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At least 379 records · Page 21

Pressure‐Induced Structural and Magnetic Evolution in Layered Antiferromagnet YbMn 2 Sb 2

Electronic states under pressure exhibit unconventional spin and charge dynamics that provide a powerful route to uncover exotic phases in quantum materials. Here, we present the structural, magnetic, and electronic evolution of YbMn 2 Sb 2 under pressure. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a pressure-induced structural transition from the space group trigonal P$\overline{3}$m1 to the monoclinic P2 1 /m phase near 3.5 GPa, which remains stable up to 10 GPa. Magnetization measurements display an anomalously weak net magnetic moment and the absence of Curie–Weiss behavior up to 400 K, suggesting the formation of short-range Mn moment pairs that cancel macroscopically and subsequently evolve into long-range order upon cooling. Temperature-dependent resistivity shows semiconducting behavior with a transition at ∼119 K at ambient pressure, while pressure induces a dramatic suppression of resistance and the emergence of metallic-like temperature dependence, stabilized beyond 5 GPa. This pressure-driven semiconductor-metal transition is consistent with our density functional theory calculations, confirming the closing of the band gap under compression. Neutron diffraction under pressure identifies an incommensurate magnetic structure with antiparallel correlations between paired spins. Together, these results demonstrate how pressure-driven structural tuning and competing exchange interactions stabilize unconventional magnetic states in this low-dimensional magnetic semiconductor.

antiferromagnetic semiconductor↗

Medial packing and elastic asymmetry stabilize the double-gyroid in block copolymers

Triply-periodic networks are among the most complex and functionally valuable self-assembled morphologies, yet they form in nearly every class of biological and synthetic soft matter building blocks. In contrast to simpler assembly motifs – spheres, cylinders, layers – networks require molecules to occupy variable local environments, confounding attempts to understand their formation. Here, we examine the double-gyroid network phase by using a geometric formulation of the strong stretching theory of block copolymer melts, a prototypical soft self-assembly system. The theory establishes the direct link between molecular packing, assembly thermodynamics and the medial map, a generic measure of the geometric center of complex shapes. We show that “medial packing” is essential for stability of double-gyroid in strongly-segregated melts, reconciling a long-standing contradiction between infinite- and finite-segregation theories. Additionally, we find a previously unrecognized non-monotonic dependence of network stability on the relative entropic elastic stiffness of matrix-forming to tubular-network forming blocks. The composition window of stable double-gyroid widens for both large and small elastic asymmetry, contradicting intuitive notions that packing frustration is localized to the tubular domains. This study demonstrates the utility of optimized medial tessellations for understanding soft-molecular assembly and packing frustration via an approach that is readily generalizable far beyond gyroids in neat block copolymers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of disorder on thermodynamic instability of binary Rare-earth – Nickel – Palladium compounds

In this work, we have investigated the thermodynamic stability of disordered rare-earth phases SmX 2 and Sm 10 X 21 (X=Ni, Pd) using machine-learning based analytical descriptor and first-principles density functional theory methods. The absence of Laves phase compounds in R-Pd binary systems is a longstanding problem of rare earth science: even though Ni and Pd belong to the same group of the periodic table and have similar electronic structure, the Pd compound crystallizes in a monoclinic (C2/m) phase with 10:21 stoichiometry, i.e., Sm 10 Pd 21 , while the Ni compound adopts a cubic Laves phase (MgCu 2 ) structure. To understand this contrasting phase stability, we performed thermodynamic convex hull analysis of Sm x Ni 1-x and Sm x Pd 1-x binary systems, which is experimentally validated using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analyzes of polycrystalline Sm(Ni x Pd 1-x ) 2 samples with x=0, 0.5, and 1. A detailed electronic-structure (band-structure, charge density, and Fermi-surface) analysis of the differences between SmNi 2 /SmPd 2 and Sm 10 Ni 21 /Sm 10 Pd 21 compounds provides the quantum mechanical origin of the unfavorable mixing of Pd with Ni in cubic Laves phase. We show that the stability of Sm-Pd in 10:21 stoichiometry arises from improved intra-/inter-layer 5d-4d bonding compared to the 1:2 stoichiometry. Our work emphasizes the importance of ab-initio methods and computationally inexpensive analytical descriptors for the detailed analysis of thermodynamic and electronic properties of hard-to-prepare rare-earth compounds.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Understanding the Hydronium Cation in the Solid State: A Study in Synthetic Hydronium Uranyl Phosphate and Arsenate Mineral Systems and Their Irradiation Stability

