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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Impact of Lithium‐Free Borate Additives on the Cycle Life and Calendar Aging of Silicon‐Based Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Silicon-anode lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) suffer from limited cycle life and poor calendar life, constraining their large-scale commercialization. Integrating additives into electrolytes is a simple and cost-effective strategy to improve these aspects. The effects of lithium-free boron-based additives on cycling and calendar performance of high-loading Si-anode LIBs remain largely unexplored. In this work, the influence of five Li-free borate additives, each with distinct molecular structures and elemental compositions, is systematically investigated. All additives enhance cycle life to varying extents. Notably, the addition of 1 v/v% tri(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) borate to the baseline electrolyte nearly doubles the cycle life at 50% state of health. This enhancement is attributed to three key factors. Specifically, borate additives 1) improve electrochemical activity, 2) act as anion receptors that interact with [PF6]- anions and carbonate solvents to reduce electrolyte decomposition, and 3) promote the formation of a stable and polymeric solid electrolyte interphase layer. Furthermore, these additives exhibited negligible impact in mitigating leakage current during a 180 h voltage-hold calendar-aging test, indicating their limited effect in calendar life. These findings provide insight into the role of Li-free borate additives in improving cycle life while addressing the knowledge gap regarding their influence on calendar aging.

Li, Defu↗
DOE OSTI2019

Gas phase fragmentation of adducts between dioxygen and closo-borate radical anions

The icosahedral closo-borate anions, [closo-B12X12]2- (B12) and [1-H-closo-1-CB11X11]- (CB11) with X=H or halogen are exceptionally stable weakly coordinating anions. Recent studies, which focused on the gas phase ion chemistry of this class of anions, revealed several unusual ion-molecule and unimolecular dissociation pathways. Herein, we demonstrate that collisional activation of highly iodinated closo-borate anions results in a loss of an iodine atom followed by a spontaneous addition of O2 present in a mass spectrometer background producing B12-O2 and CB11-O2 species. We examined the electronic structure of a representative O2 adduct using photoelectron spectroscopy and explored collision-induced dissociation (CID) pathways of a series of iodinated B12-O2 and CB11-O2 anions with different substituents. A systematic study of the gas phase dissociation pathways of the B12-O2 and CB11-O2 anions revealed several unusual dissociation pathways characteristic of this class of species. Abundant fragment ions are formed by neutral loss of BOX2• (X=boron bound substituent), Y2H• (Y=boron bound halogen, if any H is present in the molecular ion) and BO2•. Loss of BO2 was observed for CB11-O2 but not for B12-O2 anions. Substantial differences in stability of the corresponding fragments is responsible for the observed differences in dissociation of B12-O2 and CB11-O2 species. Furthermore, we show that in addition to O2 other molecules with a radical character (e.g. •SCH3) can form adducts with closo-borate anions after iodine abstraction. The boron cage fragmentation observed for the O2 adducts is untypical for highly iodinated closo-borates and is attributed to the strength of B-O bonds which dominate the thermochemistry of B12-O2 and CB11-O2 fragmentation reactions.

Warneke, Jonas↗
DOE OSTI2017

Divergent Structural Chemistry of Uranyl Borates Obtained from Solid State and Hydrothermal Conditions

