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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 19 records

Modulated Synthesis of Metal‐Organic Frameworks through Tuning of the Initial Oxidation State of the Metal

Modulated solvothermal synthesis and other alterations of synthetic conditions have been used to control metal‐organic framework (MOF) crystallinity, porosity, and other properties. However, so far these changes have mostly been limited to changes in solvent, pH, or modulating acid type or concentration. In this work, we introduce a new method for the tuning of MOF synthesis: modulation through alteration of the metal source's initial oxidation state. By choosing a metal source that should be reduced or oxidized at high temperature in the solvent, metal concentration can be started at zero for initially insoluble starting materials and then increased as the metal reacts with the solvent, slowing and altering crystallization compared to standard MOF solvothermal synthesis. This concept is demonstrated through the synthesis of PCN‐47, PCN‐48, and PCN‐49, MOFs with distinct structures and porosities synthesized from the same metal and ligand with the metal initially in different oxidation states.

Bosch, Mathieu↗

Adding to the Arsenal of Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks: the Topology as a Platform for Solvent‐Assisted Metal Incorporation

Gaining control over the assembly of mesoporous Zr‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with modifiable metal nodes remains a challenge. The the topology is intriguing, particularly if considering postsynthetic modification, as it presents large sodalite‐like cages surrounded by 12 interconnected 1D channels that allow for efficient diffusion of guest molecules throughout the structure. Herein, we demonstrate the first Zr MOF with the topology, NU‐1200, which was synthesized by controlling the geometry of the organic building unit. In addition, by using NU‐1200 as a platform, we perform solvent‐assisted metal incorporation to form single‐site metalated nodes, a process that is characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.

Liu, Tian‐Fu↗

Epsilon Metal: A Waste Form for Noble Metals from Used Nuclear Fuel

Epsilon metal (e-metal) is the metallic phase that forms as inclusions at the grain boundaries in the UO2 fuel during reactor operation. This metal is composed of Pd, Mo, Rh, Ru, and Tc. These metallic inclusions are insoluble in strong acid and remnants of these metallic inclusions have been found in the UO2 matrix that remains from the natural reactors in Gabon that were active 1.8 billion years ago, therefore e-metal should be an excellent waste form for the immobilization of the long-lived isotopes 107Pd (6.5 ? 106 a) and 99Tc (2.13 ? 105 a), with 99Tc being the isotope of interest for repository performance. Therefore, the chemical durability of this potential waste form is assessed in this study. Typically, corrosion rates for metallic materials are measured electrochemically because they are quick, inexpensive, and can reveal the mechanism by which a metal corrodes, at least initially. However, in a repository the waste form would be subjected to slowly flowing water without an applied electrical potential over long time periods. Therefore, the corrosion rates of e-metal specimens were measured with both electrochemical tests and the single-pass flow-through test (SPFT). Potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarization results suggest that a thin passive film exists on the alloy surface, which seems to be responsible for its high corrosion resistance. Additionally, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopic results suggest that Pd oxides are significantly enriched in the passive film Results from the SPFT show that the dissolution rates were weakly dependent on pH. Only Mo and Re were found in solution and were used for the calculation of the dissolution rates. In general, the electrochemically determined corrosion rates agree reasonably well with the initial dissolution rate measured with the SPFT test, but they are about one or two orders of magnitude higher than the steady state rates. The causes for this discrepancy are discussed.

epsilon-metal, nuclear waste form, corrosion, sing↗

A Metal-on-Metal Growth Approach to Metal–Metal Oxide Core–Shell Nanostructures with Plasmonic Properties

Hybrid core–shell nanoparticles integrate the material properties from individual components; however, the synthesis of core–shell nanoparticles with dissimilar materials remains challenging. Herein, we applied a metal-on-metal thin film growth approach to control the conformal deposition of non-precious metal shells on the Cu-based metal cores to form core–shell structures of metal–metal oxide hybrids (M–M'O x , where M = AuCu 3 or Cu, M' = Fe, Mn, and Ni). The deposition kinetics were controlled by a temperature-regulated thermal decomposition of zerovalent transition metal complexes. It is predicted that the conformal deposition can be promoted by keeping the initial deposition temperature close to the thermal decomposition temperature of the zerovalent precursors. The mechanisms of strain reduction and interdiffusion facilitate conformal deposition over island growth in the synthesis with slow reaction kinetics. This study provides insightful guidance to metal-on-metal growth in solution at the nanoscale and thus the seed-mediated approach to hybrid core–shell structures. The optical properties of these metal–metal oxide hybrids were investigated experimentally and interpreted by theoretical simulations. Despite damping effects, the plasmonic properties of these Cu-based core-metal oxide shell structures may have the potential to enable plasmon-enhanced applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Understanding Structure, Metal Distribution, and Water Adsorption in Mixed-Metal MOF-74

