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At least 451 records · Page 25

Utilization of Novel (KNbO 3 ) 1− x (Ba 2 FeNbO 6 ) x ( x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) Solid Solutions for Efficient Photo‐Assisted Fenton Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye

Novel (KNbO 3 ) 1− x (Ba 2 FeNbO 6 ) x ( x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) solid solutions corresponding to K 0.82 Ba 0.18 Fe 0.09 Nb 0.91 O 3 , K 0.64 Ba 0.36 Fe 0.18 Nb 0.82 O 3 , and K 0.46 Ba 0.54 Fe 0.27 Nb 0.73 O 3 compounds have been synthesized via molten salt method. X‐ray diffraction confirms the formation of solid solutions, while transmission electron microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy results demonstrates a homogeneous distribution of elements. The obtained solid solutions crystallized in a cubic crystal structure, whereas the parent KNbO 3 possesses an orthorhombic structure. The wide bandgap semiconductor KNbO 3 transformed into a visible‐light‐active material, with its bandgap energy reduced from 3.56 eV to ≈2.4 eV. The substitution of K in KNbO 3 with Ba is responsible for structural modification from orthorhombic to cubic symmetry, whereas both structural modification and the substitution of Nb with Fe correlated with optical properties. The photocatalytic activities of all obtained solid solutions are improved compared with the parent KNbO 3 and Ba 2 FeNbO 6 compounds for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. Among the series of solid solutions, K 0.82 Ba 0.18 Fe 0.09 Nb 0.91 O 3 photocatalysts show the highest MB removal efficiency owing to its relatively higher surface area, suppressed charge carrier recombination, and more negative conduction band edge. Moreover, K 0.82 Ba 0.18 Fe 0.09 Nb 0.91 O 3 photocatalyst (0.1 g) combined with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to form a novel photo‐Fenton system, achieving almost complete degradation of 100 mL of 10 mg L −1 MB dye in 30 min.

Avcıoğlu, Celal [Technische Universität Berlin, Fa↗

Structure-processing correlations and mechanical properties in freeze-cast Ti-6Al-4V with highly aligned porosity and a lightweight Ti-6Al-4V-PMMA composite with excellent energy absorption capability

In contrast to freeze-cast ceramics and polymers, few freeze-cast metals have been described, to date. This systematic study on structure-processing correlations in freeze-cast Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds reports how processing parameters determine the architecture formed during the directional solidification of water-based metal slurries and after sintering. Additionally, sedimentation in the slurry during freezing and volume shrinkage during burnout and sintering were found to significantly affect both structure and properties of the scaffolds. In using two freezing rates, 1 and 10 °C min -1 , two water-based polymer solutions as binders (chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose) and two different metal volume fractions in the slurry, 20 and 30 vol%, Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds could be prepared with pore length, width, and porosity ranging from 41 to 523 μm, 14.5–76.5 μm, and 65 to 34%, respectively. Their compressive strength, stiffness, and toughness (work to 20% strain) fall in the range of 83–412 MPa, 7–29 GPa, and 14–122 MJ m -3 , respectively. In order to improve the properties a select composition was infiltrated with poly(methyl methacrylate). This increased the average yield strength by a factor of 2.3 from 83 to 193 MPa and the average toughness (work to 50% strain) by a factor of 2.7 from 28.1 to 76.8 MJ m -3 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dynamic Atomistic Polar Structure Underpins Ultrahigh Linear Electro-Optic Coefficient in Transparent Ferroelectric Ceramics

Transparent ferroelectrics with high linear electro-optic (EO) coefficients are critical for advanced electro-optical devices. However, achieving optical transparency in ferroelectric ceramics remains challenging due to visible light scattering caused by defects such as domain walls, grain boundaries, and pores. Here, we report the successful fabrication of transparent ferroelectric ceramics through innovative chemical composition design and an advanced two-step sintering process in the La-doped Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 –PbTiO 3 system. The optical transparency, which is near the theoretical upper limit, can be attributed to the wide band gap and the minimization of light scattering of defects. By minimizing porosity and engineering grain/domain sizes to differ significantly from the wavelengths of visible light, we suppress scattering, achieving optical transparency near the theoretical upper limit. Strikingly, these ceramics exhibit an ultrahigh linear EO coefficient of ∼1417 pm/V, over 65 times greater than that of LiNbO 3 single crystals, the current industry standard. We attribute this exceptional performance to dynamic atomistic polar structures within switchable, thermally stable domains, which enhance electronic polarization sensitivity. This mechanism is corroborated by dielectric spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and simulation. Our findings offer insights into the design of cost-effective transparent materials with exceptional EO properties, paving the way for next-generation electro-optical devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Atomistic modeling of metal–nonmetal interphase boundary diffusion