In this study, a series of novel uranyl borates, K 4 Sr 4 [(UO 2 ) 13 (B 2 O 5 ) 2 (BO 3 ) 2 O 12 ], A 6 [(UO 2 ) 12 (BO 3 ) 8 O 3 ](H 2 O) 6 (A = Rb and Cs), and Rb 3 [(UO 2 ) 3 (BO 3 ) 2 O(OH)](H 2 O), were synthesized using conventional conditions. Among them, K 4 Sr 4 [(UO 2 ) 13 (B 2 O 5 ) 2 (BO 3 ) 2 O 12 ] and A 6 [(UO 2 ) 12 (BO 3 ) 8 O 3 ](H 2 O) 6 were obtained through a high-temperature solid-state reaction method, whereas Rb 3 [(UO 2 ) 3 (BO 3 ) 2 O(OH)](H 2 O) was synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction. All compounds adopt novel two-dimensional (2D) layered structures in which basic building units (BBUs) consist of corner- or edge-sharing UO x ( x = 6, 7 and 8) polyhedra linked with planar BO 3 triangles or B 2 O 5 dimers. K 4 Sr 4 [(UO 2 ) 13 (B 2 O 5 ) 2 (BO 3 ) 2 O 12 ] is the first mixed alkali–alkaline earth metal uranyl borate. This compound has the most complex 2D anion topology observed thus far in 2D uranyl borates. The fundamental building block (FBB) in this structure, [(UO 2 ) 13 (B 2 O 5 ) 2 (BO 3 ) 2 O 12 ] 12– , consists of 3 UO 8 hexagonal bipyramids and 10 UO 7 pentagonal bipyramids connected with 2 BO 3 triangles and 2 B 2 O 5 dimers. The FBB of Rb 6 [(UO 2 ) 12 (BO 3 ) 8 O 3 ](H 2 O) 6 is [(UO 2 ) 6 (BO 3 ) 4 O 3 ] 6– , comprised of five edge-sharing UO 7 pentagonal bipyramids, one UO 6 tetragonal bipyramid, and four BO 3 triangles. The simplest FBB, [(UO 2 ) 3 (BO 3 ) 2 O 2 ] 4– , occurs in Rb 3 [(UO 2 ) 3 (BO 3 ) 2 O(OH)](H 2 O), where three UO 7 pentagonal bipyramids are linked with two BO 3 triangles via edge sharing. The aforementioned FBBs are further polymerized into the corresponding infinite uranyl borates layers. Finally, the synthetic methods, novel topologies, thermal stability, and spectroscopic properties of these compounds are reported herein.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Order–Disorder Transitions and Superionic Conductivity in the Sodium nido -Undeca(carba)borates

The salt compounds NaB 11 H 14 , Na-7-CB10H13, Li-7-CB 10 H 13 , Na-7,8-C 2 B 9 H 12 , and Na-7,9-C 2 B 9 H 12 all contain geometrically similar, monocharged, nido-undeca(carba)borate anions (i.e., truncated icosohedral-shaped clusters constructed of only 11 instead of 12 {B-H} + {C-H} vertices and an additional number of compensating bridging and/or terminal H atoms). We used first-principles calculations, X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, neutron vibrational spectroscopy, neutron elastic-scattering fixed-window scans, quasielastic neutron scattering, and electrochemical impedance measurements to investigate their structures, bonding potentials, phase-transition behaviors, anion orientational mobilities, and ionic conductivities compared to those of their closo-poly(carba)borate cousins. All exhibited order-disorder phase transitions somewhere between room temperature and 375 K. All disordered phases appear to possess highly reorientationally mobile anions (> ~10 10 jumps s -1 above 300 K) and cation-vacancy-rich, close-packed or body-center-cubic-packed structures [like previously investigated closo-poly(carba)borates]. Moreover, all disordered phases display superionic conductivities but with generally somewhat lower values compared to those for the related sodium and lithium salts with similar monocharged 1-CB 9 H 10 - and CB 11 H 12 - closo-carbaborate anions. This study significantly expands the known toolkit of solid-state, poly(carba)borate-based salts capable of superionic conductivities and provides valuable insights into the effect of crystal lattice, unit cell volume, number of carbon atoms incorporated into the anion, and charge polarization on ionic conductivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Measuring Electronic Structure of Multiply Charged Anions to Understand their Chemistry: A Case Study on Gaseous Polyhedral closo-Borate Dianions

