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Results for “dielectric performance”

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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Dielectric performance of high permitivity nanocomposites: impact of polystyrene grafting on BaTiO 3 and TiO 2

Polymer nanocomposites are a promising concept to improve energy storage density of capacitors, but realizing their hypothetical gains has proved challenging. The introduction of high permittivity fillers often leads to reduction in breakdown strength due to field exclusion, which intensifies the applied electric field within the polymer matrix near nanoparticle interfaces. This has prompted research in developing new nanoparticle functionalization chemistries and processing concepts to maximize particle separation. Herein, we compare the dielectric performance of blended nanocomposites to matrix free assemblies of hairy (polymer-grafted) nanoparticles (HNPs) that exhibit comparable overall morphology. The dielectric breakdown strength of polystyrene-grafted BaTiO3 (PS@BaTiO3) systems was over 40% greater than a blended nanocomposite with similar loading (~25% v/v BaTiO3). Hairy nanoparticles with TiO2 cores followed similar trends in breakdown strength as a function of inorganic loading up to 40% v/v. Dielectric loss for PS@BaTiO3 HNPs was 2-5 times lower than analogous blended films for a wide frequency spectrum (1 Hz to 100 kHz). For BaTiO3 content above 7% v/v, grafting the polymer chains to the nanoparticle significantly improved energy storage density and efficiency, likely due to the polymer canopy mitigating interfacial transport and restricting particle-particle hot-spots by establishing a finite minimum particle separation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tantalum pentoxide: a new material platform for high-performance dielectric metasurface optics in the ultraviolet and visible region

Dielectric metasurfaces, composed of planar arrays of subwavelength dielectric structures that collectively mimic the operation of conventional bulk optical elements, have revolutionized the field of optics by their potential in constructing high-efficiency and multi-functional optoelectronic systems on chip. The performance of a dielectric metasurface is largely determined by its constituent material, which is highly desired to have a high refractive index, low optical loss and wide bandgap, and at the same time, be fabrication friendly. Here, we present a new material platform based on tantalum pentoxide (Ta 2 O 5 ) for implementing high-performance dielectric metasurface optics over the ultraviolet and visible spectral region. This wide-bandgap dielectric, exhibiting a high refractive index exceeding 2.1 and negligible extinction coefficient across a broad spectrum, can be easily deposited over large areas with good quality using straightforward physical vapor deposition, and patterned into high-aspect-ratio subwavelength nanostructures through commonly-available fluorine-gas-based reactive ion etching. We implement a series of high-efficiency ultraviolet and visible metasurfaces with representative light-field modulation functionalities including polarization-independent high-numerical-aperture lensing, spin-selective hologram projection, and vivid structural color generation, and the devices exhibit operational efficiencies up to 80%. Our work overcomes limitations faced by scalability of commonly-employed metasurface dielectrics and their operation into the visible and ultraviolet spectral range, and provides a novel route towards realization of high-performance, robust and foundry-manufacturable metasurface optics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Structure and performance of dielectric films based on self-assembled nanocrystals with a high dielectric constant

Self-assembled films built from nanoparticles with a high dielectric constant are attractive as a foundation for new dielectric media with increased efficiency and range of operation, due to the ability to exploit nanofabrication techniques and emergent electrical properties originating from the nanoscale. However, because the building block is a discrete one-dimensional unit, it becomes a challenge to capture potential enhancements in dielectric performance in two or three dimensions, frequently due to surface effects or the presence of discontinuities. This is a recurring theme in nanoparticle film technology when applied to the realm of thin film semiconductor and device electronics. We present the use of chemically synthesized. (Ba; Sr)TiO3 nanocrystals, and a novel deposition-polymerization technique, as a means to fabricate the dielectric layer. The effective dielectric constant of the film is tunable according to nanoparticle size, and effective film dielectric constants of up to 34 are enabled. Wide area and multilayer dielectrics of up to 8 cm(2) and 190 nF are reported, for which the building block is an 8 nm nanocrystal. We describe models for assessing dielectric performance, and distinct methods for improving the dielectric constant of a nanocrystal thin film. The approach relies on evaporatively driven assembly of perovskite nanocrystals with uniform size distributions in a tunable 7-30 nm size range, coupled with the use of low molecular weight monomer/polymer precursor chemistry that can infiltrate the porous nanocrystal thin film network post assembly. The intercrystal void space (low k dielectric volume fraction) is minimized, while simultaneously promoting intercrystal connectivity and maximizing volume fraction of the high k dielectric component. Furfuryl alcohol, which has good affinity to the surface of. (Ba; Sr ) TiO3 nanocrystals and miscibility with a range of solvents, is demonstrated

