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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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Random copolymer electrolytes have better permselectivity but lower ionic conductivity than block copolymer electrolytes of the same repeat unit chemistry.
For this work, the ion dynamics of null solvents 1ZnCl 2 :4EtG and 1ChCl:1ZnCl 2 :6EtG incorporating 1M water, propylene carbonate (PC) or acetonitrile (AcN) were investigated using 1 H NMR spectra and spin-lattice relaxation time (T 1 ) measurements combined with ionic conductivity, density, and viscosity, all as a function of temperature. Results show that the inclusion of all co-solvents increased the available free volume of the mixtures and followed the trend H 2 O ≤ PC < AcN. 1 H NMR spectra and T 1 inferred the presence of multiple ionic species with varying rates of mobilities. These dynamic heterogeneities were displayed by the broad T 1 minima – especially for the 1ZnCl 2 :4EtG mixtures – and asymmetrically broadened linewidths. T 1 results also revealed selective interaction sites between the hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, as well as with the co-solvents.
A series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymer blends added with different concentrations of cupric sulphate (CuSO{sub 4}) were prepared by solution casting method and were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Ac conductance measurements. An attempt has been made to study the changes in crystal imperfection parameters in PVA/PVP blend films with the increase in concentration of CuSO{sub 4}. Results show that decrease in micro crystalline parameter values is accompanied with increase in the amorphous content in the film which is the reason for film to have more flexibility, biodegradability and good ionic conductivity. AC conductance measurements in these films show that the conductivity increases as the concentration of CuSO{sub 4} increases. These films were suitable for electro chemical applications.
Electrode materials for Li-ion batteries should combine electronic and ionic conductivity, structural integrity, and safe operation over thousands of lithium insertion and removal cycles. The quest for higher energy density calls for better understanding of the redox processes, charge and mass transfer occurring upon battery operation. A number of techniques have been used to characterize long-range and local structure, electronic and ionic transport in bulk of active materials and at interfaces, with an ongoing move toward in situ techniques determining the changes as they happen. This paper reviews several representative examples of using magnetic properties toward understanding of Li-ion battery materials with a notion to highlight the intimate connection between the magnetism, electronic and atomic structure of solids, and to demonstrate how this connection has been used to reveal the fine electronic and atomic details related to the electrochemical performance of the battery materials.
Series of Li{sub 1.5}Al{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 1.5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} glass ceramic samples were prepared in this work through the change of heat treatment temperature from 650 to 1050 °C. The structures of glass ceramic samples were characterized by means of high temperature X-ray diffraction and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. And the lithium ionic conductivity was analyzed through AC impedance spectroscopy. Through heat treatment at 850 °C for 4 h for the base glass sample, we obtained a maximum conductivity of 5.8 × 10{sup −4} S/cm at room temperature. - Graphical Abstract: High temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD) and Rietveld refinement of Li{sub 1.5}Al{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 1.5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (LAGP) glass-ceramics were recorded to investigate the phase transformation, cell parameters and the mass fraction of each crystal phase, which occur in the glass to glass-ceramics process during different crystallization temperatures. The relationship between the average grain size and conductivity that originate from and relate to the crystallization temperature was analyzed by SEM micrograph and AC impedance spectroscopy. - Highlights: • Li{sub 1.5}Al{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 1.5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} glass-ceramics were prepared from as-prepared glass. • The phases decomposition and mass fraction of each phase were analyzed by HT-XRD. • Conductivity is relate to grain size that influenced by crystallization temperature.
Lithium-based polymer batteries for aerospace applications need to be highly conductive from -70 to 70 C. State-of-the-art polymer electrolytes are based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) because of the ability of its ether linkages to solvate lithium ions. Unfortunately, PEO has a tendency to form crystalline regions below 60 C, dramatically lowering conductivity below this temperature. PEO has acceptable ionic conductivities (10(exp -4) to 10(exp -3) S/cm) above 60 C, but it is not mechanically strong. The room-temperature conductivity of PEO can be increased by adding solvent or plasticizers, but this comes at the expense of thermal and mechanical stability. One of NASA Glenn Research Center s objectives in the Polymer Rechargeable System program (PERS) is to develop novel polymer electrolytes that are highly conductive at and below room temperature without added solvents or plasticizers.
Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer One-step synthesis and its optimization of cubic garnet Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12} at 750 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Instability above 800 Degree-Sign C of the Al-free cubic Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Li{sup +}-ion conductivity without adventitious Al{sup 3+}. -- Abstract: In this paper, we report the direct synthesis of Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12} with the cubic garnet-type structure at low temperature with a lattice constant of 13.0035 Angstrom-Sign . The synthesis condition is optimized to be at 750 Degree-Sign C for 8 h with 30 wt% excess lithium salt. No intermediate grinding was involved in this straightforward route. Without the adventitious of Al{sup 3+}, the cubic Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12} is unstable above 800 Degree-Sign C and has an ionic conductivity of the order of 10{sup -6} S cm{sup -1}.