Research on multiply charged anions (MCAs) in the gas phase has been intensively performed during the last decades, mainly to understand fundamental molecular physics phenomena, e.g., intramolecular Coulomb repulsion and existence of the repulsive Coulomb barrier. However, the relevance of these investigations with respect to understanding MCAs’ chemistry appears often vague. Here, we discuss how insights on the electronic structure obtained from negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy (NIPES) combined with theoretical calculations and collision induced dissociation can provide fundamental understanding on the intrinsic chemical reactivity of MCAs and their fragments. This is exemplified on our studies on polyhedral closo-borate dianions [BnXn]2- (n = 6, 10, 11, 12; X = H, F-I, CN) and their fragment ions. For example, the rational design of closo-borate dianions with specific electronic properties is described, which leads to generating highly reactive fragments. Depending on the dianionic precursor, these fragments are either tuned to bind noble gases effectively or to activate small molecules like CO and N2. The intrinsic electronic properties of closo-borate dianions are further compared to their electrochemistry in solutions, revealing solvent effects on the redox potentials. Neutral host molecules such as cyclodextrins are found to bind strongly to [BnXn]2-, and gas phase NIPES provides insights on the intrinsic host-guest interactions. Finally, outlooks including the direct NIPES of molecular fragment ions which cannot be generated in the condensed phase and their utilization in preparative mass spectrometry are discussed. J.W is grateful to the Volkswagen foundation for a Freigeist Fellowship. X. B. W acknowledges support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, the Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences. We are grateful to our colleagues who support our work on gas phase ion chemistry for many years. In particular we acknowledge the members of our groups, the Asmis group (Leipzig), Laskin Group (West Lafayette), the Jenne group (Wuppertal), the Finze group (Würzburg), the Grabowsky group (Bern), and the Sun group (Shanghai). We are grateful to Edoardo Apra for the many theoretical investigations on closo-borate anions. JW acknowledges support of Harald Knorke and Markus Rohdenburg with the preparation of graphical material, and XBW thanks Qinqin Yuan for the help in organizing references.

Warneke, Jonas↗
DOE OSTI2021

Expanding the chemistry of borates with functional [BO 2 ]- anions

More than 3900 crystalline borates, including borate minerals and synthetic inorganic borates, in addition to a wealth of industrially-important boron-containing glasses, have been discovered and characterized. Of these compounds, 99.9 % contain only the traditional triangular BO 3 and tetrahedral BO 4 units, which polymerize into superstructural motifs. Herein, a mixed metal K 5 Ba 2 (B 10 O 17 ) 2 (BO 2 ) with linear BO 2 structural units was obtained, pushing the boundaries of structural diversity and providing a direct strategy toward the maximum thresholds of birefringence for optical materials design. 11 B solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a ubiquitous tool in the study of glasses and optical materials; here, density functional theory-based NMR crystallography guided the direct characterization of BO 2 structural units. The full anisotropic shift and quadrupolar tensors of linear BO 2 were extracted from K 5 Ba 2 (B 10 O 17 ) 2 (BO 2 ) containing BO 2 , BO 3 , and BO 4 and serve as guides to the identification of this powerful moiety in future and, potentially, previously-characterized borate minerals, ceramics, and glasses.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Zinc Corrosion in Borated, Buffered Post-LOCA Solutions