Here, we present neutron diffraction, electronic structure calculations, and optical vibrational spectroscopic characterization of hydronium uranyl phosphate (HUP), the synthetic analog of chernikovite ((H 3 O)(UO 2 )(PO 4 )·3H 2 O) to gain insight into structural features of the hydronium cation in the solid state. HUP crystallizes in P2 1 /c instead of previously reported P4/ncc 1 at room temperature and Pccn below 302 K. Lower symmetry was required due to hydronium and interstitial water positions within the structure. Crystallographic positions of hydronium cations determined from powder neutron diffraction data are bolstered by Raman and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopic measurements and are further informed by density functional theory with phonon eigenvector analysis for spectral assignments. Finally, HUP and its arsenate analog (trogerite, (H 3 O)(UO 2 )(AsO 4 )·3H 2 O), (HUAs) were studied using He 2+ irradiation as an analog for α radiolysis to investigate the irradiation stability of these phases and the stability of hydronium cations in the solid state. Dose studies were employed wherein each sample was irradiated to 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 MGy. Structural insight regarding irradiated materials is gained using optical vibrational spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Surprising irradiation stability of HUAs was found up to 50 MGy of dose, which may have important implications for understanding and modeling the geologic stability of legacy U.

actinides↗

Binding and stability of MgO monomers on anatase TiO 2 (101)

In catalysis, MgO is often used to modify the acid-base properties of support oxides and to stabilize supported metal atoms and particles on oxides. In this study, we show how the sublimation of MgO powder can be used to deposit MgO monomers, hither on anatase TiO 2 (101). A combination of X-ray electron spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy, and density functional theory is employed to gain insight into the MgO monomer binding, electronic and vibrational properties, and thermal stability. In the most stable configuration, the Mg and O of the MgO monomer bind to two surface oxygens and one undercoordinated surface titanium, respectively. The additional binding weakens the Mg-O monomer bond and makes the Mg more ionic. The monomers are thermally stable up to 650 K, where the onset of diffusion into the TiO 2 bulk is observed. Finally, the monomeric MgO species on TiO 2 (101) represent an ideal, atomically precise system with modified acid-base properties and will be employed in our future catalytic studies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synergistic Doping and Stabilization of Magnetically Tunable LnTi3(Sb,Sn)4 (Ln: Ce–Gd) Kagome Metals

Here, we present our synthesis and characterization of the LnTi3(Sb,Sn)4 (Ln: Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) family of cleavable kagome metals. While these materials are isostructural to the LnTi3Bi4 family, they only form as (Sb,Sn) solid-solutions with no corresponding LnTi3Sb4 or LnTi3Sn4 phases. We use a combination of first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) calculations to show that (Sb,Sn) alloying has a stabilizing effect on the structure by adjusting the Fermi level, filling bonding states, depopulating antibonding states, and adjusting the density of states (DOS) toward local minima, an effect we call “synergistic doping.” Through a detailed characterization of the SmTi3(Sb,Sn)4 series, we further demonstrate that the tunable Fermi level has a profound effect on the physical properties. We observe multiple magnetic phases that stem from a competition between antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic-like (FM) ground states. Furthermore, the (Sb,Sn) ratio allows us to tune from direct AFM-FM competition toward a complex admixture with properties reminiscent of the recently discovered TbTi3Bi4. Ultimately, our work demonstrates how the concept of synergistic doping provides a means to stabilize new structures while developing systems with intrinsically tunable chemical, magnetic, and electronic properties.