Huang, LM↗
DOE OSTI2014

Improving dielectric performance in anodic aluminum oxide via detection and passivation of defect states

The electronic and ionic transports in 32–56 nm thick anodic aluminum oxide films are investigated before and after a 1-h anneal at 200–400 °C in argon. Results are correlated to their defect density as measured by the Mott-Schottky technique. Solid state measurements show that electronic conduction upon annealing is hindered by an increase in the Schottky emission barrier, induced by a reduction in dopant density. Using an electrochemical contact, the films fail rapidly under cathodic polarization, unless defect density is decreased down to 10{sup 17} cm{sup −3}, resulting in a three order of magnitude reduction in current and no visible gas evolution. Under anodic polarization, the decrease in defect density delays the onset of ionic conduction as well as further oxide growth and failure.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

High Dielectric Constant Polycarbonate/Nylon Multilayer Films Capacitors with Self-Healing Capability

With the fast development of high-temperature metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors for power electronics in electric vehicles, current state-of-the-art biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film capacitors need further improvement because they have a temperature rating of only 85 °C without derating the voltage to maintain a long lifetime. If a high-temperature polymer can replace BOPP without sacrificing the overall dielectric performance and cost, it is possible to remove the current water-cooling system for capacitors and significantly reduce the cost of the power electronic unit. In this work, we demonstrated new polycarbonate (PC)/nylon multilayer films (MLFs), which has a potential for even higher temperature rating because of the higher melting temperature for nylons (e.g., nylon-6). Structural and dielectric studies showed that these PC/nylon MLFs had a similar dielectric performance, such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and breakdown strength, as the PC/poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF MLFs, which were developed in the past. These PC/nylon MLFs could perform well up to 120 °C, which was limited by the glass transition temperature of PC at 145 °C. Here, more intriguingly, packaged PC/nylon-12 MLF capacitors exhibited a self-healing capability, which had been difficult for packaged high-temperature film capacitors. Because self-healing is such a fundamental requirement for polymer film capacitors, our PC/nylon MLFs offer a potential for next-generation high-temperature and high-energy density film capacitors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

High-dose neutron irradiation performance of dielectric mirrors

The study presents the high-dose behavior of dielectric mirrors specifically engineered for radiation-tolerance: alternating layers of Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 and HfO 2 /SiO 2 were grown on sapphire substrates and exposed to neutron doses of 1 and 4 dpa at 458 10K in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). In comparison to previously reported results, these higher doses of 1 and 4 dpa results in a drastic drop in optical reflectance, caused by a failure of the multilayer coating. HfO 2 /SiO 2 mirrors failed completely when exposed to 1 dpa, whereas the reflectance of Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 mirrors reduced to 44%, eventually failing at 4 dpa. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation of the Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 specimens showed SiO 2 layer defects which increases size with irradiation dose. The typical size of each defect was 8 nm in 1 dpa and 42 nm in 4 dpa specimens. Buckling type delamination of the interface between the substrate and first layer was typically observed in both 1 and 4 dpa HfO 2 /SiO 2 specimens. Composition changes across the layers were measured in high resolution scanning-TEM mode using energy dispersive spectroscopy. A significant interdiffusion between the film layers was observed in Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 mirror, though less evident in HfO 2 /SiO 2 system. Lastly, the ultimate goal of this work is the provide insight into the radiation-induced failure mechanisms of these mirrors.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Structural, photoconductivity, and dielectric studies of polythiophene-tin oxide nanocomposites

