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At least 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

The isothermal section of Gd–Ni–Si system at 1070 K

The Gd–Ni–Si system has been investigated at 1070 K by X-ray and microprobe analyses. The existence of the known compounds, i.e.: GdNi{sub 10}Si{sub 2}, GdNi{sub 8}Si{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 4}Si, GdNi{sub 2}Si{sub 2}, GdNiSi{sub 3}, Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 2}, GdNiSi, GdNiSi{sub 2}, GdNi{sub 0.4}Si{sub 1.6}, Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.35}Si{sub 0.65}, Gd{sub 3}NiSi{sub 2}, Gd{sub 3}NiSi{sub 3} and Gd{sub 6}Ni{sub 1.67}Si{sub 3}, has been confirmed. Moreover, five new phases have been identified in this system. The crystal structure for four of them has been determined: Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 16−12.8}Si{sub 1−4.2} (Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17}-type), GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type), Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si (Y{sub 3}Co{sub 8}Si-type) and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2}(Gd{sub 3}Ru{sub 4}Ga{sub 12}-type). The compound with composition ~Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 4}Si{sub 3} still remains with unknown structure. Quasi-binary phases, solid solutions, were detected at 1070 K to be formed by the binaries GdNi{sub 5}, GdNi{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 2}, GdNi, GdSi{sub 2} and GdSi{sub 1.67}; while no appreciable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds of the Gd–Ni–Si system. Magnetic properties of the GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2} compounds have also been investigated and are here reported. - Graphical abstract: The Gd–Ni–Si system has been investigated at 1070 K by X-ray and microprobe analyses. The known GdNi{sub 10}Si{sub 2}, GdNi{sub 8}Si{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 4}Si, GdNi{sub 2}Si{sub 2}, GdNiSi{sub 3}, Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 2}, GdNiSi, GdNiSi{sub 2}, GdNi{sub 0.4}Si{sub 1.6}, Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.35}Si{sub 0.65}, Gd{sub 3}NiSi{sub 2}, Gd{sub 3}NiSi{sub 3} and Gd{sub 6}Ni{sub 1.67}Si{sub 3} compounds have been confirmed and five new ~Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 4}Si{sub 3} (unknown type), Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 16−12.8}Si{sub 1−4.2} (Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17}-type), GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type), Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si (Y{sub 3}Co{sub 8}Si-type) and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2} (Gd{sub 3}Ru{sub 4}Ga{sub 12}-type) compounds have been detected in Gd–Ni–Si system at 1070 K. Quasi-binary phases, solid solutions, were detected at 1070 K to be formed by the binaries GdNi{sub 5}, GdNi{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 2}, GdNi, GdSi{sub 2} and GdSi{sub 1.67}; while no detectable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds of the Gd–Ni–Si system. Magnetic properties of the GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2} compounds have also been investigated and are here reported. - Highlights: • Gd–Ni–Si isothermal section was obtained at 1070 K. • Sixteen known ternary gadolinium nickel silicides were confirmed in Gd–Ni–Si. • Five new gadolinium nickel silicides were detected in Gd–Ni–Si. • GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2} show ferromagnetic-type ordering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Microstructure investigations of Yb- and Bi-doped Mg{sub 2}Si prepared from metal hydrides for thermoelectric applications

