Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “AgI”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on YAg(IO3)4 by Materials Project

AgY(IO3)4 crystallizes in the monoclinic Cc space group. The structure is two-dimensional and consists of two AgY(IO3)4 sheets oriented in the (1, 0, 0) direction. there are two inequivalent Y3+ sites. In the first Y3+ site, Y3+ is bonded in a 8-coordinate geometry to eight O2- atoms. There are a spread of Y–O bond distances ranging from 2.31–2.45 Å. In the second Y3+ site, Y3+ is bonded in a 8-coordinate geometry to eight O2- atoms. There are a spread of Y–O bond distances ranging from 2.32–2.52 Å. There are two inequivalent Ag1+ sites. In the first Ag1+ site, Ag1+ is bonded in a 8-coordinate geometry to seven O2- atoms. There are a spread of Ag–O bond distances ranging from 2.37–2.88 Å. In the second Ag1+ site, Ag1+ is bonded in a 8-coordinate geometry to eight O2- atoms. There are a spread of Ag–O bond distances ranging from 2.39–2.93 Å. There are twenty-four inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, one Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.86 Å. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.85 Å. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Y3+ and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.84 Å. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Y3+ and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.86 Å. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.83 Å. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.83 Å. In the seventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, one Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.87 Å. In the eighth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one Y3+, one Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.84 Å. In the ninth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, one Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.83 Å. In the tenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 4-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, two Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.87 Å. In the eleventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 4-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, two Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.84 Å. In the twelfth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one Y3+, one Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.86 Å. In the thirteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, one Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.85 Å. In the fourteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to two Ag1+ and two I5+ atoms. There are one shorter (1.83 Å) and one longer (2.61 Å) O–I bond lengths. In the fifteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted trigonal non-coplanar geometry to two Ag1+ and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.84 Å. In the sixteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Y3+ and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.86 Å. In the seventeenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.85 Å. In the eighteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Y3+ and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.84 Å. In the nineteenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Y3+ and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.86 Å. In the twentieth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.84 Å. In the twenty-first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.83 Å. In the twenty-second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, one Ag1+, and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.86 Å. In the twenty-third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Y3+ and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.82 Å. In the twenty-fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Y3+ and one I5+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.84 Å. There are eight inequivalent I5+ sites. In the first I5+ site, I5+ is bonded in a 6-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. In the second I5+ site, I5+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. In the third I5+ site, I5+ is bonded in a 4-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. In the fourth I5+ site, I5+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to four O2- atoms. In the fifth I5+ site, I5+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. In the sixth I5+ site, I5+ is bonded in a 6-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. In the seventh I5+ site, I5+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. In the eighth I5+ site, I5+ is bonded in a 4-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on NaAgI2O3 by Materials Project

NaIO3AgI crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pbca space group. The structure is two-dimensional and consists of two AgI sheets oriented in the (0, 0, 1) direction and two NaIO3 sheets oriented in the (0, 0, 1) direction. In each AgI sheet, Ag1+ is bonded in a 4-coordinate geometry to three equivalent I2+ atoms. There are a spread of Ag–I bond distances ranging from 2.75–2.81 Å. I2+ is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to three equivalent Ag1+ atoms. In each NaIO3 sheet, Na1+ is bonded in a 5-coordinate geometry to five O2- atoms. There are a spread of Na–O bond distances ranging from 2.30–2.76 Å. There are three inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 5-coordinate geometry to two equivalent Na1+, one O2-, and two equivalent I2+ atoms. The O–O bond length is 1.37 Å. There are one shorter (2.52 Å) and one longer (2.74 Å) O–I bond lengths. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in an L-shaped geometry to one Na1+ and one I2+ atom. The O–I bond length is 1.88 Å. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to two equivalent Na1+ and one O2- atom. I2+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Separated waste stream immobilization of iodine and off-gas caustic scrubber solution (Final Report)

