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Results for “nanoparticle sintering”

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 OSTI2025

Dynamic Metal–Support Interaction Dictates Cu Nanoparticle Sintering on Al 2 O 3 Surfaces

Nanoparticle sintering remains a critical challenge in heterogeneous catalysis. In this work, we present a unified deep potential (DP) model based on the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof approximation of density functional theory for Cu nanoparticles on three Al 2 O 3 surfaces (γ-Al 2 O 3 (100), γ-Al 2 O 3 (110), and α-Al 2 O 3 (0001)). Using DP-accelerated simulations, we reveal that the nanoparticle size-mobility relationship strongly depends on the supporting surface. The diffusion of nanoparticles on the two γ-Al 2 O 3 surfaces is almost independent of the size of the nanoparticle, while the diffusion on α-Al 2 O 3 (0001) decreases rapidly with increasing size. Interestingly, nanoparticles with fewer than 55 atoms diffuse several times faster on α-Al 2 O 3 (0001) than on γ-Al 2 O 3 (100) at 800 K while expected to be more sluggish based on their larger binding energy at 0 K. The diffusion on α-Al 2 O 3 (0001) is facilitated by dynamic metal–support interaction (MSI), where Al atoms move out of the surface plane to optimize contact with the nanoparticle and relax back to the plane as the nanoparticle moves away. In contrast, the MSI on γ-Al 2 O 3 (100) and on γ-Al 2 O 3 (110) is dominated by more stable and directional Cu–O bonds, consistent with the limited diffusion observed on these surfaces. Our extended MD simulations provide insight into the sintering processes, showing that the dispersity of the nanoparticles strongly influences the coalescence driven by nanoparticle diffusion. We observed that the coalescence of Cu 13 nanoparticles on α-Al 2 O 3 (0001) can occur in a short time (10 ns) at 800 K even with an initial internanoparticle distance increased to 3 nm, while the coalescence on the two γ-Al 2 O 3 surfaces are inhibited significantly by increasing the initial internanoparticle distance. These findings demonstrate that the dynamics of the supporting surface is crucial to understanding the sintering mechanism and offer guidance for designing sinter-resistant catalysts by engineering the support morphology.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Microwave-Hydrothermal Synthesis of Y{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} Nanoparticles: Sintering Temperature Effect on Structural, Magnetic and Dielectric Properties

Herein, we report a facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal method for the preparation of yttrium iron garnet (YIG, Y{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12})nanocrystals and realized the synergy between its structural and magnetic properties. The as-prepared powder thermal stability was characterized in detail by using thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The synthesized powder was microwave sintered at six different temperatures ranging from 973 to 1373 K for 60 min and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Magnetic properties were investigated by vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) studies. The frequency variation of dielectric and magnetic properties was measured in the frequency range of 100 kHz–1.8 GHz. The observed magnetic and dielectric parameters such as saturation magnetization, coercivity, permeability, linewidth, dielectric constant and magnetodielectric losses are strongly affected by sintering temperature. The saturation magnetization and coercivity of YIG were found in the range 14.4–28.0 emu/g and 35–87 Oe, respectively. Furthermore, the FMR linewidth decreases from 844 to 204 Oe. This analysis undoubtedly demonstrates that the synthesis method and sintering temperature have the prominent effect on the electrical and magnetic properties of YIG and would be very useful for the garnet-based microwave device applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Exothermic low temperature sintering of Cu nanoparticles

Sintering of the Cu nanoparticle at low temperatures resulted in exothermic behavior after its initiation. The calorimetry study of the heating of a 20 nm copper nanoparticles agglomerate revealed the evolution of 41.17 J/g of heat between 170 °C and 270 °C. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images indicated that the heat generation was accompanied by sintering. The surface energy of the 20 nm copper nanoparticles was estimated to be 1.23 × 10{sup 3} erg/cm{sup 2} based on the heat released during sintering. The in situ high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) investigation showed that vigorous sintering occurred between 217 and 234 °C, which took place through the dislocation sintering mechanism. - Highlights: • Calorimetry showed exothermic behavior during heating of Cu nanoparticles between 170 and 270 °C. • Heat released due to the sintering of Cu nanoparticles was demonstrated by HRTEM. • Surface energy of 20 nm copper nanoparticles was estimated to be 1.23 × 10{sup 3} erg/cm{sup 2} during sintering. • Growth in crystallite sizes during sintering is disclosed by X-ray diffraction. • In situ HRTEM heating study showed occurrence of sintering through dislocation mechanism.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Surface Self-Diffusion Induced Sintering of Nanoparticles