This current research provides a broad assessment of recently evaluated zinc corrosion in simulated non-buffered and buffered post-LOCA solution as a function of pH, temperature, velocity, boron concentration and surface area. Corrosion rates obtained can be used for further zinc borate formation analysis or to plan further zinc corrosion studies. Experiments are conducted utilizing a three-electrode electrochemical system in a glass cell. Aqueous solutions used in testing simulate reactor containment building (RCB) pool water under various LOCA scenarios that are representative of US PWR RCB pool water: boric acid only, boric acid with trisodium phosphate, boric acid with sodium hydroxide, and boric acid with sodium tetraborate. The specimens used in this work are machined from 99.6% pure zinc rods that are used as a surrogate for the high purity zinc layer of galvanized steel. Prior to the experiment, the specimens are first polished and then left exposed to the atmosphere for approximately one day at room temperature. Prior to each test, the zinc specimen are sequentially rinsed with deionized water and acetone, and then dried by evaporation in air at room temperature. Prepared samples are then mounted in the glass cell test apparatus and rotated on a spindle at a desired velocity for a specified duration. Instantaneous corrosion rate as a function of time and total zinc mass corroded, which may either be released into solution or incorporated into surface scale, is determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. Corrosion rates after 24 hours of immersion are determined from a full potential dynamic scan and from weight loss measurements of descaled post-test samples. The solution zinc concentration resulting from zinc corrosion is determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Preliminary results show that zinc corrosion with a zinc surface area-to-liquid volume ratio of 0.0003 m2/L in a borated, buffered solution (55 deg. C, pH 7.2) exposed to a velocity of 0.5 ft/s is between 4.9 X to 2.3 X less than that obtained by the Kyrk et al study, which examines a lower temperature, lower pH with a 5.5 X larger surface area-to-volume ratio. This initial finding suggests that the corrosion of zinc, which supplies a zinc source term to form zinc borates, may not be insignificant under conditions of interest (borated, buffered post-LOCA solutions). Further experiments are currently underway that evaluate the influence of pH, velocity, temperature, buffer type, boron concentration and surface area-to-volume ratio on zinc corrosion. Preliminary results suggest two of the three buffer types examined as conditions of interest to US PWRs likely produce zinc corrosion within the range observed by Kyrk et al. Current preliminary results indicate that buffer type, temperature, pH and velocity each have an impact on the zinc corrosion rate. Quantification of zinc mass lost to solution and incorporated into scale is currently underway, as is the characterization of velocity and boric acid effects on zinc corrosion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Crystal structures and comparisons of huntite aluminum borates RE Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 ( RE = Tb, Dy and Ho)

Three huntite-type aluminoborates of stoichiometry RE Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 ( RE = Tb, Dy and Ho), namely, terbium/dysprosium/holmium trialuminium tetrakis(borate), were synthesized by slow cooling within a K 2 Mo 3 O 10 flux with spontaneous crystallization. The crystal structures were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) data. The synthesized borates are isostructural to the huntite [CaMg 3 (CO 3 ) 4 ] structure and crystallized within the trigonal R 32 space group. The structural parameters were compared to literature data of other huntite RE Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 crystals within the R 32 space group. All three borates fit well into the trends calculated from the literature data. The unit-cell parameters and volumes increase linearly with larger RE cations whereas the densities decrease. All of the crystals studied were refined as inversion twins.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

New interaction potentials for alkaline earth silicate and borate glasses

New interaction potentials were developed for molecular dynamics simulations to study the role of Mg and Ca in modifying the structure and properties of alkaline earth silicates and borates. Competition between the depolymerization of the silica network and the formation of new bonds between oxygen atoms and modifiers leads to the enhancement of the elastic moduli with increasing modifier content in alkaline earth silicate glasses. Compared with calcium silicate, the higher elastic moduli of magnesium silicate result from a higher connectivity of the overall glass network due to the incorporation of fourfold coordinated magnesium and a more rigid connection between oxygen atoms and modifiers. In contrast to the silicates, the effect of modifier on the elastic moduli of alkaline earth borates is dominated by the formation of fourfold coordinated boron (N 4 ). Calcium borate with higher N 4 shows a more rigid network structure and higher elastic moduli.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

High-pressure synthesis and crystal structure of the lithium borate HP-LiB{sub 3}O{sub 5}

