi surface consists of several quasi-two-dimensional cylindrical sheets, consistent with the experimentally observed 1/cos⁡ 𝜃 dependence. Notably, the theoretical dHvA frequencies, derived from extremal Fermi-surface cross-sectional areas, agree well with the experimental values and reproduce their angular dependence. Remarkably, all experimentally observed frequencies are captured by the DFT predictions. Pressure-dependent calculations up to 10 GPa show that the electronic features—DP, FB, and VHS—evolve systematically with pressure. In particular, the VHS shifts closer to the Fermi level, demonstrating that pressure acts as an effective tuning parameter in this material. These combined experimental and theoretical results provide a comprehensive understanding of the electronic structure of CaTi 3 ⁢Bi 4 and demonstrate how pressure can be used to tune its key electronic features, offering valuable guidance for exploring related kagome materials.

Shtefiienko, Kyryl [West Texas A & M University, C

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 35, No. 2, July-December 1994]

Nuclear Safety is a journal that covers significant issues in the field of nuclear safety. Its primary scope is safety in the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power reactors worldwide and the research and analysis activities that promote this goal, but it also encompasses the safety aspects of the entire nuclear fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing and handling, and nuclear waste disposal, the handling of fissionable materials and radioisotopes, and the environmental effects of all these activities. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 179 Consideration of Postaccident Consequences in the Determination of Safety Objectives for Future Nuclear Power Plants in France, D. Queniart, A. Sugier, and J. Lochard; ACCIDENT ANALYSIS: 187 Nuclear Safety Research: The Phebus FP Severe Accident Experimental Program, P. von der Hardt, A. V. Jones, C. Lecomte, and A. Tattegrain; 205 Containment Performance Analysis of the Advanced Neutron Source Reactor at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, S. H. Kim, R. P. Taleyarkhan, and V. Georgevich; 213 Assessment of Fission Product Deposits in the Reactor Coolant System: The DEVAP Program, G. Le Marois and M. Megnin; 222 Erratum to “A Review of the Available Information on the Triggering Stage of a Steam Explosion," Vol. 35, No. 1, CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION: 223 Effects of Normal Aging on Calibration and Response Time of Nuclear Plant Resistance Temperature Detectors and Pressure Sensors, H. M. Hashemian; DESIGN FEATURES: 235 Defense in Depth Against the Hydrogen Risk—A European Research Program, F. Fineschi; ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: 246 Technical Note: A Preliminary Analysis of the Risks to Hong Kong Resulting from Potential Accidents of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, Z. Shi and X. Wei; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 253 Reactor Shutdown Experience, Compiled by J. W. Cletcher; SPECIAL SECTION ON TMI-2 VESSEL INVESTIGATION PROJECT: 256 Three Mile Island—New Findings 15 Years After the Accident A. M. Rubin and E. Beckjord; 269 Relocation of Molten Material to the TMI-2 Lower Head, J. R. Wolf, D. W. Akers, and L. A. Neimark; 280 Insight Into the TMI-2 Core Material Relocation Through Examination of Instrument Tube Nozzles, L. A. Neimark; 288 Physical and Radiochemical Examinations of Debris from the TMI-2 Lower Head, D. W. Akers and B. K. Schuetz; 301 Results of Metallographic Examinations and Mechanical Tests of Pressure Vessel Samples from the TMI-2 Lower Head, D. R. Diercks and G. E. Korth; 313 Margin-to-Failure Calculations for the TMI-2 Vessel, J. Rempe, L. Stickler, S. Chavez, G. Thinnes, R. Witt, and M. Corradini; U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION INFORMATION AND ANALYSES: 328 1993 Accident Sequence Precursor (ASP) Program Results, L. N. Vanden Heuvel, J. W. Cletcher, D. A. Copinger, J. W. Minarick, B. W. Dolan, and P. D. O’Reilley; RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: 339 Reports, Standards, and Safety Guides, D. S. Queener; 345 Proposed Rule Changes as of June 30, 1994; ANNOUNCEMENTS: 234 Thirty-First Annual Meeting of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements; 356 1995 International Incineration Conference; 358 Fifth International Controls and Instrumentation Conference; 359 ANS International Topical Meeting on Safety of Operating Reactors; 359 Fifth International Conference on Nuclear Criticality Safety; 360 International Conference on Probabilistic Safety Assessment Methodology and Applications; 351 The Authors; 357 Reviewers of Nuclear Safety, Vol. 35.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS

Magnetically Arrested Circumbinary Accretion Flows

Abstract Binary systems with comparable masses and a surrounding accretion disk can accrete gas through spiral accretion streams penetrating the central cavity formed by tidal interactions. Using three-dimensional Newtonian magnetohydrodynamics simulations, we investigate the possibility of a magnetically arrested accretion flow through the cavity. Rather than solely continuously feeding the binary through spiral accretion streams, the accretion is regulated by the strong magnetic field inside the cavity. Transport of mass and angular momentum onto the binary then proceeds largely periodically in magnetic flux eruption episodes. The ejected flux tubes carry angular momentum outward and away from the binary, inject hot plasma into the disk, and can launch flares. This likely intermittent scenario could have potential implications for the emission signatures of supermassive black hole binaries and shed light onto the role magnetic fields play in the binary’s orbital evolution.