In this work, the approach was to immobilize the CS solution in a glass-bonded composite of cancrinite/sodalite. The synthesis of ceramic waste forms was accomplished by low-temperature (~90°C) processes developed by the team in the framework of a previous NEUP project. By building on our earlier efforts for iodine waste forms, we minimized the schedule and technical risk while still providing novel process demonstrations for the off-gas waste forms. In the case of AgI-based sorbents, a proof-of-concept stripping process was shown to remove iodine from AgI by converting it to NaI(aq) followed by immobilization of these ions in iodosodalite (ISOD), which could be glass-bonded in the same way as for the CS solution cancrinite/sodalite powders.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Models to Incorporate Reaction Mechanisms into DG-OSPREY: Fixed-Bed Simulations for Organic Iodides Capture Using Ag 0 Z

As one of the most potent radioisotopes released during spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, 129 I is strictly regulated and must be removed before discharge. Organic iodides (primarily alkyl iodides with different chain lengths, i.e., CH 3 I, C 4 H 9 I, and C 12 H 25 I) comprise ~2% of the total iodine in the reprocessing off-gases and are primarily present in vessel off-gas (VOG). Reduced silver mordenite (Ag 0 Z) is predominantly considered for the removal of radioiodine; however, its capture performance and underlying interaction processes with long-chain organic iodides are not fully understood. Two major tasks were accomplished in this study. First, to improve upon the previous experimental studies where Ag 0 Z was used to capture CH 3 I, C 4 H 9 I, and C 12 H 25 I at different concentrations, we comprehensively investigated the corresponding capture mechanisms by characterizing fully loaded Ag 0 Z samples. Second, computational codes were implemented to perform fixed-bed simulations that account for transport and reaction mechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted on Ag 0 Z samples that are saturated with I 2 , CH 3 I, C 4 H 9 I, and C 12 H 25 I), respectively. Results indicate that AgI is the predominant adsorption product regardless of the adsorbed iodine species, yet alkyl iodides with different carbon chain lengths may have different compositions of α- and γ-AgI. Synchrotron pair distribution function (PDF) measurements and TGA coupled with a Fourier transformed infrared detector (TGA FTIR) have been performed, and experimental data are currently analyzed. Results are expected to provide further insights into the adsorption mechanisms. The fixed-bed capture performance for CH 3 I was successfully simulated by solving mathematical equations that describe the underlying transport processes and adsorption reactions. The computational framework, Catalytic After Treatment System (CATS), that was originated in our research group, was used to solve the governing equations. Kinetic parameters, including the pore diffusivity and reaction rate constant were obtained by optimization techniques using data from thin-bed experiments performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The performance of a deep bed predicted using the optimized parameters showed promising agreement with the experimental data.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

Commercial integration of advanced nuclear energy with Artificial Intelligence (AI): Possible implications

The integration of advanced nuclear technologies (both fission and fusion) with artificial intelligence (AI) presents unprecedented national security challenges and opportunities. As fusion energy approaches commercial viability alongside advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), their integration with AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) systems could fundamentally transform the global energy and AI landscapes — two pillars of national security. This document briefly examines how AI could accelerate nuclear energy development and deployment while altering existing power structures, a lot could be done to deepen the discussions. Simultaneously, it observes how nuclear-powered AI may expedite advances toward AGI and beyond. These issues are deeply interconnected and thus need to be examined as a whole and more comprehensively than what’s being summarized here. For instance, AI-powered autonomous operation of nuclear facilities could reduce human error but introduce new cybersecurity vulnerabilities and uncertainties. Further investigation would also address how AI-enhanced nuclear technologies might complicate proliferation concerns through advanced fuel cycle management, nuclear materials production and safeguard. The strategic advantage gained by first entities achieving successful AI-nuclear integration could reshape global and national security framework. Timely analysis of these implications may be crucial for policymakers seeking to harness these technologies' benefits while effectively mitigating their potential risks.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nanohybrid of Silver‐MXene: A Promising Sorbent for Iodine Gas Capture from Nuclear Waste