The new lithium borate HP-LiB{sub 3}O{sub 5} was synthesized under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions of 6 GPa and 1050 deg. C in a multianvil press with a Walker-type module. The compound crystallizes in the space group Pnma (no. 62) with the lattice parameters a=829.7(2), b=759.6(2), and c=1726.8(4) pm (Z=16). The high-pressure compound HP-LiB{sub 3}O{sub 5} is built up from a three-dimensional network of BO{sub 4} tetrahedra and BO{sub 3} groups, which incorporates Li{sup +} ions in channels along the b-axis. Band assignments of measured IR- and Raman spectra were done via quantum-mechanical calculations. Additionally, the thermal behavior of HP-LiB{sub 3}O{sub 5} was investigated. - Graphical abstract: The new high-pressure compound HP-LiB{sub 3}O{sub 5} is built up from a three-dimensional network of BO4 tetrahedra and BO{sub 3} groups, which incorporates Li{sup +} ions in channels along the b-axis. In this paper, the synthesis, the crystal structure, and the properties of HP-LiB{sub 3}O{sub 5} are described. Highlights: > Synthesis of a new lithium borate with the composition HP-LiB{sub 3}O{sub 5} at high pressure. > In contrast to the non-centrosymmetric phase LiB{sub 3}O{sub 5}, this high-pressure phase is centrosymmetric. > First example of ternary alkali borates exhibiting threefold bridging oxygen atoms.

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

Crystal structures of the novel hydrated borates Ba{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}(OH), Sr{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}(OH) and Li{sub 2}Sr{sub 8}B{sub 22}O{sub 41}(OH){sub 2}

Three novel hydrated borates Ba{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}(OH) (1), Sr{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}(OH) (2) and Li{sub 2}Sr{sub 8}B{sub 22}O{sub 41}(OH){sub 2} (3) have been synthesized hydrothermally and their structures determined. Compounds (1) and (2) are isostructural, crystallizing in space group P2{sub 1}/c and having lattice parameters of a=6.6330(13) A, b=8.6250(17) A, c=14.680(3) A, {beta}=93.46(3){sup o} and a=6.4970(13) A, b=8.4180(17) A, c=14.177(3) A, {beta}=94.35(3){sup o}, respectively. Compound (3) crystallizes in P-1 with lattice parameters of a=6.4684(13) A, b=8.4513(17) A, c=14.881(3) A, {alpha}=101.21(3){sup o}, {beta}=93.96(3){sup o}, {gamma}=90.67(3){sup o}. While similar in their axis lengths, (3) differs greatly in structure and formulation from (1) and (2). The structure of (1) and (2) is contrasted to that of the well-known mineral hilgardite (Ca{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}Cl.H{sub 2}O). - Graphical abstract: Novel hydrated borate structures. Highlights: > Synthesis and crystal structures of three novel hydrated borates are reported. > Unique descriptive chemistry governing Li{sub 2}Sr{sub 8}B{sub 22}O{sub 41}(OH){sub 2} synthesis is discussed. > Structures of Ba{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}(OH) and Sr{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}(OH) are contrasted to Ca{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}Cl.H{sub 2}O. > Structure of Li{sub 2}Sr{sub 8}B{sub 22}O{sub 41}(OH){sub 2} differs from Ba{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}(OH) and Sr{sub 2}B{sub 5}O{sub 9}(OH).

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

Synthesis, structural characterization and optical properties of a new cesium aluminum borate, Cs{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}

A new borate, Cs{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}, was synthesized by solid-state reaction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2{sub 1}/c with a=6.719(1) A, b=7.121(1) A, c=9.626(3) A, {beta}=115.3(1) Degree-Sign , and Z=2. In the structure, two AlO{sub 4} tetrahedra and two BO{sub 3} planar triangles are connected alternately by corner-sharing to from nearly planar [Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 10}] rings, which are further linked via common O1 atom to generate layers in the bc plane. These layers then share the O3 atoms lying on a center of inversion to form a three-dimensional framework with Cs atoms residing in the channels. The IR spectrum confirms the presence of both BO{sub 3} and AlO{sub 4} groups and the UV-vis-IR diffuse reflectance spectrum indicates a band gap of about 4.13(2) eV. - Graphical abstract: A new borate, Cs{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}, was synthesized. In the structure, BO{sub 3} triangles and AlO{sub 4} tetrahedra are connected to form a three-dimensional framework with Cs{sup +} in the channels. Black-Small-Square Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A new borate Cs{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} was synthesized and crystals were obtained by flux method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cs{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} crystallizes in a new structure type. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two AlO{sub 4} and two BO{sub 3} generate a [Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 10}] ring in the structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rings are linked to form a three-dimensional framework with Cs{sup +} in the channels. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Optical band gap is about 4.13 eV.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