Astronomy & Astrophysics

The glass-ceiling convective regime and the origin and diversity of coronae on Venus

Venus and Earth are rocky planets of roughly the same size and bulk density, yet their surface volcanic and tectonic features appear substantially different. On Venus, the coexistence of large volcanic highlands—interpreted as the surface expression of long-lived mantle plumes—alongside coronae, smaller features thought to be caused by transient thermal diapirs, remains enigmatic. Using two-dimensional numerical models of mantle convection with sharp and broad mineral phase transitions for pyrolite, we show that both scales of upwellings can be generated in a stagnant lid planet with an interior temperature 250 to 400 K warmer than Earth’s. The smaller plumes originate from a ~600 km deep internal layer that exists as a consequence of the different sequence of mineral phase transitions that occur in warmer mantles less processed and differentiated by partial melting and volcanism. Future models that include melting will provide further tests of our hypothesis.

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Sequence-Structure–Property Relationships in Short-Chain Polyesters: How Primary Structure Governs Macroscopic Performance

While polymer properties are fundamentally linked to their nanostructure, the influence of monomer sequence remains less understood than stereochemical factors like tacticity. This study examines how sequence distribution affects the thermal behavior and morphology of homo- and copolyesters, specifically comparing polymers derived from constitutionally identical monomers but with varying degrees of sequence regularity depending on monomer structure or polymerization selectivity. Our findings show that increasing sequence defects progressively diminish thermal stability, crystallinity, melting temperatures, and morphological order. As new materials become more compositionally complex, this work underscores the importance of sequence control in the design of advanced polymers for emerging applications.

Bocharova, Vera [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR

Nuclear quantum effects in molecular liquids across chemical space

Abstract Nuclear quantum effects (NQEs) influence many physical and chemical phenomena, particularly those involving light atoms or occurring at low temperatures. However, their impact has been carefully quantified in few systems-like water-and is rarely considered more broadly. Here we use path-integral molecular dynamics to systematically investigate NQEs on thermophysical properties of 92 organic liquids at ambient conditions. Depending on chemical constitution, we find substantial impact across thermal expansivity, compressibility, dielectric constant, enthalpy of vaporization, and notably molar volume, which shows consistent, positive quantum-classical differences up to 5%; similar, less pronounced trends manifest as isotope effects from deuteration. Using data-driven analysis, we identify three features-molar mass, classical hydrogen density, and classical thermal expansivity-that accurately predict NQEs and facilitate understanding of how characteristics like branching and heteroatom content influence behavior. This work highlights the broad relevance of NQEs in molecular liquids, while also providing a conceptual and practical framework to anticipate their impact.

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Elastic Modulus Measurement at High Temperatures for Miniature Ceramic Samples Using Laser Micro-Machining and Thermal Mechanical Analyzer

In this paper, we demonstrate a method of measuring the flexural elastic modulus of ceramics at an intermediate (~millimeter) scale at high temperatures. We used a picosecond laser to precisely cut microbeams from the location of interest in a bulk ceramic. They had a cross-section of approximately 100 μm × 300 μm and a length of ~1 cm. They were then tested in a thermal mechanical analyzer at room temperature, 500 °C, 800 °C, and 1100 °C using the four-point flexural testing method. We compared the elastic moduli of high-purity Al2O3 and AlN measured by our method with the reported values in the literature and found that the difference was less than 5% for both materials. This paper provides a new and accurate method of characterizing the high-temperature elastic modulus of miniature samples extracted from representative/selected areas of bulk materials.