The increasing reliance on nuclear energy as a significant low-carbon power source necessitates effective solutions for managing radioactive emissions. This study introduces a novel application of MXene nanohybrids, specifically silver-MXene (Ag-Ti 3 C 2 T x ), as an effective sorbent for radioiodine off-gas capture at an operating temperature of 150 °C. Through comprehensive material characterization, including X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and gas sorption analyses, the successful loading of Ag nanoparticles onto Ti 3 C 2 T x is confirmed and the subsequent formation of AgI upon iodine capture. The results demonstrate that Ag-Ti 3 C 2 T x exhibits superior iodine uptake compared to traditional silver-based sorbents such as silver mordenite zeolite (AgZ) and silver-functionalized silica aerogel (AgAero). The Ag-Ti 3 C 2 T x achieves an iodine loading of 946 mg g −1 , significantly outperforming AgZ (131 mg g −1 ). These findings highlight the potential of Ag-Ti 3 C 2 T x as a highly efficient, thermally stable sorbent for radioiodine capture, and potentially addressing key limitations of existing materials.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Iodine Capture by Ag-Loaded Solid Sorbents Followed by Ag Recycling and Iodine Immobilization: An End-to-End Process

Here, this article demonstrates the complete process of I 2(g) capture using Ag-exchanged faujasite (AgX) and Ag-exchanged mordenite (AgZ) zeolite sorbents, the recovery of Ag for recyclability of iodine capture, and the immobilization of iodide (from the elution process) into an iodosodalite waste form, which is chemically and environmentally stable. The gaseous iodine, I 2(g) , was captured in the AgX via chemisorption by Ag and converted to AgI within the aluminosilicate zeolite frameworks. The elution reaction in Na 2 S resulted in the precipitation of Ag 2 S and dissolution of I – and Na + into the aqueous solution, where powdered sorbent showed higher conversion efficiency than the granular form, which is attributed to Na 2 S-solution diffusion limitations in the granules. The Ag 2 S-containing aluminosilicate precipitates were filtered out of the solution, and the filtrate (aqueous solution) was used to synthesize iodosodalite to immobilize iodide. The iodine capture using the recovered Ag 2 S-containing sorbents shows equivalent iodine loadings to the AgX starting material of Q e = 0.355 g/g for powdered material and 0.255 g/g for granular material, demonstrating the potential recycling of Ag for iodine capture as Ag 2 S-based sorbents.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Computational Optimization of Room Temperature Usable Capacity for Hydrogen Storage in MFU-4-Type Metal–Organic Frameworks via Pairwise Metal Substitutions

The efficient storage of hydrogen is a critical challenge in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. Current adsorbent-based methods achieve satisfactory storage densities predominantly under cryogenic temperatures and/or high pressures, which imposes problems with cost-efficient and safe implementation of this technology. Materials that can bind hydrogen gas reversibly at ambient temperatures and more moderate pressures could play a pivotal role in enabling hydrogen-powered technologies. In this study, we use reliable computational modeling to investigate two synthetically feasible paths for tuning the enthalpy of H2 binding in MFU-4-type metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), aiming to maximize usable capacity. This study examines MIM4 IICl3(bta)6 (bta– = benzotriazolate) Kuratowski-type clusters as a model for strong binding sites in MFU-4l frameworks. We systematically evaluate the impact of separately tuning the central MII metal ion (which plays a structural role) and the peripheral MI metal ion (which binds the substrate) on the energetics of H2 binding. Our computational study reveals that H2 binding at an MI site mostly follows the trend AgI < CuI < NiI < CoI < AuI while a larger central MII site generally weakens the H2 binding at a MI site. Importantly, we have identified three new combinations of MI and MII to achieve high fractional usable capacities of the total H2 adsorbed under a pressure swing from 5 to 100 bar at room temperature. Additionally, we examine the nature of the binding interaction between the peripheral metal atom and the hydrogen molecule. While charge transfer predominantly induces this interaction, for several atom combinations, a change in the polarization (associated with variations in the ionic radius of the MI binding atom) is another important factor for adjusting the strength of the interaction. We suggest that the proposed compositions of Kuratowski-type clusters are highly desirable synthetic targets for future laboratory study.