Within the field of thermoelectric materials for energy conversion magnesium silicide, Mg{sub 2}Si, is an outstanding candidate due to its low density, abundant constituents and low toxicity. However electronic and thermal tuning of the material is a required necessity to improve its Figure of Merit, zT. Doping of Yb via reactive YbH{sub 2} into the structure is performed with the goal of reducing the thermal conductivity. Hydrogen is released as a by-product at high temperatures allowing for facile incorporation of Yb into the structure. We report on the properties of Yb- and Bi-doped Mg{sub 2}Si prepared with MgH{sub 2} and YbH{sub 2} with the focus on the synthetic conditions, and samples’ microstructure, investigated by various electron microscopy techniques. Yb is found in the form of both Yb{sub 3}Si{sub 5} inclusions and Yb dopant segregated at the grain boundary substituting for Mg. The addition of 1 at% Yb concentration reduced the thermal conductivity, providing a value of 30 mW/cm K at 800 K. In order to adjust carrier concentration, the sample is additionally doped with Bi. The impact of the microstructure on the transport properties of the obtained material is studied. Idealy, the reduction of the thermal conductivity is achieved by doping with Yb and the electronic transport is adjusted by doping with Bi. Large grain microstructure facilitates the electronic transport. However, the synthetic conditions that provide the optimized microstructure for electrical transport do not facilitate the additional Yb dopant incorporation. Therefore, the Yb and Bi containing sample with the optimized microstructure provides a zT=0.46 at 800 K. - Graphical abstract: 1% or less addition of YbH{sub 2} to Mg{sub 2}Si significantly reduces the thermal conductivity of the material. Yb replaces some Mg in Mg{sub 2}Si and the remainder is distributed as Yb{sub 3}Sb{sub 5} in the Yb-doped Mg{sub 2}Si matrix. Correlation between the observed grain size and transport show the difficulty in simultaneously reducing the thermal conductivity with optimal electronic properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Nanostructured multilayered thin film barriers for Mg{sub 2}Si thermoelectric materials

The Mg{sub 2}Si-based alloys are promising candidates for thermoelectric energy conversion in the middle-high temperature range in order to replace lead compounds. The main advantages of silicide-based thermoelectrics are the nontoxicity and the abundance of their constituent elements in the earth crust. The drawback of such kind of materials is their oxygen sensitivity at high temperature that entails their use under vacuum or inert atmosphere. In order to limit the corrosion phenomena, nanostructured multilayered molybdenum silicide-based materials were deposited via RF magnetron sputtering onto stainless steel, alumina and silicon (100) to set up the deposition process and then onto Mg{sub 2}Si pellets. XRD, EDS, FE-SEM and electrical measurements at high temperature were carried out in order to obtain, respectively, the structural, compositional, morphological and electrical characterization of the deposited coatings. At the end, the mechanical behavior of the system thin film/Mg{sub 2}Si-substrate as a function of temperature and the barrier properties for oxygen protection after thermal treatment in air at high temperature were qualitatively evaluated by FE-SEM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Optical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Free-Standing MoSi{sub 2}N{sub x} and ZrSi{sub 2}N{sub y} Nanocomposite Films

The optical, mechanical, and thermal properties of free-standing structures based on nitrided molybdenum and zirconium silicides have been studied. It has been shown that silicide nitriding considerably improves the thermal stability of films. While as-prepared amorphous MoSi{sub 2} and ZrSi{sub 2} films crystallize in the interval 330–370°C, nitriding of films has made it possible to increase their working temperatures in vacuum to 600–700°C (at least, for x ≥ 0.25, y ≥ 1.3). Tensile tests have shown that the ultimate strength of MoSi{sub 2}N{sub x} films (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.55) depends on nitrogen content only slightly. Comparison between the properties of MoSi{sub 2}N{sub x} and ZrSi{sub 2}N{sub y} films magnetron-sputtered at the same partial pressure of nitrogen has demonstrated that with transmission coefficients of films at a wavelength of 13.5 nm being close to each other, ZrSi{sub 2} films are more effective as protection coatings (they are less prone to oxidation and more degradation-resistant).

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Effect of Brazing on Microstructure of Honeycomb Liner Material Hastelloy X

Labyrinth seals with abradable metallic honeycomb structures are common in gas turbines to ensure a tight sealing between rotor and stator. These seals have a big impact on the turbine efficiency. The honeycombs made from nickel-based superalloys are brazed onto backing segments in order to form liners. In this work, the microstructure of Hastelloy X honeycombs after brazing with a nickel-chromium-silicon braze filler alloy is investigated. It was found that the braze filler can wet the honeycomb foils over their entire height up to the contact surface with the rotor. After solidification, the braze filler alloy forms γ and silicides (NiSi and Ni{sub y}(Mo, Cr){sub x}Si). The intermetallic silicides give high hardness to the honeycomb liners. Between the braze filler alloy and the honeycomb foils, interdiffusion zones are observed. For the rub-in behavior of the honeycomb liners, not only the foil material but also the comportment of the composite made up of the foil material, the braze filler material and the interdiffusion zones has to be considered.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

High temperature steam oxidation dynamics of U 3 Si 2 with alloying additions: Al, Cr, and Y