New nonlinear optical potassium iodate K[IO{sub 3}] and borates K{sub 3}[B{sub 6}O{sub 10}]Br, KTa[B{sub 4}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}](OH){sub 2}{center_dot}1.33H{sub 2}O-Synthesis, structures and relation to the properties

Three optically uniaxial non-centrosymmetric potassium compounds, iodate K[IO{sub 3}] and two borates K{sub 3}[B{sub 6}O{sub 10}]Br, KTa[B{sub 4}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}](OH){sub 2}{center_dot}1.33H{sub 2}O have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The materials were synthesized through hydrothermal techniques using initial reagents and mineralizers. All the compounds are trigonal-hexagonal: the space groups are R3 (K[IO{sub 3}]), R3m (K[B{sub 6}O{sub 10}]Br) and P-62m (KTa[B{sub 4}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}](OH){sub 2}{center_dot}1.33H{sub 2}O). Powder second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements on crystals, using 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser radiation, indicate the materials are all phase-matchable and have strong second-order nonlinearities. The correlation with the perovskite structure has been found and described for K,Br-borate and K-iodate. Structure-properties relation is discussed and attributed to stereo-active lone-pair on I{sup 5+} and asymmetrical bonds in the compounds. The role of K atoms is pronounced from crystal chemistry point of view, contributing optical nonlinearities. - Graphical abstract: Structure-properties relation is attributed to stereo-active lone-pair on I{sup 5+} and asymmetrical bonds in the compounds with the crucial role of K atoms, K[IO{sub 3}] structure along 3-fold axis with umbrella-like IO{sub 3}-group and with octahedral coordination-analog with perovskite. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Syntheses in hydrothermal conditions trigonal KIO{sub 3}, K{sub 3}[B{sub 6}O{sub 10}]Br and KTa[B{sub 4}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}](OH){sub 2}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Correlation with the perovskite, found for K-iodate and K,Br-borate. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structure-properties relation, attributed to I{sup 5+} lone-pair and asymmetric bonds including K-atoms. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The compounds are phase matchable and strongly nonlinear from powder SHG measurements. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Averaged second-order nonlinear coefficients Left-Pointing-Angle-Bracket d Right-Pointing-Angle-Bracket are 24, 2.8 and 1.9 pm/V.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Influence of structural distortions upon photoluminescence properties of Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} activated Na{sub 3}Ln(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} (Ln=Y, Gd) borates

