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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 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Utilizing Single-Crystalline Transformations for Precise Atom Placement in Multicomponent Cluster-Based Coordination Networks

The assembly of cluster or superatom building-blocks into extended solids has revolutionized materials design, enabling the synthesis of modular semiconductors with well-defined structures and tunable electronic, magnetic or optical properties. This strategy has recently advanced the synthesis of complex metal oxides with multifunctional or emergent behaviors, but precise atom placement of multiple elements with similar chemistries or preferred coordination environments remains a significant challenge. Here, in this study, we present a strategy for synthesizing polyoxometalate (POM)-based coordination networks with up to three different cations in precisely defined positions. Our approach leverages a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation in which the spatial placement of cations is governed by their availability at distinct stages of crystallization and transformation. Specifically, [ZP 5 W 30 O 110 ] (15-n)- (Z = Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Ag + , Bi 3+ , Y 3+ , any Ln 3+ , Th 4+ ) is coordinatively assembled with various bridging metal cations (Y 3+ , any Ln 3+ , Th 4+ ). By using the encapsulated cation (Z) to "label" the POM, we track the phase-transformation and confirm the retention of single crystallinity. The integrated use of POM labeling and SCSC transformation enables rational control over cation distribution and establishes a versatile strategy for constructing multicomponent materials with high compositional and spatial precision.

Chen, Linfeng [Univ. of California, San Diego, CA ↗
DOE OSTI2017

Ligand Mediated Transformation of Cesium Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanocrystals to Lead Depleted Cs 4 PbBr 6 Nanocrystals

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as attractive nanomaterials owing to their excellent optical and optoelectronic properties. Their intrinsic instability and soft nature enable a post-synthetic controlled chemical transformation. We studied a ligand mediated transformation of presynthesized CsPbBr 3 NCs to a new type of lead-halide depleted perovskite derivative nanocrystal, namely Cs 4 PbBr 6 . The transformation is initiated by amine addition, and the use of alkyl-thiol ligands greatly improves the size uniformity and chemical stability of the derived NCs. The thermodynamically driven transformation is governed by a two-step dissolution-recrystallization mechanism, which is monitored optically. Our results not only shed light on a decomposition pathway of CsPbBr 3 NCs but also present a method to synthesize uniform colloidal Cs 4 PbBr 6 NCs, which may actually be a common product of perovskite NCs degradation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Electric-field control of tri-state phase transformation with a selective dual-ion switch

Materials can be transformed from one crystalline phase to another by using an electric field to control ion transfer, in a process that can be harnessed in applications such as batteries, smart windows and fuel cells. Increasing the number of transferrable ion species and of accessible crystalline phases could in principle greatly enrich material functionality. However, studies have so far focused mainly on the evolution and control of single ionic species (for example, oxygen, hydrogen or lithium ions). In this paper, we describe the reversible and non-volatile electric-field control of dual-ion (oxygen and hydrogen) phase transformations, with associated electrochromic and magnetoelectric effects. We show that controlling the insertion and extraction of oxygen and hydrogen ions independently of each other can direct reversible phase transformations among three different material phases: the perovskite SrCoO 3-δ , the brownmillerite SrCoO 2.5 , and a hitherto-unexplored phase, HSrCoO 2.5 . By analysing the distinct optical absorption properties of these phases, we demonstrate selective manipulation of spectral transparency in the visible-light and infrared regions, revealing a dual-band electrochromic effect that could see application in smart windows. Moreover, the starkly different magnetic and electric properties of the three phases—HSrCoO 2.5 is a weakly ferromagnetic insulator, SrCoO 3-δ is a ferromagnetic metal, and SrCoO 2.5 is an antiferromagnetic insulator—enable an unusual form of magnetoelectric coupling, allowing electric-field control of three different magnetic ground states. Finally, these findings open up opportunities for the electric-field control of multistate phase transformations with rich functionalities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Mechanochemical spinodal decomposition: a phenomenological theory of phase transformations in multi-component, crystalline solids