Uranium silicides are considered for advanced technology reactor fuels due to their enhanced thermal conductivity and high uranium density (U 3 Si and U 3 Si 2 ) compared to traditional UO 2 . Susceptibility to oxidation and wash out, in the event of a cladding breech, could limit the potential for deployment of silicides as accident tolerant fuels. Mitigating the water reaction for U 3 Si 2 could enable its use as an accident tolerant, high uranium density fuel or as a composite fuel constituent. Reported here is the impact of alloying additions of Al, Cr and Y on the high temperature, steam oxidation response of U 3 Si 2 . In addition to the thermogravimetric response, as melted microstructures, phase compositions and post oxidation analysis are also presented. Here, the investigation shows steam oxidation dynamics are altered, from non-alloyed U 3 Si 2 , under thermally ramped conditions. However, additional alloy development of these fuel forms is necessary for further consideration as candidate accident tolerant fuels in water-cooled reactor designs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis and characterization of Bi-doped Mg{sub 2}Si thermoelectric materials

The Mg{sub 2}Si-based alloys are promising candidates for thermoelectric energy conversion for the middle high range of temperature. They are very attractive as they could replace lead-based compounds due to their low cost and non toxicity. They could also result in thermoelectric generator weight reduction (a key feature for the automotive application field). The high value of thermal conductivity of the silicide-based materials could be reduced by increasing the phonon scattering in the presence of nanosized crystalline grains without heavily interfering with the electrical conductivity of the thermoelectric material. Nanostructured materials were obtained under inert atmosphere through ball milling, thermal treatment and spark plasma sintering processes. In particular, the role of several bismuth doping amounts in Mg{sub 2}Si were investigated (Mg{sub 2}Si:Bi=1:x for x=0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 M ratio). The morphology, the composition and the structure of the samples were characterized by FE-SEM, EDS and XRD analyses after each process step. Moreover, the Seebeck coefficient analyses at high temperature and the electrical and thermal conductivity of the samples are presented in this work. The nanostructuring processes were affect by the MgO amount increase which influenced the thermoelectric properties of the samples mainly by reducing the electrical conductivity. With the aim of further increasing the scattering phenomena by interface or boundary effect, carbon nanostructures named Single Wall Carbon Nanohorns were added to the Mg{sub 2}Si in order to produce a nanocomposite material. The influence of the nanostructured filler on the thermoelectric material properties is also discussed. - Graphical abstract: Figure of merit (ZT) of Bi-doped samples and undoped Mg{sub 2}Si. A maximum ZT value of 0.39 at 600 Degree-Sign C was obtained for the nanocomposite material obtained adding Single Wall Carbon Nanohorns to the Bi 0.02 at% doped silicide. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Role of Bi doping amounts in Mg{sub 2}Si and thermoelectric characterization up to 600 Degree-Sign C Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nanocomposite materials synthesized by ball milling and Spark Plasma Sintering Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Effect on scattering phenomena of Single Wall Carbon Nanohorns added to Mg{sub 2}Si Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Importance of oxidation phenomena in nanostructured materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Solid-state synthesis of Mg{sub 2}Si via short-duration ball-milling and low-temperature annealing

In this work, a short duration ball-milling of elemental Mg and Si followed by a thermal treatment is suggested in order to synthesize magnesium silicide via solid-state reaction. The formation of magnesium silicide was studied in terms of its structure and thermal characteristics by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Pure Mg{sub 2}Si was formed after short milling and heating at temperatures as low as 280 Degree-Sign C. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis was performed to study the kinetics of the reaction. The activation energy of the reaction was calculated using the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Friedman methods. The thermoelectric properties suggested semiconducting behavior whereas thermal conductivity values of highly dense hot-pressed pellets are consistent with the literature. - Graphical abstract: Thermographs of ball-milled Mg and Si powders (1 and 2) show exothermic areas suggesting Mg{sub 2}Si formation at low temperatures. Unmilled Mg and Si mixture (3) forms Mg{sub 2}Si at higher temperatures. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ball-milling process is crucial for the formation of pure Mg{sub 2}Si at low temperatures. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis profiles based on different temperature settings and duration are suggested. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Thermal analysis confirms the shift of the Mg{sub 2}Si formation at low temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