Tkachenko, Nikolay V↗
DOE OSTI2026

Multiscale Characterization of Electrode-Induced Degradation in Perovskite Solar Cells

The stability of metal-halide-perovskite (MHP) solar cells must be understood and improved for the commercial viability of MHP technologies. Here, we apply multiscale characterization methods to study degradation modes, specifically electrode corrosion, for p-i-n MHP partial device stacks and full devices that are stored in the dark under an inert atmosphere. Our multiscale characterization approaches include full-device electro-optical performance using current-voltage (JV) curves and spatial imaging with electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL). We further correlate interface properties using cross-sectional Kelvin probe force microscopy, which maps the nanoscale electric field properties, and electron microscopy, which demonstrates structural and chemical features. Devices stored as a full device stack degrade primarily by metal (Ag) electrode diffusion into the absorber, with formation of AgI byproducts and Ag accumulation near the indium tin oxide (ITO) contact. This causes decomposition of the perovskite absorber domains, loss of the potential drop at the electron transport layer (ETL)/perovskite interface near the metal contact, and increased equivalent resistance at the perovskite/hole transport layer (HTL) interface near the ITO contact. The devices stored without metal show a different degradation pathway dominated by corrosion of the ITO, creating voids at the ITO electrode surface with diffusion of In and Sn into the absorber. We conclude that metal electrode-induced degradation is the most severe degradation pathway under dark storage, but that ITO corrosion and absorber instability must also be mitigated. We further demonstrate mitigation of these degradation pathways by changes to the device stack, including a SnO x blocking layer at the ETL side and replacing ITO with FTO at the HTL side. These results provide a useful demonstration of specific dark degradation pathways at each electrode interface, as well as a unique multiscale example that links degradation of chemical, structural, and electrical interface properties to the full-device electro-optical characteristics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Gaseous Iodine Sorbents: A Comparison between Ag-Loaded Aerogel and Xerogel Scaffolds

The general properties of aluminosilicate aerogels and xerogels with silver nanoparticles as sorbents for capturing iodine gas [I2(g)] were investigated. The structures, morphologies, compositions, and pore structures of aerogel and xerogel were compared using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as specific surface area (SSA) and pore size analyses. The as-made aerogels, xerogels, and heat-treated aerogels were impregnated with Ag by aqueous ion exchange using AgNO3 solutions, and PXRD patterns showed the presence of nanocrystalline Ag0 after Ag-impregnation. Iodine loadings of aerogels and xerogels were 0.33–0.41 g g-1. The Ag-impregnated aerogels without heat-treatment showed an 8 mass% higher iodine loading than Ag-impregnated xerogels and 3 mass% higher than heat-treated Ag-impregnated aerogels. All gels after iodine uptake showed the presence of AgI, indicating chemisorption of iodine to silver. The SSA values of the as-made gels were 419–598 m2 g-1 but decreased significantly to 34–120 m2 g-1 after Ag-impregnation and iodine uptake processes. Overall, changes in physical and chemical properties of aerogels and xerogels after iodine uptake were similar, and the difference in iodine loading capacities of the aerogels and xerogels was not significant while the synthesis process of xerogel is more practical because it does not require supercritical drying.

aerogel, xerogel, iodine capture↗
DOE OSTI2022

Iodine Capture with Metal-Functionalized Polyacrylonitrile Composite Beads Containing Ag 0 , Bi 0 , Cu 0 , or Sn 0 Particles