Despite the critical role of sintering phenomena in constraining the long-term durability of nanosized particles, a clear understanding of nanoparticle sintering has remained elusive due to the challenges in atomically tracking the neck initiation and discerning different mechanisms. Through the integration of in situ transmission electron microscopy and atomistic modeling, this study uncovers the atomic dynamics governing the neck initiation of Pt–Fe nanoparticles via a surface self-diffusion process, allowing for coalescence without significant particle movement. Real-time imaging reveals that thermally activated surface morphology changes in individual nanoparticles induce significant surface self-diffusion. Further, the kinetic entrapment of self-diffusing atoms in the gaps between closely spaced nanoparticles leads to the nucleation and growth of atomic layers for neck formation. This surface self-diffusion-driven sintering process is activated at a relatively lower temperature compared to the classic Ostwald ripening and particle migration and coalescence processes. The fundamental insights have practical implications for manipulating the morphology, size distribution, and stability of nanostructures by leveraging surface self-diffusion processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Electron beam induced evolution in Au, Ag, and interfaced heterogeneous Au/Ag nanoparticles

Sintering and sublimation process of nanoparticles made of Ag, Au, and interfaced Ag/Au heterodimers has been investigated by in-situ transmission electron microscopy at room temperature. Such process is driven by the illumination of high-energy electron beam accelerated at 200kV that promotes atom diffusion in the physically contacted nanoparticles. Upon electron illumination, adjacent Au nanoparticles gradually merge together to form a larger particle along with the reduction of surface area despite that orientated attachment is not observed. The nanoparticle fusion process is significantly different from the well-established thermal diffusion mechanism. In addition to the similar fusion process, Ag nanoparticles undergo apparent sublimation because the transferred energy from electron beam to nanoparticles is higher than the surface binding energy of Ag atoms when the electron scattering angle is larger than 112°. The electron beam illumination can transform the interfaced Au/Ag dimers to Au@Ag core-shell particles followed by a slow sublimation of the Ag shells. Both diffusion and sublimation of Ag atoms are dependent on the intensity of electron beam, i.e., higher beam intensity is favorable to accelerate both process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Lutetium oxide-based transparent ceramic scintillators

In one embodiment, a transparent ceramic of sintered nanoparticles includes gadolinium lutetium oxide doped with europium having a chemical composition (Lu.sub.1-xGd.sub.x).sub.2-YEu.sub.YO.sub.3, where X is any value within a range from about 0.05 to about 0.45 and Y is any value within a range from about 0.01 to about 0.2, and where the transparent ceramic exhibits a transparency characterized by a scatter coefficient of less than about 10%/cm. In another embodiment, a transparent ceramic scintillator of sintered nanoparticles, includes a body of sintered nanoparticles including gadolinium lutetium oxide doped with a rare earth activator (RE) having a chemical composition (Lu.sub.1-xGd.sub.x).sub.2-YRE.sub.YO.sub.3, where RE is selected from the group consisting of: Sm, Eu, Tb, and Dy, where the transparent ceramic exhibits a transparency characterized by a scatter coefficient of less than about 10%/cm.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Extraordinary Thermal Stability and Sinter Resistance of Sub-2 nm Platinum Nanoparticles Anchored to a Carbon Support by Selenium

