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At least 19 records

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NASA NTRS1971

Electron microscopy and diffraction of layered, superconducting intercalation complexes.

Several layered, transition metal dichalcogenide intercalation complexes with unique superconducting properties have been examined by high-resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Details of the crystalline lattice and of the lattice imperfections have been directly resolved. The results can be correlated with the available X-ray diffraction and chemical data, and they confirm and extend the postulated models.

Fernandez-Moran, H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

H-1 NMR study of ternary ammonia-alkali metal-graphite intercalation compounds

For the first-stage ternary ammonia-alkali metal-graphite intercalation compounds M(NH3)(x)C24(x of about 4, M = K, Rb, Cs), three sets of triplet H-1 NMR spectral lines have been observed at various temperatures and orientations due to the H-1 - H-1 and N-14 - H-1 dipolar interactions. The structures of these compounds have been inferred as mobile (liquid-like) intercalant layers of planar M(NH3)4 ions in between the carbon layers. For the intercalated ammonia molecules, the potential barrier is about 0.2 eV and the molecular geometry is very close to the free NH3 in gas phase.

Tsang, T.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Intercalated hybrid graphite fiber composite

The invention is directed to a highly conductive lightweight hybrid material and methods of producing the same. The hybrid composite is obtained by weaving strands of a high strength carbon or graphite fiber into a fabric-like structure, depositing a layer of carbon onto the structure, heat treating the structure to graphitize the carbon layer, and intercalating the graphitic carbon layer structure. A laminate composite material useful for protection against lightning strikes comprises at least one layer of the hybrid material over at least one layer of high strength carbon or graphite fibers. The composite material of the present invention is compatible with matrix compounds, has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is the same as underlying fiber layers, and is resistant to galvanic corrosion in addition to being highly conductive. These materials are useful in the aerospace industry, in particular as lightning strike protection for airplanes.

Gaier, James R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Indirect measurement of N-14 quadrupolar coupling for NH3 intercalated in potassium graphite

A method for indirect measurement of the nuclear quadrupolar coupling was developed and applied to NH3 molecules in the graphite intercalation compound K(NH3)4.3C24, which has a layered structure with alternating carbon and intercalant layers. Three triplets were observed in the H-1 NMR spectra of the compound. The value of the N-14 quadrupolar coupling constant of NH3 (3.7 MHz), determined indirectly from the H-1 NMR spectra, was intermediate between the gas value of 4.1 MHz and the solid-state value of 3.2 MHz. The method was also used to deduce the (H-1)-(H-1) and (N-14)-(H-1) dipolar interactions, the H-1 chemical shifts, and the molecular orientations and motions of NH3.

Tsang, T.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Graphite intercalation compound with iodine as the major intercalate

Halogenated graphite CBr(x)I(y) (I less than y/x less than 10) was made by exposing graphite materials to either pure Br2 or an I2/Br2/HBr mixture to initiate the reaction, and then to iodine vapor containing a small amount of Br2/HBr/IBr to complete the intercalation reaction. Wetting of the graphite materials by the I2/Br2/HBr mixture is needed to start the reaction, and a small amount of Br2/HBr/IBr is needed to complete the charge transfer between iodine and carbon. The interplanar spacings for the graphite materials need to be in the 3.35 to 3.41 A range. The X-ray diffraction data obtained from the halogenated HOPG indicate that the distance between the two carbon layers containing intercalate is 7.25 A. Electrical resistivity of the fiber product is from 3 to 6.5 times the pristine value, The presence of a small amount of isoprene rubber in the reaction significantly increased the iodine-to-bromine ratio in the product. In this reaction, rubber is known to generate HBr and to slowly remove bromine from the vapor. The halogenation generally caused a 22 percent to 25 percent weight increase. The halogens were found uniformly distributed in the product interior. However, although the surface contains very little iodine, it has high concentrations of bromine and oxygen. It is believed that the high concentrations of bromine and oxygen in this surface cause the halogenated fiber to be more resistant to structural damage during subsequent fluorination to fabricate graphite fluoride fibers.

Hung, Ching-Cheh↗

NASA NTRS2017

Sintered Cathodes for All-Solid-State Structural Lithium-Ion Batteries

All-solid-state structural lithium ion batteries serve as both structural load-bearing components and as electrical energy storage devices to achieve system level weight savings in aerospace and other transportation applications. This multifunctional design goal is critical for the realization of next generation hybrid or all-electric propulsion systems. Additionally, transitioning to solid state technology improves upon battery safety from previous volatile architectures. This research established baseline solid state processing conditions and performance benchmarks for intercalation-type layered oxide materials for multifunctional application. Under consideration were lithium cobalt oxide and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide. Pertinent characteristics such as electrical conductivity, strength, chemical stability, and microstructure were characterized for future application in all-solid-state structural battery cathodes. The study includes characterization by XRD, ICP, SEM, ring-on-ring mechanical testing, and electrical impedance spectroscopy to elucidate optimal processing parameters, material characteristics, and multifunctional performance benchmarks. These findings provide initial conditions for implementing existing cathode materials in load bearing applications.