Highlights: • Synthesis of polythiophene-tin oxide nanocomposites confirmed by FTIR and EDAX. • SEM shows SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles embedded within polythiophene matrix. • Stability and isoelectric point suggest nanoparticle–matrix interaction. • High dielectric constant due to high Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization. - Abstract: Polythiophene-tinoxide (PT-SnO{sub 2}) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization, in the presence of various concentrations of SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Zeta potential measurements. Morphologies and elemental compositions were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The photoconductivity of the nanocomposites was studied by field-dependent dark and photo conductivity measurements. Their dielectric properties were investigated using dielectric spectroscopy, in the frequency range of 1kHz–1 MHz. The results indicated that the SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles in the PT-SnO{sub 2} nanocomposite were responsible for its enhanced dielectric performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Coupled ion redistribution and electronic breakdown in low-alkali boroaluminosilicate glass

Dielectrics with high electrostatic energy storage must have exceptionally high dielectric breakdown strength at elevated temperatures. Another important consideration in designing a high performance dielectric is understanding the thickness and temperature dependence of breakdown strengths. Here, we develop a numerical model which assumes a coupled ionic redistribution and electronic breakdown is applied to predict the breakdown strength of low-alkali glass. The ionic charge transport of three likely charge carriers (Na{sup +}, H{sup +}/H{sub 3}O{sup +}, Ba{sup 2+}) was used to calculate the ionic depletion width in low-alkali boroaluminosilicate which can further be used for the breakdown modeling. This model predicts the breakdown strengths in the 10{sup 8}–10{sup 9 }V/m range and also accounts for the experimentally observed two distinct thickness dependent regions for breakdown. Moreover, the model successfully predicts the temperature dependent breakdown strength for low-alkali glass from room temperature up to 150 °C. This model showed that breakdown strengths were governed by minority charge carriers in the form of ionic transport (mostly sodium) in these glasses.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

In-plane and through-plane dielectric properties of graphene oxide membrane: Effect of Al 3 + modification

A graphene oxide (GO) membrane can be used in structural dielectric capacitors and planar micro-supercapacitors as a dielectric separator material due to its excellent through-plane and in-plane dielectric properties. The ability to tailor the dielectric properties of the GO membrane is crucial for dielectric applications. We believe this to be the first demonstration describing how Al 3+ ions impact the dielectric properties of the GO membrane through cation to oxygenated functional groups interactions. In this work, the Al 3+ -modification to the GO membrane was realized through a facile pre-coordination method followed by layer-by-layer assembling. The influence of Al 3+ on the GO membranes’ through-plane and in-plane dielectric properties (dielectric constant and dielectric loss) was investigated in the frequency range from 0.01 Hz to 10 5 Hz. Plane-to-plane and edge-to-edge Al 3+ coordination with the functional group on the basal plane or edge of the GO sheets was proposed to understand the metal ion's impact on the dielectric properties. The results demonstrated that the Al 3+ modification was an effective strategy to tailoring the GO membranes’ dielectric properties in a low frequency regime and further suggested the possibility of designing dielectric GO membranes with controllable dielectric performance. At a low frequency range (0.01–1 Hz), the addition of Al 3+ increased the through-plane dielectric constant and decreased the in-plane dielectric constant. In terms of dielectric loss, unmodified GO membranes exhibited a higher in-plane dielectric loss than the through-plane dielectric loss. Al 3+ -modified GO membranes exhibited increased through-plane dielectric loss and decreased in-plane dielectric loss compared to the unmodified GO membranes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