Ortiz, Brenden [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000213337003)↗

Predicting and Synthesizing Interface Stabilized 2D Layers

The compound (Pb 2 MnSe 3 ) 0.6 VSe 2 was predicted to be kinetically stable based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations on an island of Pb 2 MnSe 3 between layers of VSe 2 . This approach provides a high degree of freedom by not forcing interlayer lattice match, making it ideal to investigate the likelihood of formation of new incommensurate layer misfit structures. The free space around the island is critical, as it allows atoms to diffuse and hence exploring the local energy landscape around the initial configuration. (Pb 2 MnSe 3 ) 0.6 VSe 2 was synthesized via a near diffusionless reaction from precursors where a repeating sequence of elemental layers matches the local composition and layer sequence of the predicted compound. The VSe 2 layer consists of a Se–V–Se trilayer with octahedral coordination of the V atoms. The Pb 2 MnSe 3 layer consists of three rock-salt-like planes, with a MnSe layer between the planes of PbSe. The center MnSe plane stabilizes the puckering of the outer PbSe layers. Electrical properties indicate that (Pb 2 Mn 1 Se 3 ) 0.6 VSe 2 undergoes a charge density wave transition at ~100 K and orders ferromagnetically at 35 K. Overall, the combination of theory and experiment enables a faster convergence to new heterostructures than either approach in isolation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Relevance of anisotropy in the Kondo effect: Lessons from the symplectic case

A Kondo model with symplectic symmetry was recently put forward as the effective low-energy theory of a superconducting-island device coupled to multiple leads. This model, which possesses non-Fermi liquid physics and effective anyons, was argued to belong to the class of topological Kondo effects. Here, we clarify the extent of stability of its exotic fixed point using perturbative and numerical renormalization group in conjunction with bosonization and conformal field theory. In contrast to previous claims, we show that asymmetry in the coupling to the leads destabilizes the non-Fermi liquid. Other destabilizing perturbations include asymmetry in the superconducting pairing or internal energy of the individual quantum dots in the island. Nevertheless, these perturbations all generate the same relevant operators. Thus, only a small number of couplings need to be tuned individually, and these can be selected according to experimental convenience. Our results highlight a common misconception that anisotropy in single-channel Kondo couplings is always irrelevant. As demonstrated, relevant terms will emerge whenever the group generators do not span the full space of impurity operators. This calls for a more detailed inspection of models that exhibit this property, such as large-spin impurities and SO⁡( M ) Kondo models.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Kinetically stabilized ferroelectricity in bulk single-crystalline HfO 2 :Y

HfO 2 , a simple binary oxide, exhibits ultra-scalable ferroelectricity integrable into silicon technology. This material has a polymorphic nature, with the polar orthorhombic (Pbc2 1 ) form in ultrathin films regarded as the plausible cause of ferroelectricity but thought not to be attainable in bulk crystals. In this work, using a state-of-the-art laser-diode-heated floating zone technique, we report the Pbc2 1 phase and ferroelectricity in bulk single-crystalline HfO 2 :Y as well as the presence of the antipolar Pbca phase at different Y concentrations. Neutron diffraction and atomic imaging demonstrate (anti)polar crystallographic signatures and abundant 90°/180° ferroelectric domains in addition to switchable polarization with negligible wake-up effects. Density-functional-theory calculations indicate that the yttrium doping and rapid cooling are the key factors for stabilization of the desired phase in bulk. Our observations provide insights into the polymorphic nature and phase control of HfO 2 , remove the upper size limit for ferroelectricity and suggest directions towards next-generation ferroelectric devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Manipulating Ferroelectric Topological Polar Structures with Twisted Light