We present a joint computational and experimental study of Mg–Ni-MOF-74 and Mg–Cd-MOF-74 to gain insight into the mixing of metals and understand how metal mixing affects the structure of the undercoordinated open-metal sites. Our calcula tions predict that metal mixing is energetically preferred in these materials. Recent experimental work has demonstrated that Mg–Ni-MOF-74 shows a much greater surface area retention in the presence of water than Mg-MOF-74. To probe this effect, we study H2O adsorption in Mg–Ni-MOF-74, finding that the adsorption en ergetics and electronic structure do not change significantly at the metal sites when compared to Mg-MOF-74 and Ni-MOF-74, respectively. We conclude that the in creased stability of Mg–Ni-MOF-74 is a result of a M–O bond length distortion in mixed-metal MOF-74, consistent with recent work on the stability of MOF-74 under water exposure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Metal–Carbodithioate-Based 3D Semiconducting Metal–Organic Framework: Porous Optoelectronic Material for Energy Conversion

Solar energy conversion requires the working compositions to generate photoinduced charges with high potential and the ability to deliver charges to the catalytic sites and/or external electrode. These two properties are typically at odds with each other and call for new molecular materials with sufficient conjugation to improve charge conductivity but not as much conjugation as to overly compromise the optical band gap. In this work, we developed a semiconducting metal-organic framework (MOF) prepared explicitly through metal-carbodithioate"(-CS 2 ) n M" linkage chemistry, entailing augmented metal-linker electronic communication. The stronger ligand field and higher covalent character of metal-carbodithioate linkages-when combined with spirofluorene-derived organic struts and nickel-(II) ion-based nodes-provided a stable, semiconducting 3D-porous MOF, Spiro-CS 2 Ni. This MOF lacks long-range ordering and is defined by a flexible structure with non-aggregated building units, as suggested by reverse Monte Carlo simulations of the pair distribution function obtained from total scattering experiments. The solvent-removed "closed pore"material recorded a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller area of similar to 400m 2 /g, where the "open pore" form possesses90 wt % solvent-accessible porosity. Electrochemical measurements suggest that Spiro-CS 2 Ni possesses a band gap of 1.57 eV(sigma = 10 -7 S/cm at -1.3 V bias potential),which can be further improved by manipulating the d-electron configuration through an axial coordination (ligand/substrate), the latter of which indicates usefulness as an electrocatalyst and/or a photoelectrocatalyst(upon substrate binding). Transient-absorption spectroscopy reveals a long-lived photo-generated charge-transfer state (τ CR = 6.5 mu s) capable of chemical transformation under a biased voltage. Spiro-CS 2 Ni can endure a compelling range of pH(1-12 for weeks) and hours of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical conditions in the presence of water and organic acids. We believe this work provides crucial design principles for low-density, porous,light-energy-conversion materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

H 2 Oxidation Electrocatalysis Enabled by Metal-to-Metal Hydrogen Atom Transfer: A Homolytic Approach to a Heterolytic Reaction

Oxidation of H2 is used in the conversion of the chemical energy of the H-H bond into electricity. Electrocatalytic oxidation of H2 typically requires that one metal bind H2, heterolytically cleave the H2, and then undergo two oxidation and two deprotonation steps. We discovered that electrocatalytic oxidation of H2 is catalyzed by a cooperative system using Cp*Cr(CO)3H and [Fe(diphosphine)(CO)3]+. A key step of the proposed mechanism is a rarely observed metal-to-metal hydrogen atom transfer from the Cr-H complex to the Fe, forming a Fe-H bond that is deprotonated and then oxidized electrochemically. The “division of chemical labor” between Cr and Fe features a reaction of the Cr complex with H2, while the Fe complex reacts at the electrode. This cooperative catalysis system does not require that either metal heterolytically cleave H2, and thereby provides a very unusual example of a homolytic reaction being a key step in a molecular electrocatalytic process.

oxidation, electrocatalysis, hydrogen↗

Accurate Determination of Coulombic Efficiency for Lithium Metal Anodes and Lithium Metal Batteries

Lithium (Li) metal is an ideal anode material for high energy density batteries. However, its low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and formation of dendrites during the plating and stripping processes has hindered its applications in rechargeable Li metal batteries. The accurate measurement of Li CE is a critical factor to predict the cycle life of Li metal batteries, but the measurement of Li CE is affected by various factors that often leads to conflicting values reported in the literature. Here, we investigate various factors that affect the measurement of Li CE and propose a more accurate method of determining Li CE. It was also found that the capacity used for cycling greatly affects the stabilization cycles and the average CE. A higher cycling capacity leads to a shorter number of stabilization cycles and higher average CE. With a proper high-concentration ether-based electrolyte, Li metal can be cycled with a high average CE of 99.5 % for over 100 cycles at a high capacity of 6 mAh cm-2 suitable for practical applications.