Here, we present a phenomenological treatment of diffusion-driven martensitic phase transformations in multi-component crystalline solids that arise from non-convex free energies in mechanical and chemical variables. The treatment describes diffusional phase transformations that are accompanied by symmetry-breaking structural changes of the crystal unit cell and reveals the importance of a mechanochemical spinodal, defined as the region in strain-composition space, where the free-energy density function is non-convex. The approach is relevant to phase transformations wherein the structural order parameters can be expressed as linear combinations of strains relative to a high-symmetry reference crystal. The governing equations describing mechanochemical spinodal decomposition are variationally derived from a free-energy density function that accounts for interfacial energy via gradients of the rapidly varying strain and composition fields. A robust computational framework for treating the coupled, higher-order diffusion and nonlinear strain gradient elasticity problems is presented. Because the local strains in an inhomogeneous, transforming microstructure can be finite, the elasticity problem must account for geometric nonlinearity. An evaluation of available experimental phase diagrams and first-principles free energies suggests that mechanochemical spinodal decomposition should occur in metal hydrides such as ZrH 2-2c . The rich physics that ensues is explored in several numerical examples in two and three dimensions, and the relevance of the mechanism is discussed in the context of important electrode materials for Li-ion batteries and high-temperature ceramics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Universal linear intensity transformations using spatially incoherent diffractive processors

Abstract Under spatially coherent light, a diffractive optical network composed of structured surfaces can be designed to perform any arbitrary complex-valued linear transformation between its input and output fields-of-view (FOVs) if the total number ( N ) of optimizable phase-only diffractive features is ≥~2 N i N o , where N i and N o refer to the number of useful pixels at the input and the output FOVs, respectively. Here we report the design of a spatially incoherent diffractive optical processor that can approximate any arbitrary linear transformation in time-averaged intensity between its input and output FOVs. Under spatially incoherent monochromatic light, the spatially varying intensity point spread function ( H ) of a diffractive network, corresponding to a given, arbitrarily-selected linear intensity transformation, can be written as H ( m , n ; m ′, n ′) = | h ( m , n ; m ′, n ′)| 2 , where h is the spatially coherent point spread function of the same diffractive network, and ( m , n ) and ( m ′, n ′) define the coordinates of the output and input FOVs, respectively. Using numerical simulations and deep learning, supervised through examples of input-output profiles, we demonstrate that a spatially incoherent diffractive network can be trained to all-optically perform any arbitrary linear intensity transformation between its input and output if N ≥ ~2 N i N o . We also report the design of spatially incoherent diffractive networks for linear processing of intensity information at multiple illumination wavelengths, operating simultaneously. Finally, we numerically demonstrate a diffractive network design that performs all-optical classification of handwritten digits under spatially incoherent illumination, achieving a test accuracy of >95%. Spatially incoherent diffractive networks will be broadly useful for designing all-optical visual processors that can work under natural light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

The self-healing of defects induced by the hydriding phase transformation in palladium nanoparticles

Nanosizing can dramatically alter material properties by enhancing surface thermodynamic contributions, shortening diffusion lengths, and increasing the number of catalytically active sites per unit volume. These mechanisms have been used to explain the improved properties of catalysts, battery materials, plasmonic materials, etc. Here we show that Pd nanoparticles also have the ability to self-heal defects in their crystal structures. Using Bragg coherent diffractive imaging, we image dislocations nucleated deep in a Pd nanoparticle during the forward hydriding phase transformation that heal during the reverse transformation, despite the region surrounding the dislocations remaining in the hydrogen-poor phase. We show that defective Pd nanoparticles exhibit sloped isotherms, indicating that defects act as additional barriers to the phase transformation. Our results resolve the formation and healing of structural defects during phase transformations at the single nanoparticle level and offer an additional perspective as to how and why nanoparticles differ from their bulk counterparts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-performance photonic transformers for DC voltage conversion

Abstract Direct current (DC) converters play an essential role in electronic circuits. Conventional high-efficiency DC voltage converters, especially step-up type, rely on switching operation, where energy is periodically stored within and released from inductors and/or capacitors connected in a variety of circuit topologies. Since these energy storage components, especially inductors, are fundamentally difficult to scale down, miniaturization of switching converters proves challenging. Furthermore, the resulting switching currents produce significant electromagnetic noise. To overcome the limitations of switching converters, photonic transformers, where voltage conversion is achieved through light emission and detection processes, have been demonstrated. However, the demonstrated efficiency is significantly below that of the switching converter. Here we perform a detailed balance analysis and show that with a monolithically integrated design that enables efficient photon transport, the photonic transformer can operate with a near-unity conversion efficiency and high voltage conversion ratio. We validate the theory with a transformer constructed with off-the-shelf discrete components. Our experiment showcases near noiseless operation and a voltage conversion ratio that is significantly higher than obtained in previous photonic transformers. Our findings point to the possibility of a high-performance optical solution to miniaturizing DC power converters and improving the electromagnetic compatibility and quality of electrical power.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Learning stochastic dynamics and predicting emergent behavior using transformers