Abstract The dynamic control of non‐equilibrium states represents a central challenge in condensed matter physics. While intense terahertz fields drive metal‐insulator transitions and ferroelectricity via soft phonon modes, recent theory suggests that twisted light with orbital angular momentum (OAM) offers a distinct route to manipulate ferroelectric order and stabilize topological excitations including skyrmions, vortices, and Hopfions. Control of ferroelectric polarization in quasi‐2D CsBiNb 2 O 7 (CBNO) is demonstrated using non‐resonant twisted ultra‐violet (UV) light (375 nm, 800 THz). Combining in situ X‐ray Bragg coherent diffractive imaging (BCDI), twisted optical Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT), three‐dimensional (3D) ionic displacements, strain fields, and polarization changes are resolved in single crystals. Operando measurements reveal light‐induced strain hysteresis under twisted light–a hallmark of nonlinear, history‐dependent ferroelastic switching driven by OAM. Discrete, irreversible domain transitions emerge as the topological charge ℓ is cycled, stabilizing non‐trivial domain textures including vortex‐antivortex pairs, Bloch/anti‐Bloch points, and merons. These persist after OAM removal, indicating a memory effect. Competing mechanisms are discussed, including multiphoton absorption, strain‐mediated polarization switching, and defect‐wall interactions. The findings establish structured light as a tool for deterministic, reversible control of ferroic states, enabling optically reconfigurable non‐volatile devices.

Chemistry↗

Molybdenum Carbide Electrocatalyst In Situ Embedded in Porous Nitrogen–Rich Carbon Nanotubes Promotes Rapid Kinetics in Sodium–Metal–Sulfur Batteries

This work is the first report of a molybdenum carbide-based electrocatalyst for sulfur-based sodium metal batteries (SMBs/NMBs). MoC/Mo 2 C is in-situ grown on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes in parallel with formation of extensive nanoporosity. Sulfur impregnation (50 wt% S) results in unique triphasic architecture termed MoC/Mo 2 C@PCNT-S. Quasi-solid-state phase transformation to Na 2 S is promoted in carbonate electrolyte, with in-situ time-resolved Raman, XPS and optical analysis demonstrating minimal soluble polysulfides. MoC/Mo 2 C@PCNT-S cathodes delivered among the most promising rate performance characteristics in literature, achieving 987 mAh g -1 at 1 Ag -1 , 818 mAh g -1 at 3 A g -1 , and 621 mAh g -1 at 5 A g -1 . The cells deliver superior cycling stability, retaining 650 mAh g -1 after 1000 cycles at 1.5 Ag -1 , corresponding to 0.028% capacity decay per cycle. High mass loading cathodes (64 wt% S, 12.7 mg cm -2 ) also show cycling stability, with anode degradation due to deep plating/stripping driving capacity decay. Density functional theory (DFT) demonstrates that formation energy of Na 2 S x (1 ≤ x ≤ 4) on surface of MoC/Mo 2 C is significantly lowered compared to analogous redox in liquid. Strong binding of Na 2 S x (1 ≤ x ≤ 4) on MoC/Mo 2 C surfaces results from charge transfer between the sulfur and Mo sites on carbides' surface.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

In situ characterization of metastable Pb3O5 and Pb2O3 phases during thermal decomposition of PbO2 to PbO

Nonstoichiometric lead oxides play a key role in the formation and cycling of the positive electrodes in a lead acid battery. These phases have been linked to the underutilization of the positive active material but also play a key role in the battery’s cycle life, providing inter-particle adhesion and the connection to the underlying lead grid. Similar phases have previously been identified by mass loss or color change during thermal annealing of PbO2 to PbO, suggesting that at least two intermediate PbOx phases exist. Using multiple in situ analysis techniques (powder diffraction, x-ray absorption, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and ex situ nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, the structural conversion and changes in the lead oxidation states were identified during this process. Isolation of the PbOx phases enabled confirmation of Pb3O5 and Pb2O3 by diffraction and the first 207Pb NMR measurement of these intermediates.

