Engineering topics

Arif, Muhammad

Publications and source records attributed to Arif, Muhammad.

6 records

DOE OSTI2021

Laser-Irradiated Holey Graphene-Supported Single-Atom Catalyst towards Hydrogen Evolution and Oxygen Reduction

Single-atom catalysts (SAC) can boost the intrinsic catalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the challenge remains due to the complex synthesis process and insufficient stability. A sustainable approach is applied to synthesizing SACs through laser irradiation and gaining mesoporous graphene oxide (MGO). The surface dangling bonds of nitrogen-doped MGO (NMGO) extract metal atoms species from Co or Fe metal foams and convert them to SAC via an appropriate synthesis approach. Notably, the Co-NMGO electrocatalyst requires low potentials of 146 mV to convey a current density of 10 mA cm -2 towards HER. Similarly, the Fe-NMGO electrocatalyst offers an onset of 0.79 V towards ORR in acidic solution. The individual metal atoms are confirmed via aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption near-edge structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure. Density functional theory calculations by applying the grand canonical potential kinetics model revealed that Co-NMGO shows the optimum free reaction energy of -0.17 eV at -0.1 V for HER, and Fe-NMGO has less limiting potential than that of Co-NMGO for ORR case. Furthermore, this work opens a new approach towards the synthesis of SAC and its mechanistic understandings.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2018

Ab Initio Study of Half-Heusler Compounds MnVZ (Z = P, As, Sb)

Ab initio study of the half-Heusler compounds MnVZ (Z = P, As, Sb) is performed in the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT). We have investigated their structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties using the full potential linearly augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. The compounds have stable structure with lattice constant in the range 4.90–5.75 Å. The correlation effects are incorporated by performing the GGA + U calculations. The compounds are ductile in nature as indicated by their elastic properties like Cauchy pressure (CP), Pugh’s and Poisson’s ratios. All the three compounds MnVZ (Z = P, As, Sb) are half-metals with small indirect band gaps in the spin-down channels of the values 0.74, 0.30, and 1.29 eV respectively at Γ −X symmetry points. These compounds possess relatively small total magnetic moments of about ≈ 1μ{sub B}. The analysis of optical properties reveals that these compounds are more active at small and high energies and show negligible activity at intermediate energies.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2016

Holography with a neutron interferometer

We use a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to perform neutron holography of a spiral phase plate. The object beam passes through a spiral phase plate, acquiring the phase twist characteristic of orbital angular momentum states. The reference beam passes through a fused silica prism, acquiring a linear phase gradient. The resulting hologram is a fork dislocation image, which could be used to reconstruct neutron beams with various orbital angular momenta. This work paves the way for novel applications of neutron holography, diffraction and imaging.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2015

Investigation of new approaches for InGaN growth with high indium content for CPV application

We propose to use two new approaches that may overcome the issues of phase separation and high dislocation density in InGaN-based PIN solar cells. The first approach consists in the growth of a thick multi-layered InGaN/GaN absorber. The periodical insertion of the thin GaN interlayers should absorb the In excess and relieve compressive strain. The InGaN layers need to be thin enough to remain fully strained and without phase separation. The second approach consists in the growth of InGaN nano-structures for the achievement of high In content thick InGaN layers. It allows the elimination of the preexisting dislocations in the underlying template. It also allows strain relaxation of InGaN layers without any dislocations, leading to higher In incorporation and reduced piezo-electric effect. The two approaches lead to structural, morphological, and luminescence properties that are significantly improved when compared to those of thick InGaN layers. Corresponding full PIN structures have been realized by growing a p-type GaN layer on the top the half PIN structures. External quantum efficiency, electro-luminescence, and photo-current characterizations have been carried out on the different structures and reveal an enhancement of the performances of the InGaN PIN PV cells when the thick InGaN layer is replaced by either InGaN/GaN multi-layered or InGaN nanorod layer.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2015

Model of Ni-63 battery with realistic PIN structure

GaN, with its wide bandgap of 3.4 eV, has emerged as an efficient material for designing high-efficiency betavoltaic batteries. An important part of designing efficient betavoltaic batteries involves a good understanding of the full process, from the behavior of the nuclear material and the creation of electron-hole pairs all the way through the collection of photo-generated carriers. This paper presents a detailed model based on Monte Carlo and Silvaco for a GaN-based betavoltaic battery device, modeled after Ni-63 as an energy source. The accuracy of the model is verified by comparing it with experimental values obtained for a GaN-based p-i-n structure under scanning electron microscope illumination.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2011

Nuclear Data Verification and Standardization

The objective of this interagency program is to provide accurate neutron interaction verification and standardization data for the U.S. Department of Energy Division of Nuclear Physics programs which include astrophysics, radioactive beam studies, and heavy-ion reactions. The measurements made in this program are also useful to other programs that indirectly use the unique properties of the neutron for diagnostic and analytical purposes. These include homeland security, personnel health and safety, nuclear waste disposal, treaty verification, national defense, and nuclear based energy production. The work includes the verification of reference standard cross sections and related neutron data employing the unique facilities and capabilities at NIST and other laboratories as required; leadership and participation in international intercomparisons and collaborations; and the preservation of standard reference deposits. An essential element of the program is critical evaluation of neutron interaction data standards including international coordinations. Data testing of critical data for important applications is included. The program is jointly supported by the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