Ceramics↗

NASA NTRS1973

High field superconductivity in alkali metal intercalates of MoS2

In the search for better high temperature, high critical field superconductors, a class of materials was found which have layered structures and can be intercalated with various elements and compounds. Since a large number of compounds can be formed, intercalation provides a method of control of superconducting properties. They also provide the possible medium for excitonic superconductivity. Results of magnetic field studies are presented on alkali metal (Na, K, Rb, and Cs) intercalated MoS2 (2H polymorph).

Woollam, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Energetics of the lattice: packing elements in crystals of four-stranded intercalated cytosine-rich DNA molecules

Condensation of single molecules from solution into crystals represents a transition between distinct energetic states. In solution, the atomic interactions within the molecule dominate. In the crystalline state, however, a set of additional interactions are formed between molecules in close contact in the lattice--these are the packing interactions. The crystal structures of d(CCCT), d(TAACCC), d(CCCAAT), and d(AACCCC) have in common a four-stranded intercalated cytosine segment, built by stacked layers of cytosine.cytosine+ (C.C+) base pairs coming from two parallel duplexes that intercalate into each other with opposite polarity. The intercalated cytosine segments in these structures are similar in their geometry, even though the sequences crystallized in different space groups. In the crystals, adenine and thymine residues of the sequences are used to build the three-dimensional crystal lattice by elaborately interacting with symmetry-related molecules. The packing elements observed provide novel insight about the copious ways in which nucleic acid molecules can interact with each other--for example, when folded in more complicated higher order structures, such as mRNA and chromatin.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS1995

Kinetics of the Formation of Intercalation Compounds in Crystalline Graphite

Crystalline graphite has a structure that can be best described as an ordered stack of flat aromatic layers. It is known to form intercalation compounds with bromine and nitric acid. Their formation was studied using thermal measurements and analytical techniques. Samples of graphite treated with either bromine or nitric acid were prepared by contacting these reagents with powdered graphite.

crystalline graphite intercalation compounds kinet↗

NASA NTRS1995

Method for fabricating carbon/lithium-ion electrode for rechargeable lithium cell

The method includes steps for forming a carbon electrode composed of graphitic carbon particles adhered by an ethylene propylene diene monomer binder. An effective binder composition is disclosed for achieving a carbon electrode capable of subsequent intercalation by lithium ions. The method also includes steps for reacting the carbon electrode with lithium ions to incorporate lithium ions into graphitic carbon particles of the electrode. An electrical current is repeatedly applied to the carbon electrode to initially cause a surface reaction between the lithium ions and to the carbon and subsequently cause intercalation of the lithium ions into crystalline layers of the graphitic carbon particles. With repeated application of the electrical current, intercalation is achieved to near a theoretical maximum. Two differing multi-stage intercalation processes are disclosed. In the first, a fixed current is reapplied. In the second, a high current is initially applied, followed by a single subsequent lower current stage. Resulting carbon/lithium-ion electrodes are well suited for use as an anode in a reversible, ambient temperature, lithium cell.

Huang, Chen-Kuo↗

NASA NTRS1991

Lake Hoare, Antarctica: sedimentation through a thick perennial ice cover

Lake Hoare in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica is covered with a perennial ice cover more than 3 m thick, yet there is a complex record of sedimentation and of growth of microbial mats on the lake bottom. Rough topography on the ice covering the lake surface traps sand that is transported by the wind. In late summer, vertical conduits form by melting and fracturing, making the ice permeable to both liquid water and gases. Cross-sections of the ice cover show that sand is able to penetrate into and apparently through it by descending through these conduits. This is the primary sedimentation mechanism in the lake. Sediment traps retrieved from the lake bottom indicate that rates of deposition can vary by large amounts over lateral scales as small as 1 m. This conclusion is supported by cores taken in a 3 x 3 grid with a spacing of 1.5 m. Despite the close spacing of the cores, the poor stratigraphic correlation that is observed indicates substantial lateral variability in sedimentation rate. Apparently, sand descends into the lake from discrete, highly localized sources in the ice that may in some cases deposit a large amount of sand into the lake in a very short time. In some locations on the lake bottom, distinctive sand mounds have been formed by this process. They are primary sedimentary structures and appear unique to the perennially ice-covered lacustrine environment. In some locations they are tens of centimetres high and gently rounded with stable slopes; in others they reach approximately 1 m in height and have a conical shape with slopes at angle of repose. A simple formation model suggests that these differences can be explained by local variations in water depth and sedimentation rate. Rapid colonization of fresh sand surfaces by microbial mats composed of cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, and heterotrophic bacteria produces a complex intercalation of organic and sandy layers that are a distinctive form of modern stromatolites.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗

NASA NTRS1986

Carbon Shields for Intercalated Fiber Conductors

Stability in air increased by depositing amorphous carbon. Initially graphite fibers intercalated (insertion of atoms or molecules between graphite layers). Next, conductor coated with diamondlike amorphous carbon. Coating applied in same chamber as intercalation reaction or alternate deposichamber is used. Deposition of carbon accomplished by any number of techniques. tion Ion-beam sputter-deposition and RF plasma techniques have been used, but dc plasma and others work also. Potential uses include conductive epoxy composites, tether conductors, signal wire, and power cables.

Banks, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Li-Ion Cells Employing Electrolytes With Methyl Propionate and Ethyl Butyrate Co-Solvents

Future NASA missions aimed at exploring Mars and the outer planets require rechargeable batteries that can operate at low temperatures to satisfy the requirements of such applications as landers, rovers, and penetrators. A number of terrestrial applications, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) also require energy storage devices that can operate over a wide temperature range (i.e., -40 to +70 C), while still providing high power capability and long life. Currently, the state-of-the-art lithium-ion system has been demonstrated to operate over a wide range of temperatures (-30 to +40 C); however, the rate capability at the lower temperatures is very poor. These limitations at very low temperatures are due to poor electrolyte conductivity, poor lithium intercalation kinetics over the electrode surface layers, and poor ionic diffusion in the electrode bulk. Two wide-operating-temperature-range electrolytes have been developed based on advances involving lithium hexafluorophosphate-based solutions in carbonate and carbonate + ester solvent blends, which have been further optimized in the context of the technology and targeted applications. The approaches employed include further optimization of electrolytes containing methyl propionate (MP) and ethyl butyrate (EB), which are effective co-solvents, to widen the operating temperature range beyond the baseline systems. Attention was focused on further optimizing ester-based electrolyte formulations that have exhibited the best performance at temperatures ranging from -60 to +60 C, with an emphasis upon improving the rate capability at -20 to -40 C. This was accomplished by increasing electrolyte salt concentration to 1.20M and increasing the ester content to 60 percent by volume to increase the ionic conductivity at low temperatures. Two JPL-developed electrolytes 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MP (20:20:60 v/v %) and 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+EB (20:20:60 v/v %) operate effectively over a wide temperature range in MCMB-LiNiCoAlO2 and Li4Ti5O12-LiNi-CoAlO2 prototype cells. These electrolytes have enabled high rate performance at low temperature (i.e., up to 2.0C rates at -50 C and 5.0C rates at -40 C), and good cycling performance over a wide temperature range (i.e., from -40 to +70 C). Current efforts are focused upon improving the high temperature resilience of the methyl propionatebased system through the use of electrolyte additives, which are envisioned to improve the nature of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers.

Smart, Marshall C.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Superconducting critical fields of alkali and alkaline-earth intercalates of MoS2

Results are reported for measurements of the critical-field anisotropy and temperature dependence of group-VIB semiconductor MoS2 intercalated with the alkali and alkaline-earth metals Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Sr. The temperature dependences are compared with present theories on the relation between critical field and transition temperature in the clean and dirty limits over the reduced-temperature range from 1 to 0.1. The critical-field anisotropy data are compared with predictions based on coupled-layers and thin-film ('independent-layers') models. It is found that the critical-field boundaries are steep in all cases, that the fields are greater than theoretical predictions at low temperatures, and that an unusual positive curvature in the temperature dependence appears which may be related to the high anisotropy of the layer structure. The results show that materials with the largest ionic intercalate atom diameters and hexagonal structures (K, Rb, and Cs compounds) have the highest critical temperatures, critical fields, and critical-boundary slopes; the critical fields of these materials are observed to exceed the paramagnetic limiting fields.

Woollam, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Cell contact as an independent factor modulating cardiac myocyte hypertrophy and survival in long-term primary culture