Nanoparticle sintering has long been a major challenge in developing catalytic systems for use at elevated temperatures. Here we report an in situ electron microscopy study of the extraordinary sinter resistance of a catalytic system comprised of sub-2 nm Pt nanoparticles on a Se-decorated carbon support. When heated to 700 °C, the average size of the Pt nanoparticles only increased from 1.6 to 2.2 nm, while the crystal structure, together with the {111} and {100} facets, of the Pt nanoparticles was well retained. Our electron microscopy analyses suggested that the superior resistance against sintering originated from the Pt–Se interaction. Confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray elemental mapping and electron energy loss spectra, the Se atoms surrounding the Pt nanoparticles could survive the heating. This work not only offers an understanding of the physics behind the thermal behavior of this catalytic material but also sheds light on the future development of sinter-resistant catalytic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electron energy loss spectroscopy study of ceria sinters and nanoparticles irradiated with swift heavy ions

The electronic energy loss spectra of ceria (CeO 2 ) irradiated with swift heavy ions (27 MeV Xe and 946 MeV Au) in the electronic slowing down regime were measured for bulk sintered samples and nanoparticles by using a double Cs-corrected transmission electron microscope. The low-loss region as well as the core-loss region, including the oxygen K-edge and cerium M 4, 5 white lines, were recorded. No strong lattice disorder was found in the low-loss peaks for both types of samples showing the same bulk oxygen plasmon loss peak at about 15 eV. However, there is a clear evidence of cerium reduction to the trivalent oxidation state after irradiation for the sintered samples as shown by the K-edge shape of oxygen and decrease of the Ce M 4 /M 5 intensity ratio. A similar change of the M 4 /M 5 intensity ratio was observed for the irradiated nanoparticles with respect to the virgin sample owing to the high energy input inside the nanograin. The effect of radiation damage on electron energy loss spectroscopy data is analyzed for both types of samples and irradiation conditions.

Crystallographic defects↗
DOE OSTI2016

Structure, electrical characteristics, and high-temperature stability of aerosol jet printed silver nanoparticle films

Printed electronics has emerged as a versatile eco-friendly fabrication technique to create sintered nanoparticle (NP) films on arbitrary surfaces with an excellent control over the film microstructure. While applicability of such films for high-temperature applications is not explored previously, herein we report the high-temperature electrical stability of silver (Ag) metal NP films fabricated using an Aerosol Jet based printing technique and demonstrate that this behavior is dictated by changes in the film microstructure. In-situ high temperature (24–500 °C) impedance spectroscopy measurements show that the real part of the impedance increases with increasing temperature up to 150 °C, at which point a decreasing trend prevails until 300 °C, followed again by an increase in impedance. The electrical behavior is correlated with the in-situ grain growth of the Ag NP films, as observed afterwards by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and could be tailored by controlling the initial microstructure through sintering conditions. Using combined diffraction and spectroscopic analytical methods, it is demonstrated the Aerosol Jet printed Ag NP films exhibit enhanced thermal stability and oxidation resistance. In addition to establishing the conditions for stability of Ag NP films, the results provide a fundamental understanding of the effect of grain growth and reduction in grain boundary area on the electrical stability of sintered NP films.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2018

Porous metals from sintering of nanoparticles

A method including encapsulating or capping metallic nanoparticles by a dendrimer or a polymer with binding sites for metal particless or metal ions dispersed in a fluid; modifying the fluid to disrupt the interaction of the dendrimer or polymer with the particles; and subsequently or concomitantly sintering or partially consolidating the zero valent metal. A method including introducing a first metal salt and a second metal salt into a dendrimer or a polymer with binding sites for metals or metal ions; reducing a metal ion of the first metal salt to a zero valent first metal and a metal ion of the second metal salt to a zero valend second metal; disrupting an interaction between the dendrimer or the polymer and the first metal and the second metal; and sintering or partially consolidating the first metal and the second metal.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Nanoscale Spatial Distribution of Supported Nanoparticles Controls Activity and Stability in Powder Catalysts for CO Oxidation and Photocatalytic H 2 Evolution