Kinnibrugh, Tiffany L.↗

Methane Activation by a Mononuclear Copper Active Site in the Zeolite Mordenite: Effect of Metal Nuclearity on Reactivity

The direct conversion of methane to methanol would have a wide reaching environmental and industrial impact. Copper-containing zeolites can perform this reaction at low temperatures and pressures at a previously defined O 2 -activated [Cu 2 O] 2+ site. However, after autoreduction of the copper-containing zeolite mordenite and removal of the [Cu 2 O] 2+ active site, the zeolite is still methane reactive. In this study, we use diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy, magnetic circular dichroism, resonance Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to unambiguously define a mononuclear [CuOH] + as the CH 4 reactive active site of the autoreduced zeolite. The rigorous identification of a mononuclear active site allows a reactivity comparison to the previously defined [Cu 2 O] 2+ active site. We perform kinetic experiments to compare the reactivity of the [CuOH] + and [Cu 2 O] 2+ sites and find that the binuclear site is significantly more reactive. From the analysis of density functional theory calculations, we elucidate that this increased reactivity is a direct result of stabilization of the [Cu 2 OH] 2+ H-atom abstraction product by electron delocalization over the two Cu cations via the bridging ligand. This significant increase in reactivity from electron delocalization over a binuclear active site provides new insights for the design of highly reactive oxidative catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Evaluation of Monin‐Obukhov Similarity Theory Wind Profiles in Convective Storm Environments and Cold Pools at the ARM Southern Great Plains Atmospheric Observatory

Monin-Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) is widely used in numerical weather prediction to model surface fluxes of momentum, heat, and water vapor. However, MOST is based on assumptions of steady state and horizontally homogeneous turbulence that can lead to prediction errors in and around convective storms. To understand the nature of these errors, we used wind and eddy covariance flux measurements from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Southern Great Plains Atmospheric Observatory to evaluate MOST wind profiles in fair-weather and convective storm environments, specifically those of mesoscale convective systems and ordinary thunderstorms. MOST wind profiles agreed well with observations in fair-weather cases, while in convective storm cases the theory systematically overestimated shear in cold pools after gust front passage. Surface layer stability was found to be important in assessing MOST within convective storm environments. The overestimation of wind shear in cold pools suggests the role of non-local fluxes in transferring momentum downward. We discuss reasons for differences and agreement with past studies, and conclude with recommendations to improve prediction of surface winds and fluxes in convective storm simulations.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Self-regeneration of supported transition metals by a high entropy-driven principle

The sintering of Supported Transition Metal Catalysts (STMCs) is a core issue during high temperature catalysis. Perovskite oxides as host matrix for STMCs are proven to be sintering-resistance, leading to a family of self-regenerative materials. However, none other design principles for self-regenerative catalysts were put forward since 2002, which cannot satisfy diverse catalytic processes. Herein, inspired by the principle of high entropy-stabilized structure, a concept whether entropy driving force could promote the self-regeneration process is proposed. To verify it, a high entropy cubic Zr 0.5 (NiFeCuMnCo) 0.5 O x is constructed as a host model, and interestingly in situ reversible exsolution-dissolution of supported metallic species are observed in multi redox cycles. Notably, in situ exsolved transition metals from high entropy Zr 0.5 (NiFeCuMnCo) 0.5 O x support, whose entropic contribution (TΔS config = T$\star$12.7 J mol -1 K -1 ) is predominant in ΔG, affording ultrahigh thermal stability in long-term CO 2 hydrogenation (400 °C, >500 h). Current theory may inspire more STWCs with excellent sintering-resistance performance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Engineering phase-frustration-induced flat bands in an aza-triangulene covalent kagome lattice