DARHT Axis II Cell Solenoid Magnet Shunt Resistance

DARHT Axis-II cell solenoid magnets have exhibited significant degradation since initial manufacture. A recent redesign of these magnets has provided an opportunity to revisit the dielectric performance to ensure high quality magnets are obtained. Magnet test specifications are shown to be consistent with those recommended in the literature and in use by practicing magnet engineers. A dielectric analysis of the coil reveals that the epoxy layer thickness and integrity are critical to meeting the required performance but are not adequately controlled in the present specification. Remedies to the coil fabrication process are provided.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Phase coexistence at the first-order Mott transition revealed by pressure-dependent dielectric spectroscopy of κ - (BEDT-TTF) 2 - Cu 2 (CN) 3

The dimer Mott insulator kappa - (BEDT-TTF) 2 - Cu 2 (CN) 3 can be tuned into metallic and superconducting states on applying pressure of 1.5 kbar and more. We have performed dielectric measurements (7.5 kHz to 5 MHz) on kappa - (BEDT-TTF) 2 - Cu 2 (CN) 3 single crystals as a function of temperature (down to T = 8 K) and pressure (up to p = 4.3 kbar). In addition to the relaxor-like dielectric behavior seen below 50 K at p = 0, that moves toward lower temperatures with pressure, a second peak emerges in ε 1 (T) around T = 15 K. When approaching the insulator-metal boundary, this peak diverges rapidly reaching ε 1 ≈ 10 5 . Our dynamical mean-field theory calculations substantiate that the dielectric catastrophe at the Mott transition is not caused by closing the energy gap, but due to the spatial coexistence of correlated metallic and insulating regions. We discuss the percolative nature of the first-order Mott insulator-to-metal transition in all details.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

Multilayered Film Capacitors for Advanced Power Electronics and Electric Motors for Electric Traction Drives

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film capacitors are the most suitable technology for high voltage, high temperature, and high ripple current power electronic systems in high performance electric vehicles (EVs). These capacitors, however, occupy 1/4th to 1/3rd of the power electronic unit and have a 50% voltage derating above 85 °C due to their drastically deteriorated breakdown strength and lifetime at high temperature. Development of a new dielectric material system for capacitors to increase temperature use and reduce size is critical in many EV related applications. Multilayer dielectric film developed by PolymerPlus and team has demonstrated improved dielectric constant and breakdown strength as compared to BOPP films. In this program, several film formulations were developed and investigated for dielectric performance and further down-selected for production scale up. Because this technology uses commercial polymers, fabrication of film rolls to demonstrate scalability for initial capacitor fabrication trials was successfully achieved. The film production feasibility, metallization and capacitor prototype fabrication was successfully demonstrated in Year 1 of the program. In Year 2 of the program, film production scale-up leading to significantly large film quantities for metallization and capacitor fabrication led to 600 µF size capacitors. Capacitor characterization was also completed during this year.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Electrical and dielectric properties of foam injection-molded polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites

A combination of high dielectric permittivity (ε′) and low dielectric loss (tan δ) is required for charge storage applications. In percolative systems such as conductive polymer composites, however, obtaining high ε′ and low tan δ is very challenging due to the sharp insulation-conduction transition near the threshold region. Due to the particular arrangement of conductive fillers induced by both foaming and injection molding processes, they may address this issue. Therefore, this work evaluates the application of foam injection molding process in fabricating polymer nanocomposites for energy storage. Polypropylene-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PP-MWCNT) composites were prepared by melt mixing and foamed in an injection molding process. Electrical conductivity (σ), ε′ and tan δ were then characterized. Also, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) was used to investigate the carbon nanotube’s arrangement as well as cellular morphology. The results showed that foam injection-molded composites exhibited highly superior dielectric properties to those of solid counterparts. For instance, foamed samples had ε′=68.3 and tan δ =0.05 (at 1.25 vol.% MWCNT), as opposed to ε′=17.8 and tan δ=0.04 in solid samples (at 2.56 vol.% MWCNT). The results of this work reveal that high performance dielectric nanocomposites can be developed using foam injection molding technologies for charge storage applications.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Graphene oxide nanocomposites and their electrorheology