High pressure synthesis and crystal structure of a ternary superconductor Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 3}Si{sub 4} containing layer structured calcium sub-network isomorphous with black phosphorus

The Zintl compound CaAl{sub 2}Si{sub 2} is peritectically decomposed to a mixture of Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 3}Si{sub 4} and aluminum metal at temperatures above 600 Degree-Sign C under a pressure of 5 GPa. The new ternary compound Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 3}Sl{sub 4} crystalizes with the space group Cmc2{sub 1} and the lattice parameters a=5.8846(8), b=14.973(1), and c=7.7966(5) A. The structure is composed of aluminum silicide framework [Al{sub 3}Si{sub 4}] and layer structured [Ca{sub 2}] network interpenetrating with each other. The electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) shows the formation of solid solutions Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 3-x}Si{sub 4+x} (x<0.6). The layer structured [Ca{sub 2}] sub-network is isomorphous with black phosphorus. The new ternary compound shows superconductivity with a transition temperature (T{sub c}) of 6.4 K. The band structure calculation suggests that the superconductivity should occur through the conduction bands mainly composed of 3p orbitals of the aluminum silicide framework. - Graphical abstract: A new ternary superconductor Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 3}Si{sub 4} has been prepared under high pressure and high temperature conditions, which includes layer structured calcium sub-network isomorphous with black phosphorus. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A typical Zintl compound CaAl{sub 2}Si{sub 2} melts congruently at ambient pressure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Under high pressure CaAl{sub 2}Si{sub 2} decomposes to Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 3}Si{sub 4} and Al at {approx}600 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 3}Si{sub 4} contains Ca sub-network isomorphous with black phosphorus. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 3}Si{sub 4} shows superconductivity with a transition temperature of 6.4 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis, structure and chemical bonding of CaFe{sub 2−x}Rh{sub x}Si{sub 2} (x=0, 1.32, and 2) and SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2}

The finding of superconductivity in Ba{sub 0.6}K{sub 0.4}Fe{sub 2}As{sub 2} put the attention on the investigation of compounds that crystallize with ThCr{sub 2}Si{sub 2} structure type such as AT{sub 2}X{sub 2} (A=alkali/alkaline earth/rare earth element; T=transition metal and X=element of the 13–15th group). In this context the silicides CaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2}, CaFe{sub 0.68(6)}Rh{sub 1.32(6)}Si{sub 2}, CaRh{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2} have been synthesized by reaction of the elements under an argon atmosphere. Single crystals were obtained by special heat treatment in welded niobium/tantalum ampoules. The compounds were investigated by means of powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction. All compounds crystallize in the ThCr{sub 2}Si{sub 2}-type structure with space group I4/mmm (No. 139): a=3.939(1) Å, c=10.185(1) Å, R{sub 1}=0.045, 85 F{sup 2} values, 8 variable parameters for CaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2}; a=4.0590(2) Å, c=9.9390(8) Å, R{sub 1}=0.030, 90 F{sup 2} values, 10 variable parameters for CaFe{sub 0.68(6)}Rh{sub 1.32(6)}Si{sub 2}; a=4.0695(1) Å, c=9.9841(3) Å, R{sub 1}=0.031, 114 F{sup 2} values, 9 variable parameters for CaRh{sub 2}Si{sub 2}; and a=3.974(1) Å, c=10.395(1) Å, R{sub 1}=0.036, 95 F{sup 2} values, 8 variable parameters for SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2}. The structure of SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2} contains isolated [Co{sub 2}Si{sub 2}]{sup 2−} 2D-layers in the ab-plane whereas in CaFe{sub 2−x}Rh{sub x}Si{sub 2} the [T{sub 2}Si{sub 2}] layers (T=Fe and Rh) are interconnected along the c-axis via Si3Si bonds resulting in a three-dimentional (3D) [T{sub 2}Si{sub 2}]{sup 2−} polyanions and therefore belong to the so-called collapsed form of the ThCr{sub 2}Si{sub 2}-type structure. The SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and CaRh{sub 2}Si{sub 2} are isoelectronic to the parent 122 iron–pnictide superconductors AeFe{sub 2}As{sub 2} (Ae=alkaline earth elements), whereas CaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2} is a full substituted variant (As/Si) of CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2}. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding in the title compounds are discussed in terms of LMTO band structure calculations and a topological analysis using the Electron Localization Function (ELF). - Graphical abstract: The SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and CaFe{sub 2−x}Rh{sub x}Si{sub 2} (x==0, 1.32, and 2) crystallize in the ThCr{sub 2}Si{sub 2}-type. The structure of SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2} contains isolated [Co{sub 2}Si{sub 2}]{sup 2−} layers in the ab-plane, whereas the [T{sub 2}Si{sub 2}] layers in CaFe{sub 2−x}Rh{sub x}Si{sub 2} are interconnected along the c-axis via Si3Si bonds resulting in a [T{sub 2}Si{sub 2}]{sup 2−} network. - Highlights: • Synthesis and structure of ternary silicides SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and CaFe{sub 2−x}Rh{sub x}Si{sub 2} (x=0, 1.32, and 2). • The SrCo{sub 2}Si{sub 2} and CaRh{sub 2}Si{sub 2} are isoelectronic to the parent 122 iron–pnictide superconductors AeFe{sub 2}As{sub 2}. • CaFe{sub 2}Si{sub 2} is a full substituted variant (As/Si) of superconductor CaFe{sub 2}As{sub 2}. • The title compounds demonstrate the tunable Si3Si distances.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