π-Conjugated covalent organic frameworks provide a versatile molecular scaffold for the realization of designer quantum nanomaterials. Strong electron–electron correlation within these artificial lattices can give rise to exotic phases of matter. Their experimental realization, however, requires precise control over orbital symmetry, charge localization and band dispersion, all arising from the effective hybridization between molecular linkers and nodes. Here we present a modular strategy for constructing diatomic kagome lattices from aza-[3]triangulene nodes, in which a D 3h -symmetric ground state is stabilized through resonance contributions from a cumulenic linker. First-principles density functional theory and scanning tunnelling spectroscopy reveal that the hybridization of a sixfold-degenerate set of edge-localized Wannier functions in the unit cell gives rise to orbital-phase-frustration-induced non-trivial flat bands. These results establish a general design principle for engineering orbital interactions in organic lattices and open a pathway towards programmable covalent-organic-framework-based quantum materials with correlated electronic ground states.

conjugated polymers↗

Gaseous cyclodextrin- closo -dodecaborate complexes χCD·B 12 X 12 2– (χ = α, β, and γ; X = F, Cl, Br, and I): electronic structures and intramolecular interactions

A fundamental understanding of cyclodextrin- closo -dodecaborate inclusion complexes is of great interest in supramolecular chemistry. Herein, we report a systematic investigation on the electronic structures and intramolecular interactions of perhalogenated closo -dodecaborate dianions B 12 X 12 2– (X = F, Cl, Br and I) binding to α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) in the gas phase using combined negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy (NIPES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The vertical detachment energy (VDE) of each complex and electronic stabilization of each dianion due to the CD binding (ΔVDE, relative to the corresponding isolated B 12 X 12 2– ) are determined from the experiments along α-, β- and γ-CD in the form of VDE (ΔVDE): 4.00 (2.10), 4.33 (2.43), and 4.30 (2.40) eV in X = F; 4.09 (1.14), 4.64 (1.69), and 4.69 (1.74) eV in X = Cl; 4.11 (0.91), 4.58 (1.38), and 4.70 (1.50) eV in X = Br; and 3.54 (0.74), 3.88 (1.08), and 4.05 (1.25) eV in X = I, respectively. All complexes have significantly higher VDEs than the corresponding isolated dodecaborate dianions with ΔVDE spanning from 0.74 eV at (α, I) to 2.43 eV at (β, F), sensitive to both host CD size and guest substituent X. DFT-optimized complex structures indicate that all B 12 X 12 2– prefer binding to the wide openings of CDs with the insertion depth and binding motif strongly dependent on the CD size and halogen X. Dodecaborate anions with heavy halogens, i.e. , X = Cl, Br, and I, are found outside of α-CD, while B 12 F 12 2– is completely wrapped by γ-CD. Partial embedment of B 12 X 12 2– into CDs is observed for the other complexes via multipronged B–X … H–O/C interlocking patterns. The simulated spectra based on the density of states agree well with those of the experiments and the calculated VDEs well reproduce the experimental trends. Molecular orbital analyses suggest that the spectral features at low binding energies originated from electrons detached from the dodecaborate dianion, while those at higher binding energies are derived from electron detachment from CDs. Energy decomposition analyses reveal that the electrostatic interaction plays a dominating role in contributing to the host–guest interactions for the X = F series partially due to the formation of a O/C–H … X–B hydrogen bonding network, and the dispersion forces gradually become important with the increase of halogen size.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Theory of the magnetothermal instability in coronal plasma flows

The theory of the magnetothermal instability (MTI) is revisited through the lens of the stability of uniform systems. The linear stability analysis includes flow advection and Nernst transport. The instability criteria derived distinguish between the convective and the absolute nature of the perturbation growth. It is proven that, in the region where the Nernst and plasma blowoff velocities cancel, the MTI can be absolute and wave-packet perturbations grow in situ. This instability is mediated by the internal feedback between the Biermann battery and Righi–Leduc terms. Here, the analysis is extended to derive the dispersion relation for short-wavelength perturbations developing in nonuniform profiles with the application to coronal plasmas. It is found that the condition for MTI requires the net B-field convection velocity to be small at the isothermal sonic section, and the plasma conditions in this section govern the dynamics of the instability. Analysis of hydro-equivalent implosions suggests that unstable perturbations undergo more e-foldings of growth in larger-size targets.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