Chemistry

SAM Code Enhancements for Fission Product Tracking of Noble Gases and Metals in MSRs

This report documents fiscal year 2026 enhancements to the System Analysis Module (SAM) for modeling fission product transport in liquid-fueled molten salt reactors (MSRs). The work advances three principal areas: noble gas transport, noble metal deposition, and user interface improvements. The noble gas transport capability integrates drift-flux gas transport, Henry’s law two-film interphase mass transfer with pressure-based nucleation suppression, Knudsen-regime pore diffusion into porous graphite with a conjugate salt-graphite interface constraint, built-in material properties, five Sherwood-number mass transfer correlations including three derived from high-fidelity NekRS simulations, and xenon-135 reactivity feedback through SAM’s point-kinetics model. This work also presents a comprehensive verification test suite, including new analytically verified cases for pressure-dependent onset of interphase gas transfer in a stagnant vertical pipe, a postulated FLiBe-graphite Xe extraction permeator, a gravity riser with a fission-product source, and a descending pipe with gas redissolution driven by hydrostatic pressure. A machine learning framework for bubble rise velocity prediction in molten salt systems is developed and benchmarked on molten-salt and diverse aqueous bubble datasets. The best-performing fine-tuned transfer-learning networks achieve an 82% reduction in RMSE relative to the Clift correlation, and is implemented directly in SAM. The noble metal transport capability is developed, including a liquid-wall deposition model and a gas-surface flotation mechanism that transfers insoluble particles entrained by sparging gas to wetted structures. Verification tests and demonstration cases cover the surface deposition, flotation efflux, and flotation shedding. Finally, a new [SpeciesTransport] input structure replaces positional global vectors with selfcontained, order-independent, named species blocks, simplifies the specification of multiphase species and decay chains, and remains fully compatible with existing SAM input files. Together, these developments improve the physical fidelity, verification basis, and usability of SAM for system-level analyses of fissionproduct behavior in MSRs.

Mui, Travis (ORCID:0000000303736470)

Metrology for femtosecond pulsed x-ray heating in diamond anvil cell experiments at the European XFEL: Revisiting the iron phase diagram up to 150 GPa

The development of pulsed intense x-ray sources, such as free electron laser, offers new avenues for high pressure experiments. Here, we study the feasibility and metrology of x-ray heating in diamond anvil cells at the European x-ray free electron laser. This method enables one to volumetrically heat the sample while inhibiting chemical migration and probing the crystallographic structure of the sample throughout the heating with a high repetition rate. We focus our study on iron, whose phase diagram is well established up to 100 GPa, to explore the possibilities and limitations of this technique. We volumetrically heat iron samples at starting pressures ranging from 10 to 138 GPa, using the x-ray beam pulsed at 4.5 MHz in a serial pump-and-probe experimental design. Experimental challenges arise from temperature gradients within the sample, changes in temperature at the 100 ns timescale, the difficulty of direct temperature estimates, the effect of thermal pressure, and the presence of metastable crystallites due to rapid cycles of heating and cooling. Hence, we develop a multi-crystal-like data processing method that allows us to account for sample heterogeneity in probed conditions. We then calibrate our measurements using known physical properties of iron under pressure. Thermal pressure in our experiments increases from 4% of the isochoric prediction at 10 GPa to 23% at 138 GPa, and we show that our data are in agreement with most previous observations of iron in this pressure range. The method can now be implemented at higher pressures and temperatures and on materials with unknown phase diagrams.

Materials science

Limited proteolysis of pea protein to promote aggregation/gelation: role of enzyme concentration and molecular characteristics

Limited proteolysis promotes aggregation/gelation of plant proteins, but its relationship with the molecular characteristics of hydrolysates remains poorly understood. In here, response surface methodology was employed to evaluate the effects of protein concentration, Alcalase level, and hydrolysis time on the storage modulus (G′) of pea protein hydrolysates (PPH). 7.5% protein, 1.65% Alcalase, and a 6-min reaction time resulted in the highest relative increase in G′ upon heating PPH, whereas both higher (3.55%) and lower (0.3%) Alcalase levels led to less increment. Increasing the Alcalase level increased the degree of hydrolysis while decreasing the molecular weight, surface hydrophobicity, and total sulfhydryl and disulfide bond contents of PPH. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and X-ray scattering analyses found PPH produced with 1.65% Alcalase formed interconnected aggregates with dual structural domains, but not at other Alcalase conditions. These results demonstrate the role of controlled proteolysis in governing the aggregation/gelation behavior of PPH.

X-ray scattering

Audible Noise Modeling of Hydrogen Release Sonic Hazards in Rail Maintenance Facilities

This study implemented validated literature models to predict audible noise due to pressurized gaseous hydrogen releases through a thermally-activated pressure relief device (TPRD) and attached vent stack. A literature survey discovered limited hydrogen-specific noise prediction models validated by experiments. However, empirical noise prediction models for air flowing through pipes and valves were identified. These empirical models were used to predict noise levels and compared against hydrogen noise data reported in two studies: one experimental study of noise from hydrogen leaking through a pipe and another which modeled hydrogen flowing through a solenoid valve during a fuel cell vehicle refueling. The valve flow model was then applied to predict noise for hydrogen releases through a TPRD. Results show that hydrogen releases through a TPRD can produce harmful noise levels varying from 134 to 150 dB. However, further model validation and additional experimental data are needed to improve prediction confidence and accuracy.

