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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Surface electronic structure of polar NiO thin film grown on Ag(111)

The growth and structure of NiO thin films on top of Ag(111) substrate were studied where the formation of faceted surface was confirmed by Low Energy Electron Diffraction. The electronic structure of polar NiO(111) surface has been probed using photoemission techniques. The core energy levels and the valence band electronic structure were excited by x-ray and ultraviolet photons respectively. The modifications in physical structure and valence band electronic structure of the film under vacuum annealing have also been enlightened.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

New Dimension in Ab Initio Electronic Structure Theory: Temperature, Pressure, and Chemical Potential

Ab initio electronic structure theory has transformed gas-phase molecular science with its predictive ability. In the attempt to bring such predictive ability to macroscopic systems and condensed matter, the theory must integrate quantum mechanics with statistical thermodynamics, so that thermodynamic functions such as free energy, internal energy, entropy, and chemical potentials are computed as functions of temperature in a systematically converging series of approximations. Here, a general, versatile strategy of elevating ab initio electronic structure theory to nonzero temperatures is introduced and discussed.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electronic structure study of LaCoIn 5 and its comparison with CeCoIn 5

A central key to understanding heavy-fermion systems involves revealing how itinerant low-energy excitations emerge from local f moments. An effective way to understand the f -electron behavior is to compare the electronic structure of f -electron compounds with a reference isostructural compound with no f electrons. Here we present a systematic electronic structure study of LaCoIn 5 , which is a non- f reference compound of the heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn 5 . Our angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of the three-dimensional Fermi surface and band structure of LaCoIn 5 highlights the rather three-dimensional electronic character of this compound. The conduction bands of LaCoIn 5 are almost identical to that of CeCoIn 5 , though obvious differences can be found in the low-energy electronic structure. Finally, we give a quantitative analysis of the Fermi pocket change in LaCoIn 5 and CeCoIn 5 , which may be helpful for understanding the important “large” and “small” Fermi surface issue in heavy-fermion compounds.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

International Workshop on Electronic Structure 2024 (ES 24)

The 36th annual Workshop on Recent Developments in Electronic Structure Theory commenced on June 2-5, 2024 at Boston University with 136 in-person and 75 virtual attendees. The organizing committee was composed of five faculty at Boston University with seven local area faculty comprising the greater Boston area advisory committee. On the first day, two hands-on workshops, NEXMD and ComDMFT were held on June 2, two full days of presentations were held on June 3-4 and one half day on June 5. There were 19 invited speakers who spoke about the state-of-the-art in electronic structure methods, including density functional theory, many-body perturbation theory, and the incorporation of machine learning into electronic structure calculations. In addition, 45 young scientists presented posters on June 4. Housing at a reduced rate was provided at the Boston University dormitories. This conference provided a valuable opportunity for scientists, students, postdocs, and senior researchers alike, to disseminate their latest research results, discuss their ideas and best practices, learn from each other, and form new collaborations.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

Ab initio density functional theory investigation of the structural, electronic and optical properties of Ca{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} in hexagonal and cubic phases

A density functional theory study of structural, electronical and optical properties of Ca{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} compound in hexagonal and cubic phases is presented. In the exchange–correlation potential, generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) has been used to calculate lattice parameters, bulk modulus, cohesive energy, dielectric function and energy loss spectra. The electronic band structure of this compound has been calculated using the above two approximations as well as another form of PBE-GGA, proposed by Engle and Vosko (EV-GGA). It is found that the hexagonal phase of Ca{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} has an indirect gap in the Γ→N direction; while in the cubic phase there is a direct-gap at the Γ point in the PBE-GGA and EV-GGA. Effects of applying pressure on the band structure of the system studied and optical properties of these systems were calculated. - Graphical abstract: A density functional theory study of structural, electronic and optical properties of Ca{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} compound in hexagonal and cubic phases is presented. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Physical properties of Ca{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} in hexagonal and cubic phases are investigated. • It is found that the hexagonal phase is an indirect gap semiconductor. • Ca{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} is a direct-gap semiconductor at the Γ point in the cubic phase. • By increasing pressure the semiconducting band gap and anti-symmetry gap are decreased.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Design Principles in Engineering of Multigrain Nanocatalysts via Multiscale Electronic Structure Characterization