Atomistic computer simulations are applied to investigate the atomic structure, thermal stability, and diffusion processes in Al–Si interphase boundaries as a prototype of metal–ceramic interfaces in composite materials. Some of the most stable orientation relationships between the phases found in this work were previously observed in epitaxy experiments. Here, a non-equilibrium interface can transform to a more stable state by a mechanism that we call interface-induced recrystallization. Diffusion of both Al and Si atoms in stable Al–Si interfaces is surprisingly slow compared with diffusion of both elements in Al grain boundaries but can be accelerated in the presence of interface disconnections. A qualitative explanation of the sluggish interphase boundary diffusion is proposed. Atomic mechanisms of interphase boundary diffusion are similar to those in metallic grain boundaries and are dominated by correlated atomic rearrangements in the form of strings and rings of collectively moving atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Estimation of abatement potentials and costs of air pollution emissions in China

Understanding the air pollution emission abatement potential and associated control cost is a prerequisite to design cost ef?cient control policies. In this study, a linear programming algorithm model, International Control Cost Estimate Tool, was updated with cost data for applications of 56 types of end-of-pipe technologies and ?ve types of renewable energy in 10 major sectors namely power generation, industry combustion, cement pro-duction, iron and steel production, other industry processes, domestic combustion, transportation, solvent use, livestock rearing, and fertilizer use. The updated model was implemented to estimate the abatement potential and marginal cost of multiple pollutants in China. The total maximum abatement potentials of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), primary particulate matter (PM2.5), non-volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), and ammonia (NH3) in China were estimated to be 19.2, 20.8, 9.1, 17.2 and 8.6 Mt, respectively, which accounted for 89.7%, 89.9%, 94.6%, 74.0%, and 80.2% of their total emissions in 2014, respectively. The associated control cost of such reductions was estimated as 92.5, 469.7, 75.7, 449.0, and 361.8 billion CNY in SO2, NOx, primary PM2.5, NMVOCs and NH3, respectively. Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, Zhejiang, and Guangdong provinces exhibited large abatement potentials for all pollutants. Provincial disparity analysis shows that high GDP regions tend to have higher reduction potential and total abatement costs. End-of-pipe technologies tended be a cost-ef?cient way to control pollution in industries processes (i.e., cement plants, iron and steel plants, lime production, building ceramic production, glass and brick production), whereas such technologies were less cost- effective in fossil fuel-related sectors (i.e., power plants, industry combustion, domestic combustion, and transportation) compared with renewable energy. The abatement potentials and marginal abatement cost curves developed in this study can further be used as a crucial component in an integrated model to design optimized cost-ef?cient control policies.

Zhang, Fenfen↗

The formation and structure of mechano-synthesized nanocrystalline Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 6.4}: XRD Rietveld, Mössabuer and XPS analyses

Highlights: • The formation of mechano-synthesized nanocrystalline Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} is investigated. • Pre-milling the reactants substantially lowers the formation temperature. • The core and surface structures were studied. • XRD and {sup 57}Fe Mössbauer spectroscopic analyses indicate the δ-value to be 0.60. • XPS shows a complex surface structure for the mechanosynthesized Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} nanoparticles. - Abstract: The influence of ball milling and subsequent sintering of a 3:1 molar mixture of SrCO{sub 3} and α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} on the formation of Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} double perovskite is investigated with different analytical techniques. Milling the mixture for 110 h leads to the formation of SrCO{sub 3}-α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposites and the structural deformation of α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} via the incorporation of Sr{sup 2+} ions. Subsequent sintering of the pre-milled reactants’ mixture has led to the partial formation of an SrFeO{sub 3} perovskite-related phase in the temperature range 400–600 °C. This was followed by the progressive development of an Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} phase that continued to increase with increasing sintering temperature until a single-phased nanocrystalline Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 7−δ} phase was attained at 950 °C (12 h). This temperature is ∼350 °C lower than the temperature at which the material is prepared conventionally using the ceramic method. The evolution of different structural phases during the reaction process is discussed. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data shows a value of 0.60 for the oxygen deficiency δ, in consistency with the Fe{sup 3+}/Fe{sup 4+} ratio derived from the {sup 57}Fe Mössbauer data recorded at both 300 K and 78 K. The Mössbauer data suggests that the Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 6.4} nanoparticles are superparamagnetic with blocking temperatures below 78 K. The surfaces of the Sr{sub 3}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 6.4} nanoparticles were shown to have a complex structure and composition relative to those of their cores with traces of SrCO{sub 3}, SrO and SrFeO{sub 3−δ} being detected.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