We show that a neural network originally designed for language processing can learn the dynamical rules of a stochastic system by observation of a single dynamical trajectory of the system, and can accurately predict its emergent behavior under conditions not observed during training. We consider a lattice model of active matter undergoing continuous-time Monte Carlo dynamics, simulated at a density at which its steady state comprises small, dispersed clusters. We train a neural network called a transformer on a single trajectory of the model. The transformer, which we show has the capacity to represent dynamical rules that are numerous and nonlocal, learns that the dynamics of this model consists of a small number of processes. Forward-propagated trajectories of the trained transformer, at densities not encountered during training, exhibit motility-induced phase separation and so predict the existence of a nonequilibrium phase transition. Transformers have the flexibility to learn dynamical rules from observation without explicit enumeration of rates or coarse-graining of configuration space, and so the procedure used here can be applied to a wide range of physical systems, including those with large and complex dynamical generators.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Operando real-space imaging of a structural phase transformation in the high-voltage electrode LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4

Abstract Discontinuous solid-solid phase transformations play a pivotal role in determining the properties of rechargeable battery electrodes. By leveraging operando Bragg Coherent Diffractive Imaging (BCDI), we investigate the discontinuous phase transformation in Li x Ni 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 within an operational Li metal coin cell. Throughout Li-intercalation, we directly observe the nucleation and growth of the Li-rich phase within the initially charged Li-poor phase in a 500 nm particle. Supported by the microelasticity model, the operando imaging unveils an evolution from a curved coherent to a planar semi-coherent interface driven by dislocation dynamics. Our data indicates negligible kinetic limitations from interface propagation impacting the transformation kinetics, even at a discharge rate of C/2 (80 mA/g). This study highlights BCDI’s capability to decode complex operando diffraction data, offering exciting opportunities to study nanoscale phase transformations with various stimuli.

Sun, Yifei (ORCID:0000000295625120)↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fluid-enhanced surface diffusion controls intraparticle phase transformations

Phase transformations driven by compositional change require mass flux across a phase boundary. In some anisotropic solids, however, the phase boundary moves along a non-conductive crystallographic direction. One such material is Li X FePO 4 , an electrode for lithium-ion batteries. With poor bulk ionic transport along the direction of phase separation, it is unclear how lithium migrates during phase transformations. Here, we show that lithium migrates along the solid/liquid interface without leaving the particle, whereby charge carriers do not cross the double layer. X-ray diffraction and microscopy experiments as well as ab initio molecular dynamics simulations show that organic solvent and water molecules promote this surface ion diffusion, effectively rendering Li X FePO 4 a three-dimensional lithium-ion conductor. Phase-field simulations capture the effects of surface diffusion on phase transformation. Lowering surface diffusivity is crucial towards supressing phase separation. In conclusion, this work establishes fluid-enhanced surface diffusion as a key dial for tuning phase transformation in anisotropic solids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Dislocation-induced stop-and-go kinetics of interfacial transformations

Most engineering materials are based on multiphase microstructures produced either through the control of phase equilibria or by the fabrication of different materials as in thin-film processing. In both processes, the microstructure relaxes towards equilibrium by mismatch dislocations (or geometric misfit dislocations) across the heterophase interfaces (1-5) . Despite their ubiquitous presence, directly probing the dynamic action of mismatch dislocations has been unachievable owing to their buried nature. In this work, using the interfacial transformation of copper oxide to copper as an example, we demonstrate the role of mismatch dislocations in modulating oxide-to-metal interfacial transformations in an intermittent manner, by which the lateral flow of interfacial ledges is pinned at the core of mismatch dislocations until the dislocation climbs to the new oxide/metal interface location. Together with atomistic calculations, we identify that the pinning effect is associated with the non-local transport of metal atoms to fill vacancies at the dislocation core. These results provide mechanistic insight into solid-solid interfacial transformations and have substantial implications for utilizing structural defects at buried interfaces to modulate mass transport and transformation kinetics.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Phase transformation path in Aluminum under ramp compression; simulation and experimental study