One component metal sintering additive for {beta}-SiC based on thermodynamic calculation and experimental observations

Graphical abstract: . Standard Gibbs formation free energies vs. temperature for various metal carbides. The heavy line represents the standard Gibbs free energy for {beta}-SiC. The hatched area denotes the typical liquid phase hot pressing temperature of {beta}-SiC (1973-2123 K). Highlights: {yields} Various metal elements were examined as a sintering additive for {beta}-SiC. {yields} Al and Mg enhanced the density significantly without decomposing {beta}-SiC, as predicted by thermodynamic simulation. {yields} Cr, Fe, Ta, Ti, V and W additives formed metal carbide and/or silicide compounds by decomposing {beta}-SiC. {yields} This approach would be useful for selecting effective sintering additive for high temperature ceramics. -- Abstract: Various types of metals were examined as sintering additives for {beta}-SiC by considering the standard Gibbs formation free energy and vapor pressure under hot pressing conditions (1973-2123 K), particularly for applications in nuclear reactors. Metallic elements having the low long-term activation under neutron irradiation condition, such as Cr, Fe, Ta, Ti, V and W, as well as widely used elements, Al, Mg and B, were considered. The conclusions drawn from thermodynamic considerations were compared with the experimental observations. Al and Mg were found to be effective sintering additives, whereas the others were not due to the formation of metal carbides or silicides from the decomposition of SiC under hot pressing conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantifying the Reactivity of Isolated Li x Si Domains in Si Anodes Using Operando NMR

The use of Si anodes can greatly improve the energy density of Li-ion batteries. However, understanding and mitigation of calendar aging remains a barrier to commercialization. Here, in this short report, we utilize operando Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to detect and quantify lithium silicides (Li x Si) as they form and react within Si anodes in pouch cells during calendar aging. We provide direct experimental evidence of complex aging phenomena in the Si anodes, including both SEI growth and dissolution during storage. Formation of electrochemically isolated Li x Si is also observed, as indicated by the partial persistence of highly lithiated phases after the cell is discharged. Remarkably, we show that these isolated domains can themselves self-discharge over time, suggesting that their detection can be challenging in post-mortem studies. Finally, we show that aging outcomes depend heavily on the type of silicon particles contained within the electrode, and that certain surface coatings can help decrease the reactivity between lithium silicides and the electrolyte.