LLNL HEPA Filter Support of Nuclear Facility Safety R&D (FY12)

The ceramic HEPA filter project has been a successful and innovative project. This report contains information from the work from FY12 funding, as well as remaining FY11 funding. Of note, a total of 12 patents for the ceramic HEPA filter program have been filed, and an additional record of invention has been prepared with a provisional patent to follow. This project supports development of a ceramic HEPA filter technology to benefit DOE nuclear facilities by providing lower life-cycle costs and reducing or eliminating costs associated with Safety Class and Safety Significant systems in nuclear facilities. The satisfactory performance of ceramic filters in a fire could significantly reduce costs of support systems associated with mitigating a release, such as fire suppression, fire detection and alarm, and internal building structure. In nuclear safety, the best way to provide protection to public, workers and the environment is to provide a barrier between the hazard and the receptors. A passive engineered design feature is the best barrier for that purpose. Advanced ceramic HEPA filters provide an excellent barrier between radioactive material in a nuclear facility and everything downwind. Both university (Cal Poly) student teams did very well. As summarized in this report, they successfully added and upgraded instrumentation and controls to the High Temperature Test Unit (HTTU) for the ceramic filter project. They also succeeded in adding viewing ports, remotely controlled closed circuit television, a flame impingement system and a helium filter gasket leak detection system. Details can be found in Ref. 3 - 6. The HTTU has flexible capabilities and can also be used to test other types of filters or filter components in the future, if so desired. At LLNL, research to improve filter media coating (Fig. 1) is being conducted to maintain filtration efficiency while improving performance (reducing pressure drop). Improvements in the individual filter element are necessary to maintain filtration efficiency while decreasing pressure drop. The path forward for an optimal ceramic HEPA filter meeting DOE’s needs is to improve the filtration media. This task utilized the LLNL/DOE developed innovations along with progress in previous activities to prepare multiple ceramic filter elements and refine the technical details for depositing advanced filtration materials to the ceramic filter to meet desired filter performance. The ceramics filter elements were tested for pressure drop at the required air flow rate using an air flow test system. The filtration efficiency and pressure drop of the ceramic filter elements will be measured as part of the development process.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

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↗

Super Conducting REBCO Cable Wrapper

Future upgrades to CERN particle accelerator magnets require flat, high-temperature superconducting cables, created by wrapping brittle REBCO tape around a Rutherford copper core. Because current manual wrapping processes are time-consuming and prone to damaging the delicate ceramic tape, our team was tasked with automating the fabrication. We developed a modular, wrapping machine featuring adjustment for repeatable 10°to 45° wrap angles and a precise magnetic tensioning mechanism. While full-scale testing is pending final machined parts, our 3D-printed prototype successfully validates the system’s motion and sets the stage for future testing.

Gillen, Kameron [Northern Illinois U.]↗

Low-cost method for fabricating palladium and palladium-alloy thin films on porous supports

A process for forming a palladium or palladium alloy membrane on a ceramic surface by forming a pre-colloid mixture comprising a powder palladium source, carrier fluid, dispersant and a pore former and a binder. Ultrasonically agitating the precolloid mixture and applying to a substrate with an ultrasonic nozzle and heat curing the coating form a palladium-based membrane.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