Abstract We present a framework based on non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) to reproduce the phase transformation event of Aluminum under ramp compression loading. The simulated stress-density response, virtual x-ray diffraction patterns, and structure analysis are compared against the previously observed experimental laser-driven ramp compression in-situ x-ray diffraction data. The NEMD simulations show the solid–solid phase transitions are consistent to experimental observations with a close-packed face-centered cubic (fcc) (111), hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure (002), and body-centered cubic bcc (110) planes remaining parallel. The atomic-level analysis of NEMD simulations identifiy the exact phase transformation pathway happening via Bain transformation while the previous in situ x-ray diffraction data did not provide sufficient information for deducing the exact phase transformation path.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Snapshots of a solid-state transformation: coexistence of three phases trapped in one crystal

Crystal-to-crystal transformations have been crucial in the understanding of solid-state processes, since these may be studied in detail by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) techniques. The description of the mechanisms and potential intermediates of those processes remains very challenging. In fact, solid-state transient states have rarely been observed, at least to a sufficient level of detail. We have investigated the process of guest extrusion from the non-porous molecular material [Fe(bpp)(H 2 L)](ClO 4 ) 2 ·1.5C 3 H 6 O (bpp = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine; H 2 L = 2,6-bis(5-(2-methoxyphenyl)-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine; C 3 H 6 O = acetone), which occurs through ordered diffusion of acetone in a crystal-to-crystal manner, leading to dramatic structural changes. The slow kinetics of the transition allows thermal trapping of the system at various intermediate stages. The transiting single crystal can be then examined at these points through synchrotron SCXRD, offering a window upon the mechanism of the transformation at the molecular scale. These experiments have unveiled the development of an ordered intermediate phase, distinct from the initial and the final states, coexisting as the process advances with either of these two phases or, at a certain moment with both of them. The new intermediate phase has been structurally characterized in full detail by SCXRD, providing insights into the mechanism of this diffusion triggered solid-state phenomenon. Lastly, the process has been also followed by calorimetry, optical microscopy, local Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The discovery and description of an intermediate ordered state in a molecular solid-state transformation is of great interest and will help to understand the mechanistic details and reaction pathways underlying these transformations.

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

On decomposition, degradation, and voltammetric deviation: the electrochemist's field guide to identifying precatalyst transformation

What is the identity of the true electrocatalytic species? This basic question has plagued the molecular electrocatalysis community during its decades-long search for selective and efficient transition-metal based electrocatalysts for fuel forming reactions. Identifying when the added species is a precatalyst that transforms into the active catalyst in situ is an extraordinarily complex endeavor. Thankfully, the last decade has witnessed a resurgence of interest in understanding and controlling these transformations, leading to an expansion of the experimental toolkit available to probe catalyst identity. Here in this Tutorial Review, researchers will learn how the nature of the active catalyst can be uncovered using state-of-the-art electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. Analysis of catalytic voltammograms can quickly furnish qualitative evidence of precatalyst transformation and a library of these tell-tale signs is discussed, along with the chemical phenomena underpinning each feature. Complementary electrochemical and spectroscopic methods for identifying in situ generation of heterogeneous catalysts are also presented, outlining the conditions required for correct application with special emphasis on potential pitfalls when studying weakly-adsorbed material. Case studies are presented to showcase how these different probes can be integrated to develop a comprehensive picture of precatalyst transformation.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Nanoscale observations of Fe(ii)-induced ferrihydrite transformation