The capture of radioiodine from nuclear processes and the mitigation of environmental release are important topic areas of research. Some of the more commonly employed chemisorption-type iodine scavengers reported in the literature are based on metal-exchanged porous sorbents such as Ag-zeolites or metal-functionalized aerogels and xerogels. However, another option is to use zero-valent metals directly that have known high affinities for iodine gas [i.e., I2(g)]. In this study, fine metal particles of Ag0, Bi0, Cu0, and Sn0 were embedded in porous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) substrates at 75 mass% metal loadings within the form of ellipsoidal beads with maximum diameters of ~2–3 mm. These composite beads showed extremely high iodine loadings that are directly related to the metal particle loadings. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of Ag0, Bi0, Cu0, and Sn0 particles as well as metal-PAN composite beads reacted with iodine gas at 120 ± 1 °C showed phases of AgI, BiI3, CuI, and SnI4, respectively. For the Ag-PAN, Cu-PAN, and Sn-PAN beads, no other crystalline peaks were observed in XRD for unreacted metal or oxidized metals after 48 h in saturated I2(g) at 120 ± 1 °C, whereas unreacted metallic Bi0 was observed within the Bi-PAN composites. However, after a 72 h exposure at 120 ± 1 °C, both the Bi0 particles and the Bi-PAN composites showed full conversion from Bi0 to BiI3 with XRD. Comparisons between mass uptake data and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were used to better understand the phase distribution of the Bi phases present in the Bi-PAN+I composites. The iodine loadings (mg iodine per g sorbent, or qe) for these materials were 1120 (Ag-Particle), 1382 (Bi-Particle-72h), 1033 (Cu-Particle), 3000 (Sn-Particle), 753 (Ag-PAN), 1012 (Bi-PAN-72h), 1457 (Cu-PAN), and 1669 (Sn-PAN). It is possible that inexpensive sorbents such as these could be deployed to help limit or prevent release of radioiodine to the environment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Iodine capture with mechanically robust heat-treated Ag-Al-Si-O xerogel sorbents

Silver-loaded heat-treated aluminosilicate xerogels (Ag-HTX) were evaluated as sorbents for iodine [I2(g)] capture. The heat treatment step was performed to help increase the mechanical integrity of the gels. The synthesized xerogels were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, gravimetric iodine loading, nanoindentation, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The structural and chemical analyses of Ag-HTX showed uniform distribution of Ag throughout the gel network after Ag-exchange. After I2(g) capture, the AgI crystallites were observed in the sorbent verifying chemisorption as the iodine capture mechanism. Iodine loading of this xerogel was 0.43 g g-1 at 150°C over 1 d and 0.52 g g-1 at 22°C over 33 d. The specific surface area of Ag-HTX was 202 m2 g-1 and decreased to 87 m2 g-1 after iodine loading. The hardness of the heat-treated xerogel was 160 times higher than heat-treated aerogel of the same composition. The heat-treatment process increased the modulus value to 40.77 MPa from 6.99 MPa of as-made xerogel, demonstrating the need for this added step in the synthesis process. These results show that Ag-HTX is a promising sorbent for I2(g) capture with good loading capacity and mechanical stability.

xerogels, aerogels, iodine capture, hardness testi↗
DOE OSTI2025

Exocortex Network for AI-Augmented Human-Led Scientific Expedition

AI advances in science can be viewed along two main directions with a fluid boundary: enhancing efficiency through automation and smart tools to accelerate tasks that humans can already perform; and enabling exploration into uncharted territories and potentially toward AGI. These advances manifest in the AI cognitive core through the development and explainability of foundation models; in the physical embodiment of instruments and facilities; and in the integrated agency of AI workflows exemplified by the science exocortex. To address the role of humans in this evolving landscape, in this Perspective, we suggest a third direction: the development of personalized agents that form human-centered networks, supporting both efficiency and exploration while ensuring that AI remains aligned with human vision.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thermal Pressure in the Laser‐Heated Diamond Anvil Cell: A Quantitative Study and Implications for the Density Versus Mineralogy Correlation of the Mantle