3D-ink-printing of monocrystalline YBCO superconductor

Single-crystal microstructure can bring high performance for many materials includingpiezoelectrics1, 2, semiconductors3, 4, and cuprate superconductors5. Unlike single-crystal metalsthat can be machined into complex components6, most single-crystal ceramics are limited to theshape of thin films or plates due to their brittleness. However, more designs of advanced devicesneed to break these geometric limitations. 3D-ink-printing can efficiently fabricate complex architectured ceramics, but the microstructure is polycrystals. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate a route to grow single-crystal on 3D printed ceramic-YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO)superconductors that can simultaneously have complex architectures and high critical currentdensity. An ink containing precursor powders was 3D extruded and sintered to obtain polycrystalYBCO micro-lattices. A single-crystal seed is then utilized to grow single crystal on 3D-printedmicro-lattices by melt growth method. We found that the geometric details of 3D printed microlatticecan survive after it went through liquid + solid phase region above its peritectic temperature.More complex YBCO single-crystal parts, such as horizontal and toroidal coils, were thensuccessfully fabricated. In addition, Origami can be implemented on our 3D printed sample to increase their complexity. This research provides a new way to develop superconducting devicessuch as undulators for synchrotron radiation and microwave cavities for dark-matter axion search7.We expect this new process will inspire more studies about 3D printing of single-crystal ceramics. For example, 3D printing of BaTiO3 can be developed to grow a single crystal8 for the applications of dielectric capacitors and transducers.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Hybrid Additive Manufacturing and Electric Field-Assisted Sintering of High-temperature Heat Exchangers via Sacrificial Channel Molds

A hybrid manufacturing approach, integrating additive manufacturing (AM) with powder methodology via electric field-assisted sintering (EFAS), was developed for the fabrication of high-temperature compact heat exchangers (CHX) from refractory metals. The methodology employed additively manufactured sacrificial channel molds (SCMs) as shapeholders for CHX channels, which were embedded in metal powders using EFAS. Following embedding, the SCMs were chemically dissolved to form the internal channel network. SCMs were fabricated using both digital light processing (DLP) and direct ink writing (DIW) from chemically reactive, calcium-based ceramic feedstocks with varying ratios of Al2O3 reinforcement. The microstructure, phase composition, and dissolution behavior of both as-printed and embedded SCMs were investigated. The shrinkage behavior of the SCMs embedded in refractory metals, as well as the interfacial characteristics between the SCMs and metal matrix, were studied. The results showed that the SCMs containing sufficient chemical reactive ceramics dissolved effectively before and after embedding. The as-printed SCMs retained the phase composition of their feedstocks, but the embedded SCMs containing calcium-based ceramics and Al2O3 exhibited the formation of calcium aluminates due to high temperature exposure during embedding. Most SCMs exhibited a cellular Al2O3 network filled with Ca-rich ceramics. Shrinkage after embedding was strongly dependent on SCM density, with lower density SCMs exhibiting greater shrinkage. A thin SCM-affected zone was observed at the metal matrix surface, characterized by increased porosity compared to the bulk matrix. This effect was attributed to infiltration of the SCM materials into powder particle boundaries under pressure, followed by their removal during dissolution. This study demonstrates the feasibility of manufacturing CHXs from hard-to-process refractory metals for use in harsh environments.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

New surface characterization tools for alumina based refractory material exposed to cavitation - Image analysis and pattern recognition approach

Highlights: • Surface degradation was monitored via mass loss measurement. • Observation of surface damage destruction was done using image analysis. • Shape parameters of surface defects change during cavitation. • Shape parameters changes are correlated to mass loss measurements. - Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of cavitation erosion on the morphology of defects formed on the surfaces of alumina-based materials. The alumina-based samples were exposed to cavitation erosion for 42 min. The damages that occurred were monitored at predefined time intervals by measuring the mass loss and observing the sample surfaces. Digital images of surfaces were processed using an image analysis software package to define morphological characteristics of the damages occurred. The calculated morphological parameters were subjected to analysis by pattern recognition techniques to correlate the appearance of particular morphological characteristics with the behavior of the material during cavitation erosion. The newly established method in describing cavitation erosion which uses pattern recognition approach for treatments of morphological parameters calculated for damages by image analysis tools gave the results efficient for material characterization as the traditional one.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Evaluation of Iron‐Phosphate Glass–Ceramic Waste Form for Electrorefiner Salt Waste Simulant Dechlorinated With Phosphoric Acid