Because of its sorption properties, transformation of the nanomineral ferrihydrite (Fh) into more stable lepidocrocite (Lp) or goethite (Gt) has important impacts on the fate of metals, nutrients, and contaminants in soils/sediments. Although it is well known that the transformation rate is greatly accelerated under suboxic conditions by aqueous Fe(II), the enabling mass transfer process remains an ongoing debate among various mechanisms including dissolution/reprecipitation, solid-state recrystallization, and particle-mediated growth. In this paper, using electron microscopy, we examine the mineralogical evolution of 2-line Fh to Lp/Gt catalyzed by Fe(II) under strict anoxic conditions, including evaluation of Cl–SO 4 –HCO 3 anion effects. Emergence of Lp/Gt crystallites at the nanoscale was observed at ~20 min of reaction, earlier than previously reported. Lp is the first phase to nucleate in Cl-rich solutions without HCO 3 – ; whereas Lp and Gt concomitantly nucleate in SO 4 2– -rich solutions, and also when co-solute HCO 3 – is added. Lp crystallites nucleate as quasi-2D nanosheets one-unit-cell thick that contour the Fh surface; in contrast, rod-shaped (in Cl/SO 4 ) or acicular needle-shaped (in HCO 3 ) Gt crystals nucleate and grow radially outward from the Fh aggregates. Stages of transformation monitored by in situ μ-XRD coupled with aqueous Fe(II) uptake/release measurements are correlated with a short initial sorption stage followed by the onset of Lp/Gt growth that then progresses to Lp loss in favor of Gt. Microscopy data overwhelmingly support dissolution/reprecipitation as the underlying mechanism, including direct evidence for classical ion-by-ion Lp/Gt growth and Lp dissolution. The collective findings imply that the iron mass transfer through solution to distal Lp/Gt growth fronts is a critical enabling process facilitating rapid transformation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

The transformation of lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) with Fe($\tiny{II}$) (aq) in slightly acidic media: intermediate pathways and biomimetic behavior

Lepidocrocite (LP) is commonly found in natural or anthropogenic environments and oxidized alloy steel waste storage containers. Despite its importance, the end products formed and its mineral transformation pathways, including intermediate steps and underlying mechanisms under Fe(II) (aq) catalysis still need to be clarified due to decades of dispersed research. Here, in this work, we investigated LP's catalytic transformation with 10 mM and 0.2 mM Fe(II) (aq) at their natural solution pH's via bulk (X-ray Diffraction/XRD, Raman and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared/ATR-FTIR) and micro/nano-scale (semi in situ Transmission Electron Microscopy/TEM) analysis. In general, we observed that goethite (GT) and LP were the main end products. However, a series of two major distinct intermediate events that were initiated by a dissolution type of reaction along with an “induction period” (lack of dissolution) on LP occurred. Fascinatingly, two of the intermediate steps along its mineral transformation presented novel types of non-classical mechanisms of crystallization via some type of guided oriented particle attachment. Furthermore, one of these intermediate steps is biomimetic in appearance, similar to what is observed during bacterial particle attachment. However, it uses inorganic nano-wire antennas that have a sensory-like function as observed with bacterial fimbriae and/or flagellum through an electron transparent film (similar to a bio-film matrix). Finally, this work leads us to comprehend the evolution of some well documented crystal morphologies for GT commonly observed in natural and anthropogenic settings.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Communication: Multireference equation of motion coupled cluster: A transform and diagonalize approach to electronic structure

The novel multireference equation-of-motion coupled-cluster (MREOM-CC) approaches provide versatile and accurate access to a large number of electronic states. The methods proceed by a sequence of many-body similarity transformations and a subsequent diagonalization of the transformed Hamiltonian over a compact subspace. The transformed Hamiltonian is a connected entity and preserves spin- and spatial symmetry properties of the original Hamiltonian, but is no longer Hermitean. The final diagonalization spaces are defined in terms of a complete active space (CAS) and limited excitations (1h, 1p, 2h, …) out of the CAS. The methods are invariant to rotations of orbitals within their respective subspaces (inactive, active, external). Applications to first row transition metal atoms (Cr, Mn, and Fe) are presented yielding results for up to 524 electronic states (for Cr) with an rms error compared to experiment of about 0.05 eV. The accuracy of the MREOM family of methods is closely related to its favorable extensivity properties as illustrated by calculations on the O{sub 2}–O{sub 2} dimer. The computational costs of the transformation steps in MREOM are comparable to those of closed-shell Coupled Cluster Singles and Doubles (CCSD) approach.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Reflectionless design of optical elements using impedance-tunable transformation optics

We report a strategy to remove the reflections resulted from the finite embedded transformation-optical design by proposing a theory of impedance-tunable transformation optics, on which the functions of impedance coefficients can be derived in the original space without changing the refractive index. Based on the approach, two-dimensional reflectionless beam compressors/expanders, bends, shifters, and splitters are designed using the modified anisotropic medium. It is found that the reflections can be removed in magnetic response materials for TE polarization or dielectric response materials for TM polarization. The numerical simulations confirm that various reflectionless optical elements can be realized in the pure transformation optics. The proposed method can be generalized to three-dimensional cases and can be applied to other transformation-optical designs.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