Adams, Brian D.↗

Transparent, High‐Charge Capacity Metal Mesh Electrode for Reversible Metal Electrodeposition Dynamic Windows with Dark‐State Transmission <0.1%

Abstract Dynamic windows allow user control over light and heat flow to save energy and maximize comfort. Reversible metal electrodeposition (RME) dynamic windows can uniquely tint to a color‐neutral privacy state (0.1% visible light transmission). The design parameters of transparent metal mesh counter electrodes for high‐contrast RME dynamic windows: high transparency, charge capacity and surface area with low haze, sheet resistance and cost are discussed, concluding that woven metal meshes meet these design parameters. Electroplated current is measured on an indium tin oxide electrode and two meshes with different wire spacings, showing the meshes’ cylindrical geometry enable them to draw more current per square area. The mesh material composition is analyzed to ensure cycling durability in a CuBi electrolyte by developing a transparent mesh with an inert core (stainless steel, SS), a thin Au coating, and a high charge‐capacity (1.5 C cm −2 ) CuBi outer coating. The study demonstrates that the films maintain a consistent Cu:Bi ratio and optical properties after 250 privacy cycles or 1500 cycles to 10% transmission, showing that the Cu and Bi coating is effective in keeping the films from becoming Cu rich with cycling. Finally, a 100 cm 2 device with excellent uniformity and color neutrality is demonstrated.

Yeang, Andrew L.↗

Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Sulfide Materials

The field of nanoscience is delivering increasingly intricate yet elegant geometric structures incorporating an ever-expanding palette of materials. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a powerful driver of this field, providing exceptionally conformal coatings spanning the periodic table and atomic-scale precision independent of substrate geometry. This versatility is intrinsic to ALD and results from sequential and self-limiting surface reactions. This characteristic facilitates digital synthesis, in which the film grows linearly with the number of reaction cycles. While the majority of ALD processes identified to date produce metal oxides, novel applications in areas such as energy storage, catalysis, and nanophotonics are motivating interest in sulfide materials. Recent progress in ALD of sulfides has expanded the diversity of accessible materials as well as a more complete understanding of the unique chalcogenide surface chemistry.

Dasgupta, Neil P.↗

Hydrogen reduction and metal-support interaction in a metastable metal-oxide system: Pd on rhombohedral In{sub 2}O{sub 3}

Highlights: • Metal-Support interaction in a metastable Pd/rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} material. • No influence of metal-support interaction on phase transformation rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}→c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. • Sequence of hydride, intermetallic compound formation and phase transformation. • High structural stability of reduced rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and associated oxygen vacancies. • Metastable rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} more effective in initial intermetallic formation than c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. - Abstract: Structural and chemical consequences of reactive metal-support interaction (RMSI) effects occurring under hydrogen reduction in a metastable metal-oxide system have been exemplified for small PdO particles loaded onto rhombohedral In{sub 2}O{sub 3} (PdO/rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}) using synchrotron-based in situ X-ray diffraction experiments at temperatures up to 500 °C. rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} is a meta-stable In{sub 2}O{sub 3} polymorph that is prone to gas-phase dependent phase transformation to cubic In{sub 2}O{sub 3} (c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}). Cross-influence of metal-support interaction and phase transformation can therefore be expected in similar temperature regimes. To separate both effects, comparable experiments have also been conducted on pure rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Phase transformation of pure rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} to cubic In{sub 2}O{sub 3} in hydrogen occurs between 415 °C and 450 °C. On Pd/rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}, a sequence of PdO reduction to Pd metal, followed by PdH{sub 0.706} hydride formation and subsequently, InPd and In{sub 3}Pd{sub 2} intermetallic compound formation have been observed between 30 °C and 500 °C. After the intermetallic compound formation is finished at around 400 °C, the phase transformation to c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} sets in at exactly the same temperature as on pure rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and extends over the same temperature range. This proves that the phase transformation of rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} to c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} is not influenced by the reduction and the intermetallic compound formation. In contrast to Pd on c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}, In-Pd compound formation from rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3} occurs at much lower temperatures (230 °C vs. 300 °C), despite finally approaching the same compound stoichiometries (InPd and In{sub 3}Pd{sub 2}). This points to a high structural stability of reduced rh-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/stability of oxygen vacancies (compared to c-In{sub 2}O{sub 3}) as well as to facilitated diffusion of reduced In(-O) species at low temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Adsorption of two gas molecules at a single metal site in a metal–organic framework

One strategy to markedly increase the gas storage capacity of metal–organic frameworks is to introduce coordinatively-unsaturated metal centers capable of binding multiple gas molecules. Herein, we provide an initial demonstration that a single metal site within a framework can support the terminal coordination of two gas molecules—specifically hydrogen, methane, or carbon dioxide.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Single-crystalline epitaxial TiO film: A metal and superconductor, similar to Ti metal

Titanium monoxide (TiO), an important member of the rock salt 3d transition-metal monoxides, has not been studied in the stoichiometric single-crystal form. It has been challenging to prepare stoichiometric TiO due to the highly reactive Ti 2+ . We adapt a closely lattice-matched MgO(001) substrate and report the successful growth of single-crystalline TiO(001) film using molecular beam epitaxy. This enables a first-time study of stoichiometric TiO thin films, showing that TiO is metal but in proximity to Mott insulating state. We observe a transition to the superconducting phase below 0.5 K close to that of Ti metal. Density functional theory (DFT) and a DFT-based tight-binding model demonstrate the extreme importance of direct Ti–Ti bonding in TiO, suggesting that similar superconductivity exists in TiO and Ti metal. Our work introduces the new concept that TiO behaves more similar to its metal counterpart, distinguishing it from other 3d transition-metal monoxides.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