The importance of glass and glass–ceramic nuclear waste forms has been reaffirmed in recent years by the growing interest in nuclear power as a reliable energy source. Determination of processing methods for the disposal of halide-containing wastes will be essential for the advancement of nuclear technologies such as non-aqueous fuel reprocessing. Phosphate-based dechlorination and subsequent vitrification of radioactive salt waste into an iron-phosphate waste form have been identified as a potential processing scheme for electrochemical processing waste. The impact of H 3 PO 4 -based dechlorination of complex salt mixtures on the vitrification process and structure of the final iron-phosphate waste form has not yet been investigated. In this work, iron-phosphate glass–ceramics were made from simulant salt waste (48LiCl–33KCl–19NaCl mol%) dechlorinated with the H3PO4-based method. The glass-forming region was compared to that of traditionally prepared Na 2 O–Fe 2 O 3 –P 2 O 5 systems. For a candidate glass-forming composition, the processing scheme presented here was determined to favor Fe 3+ species. The O/P molar ratio was consistent for the candidate composition when dechlorinated at 400°C and 600°C in air and argon environments, indicating glass network connectivity was maintained despite variations in processing parameters. The results presented here validate processing schemes requiring iron-phosphate waste form synthesis following H 3 PO 4 -based dechlorination.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Power Electronics Module with Integrated Ceramic Heat Exchanger

NREL, in partnership with Synteris and Packet Digital, has developed a 3D-printable ceramic package for power electronic modules to improve their thermal management, power density, performance, and lifetime. Existing power modules contain flat ceramic substrates that serve as both the electrically insulating component and thermal conductor that transfer the large heat outputs of these devices. The team has developed an additive manufacturing process that replaces the traditional insulating metalized substrate, substrate attach, and baseplate/heat exchanger with an additively-manufactured ceramic packaging that acts as both an electrical insulator and heat exchanger for better thermal management. The design, manufacturability, and function of this power module will be discussed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Crystallite-growth, phase transition, magnetic properties, and sintering behaviour of nano-CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powders prepared by a combustion-like process

The synthesis of nano-crystalline CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powders by a combustion-like process is described herein. Phase formation and evolution of the crystallite size during the decomposition process of a (CuFe{sub 2})—precursor gel were monitored up to 1000 °C. Phase-pure nano-sized CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powders were obtained after reaction at 750 °C for 2 h resulting in a crystallite size of 36 nm, which increases to 96 nm after calcining at 1000 °C. The activation energy of the crystallite growth process was calculated as 389 kJ mol{sup −1}. The tetragonal⇄cubic phase transition occurs between 402 and 419 °C and the enthalpy change (ΔH) was found to range between 1020 and 1229 J mol{sup −1} depending on the calcination temperature. The optical band gap depends on the calcination temperature and was found between 2.03 and 1.89 eV. The shrinkage and sintering behaviour of compacted powders were examined. Dense ceramic bodies can be obtained either after conventional sintering at 950 °C or after a two-step sintering process at 800 °C. Magnetic measurements of both powders and corresponding ceramic bodies show that the saturation magnetization rises with increasing calcination-/sintering temperature up to 49.1 emu g{sup −1} (2.1 µ{sub B} fu{sup −1}), whereas the coercivity and remanence values decrease. - Graphical abstract: A cheap one-pot synthesis was developed to obtain CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nano-powders with different crystallite sizes (36–96 nm). The optical band gaps, phase transition temperatures and enthalpies were determined depending on the particle size. The sintering behaviour of nano CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was studied in different sintering procedures. The magnetic behaviour of the nano-powders as well as the corresponding ceramic bodies were investigated. - Highlights: • Eco-friendly and simple synthesis for nano CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powder using starch as polymerization agent. • Monitoring the phase evolution and crystallite growth kinetics during the synthesis. • Determination of the optical band gap, phase transition temperature, and enthalpy change. • Sintering behaviour of nano-sizes CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. • Magnetic behaviour of CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powders and ceramics depending on their particle size.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Boron nitride: Novel ceramic reductant for low‐activity waste vitrification

Abstract During vitrification of radioactive wastes, excessive foaming reduces processing rates within melters by hindering heat transfer from the molten glass pool to the reacting melter feed. Formulations of low‐activity waste (LAW) melter feeds, for vitrification at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant at the Hanford Site, conventionally include the addition of sucrose to mitigate excessive foaming by hastening the denitration process. However, incomplete combustion of sucrose produces organics such as acetonitrile (C 2 H 3 N) that may exceed bounding limits of downstream effluent treatment facilities. Using boron nitride (BN) as an alternate reductant to sucrose, in a representative LAW melter feed reduced C 2 H 3 N production by 90% by preventing the low‐temperature sucrose–nitrate reactions. Furthermore, foaming was suppressed due to the higher decomposition temperature of BN than H 3 BO 3 meaning a delayed reaction of a large fraction of boron with the transient glass‐forming melt until above the foam onset temperature, thus reducing the quantity and viscosity of the connected melt and trapping less gas in the foam layer.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