08 HYDROGEN

A New Era for Modern Bubble Chamber Technology: Cooling and Real-Time Control for the MAMBA Neutrino Bubble Chamber∗

Future neutrino experiments such as DUNE will be limited less by statistics than by how well neutrino--nucleus interactions are understood, and the cleanest way to improve that understanding is to measure interactions with light nuclei such as hydrogen or deuterium. The detector best suited to the job, the bubble chamber, has not been built for a neutrino beam in about fifty years. MAMBA (Modern Adaptive Modular Bubble chamber Archetype) is a small prototype at Fermilab intended to bring the technology back with modern cryogenics and automation, cycling continuously at 1~Hz. This paper summarizes my work on two of its subsystems during a summer internship. A new solid copper thermal link brought the coldhead to 21.3~K in a commissioning cooldown, near the 20~K operating target. An Industrial Shields Raspberry Pi programmable logic controller (PLC) running OpenPLC was characterized at a median round-trip response of 0.64~ms over 20,000 trials, with 0.66\% of trials exceeding 1~ms. Both results support continuous cycling.

Williams, Nicholas [Fermilab; DuPage Coll.]

Toward Fully Soft and Multifunctional Shape Sensing via Optical Waveguide Arrays

For soft bodies, surface deformation and pressure provide proprioceptive and exteroceptive information, including body configuration, body compliance, and external forces. We develop a sheet sensor with a fully soft sensing surface that provides surface shape reconstruction using optical waveguide arrays. The waveguides are fabricated to achieve a tunable linear response to bi‐directional bending curvature, and the waveguide arrays are configured to differentiate between ambiguous shapes. We characterize the waveguide performance, relating curvature sensitivity to the core's surface roughness. Synergy of waveguide responses reduces the number of sensing elements required and achieves damage resilience. Using waveguide sensitivity to pressure, we also demonstrate feasibility for exteroception. We demonstrate the multifunctional sensing capability by wrapping the sheet around an upper arm, showcasing joint motion and external force sensing. Integrated into or applied onto surfaces of robotic or living systems, this design can be implemented in applications such as virtual reality, teleoperation, physical therapy, and soft robotics.

Yu, Qifan [Department of Mechanical Engineering Ma

Gas-mediated defect engineering in earth-abundant Mn-rich layered oxides for non-aqueous sodium-based batteries

Gases are often by-products of battery materials during cell formation and degradation, affecting the cycle life and safety of rechargeable batteries. However, understanding gas-mediated (electro)-chemical reactions and nanoscale structural transformations during the synthesis of battery electrode materials remains challenging because of the lack of suitable characterization routes and the complexity of the interplay between thermodynamics and kinetics. Here, in this study, we use operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction, in situ transmission X-ray microscopy and multiscale modelling to elucidate the reaction pathways and microstructural defect development of earth-abundant Mn-rich layered oxides as positive electrode materials for sodium-based batteries. In particular, we demonstrate the dominant role of CO 2 over O 2 and H 2 O (g) in modulating the competition between entropy and enthalpy during solid-state synthesis. Using Ni 0.25 Mn 0.75 CO 3 as a model precursor, we reveal that CO 2 generation favours the formation of entropy-driven metastable intermediates, suppresses closed pore/nanovoids formation and decreases chemical heterogeneity and residual lattice strain of Mn-rich layered oxides during the synthesis. This result motivates a fast-sintering strategy to promote CO 2 release, which ultimately leads to improved chemo-mechanical and electrochemical stability of the Mn-rich positive electrodes when tested in non-aqueous Na metal coin cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

Synthesis of Ultra‐Incompressible and Recoverable Carbon Nitrides Featuring CN 4 Tetrahedra

Abstract Carbon nitrides featuring three‐dimensional frameworks of CN 4 tetrahedra are one of the great aspirations of materials science, expected to have a hardness greater than or comparable to diamond. After more than three decades of efforts to synthesize them, no unambiguous evidence of their existence has been delivered. Here, the high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis of three carbon–nitrogen compounds,tI14‐C 3 N 4 ,hP126‐C 3 N 4 , andtI24‐CN 2 , in laser‐heated diamond anvil cells, is reported. Their structures are solved and refined using synchrotron single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Physical properties investigations show that these strongly covalently bonded materials, ultra‐incompressible and superhard, also possess high energy density, piezoelectric, and photoluminescence properties. The novel carbon nitrides are unique among high‐pressure materials, as being produced above 100 GPa they are recoverable in air at ambient conditions.

Chemistry