Li-ion battery↗
DOE OSTI2010

Reactive solid-state dewetting of Cu-Ni films on silicon

The behavior of a 50 nm Cu-Ni alloy film on Si in a process of reactive solid-state dewetting is presented. The films were annealed at a range of temperatures (300-700 deg. C) in 1%H{sub 2} 99%N{sub 2} reducing atmosphere. The resulting alloy and silicide particles formed by film dewetting and film reaction with the substrate were distinguished by selective wet etching and examined by scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopy. After potassium hydroxide etch, regions that etch slower than silicon substrate have distribution statistics similar to the alloy and silicide particles prior to their removal, indicating strong coupling between mass transport across the interface and along the surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Effect of Nickel Contamination on High Carrier Lifetime n-Type Crystalline Silicon

The injection-dependent lifetimes of different levels of Ni-contaminated n-type Czochralski (CZ) silicon wafers were investigated using resonant-coupled photoconductance decay (RCPCD) and quasi-steady-state photoconductance technique (QSSPC). The lifetime degradation of the most heavily contaminated samples was caused by Ni silicide precipitates at the surface of the wafers. The impact on lifetime was determined by surface recombination velocities (SRV). SRV values from RCPCD were comparable to those extracted by the QSSPC technique. A direct correlation between minority carrier lifetime and the concentration of electrically active substitutional Ni and Ni silicide precipitate traps measured using deep level transient spectroscopy was established.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Evolution of iron-containing defects during processing of Si solar cells

The formation of iron-containing defects was studied during the fabrication process of a Si solar cell. Three Cz-Si crystals with different iron content in the feedstock were grown for the study. Iron-containing defects in and near-to the n{sup +}p-junction volume (NJV) of the cells are formed directly after phosphorus diffusion due to an inflow of iron atoms from the dissolving iron-silicide precipitates. These NJV-defects strongly affect the dark saturation current of the junctions. Partial dissolution or gettering of the NJV-defects during formation of the antireflection coating is accompanied by an increase in defect concentrations in the bulk of the cell. Further deterioration of bulk carrier lifetime during the formation of electrical contacts is related to the partial dissolution of remaining iron-silicide precipitates during the firing process. A general description of the defect evolution in iron-contaminated wafers during solar cell processing is presented and possible strategies for reducing the influence of iron-containing defects are proposed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2010

TEM CHARACTERIZATION OF IRRADIATED U3SI2/AL DISPERSION FUEL

The silicide dispersion fuel of U3Si2/Al has been recognized as a reasonably good performance fuel for nuclear research and test reactors except that it requires the use of high enrichment uranium. An irradiated U3Si2/Al dispersion fuel (~75% enrichment) from the high flux side of a RERTR-8 (U0R040) plate was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The fuel plate was irradiated in the advanced test reactor (ATR) for 105 days. The average irradiation temperature and fission density of the fuel particles for the TEM sample are estimated to be approximately ~110 degrees C and 5.4 x 10-21 f/cm3. The characterization was performed using a 200KV TEM with a LaB6 filament. Detailed microstructural information along with composition analysis is obtained. The results and their implication on the performance of this silicide fuel are discussed.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Novel Accident-Tolerant Fuel Meat and Cladding

A novel accident-tolerant fuel meat and cladding are here proposed. The fuel meat design incorporates annular fuel with inserts and discs that are fabricated from a material having high thermal conductivity, for example niobium. The inserts are rods or tubes. Discs separate the fuel pellets. Using the BISON fuel performance code it was found that the peak fuel temperature can be lowered by more than 600 degrees C for one set of conditions with niobium metal as the thermal conductor. In addition to improved safety margin, several advantages are expected from the lower temperature such as decreased fission gas release and fuel cracking. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed. An enrichment of only 7.5% fully compensates the lost reactivity of the displaced UO2. Slightly higher enrichments, such as 9%, allow uprates and increased burnups to offset the initial costs for retooling. The design has applications for fast reactors and transuranic burning, which may accelerate its development. A zirconium silicide coating is also described for accident tolerant applications. A self-limiting degradation behavior for this coating is expected to produce a glassy, self-healing layer that becomes more protective at elevated temperature, with some similarities to MoSi2 and other silicides. Both the fuel and coating may benefit from the existing technology infrastructure and the associated wide expertise for a more rapid development in comparison to other, more novel fuels and cladding.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Final Report: Si and Na-SG Powder Hydrogen Fuel Cells

The primary project objective is to develop and demonstrate a controllable hydrogen generation system based on sodium silicide powder for portable fuel cell applications. This includes the development and demonstration of all balance of plant and reaction control components, which encompass water feeding, thermal management, and reaction site maximization. The appropriate manufacturing methods to readily scale production of sodium silicide will also be investigated.

08 HYDROGEN↗