Abstract Thermal pressure is an inevitable thermodynamic consequence of heating a volumetrically constrained sample in the diamond anvil cell. Its possible influences on experimentally determined density‐mineralogy correlations are widely appreciated, yet the effect itself has never been experimentally measured. We present here the first quantitative measurements of the spatial distribution of thermal pressure in a laser‐heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) in both olivine and AgI. The observed thermal pressure is strongly localized and closely follows the distribution of the laser hotspot. The magnitude of the thermal pressure is of the order of the thermodynamic thermal pressure ( αK T Δ T ) with gradients between 0.5 and 1.0 GPa/10 μm. Remarkably, we measure a steep gradient in thermal pressure even in a sample that is heated close to its melting line. This generates consequences for pressure determinations in pressure‐volume‐temperature (PVT) equation of state measurements when using an LHDAC. We show that an incomplete account of thermal pressure in PVT experiments can lead to biases in the coveted depth versus mineralogy correlation. However, the ability to spatially resolve thermal pressure in an LHDAC opens avenues to measure difficult‐to‐constrain thermodynamic derivative properties, which are important for comprehensive thermodynamic descriptions of the interior of planets.

Yen, Connor Ethan↗
DOE OSTI2021

A two-dimensional type I superionic conductor

Superionic conductors (SICs) possess liquid-like ionic diffusivity in the solid state, finding wide applicability from electrolytes in energy storage to materials for thermoelectric energy conversion. Type I SICs (e.g., AgI, Ag 2 Se, etc.) are defined by a first-order transition to the superionic state and have so far been found exclusively in three-dimensional crystal structures. Here, we reveal a two-dimensional type I SIC, α-KAg 3 Se 2 by scattering techniques and complementary simulations. Quasi-elastic neutron scattering and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations confirm that the superionic Ag + ions are confined to sub-nanometre sheets, with the simulated local structure validated by experimental X-ray powder pair-distribution-function analysis. Finally, we demonstrate that the phase transition temperature can be controlled by chemical substitution of the alkali metal ions that comprise the immobile charge-balancing layers. Our work thus extends the known classes of SICs and will facilitate the design of new materials with tailored ionic conductivities and phase transitions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Aggregation-induced phosphorescence sensitization in two heptanuclear and decanuclear gold–silver sandwich clusters

The strategy of aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) has been proven to be efficient in wide areas and has recently been adopted in the field of metal nanoclusters. Furthermore, the relationship between atomically precise clusters and AIEE is still unclear. Herein, we have successfully obtained two few-atom heterometallic gold–silver hepta-/decanuclear clusters, denoted Au 6 Ag and Au 9 Ag, and determined their structures by X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. The nature of the AuI…AgI interactions thereof is demonstrated through energy decomposition analysis to be far-beyond typical closed-shell metal–metal interaction dominated by dispersion interaction. Furthermore, a positive correlation has been established between the particle size of the nanoaggregates and the photoluminescence quantum yield for Au 6 Ag, manifesting AIEE control upon varying the stoichiometric ratio of Au : Ag in atomically-precise clusters.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on YAg(WO4)2 by Materials Project

AgY(WO4)2 crystallizes in the monoclinic P2/c space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Y3+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form distorted YO6 octahedra that share corners with eight equivalent WO6 octahedra and edges with two equivalent AgO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 36–60°. There are a spread of Y–O bond distances ranging from 2.27–2.37 Å. W6+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form distorted WO6 octahedra that share corners with four equivalent YO6 octahedra, corners with four equivalent AgO6 octahedra, and edges with two equivalent WO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 36–61°. There are a spread of W–O bond distances ranging from 1.83–2.18 Å. Ag1+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form distorted AgO6 octahedra that share corners with eight equivalent WO6 octahedra and edges with two equivalent YO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 43–61°. There are a spread of Ag–O bond distances ranging from 2.34–2.59 Å. There are four inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, one W6+, and one Ag1+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to two equivalent W6+ and one Ag1+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one Y3+, one W6+, and one Ag1+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one Y3+ and two equivalent W6+ atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on Ag3SI3 by Materials Project

(AgI)3S crystallizes in the triclinic P1 space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of one hydrogen sulfide molecule and three silver iodide molecules.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