The comparative study of the structure and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} activated Na{sub 3}Ln(BO{sub 3}){sub 2}, with Ln=Y, Gd, showed the important role of the host lattice structure upon PL. Higher emission intensities of Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} are observed for Na{sub 3}Gd(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} than for Na{sub 3}Y(BO{sub 3}){sub 2}, through direct Eu{sup 3+} excitation at 395 nm for Eu{sup 3+} doped borates, and through Gd{sup 3+} excitation around 280 nm for Tb{sup 3+} doped borates. This higher performance for Na{sub 3}Gd(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} is due to the less regular environment of Eu{sup 3+} (Tb{sup 3+}) in the Gd sites than in the Y sites and to energy transfer from Gd{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 3+}(Tb{sup 3+}). The smaller critical concentration in Na{sub 3}Ln{sub 1-x}Tb{sub x}(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} observed for Ln=Gd, x=0.5, compared to x=0.6 for Ln=Y, is explained by shorter Ln-Ln distances (4.11 A for Gd-Gd vs. 4.59 A for Y-Y). Both Na{sub 3}Y{sub 0.4}Tb{sub 0.6}(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} and Na{sub 3}Gd{sub 0.5}Tb{sub 0.5}(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} show intense green emission under UV excitation. - Graphical abstract: The PL properties of Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} are studied in Na{sub 3}Ln(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} (Ln=Y, Gd) borates. Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+}exhibits higher emission intensity in Na{sub 3}Gd(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} compared to Na{sub 3}Y(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} due to the less regular environment of the Gd{sup 3+} ion. Energy transfer from Gd{sup 3+} to Tb{sup 3+} is observed. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crystal structure of Na{sub 3}Gd(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} by X-ray powder diffraction. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Photoluminescence properties of Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} doped Na{sub 3}Ln(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} (Ln=Y, Gd). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Higher Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} emission for Na{sub 3}Gd(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} due to an irregular environment of Gd{sup 3+}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Higher Eu{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} emission for Na{sub 3}Gd(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} due to energy transfer from Gd{sup 3+}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Lower Tb{sup 3+} critical concentration for Na{sub 3}Gd(BO{sub 3}){sub 2} due to short Gd{sup 3+}-Gd{sup 3+} distances.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Structure and optical properties of a noncentrosymmetric borate RbSr{sub 4}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3}

A new noncentrosymmetric borate, RbSr{sub 4}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} (abbreviated as RSBO), has been grown from Rb{sub 2}O--B{sub 2}O{sub 3}--RbF flux and its crystal structure was determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in space group Ama2 with cell parameters of a=11.128(10) A, b=12.155(15) A, c=6.952(7) A, Z=4. The basic structural units are isolated planar BO{sub 3} groups. Second harmonic generation (SHG) test of the title compound by the Kurtz-Perry method shows that RSBO can be phase matchable with an effective SHG coefficient about two-thirds as large as that of KH{sub 2}PO{sub 4} (KDP). Finally, based on the anionic group approximation, the optical properties of the title compound are compared with those of the structure-related apatite-like compounds with the formula 'A{sub 5}(TO{sub n}){sub 3}X'. - Graphical abstract: RbSr{sub 4}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} and some other borate NLO compounds, namely Ca{sub 5}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3}F RCa{sub 4}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3}O (R=Y or Gd) and Na{sub 3}La{sub 2}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} can be viewed as the derivatives of apatite. They have similar formula composed of five cations and three anion groups (we call them 5/3 structures). The detailed SHG coefficients and optical properties of the apatite-like NLO crystals were compared and summarized. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A new noncentrosymmetric borate RbSr{sub 4}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} was grown from flux. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The RbSr{sub 4}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} can be viewed as a derivative of the apatite-like structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The structure and its relationship to the optical properties of RbSr{sub 4}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} are compared with other NLO crystals with apatite-like structures. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The basic structural units are the planar BO{sub 3} groups in the structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Second harmonic generation (SHG) test shows that RbSr{sub 4}(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} can be phase matchable with an effective SHG coefficient about two-thirds as large as that of KH{sub 2}PO{sub 4}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Multimodal emissions from Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped lithium borate glass: Upconversion, downshifting and quantum cutting