Cardiac myocytes maintained in cell culture develop hypertrophy both in response to mechanical loading as well as to receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms. However, it has been shown that the hypertrophic response to these stimuli may be modulated through effects of intercellular contact achieved by maintaining cells at different plating densities. In this study, we show that the myocyte plating density affects not only the hypertrophic response and features of the differentiated phenotype of isolated adult myocytes, but also plays a significant role influencing myocyte survival in vitro. The native rod-shaped phenotype of freshly isolated adult myocytes persists in an environment which minimizes myocyte attachment and spreading on the substratum. However, these conditions are not optimal for long-term maintenance of cultured adult cardiac myocytes. Conditions which promote myocyte attachment and spreading on the substratum, on the other hand, also promote the re-establishment of new intercellular contacts between myocytes. These contacts appear to play a significant role in the development of spontaneous activity, which enhances the redevelopment of highly differentiated contractile, junctional, and sarcoplasmic reticulum structures in the cultured adult cardiomyocyte. Although it has previously been shown that adult cardiac myocytes are typically quiescent in culture, the addition of beta-adrenergic agonists stimulates beating and myocyte hypertrophy, and thereby serves to increase the level of intercellular contact as well. However, in densely-plated cultures with intrinsically high levels of intercellular contact, spontaneous contractile activity develops without the addition of beta-adrenergic agonists. In this study, we compare the function, morphology, and natural history of adult feline cardiomyocytes which have been maintained in cultures with different levels of intercellular contact, with and without the addition of beta-adrenergic agonists. Intercellular contact, communication, and transmission of contractile forces between myocytes appears to play a primary role in remodeling the 2-dimensional cell layer into a parallel alignment of elongated myocytes with highly developed intercalated disk-like junctions. This highly differentiated state is very stable, and cultures which achieve this state exhibit significantly greater longevity than more sparsely plated myocytes. These myocytes typically continue beating, and survive from 6 to more than 12 weeks in culture. When this level of contact and differentiation are not achieved, even among beta-adrenergic stimulated myocytes, contractile activity is not sustained, myofibrils atrophy, there is little or no development of junctional complexes, and the period of myocyte viability is typically no more than 5 weeks in vitro.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS1983

Intercalated graphite electrical conductors

For years NASA has wanted to reduce the weight of spacecraft and aircraft. Experiments are conducted to find a lightweight synthetic metal to replace copper. The subject of this paper, intercalated graphite, is such a material. Intercalated graphite is made by heating petroleum or coal to remove the hydrogen and to form more covalent bonds, thus increasing the molecular weight. The coal or petroleum eventually turns to pitch, which can then be drawn into a fiber. With continued heating the pitch-based fiber releases hydrogen and forms a carbon fiber. The carbon fiber, if heated sufficiently, becomes more organized in parallel layers of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms in the form of graphite. A conductor of intercalated graphite is potentially useful for spacecraft or aircraft applications because of its low weight.

Banks, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Degradation of Intercalated Graphite Epoxy Composites Exposed to Low Earth Orbit

Four different graphite fiber/epoxy composites were exposed to the wake-side low Earth orbit (LEO) environment on the Optical Reflector Materials Experiment III (ORMatE-III) platform mounted on the exterior of the ISS for two years in order to determine their long term durability in the space environment. Three of the composite samples used bromine intercalated P100 fibers and one used pristine P100 fibers. One of the P100-Br samples was coated with a protective SiO2 layer, and half of another was coated with SiO2. Results were compared with the EOIM-III experiment which exposed the same materials in LEO in the ram direction for 42 h on the Space Shuttle. Although the atomic oxygen (AO) fluence of the ORMatE-III samples was one-third of the EOIM-III exposure, the resulting effects were qualitatively the same. Both found that SiO2 coated intercalated graphite composites showed no AO erosion, verifying that conventional protection strategies are applicable to bromine intercalated composites. Both found that bromine intercalation does not alter the AO erosion rates of graphite fiber/epoxy composites. Both found no bromine was detected to have migrated into the surrounding epoxy, even for highly eroded fibers and epoxy, allaying fears that bromination could compromise the properties of the epoxy. And both found no corrosive bromine was detected to have been released by the fibers allaying fears that outgassing could degrade sensitive electronics. The uncoated EOIM-III samples suffered slightly greater erosion resulting in a slightly higher solar absorptance. The general conclusion is that ram AO exposure had very similar effects on graphite fiber epoxy composites in both the EOIM-III and ORMatE-III experiments, and in neither case did bromine intercalation of the fibers substantially influence that degradation.

Intercalated graphite↗

NASA NTRS2017

Synthesis and Thermal Conductivity of Exfoliated Hexagonal Boron Nitride/Alumina Ceramic Composite

Exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)/alumina composite can be fabricated by following the process of (1) heating a mixture of hBN, AlCl3, and NaF in nitrogen for intercalation; (2) heating the intercalated product in air for exfoliation and at the same time converting the intercalate (AlCl3) into Al2O3, (3) rinsing the oxidized product, (4) coating individual exfoliated hBN platelets that contain Al2O3 with new layers of aluminum oxide, and finally, (5) hot pressing the product into the composite. The composite thus obtained has a composition of approximately 60 percent by weight hBN and 40 percent by weight alumina. Its in-plane and through-plane thermal conductivity were measured to be 86 and 18 watts per meter Kelvin, respectively, at room temperature.

Hung, Ching-cheh↗