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • GO-based PANI, NCOPA and PS nanocomposites are prepared. • The nanocomposites are adopted as novel electrorheological (ER) candidates. • Their critical ER characteristics and dielectric performance are analyzed. • Typical ER behavior widens applications of GO-based nanocomposites. - Abstract: Graphene oxide (GO), a novel one-atom carbon system, has become one of the most interesting materials recently due to its unique physical and chemical properties in addition to graphene. This article briefly reviews a recent progress of the fabrication of GO-based polyaniline, ionic N-substituted copolyaniline and polystyrene nanocomposites. The critical electrorheological characteristics such as flow response and yield stress from rheological measurement, relaxation time and achievable polarizability from dielectric analysis are also analyzed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Mixed conduction and grain boundary effect in lithium niobate under high pressure

The charge transport behavior of lithium niobate has been investigated by in situ impedance measurement up to 40.6 GPa. The Li{sup +} ionic conduction plays a dominant role in the transport process. The relaxation process is described by the Maxwell-Wagner relaxation arising at the interfaces between grains and grain boundaries. The grain boundary microstructure rearranges after the phase transition, which improves the bulk dielectric performance. The theoretical calculations show that the decrease of bulk permittivity with increasing pressure in the Pnma phase is caused by the pressure-induced enhancement of electron localization around O atoms, which limits the polarization of Nb-O electric dipoles.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Confinement‐Driven Inverse Domain Scaling in Polycrystalline ErMnO 3

Abstract The research on topological phenomena in ferroelectric materials has revolutionized the way people understand polar order. Intriguing examples are polar skyrmions, vortex/anti‐vortex structures, and ferroelectric incommensurabilties, which promote emergent physical properties ranging from electric‐field‐controllable chirality to negative capacitance effects. Here, the impact of topologically protected vortices on the domain formation in improper ferroelectric ErMnO 3 polycrystals is studied, demonstrating inverted domain scaling behavior compared to classical ferroelectrics. It is observed that as the grain size increases, smaller domains are formed. Phase field simulations reveal that elastic strain fields drive the annihilation of vortex/anti‐vortex pairs within the grains and individual vortices at the grain boundaries. The inversion of the domain scaling behavior has far‐reaching implications, providing fundamentally new opportunities for topology‐based domain engineering and the tuning of the electromechanical and dielectric performance of ferroelectrics in general.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Effect of the filler morphology on the crystallization behavior and dielectric properties of the polyvinylidene fluoride‐based composite

Abstract Ceramic/polymer composites can be chemically stable, mechanically strong, and flexible, which make them candidates for electric devices, such as pressure or temperature sensors, energy storage or harvesting devices, actuators, and so forth. Depending on the application, various electrical properties are of importance. Polymers usually have low dielectric permittivity, but increased dielectric permittivity can be achieved by the addition of the ceramic fillers with high dielectric constant. With the aim to enhance dielectric properties of the composite without loss of flexibility, 5 wt% of BaTiO 3 ‐Fe 2 O 3 powder was added into a polyvinylidene fluoride matrix. The powder was prepared by different synthesis conditions to produce core/shell structures. The effect of the phase composition and morphology of the BaTiO 3 ‐Fe 2 O 3 core/shell filler on the structure and lattice dynamics of the polymer composites was investigated. Based on the results of the thermal analysis, various parameters of ceramic/polymer composites were determined. Differences in the phase composition and morphology of the filler have an influence on the formation of various polyvinylidene fluoride allomorphs and the degree of crystallinity. Furthermore, the dielectric performances of pure polyvinylidene fluoride and the polymer/ceramic composites were measured.

Polymer Science↗