This paper reports the optical properties of Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped lithium borate (LB) glass prepared by melt quench method. The absorption spectrum of the Yb{sup 3+} doped LB glass contains intense NIR band centered at 976 nm due to {sup 2}F{sub 7/2}→{sup 2}F{sub 5/2} transition. The emission spectra of the prepared glasses have been monitored on excitation with 266, 355 and 976 nm. The Yb{sup 3+} doped glass emits a broad NIR band centered at 976 nm whereas the Tb{sup 3+} doped glass gives off visible bands on excitations with 266 and 355 nm. When the Tb{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+} ions are co-doped together, the emission intensity in the visible region decreases whereas it increases in the NIR region significantly. The increase in the emission intensity in the NIR region is due to efficient cooperative energy transfer (CET) from Tb{sup 3+} to Yb{sup 3+} ions. The quantum cutting efficiency for Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped glass has been calculated and compared for 266 and 355 nm excitations. The quantum cutting efficiency is larger for 355 nm excitation (137%). The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped LB glass also emits upconverted visible bands on excitation with 976 nm. The mechanisms involved in the energy transfer have been discussed using schematic energy level diagram. The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped LB glass may be used in the optical devices and in solar cell for solar spectral conversion and behaves as a multi-modal photo-luminescent material. - Graphical abstract: The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped lithium borate (LB) glass prepared by melt quench method emits upconverted visible emissions through upconversion CET from Yb{sup 3+} to Tb{sup 3+} ions and quantum cutting emissions through downconversion CET from Tb{sup 3+} to Yb{sup 3+} ions. Therefore, the Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped LB glass may find applications in optical devices and solar cell and behaves as a multi-modal photo-luminescent material. - Highlights: • The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped lithium borate (LB) glass prepared by melt quench method. • The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped glass gives QC emissions upon 266 and 355 nm excitations. • The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped glass also emits intense green color on excitation with 976 nm. • The quantum cutting efficiency is larger for 355 nm excitation (137%). • The Tb{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped glass may be used in solar cell and display devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Photoluminescence investigations on Sm3+ ions doped borate glasses for tricolor w-LEDs and lasers

Highlights: • Borate glasses with Sm3+ ions were synthesized by melt quenching technique. • Under 402 nm excitation Borate glasses show reddish orange luminescence. • Energy transfer through cross-relaxation leads to fall in decay time of Sm3+ ions. • I-H model confirms energy transfer between Sm3+ ions as dipole-dipole in nature. • 1 mol% Sm3+ ions in these glasses are apt for red photonic device applications. - Abstract: This work describes mainly the optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and decay spectral properties of Sm{sup 3+} ions doped borate glasses to understand their possible usage in tricolor w-LEDs and lasers.The XRD spectrum recorded for an un-doped glass confirms glassy nature of the as prepared glass. The Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters evaluated from experimental oscillator strengths were used in estimating the various radiative parameters. Under 402 nm excitation, the PL spectra exhibit intense emission at 600 nm for which the decay spectral profiles were recorded.The decay profiles are converting from single exponential to non-exponential with increase in Sm{sup 3+} ion concentration ensuing decrease in experimental lifetimes which may be attributed to the efficient energy transfer through cross-relaxation process. The non-exponential decay curves fitted to I-H model reveals the interaction between the Sm{sup 3+} ions as dipole-dipole in nature. From the evaluated emission cross-sections, quantum efficiency, branching ratios and CIE co-ordinates, it is concluded that 1 mol% Sm{sup 3+} ions in these glasses are aptly suitable to fabricate reddish-orange luminescent devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Dosimetric properties of dysprosium doped calcium magnesium borate glass subjected to Co-60 gamma ray

Thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetric properties of dysprosium doped calcium magnesium borate (CMB:Dy) glass are presented. This study is deemed to understand the application of calcium as the modifier in magnesium borate glass with the presence of dysprosium as the activator to be performed as TL dosimeter (TLD). The study provides fundamental knowledge of a glass system that may lead to perform new TL glass dosimetry application in future research. Calcium magnesium borate glass systems of (70-y) B{sub 2}O{sub 3} − 20 CaO – 10 MgO-(y) Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3} with 0.05 mol % ≤ y ≤ 0.7 mol % of dyprosium were prepared by melt-quenching technique. The amorphous structure and TL properties of the prepared samples were determined using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TL reader; model Harshaw 4500 respectively. The samples were irradiated to Co-60 gamma source at a dose of 50 Gy. Dosimetric properties such as annealing procedure, time temperature profile (TTP) setting, optimization of Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3} concentration of 0.5 mol % were determined for thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) reader used.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