Engineering grain boundary (GB) strain provides a promising pathway to tune the catalytic properties of nanocrystals. However, structural heterogeneity from random grain orientation and geometry has limited clear structure–property correlations. Here, we utilize a multigrain Co3O4/Mn3O4 core/shell nanocrystal platform as a model system to systematically investigate how geometric misfit strain at GBs serves as catalytically active sites for the oxygen reduction reaction. Through precise subnanometer-level control over grain morphology and by integrating multiscale electronic structure characterization, we identify the electronic structural signature of GB defects and establish a direct correlation between localized strain fields and modified electronic states. Strain modulation at GBs alters the eg orbital energy levels, with elongation along the z-axis combined with shear strain stabilizing the eg states, in contrast to the destabilization observed under pure shear strain. This stabilization mechanism enhances the electrocatalytic activity and selectivity of strained GBs compared with strain-relaxed grain surfaces. Furthermore, we reveal that GBs exhibit a radial strain gradient, producing a spatial energy shift that further modulates local electronic structures, as resolved through the classification of electron energy loss spectroscopy data. Together, these findings demonstrate that geometric misfit strain enables precise tuning of grain geometry and the resulting electronic structures, offering a robust strategy for engineering next-generation nanocatalysts.

Cho, Min Gee↗
DOE OSTI2015

First principles study of structural, electronic and mechanical properties of alkali nitride-KN

The structural, electronic and elastic properties of alkali- metal nitride (KN) is investigated by the first principles calculations based on density functional theory as implemented in Vienna ab-initio simulation package. At ambient pressure KN is stable in the ferromagnetic state with NaCl structure. The calculated lattice parameters are in good agreement with the available results. The electronic structure reveals that the KN is half metallic ferromagnet at normal pressure. A pressure-induced structural phase transition from NaCl to ZB phase is observed in KN. Half metallicity and ferromagnetism is maintained at all pressures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of the sample work function on alkali metal dosing induced electronic structure change

Alkali metal dosing (AMD) has been widely used as a way to control doping without chemical substitution. This technique, in combination with angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), often provides an opportunity to observe unexpected phenomena. However, the amount of transferred charge and the corresponding change in the electronic structure vary significantly depending on the material. Here, we report study on the correlation between the sample work function and alkali metal induced electronic structure change for three iron-based superconductors: FeSe, Ba(Fe 0.94 Co 0.06 ) 2 As 2 and NaFeAs which share a similar Fermi surface topology. Electronic structure change upon monolayer of alkali metal dosing and the sample work function were measured by ARPES. In this work, our results show that the degree of electronic structure change is proportional to the difference between the work function of the sample and Mulliken's absolute electronegativity of the dosed alkali metal. This finding provides a possible way to estimate the AMD induced electronic structure change.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1977

Mechanical properties and the electronic structure of transition of metal alloys

This interdiscipline research program was undertaken in an effort to investigate the relationship between the mechanical strength of Mo based alloys with their electronic structure. Electronic properties of these alloys were examined through optical studies, and the classical solid solution strengthening mechanisms were considered, based on size and molecular differences to determine if these mechanisms could explain the hardness data.

Arsenault, R. J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electronic Structure Theory and Novel Materials

This grant supported research on electronic structure and materials theory, with focus on three main issues: (i) novel techniques to deal with correlation in the electronic ground-state, (ii) topological materials, (iii) the phase diagram of lattice spin models. Regarding (i), we applied to the homogeneous electron liquid an approach that we previously developed in the context of molecular systems. In this scheme the electronic occupation probabilities and the natural spin orbitals are used to construct an approximate two-body density matrix for the electronic ground-state. Regarding (ii) we used standard electronic structure methods based on density functional theory to model topological materials and interpret experimental observations. Finally, regarding (iii) we further developed a numerical approach to compute the renormalized couplings within real space renormalization group theory in the context of lattice spin models. The main findings were the following. (i) We found that with our approximate two-body density matrix, which works well for small molecules, is not sufficiently accurate for condensed phase systems. Missing a systematic way of improving on the adopted approximations, we decided not to pursue this approach. (ii) We performed two studies. In one, we investigated the influence of Te defects on the topological properties of a WTe2 monolayer, finding that while Te vacancies, even in modest concentration, destroy the topological character, Te adatoms do not, consistent with a recent experiment. In another study, we predicted Weyl semimetal character and strong anomalous Hall effect in the Heusler compensated ferrimagnet Ti2MnAl. (iii) We developed a new Monte Carlo method to do real space renormalization group calculations for lattice spin models. We subsequently extended the scheme to deal with lattice spin models in presence of quenched disorder, finding that the approach can distinguish systems with finite and strong disorder. In the finite disorder case, the method allows one to find with good approximation the critical coupling distribution and the critical exponents.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of half-Heusler compounds with eight electron valence count—KScX (X = C and Ge)