Here we discuss, supported metal nanoparticles are essential components of high-performing catalysts, and their structures are intensely researched. In comparison, nanoparticle spatial distribution in powder catalysts is conventionally not quantified, and the influence of this collective property on catalyst performance remains poorly investigated. Here, we demonstrate a general colloidal self-assembly method to control uniformity of nanoparticle spatial distribution on common industrial powder supports. We quantify distributions on the nanoscale using image statistics and show that the type of nanospatial distribution determines not only the stability, but also the activity of heterogeneous catalysts. Widely investigated systems (Au–TiO 2 for CO oxidation thermocatalysis and Pd–TiO 2 for H 2 evolution photocatalysis) were used to showcase the universal importance of nanoparticle spatial organization. Spatially and temporally resolved microkinetic modeling revealed that nonuniformly distributed Au nanoparticles suffer from local depletion of surface oxygen, and therefore lower CO oxidation activity, as compared to uniformly distributed nanoparticles. Nanoparticle spatial distribution also determines the stability of Pd–TiO 2 photocatalysts, because nonuniformly distributed nanoparticles sinter while uniformly distributed nanoparticles do not. This work introduces new tools to evaluate and understand catalyst collective (ensemble) properties in powder catalysts, which thereby pave the way to more active and stable heterogeneous catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Sintered CZTS Nanoparticle Solar Cells on Metal Foil (Final Report)

This is the final report covering 12 months of this subcontract for research on high-efficiency copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS)-based thin-film solar cells on flexible metal foil. Each of the first three quarters of the subcontract has been detailed in quarterly reports. In this final report highlights of the first three quarters will be provided and details will be given of the final quarter of the subcontract.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Microdroplet Electrospray Localized Laser Printing and Sintering of Nanoparticles for Passivating, Carrier-Selective Contacts (Final Technical Report)

In this project, the team used a nanoparticle electrospray laser deposition (NELD) process developed at the University of Central Florida (UCF) to address current limitations of passivating, carrier-selective contact technologies for crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) cells. The NELD process was used to print low bulk line resistivity Ag contacts directly onto transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), like indium tin oxide (ITO), for hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) based c-Si heterojunction (SHJ) cells without any subsequent contact firing step needed.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Modeling Sintering Processes of Nanoparticle Inks

The In-Pile Instrumentation program conducts research on advanced manufacturing of sensors for use within nuclear reactor experiments. The process for making these sensors involves the sintering of nanoparticles within solvent. The nanoparticles must be sintered in a way that minimizes pores and maximizes continuity. It has also been observed that the nanoparticle films may fall off the substrate, so maximizing adhesion is also important. To model the sintering process, the phase field method was employed for one and two nanoparticle - substrate systems and the contact angle was measured and compared to existing experimental and theoretical studies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Achieving nano-gold stability through rational design

When Au is subdivided to the nanoscale its reactivity changes from an inert nature to one of incredible reactivity which is not replicated by other catalysts. When dispersed onto metal oxides such as TiO 2 , nano-Au has shown high reactivities for a multitude of reduction and oxidation reactions of industrial importance with potential and current uses such as, CO oxidation, NOx reduction, purification of hydrogen for fuel cells, water gas shift reactions, abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) as well as pollution and emission control systems such as autocatalysts. However, many industrially important reactions and applications operate under harsh conditions where the catalyst is exposed to high temperatures and further needs to operate for extended periods of time. These conditions cause Au nanoparticle sintering whereby small, highly active clusters form large clusters which are catalytically inactive. For this reason, research into stabilizing Au nanoparticles has abounded with a goal of producing durable, thermally stable catalysts for industrial applications. Here we show a durable, thermally stable Au–TiO 2 catalyst which has been developed by rational design. The catalyst exhibits a 3-dimensional, radially aligned nanorod structure, already locked into the thermodynamically stable polymorph, via a scalable and facile synthesis, with Au nanoparticles isolated on the support structure. As the Au nanoparticles are highly stable the new catalyst is able to maintain light-off for CO oxidation below 115 °C even after multiple cycles at 800 °C. This ability of the catalyst to resist multiple thermal cycles to high temperature while remaining active at low temperatures shows promise for various industrial applications. The thermal stability of the catalyst is investigated and characterized through morphological and structural studies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