Electronic band structure and structural properties of two representative half-Heusler (HH) compounds with 8 electron valence count (VC), KScC and KScGe, have been studied using first principles methods within density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation. These systems differ from the well studied class of HH compounds like ZrNiSn and ZrCoSb which have VC = 18 because of the absence of d electrons of the transition metal atoms Ni and Co. Electronic transport properties such as Seebeck coefficient (S), electrical conductivity (σ), electronic thermal conductivity (κ{sub e}) (the latter two scaled by electronic relaxation time), and the power factor (S{sup 2}σ) have been calculated using semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory within constant relaxation time approximation. Both the compounds are direct band gap semiconductors with band extrema at the X point. Their electronic structures show a mixture of heavy and light bands near the valance band maximum and highly anisotropic conduction and valence bands near the band extrema, desirable features of good thermoelectric. Optimal p- or n-type doping concentrations have been estimated based on thermopower and maximum power factors. The optimum room temperature values of S are ∼1.5 times larger than that of the best room temperature thermoelectric Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3}. We also discuss the impact of the band structure on deviations from Weidemann-Franz law as one tunes the chemical potential across the band gap.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2011

Photoelectron spectroscopic study on the electronic structures of the dental gold alloys and their interaction with L-cysteine

The valence electronic structures of the dental gold alloys, type 1, type 3, and K14, and their interaction with L-cysteine have been studied by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation. It was found that the electronic structures of the type-1 and type-3 dental alloys are similar to that of polycrystalline Au, while that of the K14 dental alloy is much affected by Cu. The peak shift and the change in shape due to alloying are observed in all the dental alloys. It is suggested that the new peak observed around 2 eV for the L-cysteine thin films on all the dental alloys may be due to the bonding of S 3sp orbitals with the dental alloy surfaces, and the Cu-S bond, as well as the Au-S and Au-O bonds, may cause the change in the electronic structure of the L-cysteine on the alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Substrate effect on the electronic structures of CuPc/graphene interfaces

The interfacial electronic structures of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) deposited on a single-layer graphene (SLG) film prepared on Cu and SiO{sub 2} substrates (SLG/Cu and SLG/SiO{sub 2}) were investigated using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The ionization energy of CuPc on SLG/Cu and SLG/SiO{sub 2} substrate is, respectively, 5.62 eV and 4.97 eV. The energy level alignments at the two interfaces were estimated. The results revealed that the height of the electron (hole) injection barriers are 1.20 (1.10) and 1.38 (0.92) eV at CuPc/SLG/Cu and CuPc/SLG/SiO{sub 2} interfaces, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Electronic structure, thermodynamic properties and hydrogenation of LaPtIn and CePtIn compounds by ab-initio methods

The electronic structures and thermodynamic properties of LaPtIn and CePtIn are studied by means of ab-initio full-relativistic full-potential local orbital basis (FPLO) method within densities functional (DFT) methodologies. We have also examined the influence of hydrogen on the electronic structure and stability of CePtInH and LaPtInH systems. The positions of the hydrogen atoms have been found from the minimum of the total energy. Our calculations have shown that band structure and topology of the Fermi surfaces changed significantly during the hydrogenation. The thermodynamic properties (bulk modulus, Debye temperatures, constant pressure heat capacity) calculated in quasi-harmonic Debye-Grüneisen model are in a good agreement with the experimental data. We have applied different methods of the calculation of the equation of states (EOS) (Murnaghan, Birch-Murnaghan, Poirier–Tarantola, Vinet). The thermodynamic properties are presented for the pressure 0<P<9 GPa and the temperature range 0<T<300 K. - Highlights: • Full relativistic band structure of LaPtIn and CePtIn. • Fermi surface of LaPtIn, LaPtInH, CePtIn, CePtInH. • Effect of hydrogenation on the electronic structure of LaPtIn and CePtIn. • Thermodynamic properties in the quasi-harmonic Debye-Grüneisen model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Tailoring the growth and electronic structures of organic molecular thin films

In the rapidly developing electronics industry, it has become increasingly necessary to explore materials that are cheap, flexible and versatile which have led to significant research efforts towards organic molecular thin films. Organic molecules are unique compared to their inorganic atomic counterparts as their properties can be tuned drastically through chemical functionalization, offering versatility, though their extended shape and weak intermolecular interactions bring significant challenges to the control of both the growth and the electronic structures of molecular thin films. Herein, we will review the self-assembly process and how to establish long-range ordered organic molecular thin films. We will also discuss how the electronic structures of thin films are impacted by the molecule’s local electrostatic environment and its interaction with the substrate, within the context of controlling interfacial energy level alignment between organic semiconductors and electrodes in electronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