Here, this work describes how manufacturing processes and pretreatments affect the proton conductivity and vanadyl permeability of Nafion® and how these properties are altered by running in a cell. Five Nafion membranes were examined: reinforced XL100, dispersion cast NR211 and NR212, and extruded N115 and N117. The membranes were subjected to pretreatments that included annealing at 120°C and immersing in ambient temperature and boiling water and sulfuric acid. Vanadyl permeability varied by ~15X with pretreatment and ~3X with manufacturing process. Variations in ionic conductivity were comparatively modest: ~1.5X with pretreatment and ~1.2X with processing. Differences in permeability can be eliminated by annealing the extruded membranes above their glass-transition temperature or by immersing in boiling sulfuric acid. The differences induced by processing and pretreatments were largely absent from membranes removed from vanadium redox cells subjected to repeated charge/discharge cycles.
The reaction of triuranyl diphosphate tetrahydrate precursor (UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4} with a CsI flux at 750 °C yields a yellow single crystals of new compound Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2}. The crystal structure (monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=13.6261 (13) Å, b=8.1081(8) Å, c=12.3983(12) Å, β=114.61(12)°, V=1245.41(20) Å{sup 3} with Z=4) has been solved using direct methods and Fourier difference techniques. A full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F{sup 2} yielded R1=0.028 and wR2=0.071 for 79 parameters and 1352 independent reflections with I≥2σ(I) collected on a BRUKER AXS diffractometer with MoKα radiation and a charge-coupled device detector. The crystal structure is built by two independent uranium atoms in square bipyramidal coordination, connected by two opposite corners to form infinite chains {sup 1}{sub ∞}[UO{sub 5}] and by one phosphorus atom in a tetrahedral environment PO{sub 4}. The two last entities {sup 1}{sub ∞}[UO{sub 5}] and PO{sub 4} are linked by sharing corners to form a three-dimensional structure presenting different types of channels occupied by Cs{sup +} alkaline cations. Their mobility within the tunnels were studied between 280 and 800 °C and compared with other tunneled uranyl minerals. The infrared spectrum shows a good agreement with the values inferred from the single crystal structure analysis of uranyl phosphate compound. - Graphical abstract: Arrhenius plot of the electrical conductivity of tunneled compounds Cs{sub 3}U{sub 2}PO{sub 10} and CsU{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 11.5}. Highlights: ► The reaction of (UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4} in excess of molten CsI leads to single-crystals of new tunneled compound Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2}. ► Ionic conductivity measurements and crystal structure analysis indicate a strong connection of the Cs{sup +} cations to the tunnels. ► A low symmetry in Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2} is the cause of IR activation and splitting of the bands in the IR spectrum.
The results of investigation of the electrophysical and photoelectric properties of complex copper chalcogenides are presented, namely, the properties of CuSnAsSe{sub 3}, which exhibits ferroelectric properties, and CuInAsS{sub 3}, which exhibits ionic conductivity. The spectral and temperature regions of photosensitivity of these crystals are determined. The depth of the level of carrier trapping centers, which manifest themselves under thermal activation, are evaluated from the analysis of thermally stimulated conductivity (TSC) curves in CuInAsS{sub 3}.
This proposal aims to establish a transformative paradigm for oxide heterostructures with an exceptionally large number of interfaces designed to direct energy flow through controlled interface orientation, enabling fast ion transport. A primary focus is on unveiling the key role of interfacial strain in oxygen ion migration at low temperatures. The central challenge is to create, understand, utilize self-assembled vertical heteroepitaxial nanostructures with the goal of obtaining and understanding fast ion transport properties by modulating interfacial strain. The specific objectives are: (1) to synthesize multilayer thin films and vertical heteroepitaxial nanostructures with fluorite Gd-doped CeO 2 (GDC) and bixbyite RE 2 O 3 (RE = Y and Sm), (2) to evaluate the interfacial strain states under various temperatures and ambient conditions, (3) to understand the effect of interfacial strain on ionic conductivity of the proposed nanostructures, (4) to understand the three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure of the proposed material design and interface phenomena at the atomic scale.
Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Effects of Sr doping on electrical properties and structure were investigated. • The samples have higher conductivity and low activation energy. • Cause of increase oxygen vacancy concentration in the grain boundary. - Abstract: The effects of Sr doping on the electrical properties of Ce{sub 0.75}(Gd{sub 0.95−x}Sr{sub x}Ca{sub 0.05}){sub 0.25}O{sub 2−δ} (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05 mol%) electrolytes thick films were investigated. The samples sintered at 1400 °C for 8 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed typical XRD patterns of a cubic fluorite structure, and the ionic conductivity was examined by AC impedance spectroscopy. From the experimental results, it was observed that Ce{sub 0.75}(Gd{sub 0.95−x}Sr{sub x}Ca{sub 0.05}){sub 0.25}O{sub 2−δ} (x = 0.04 mol%) electrolytes thick film have higher conductivity and minimum activation energy at 600 °C. This is explained in terms of the increased in the oxygen vacancy concentration at the grain boundary.
The nonstoichiometric phase EuF{sub 2+x} has been obtained via the partial reduction of EuF{sub 3} by elementary Si at 900-1100 deg. C. Eu{sub 0.916}{sup 2+}Eu{sub 0.084}{sup 3+}F{sub 2.084} (EuF{sub 2.084}) single crystals have been grown from melt by the Bridgman method in a fluorinating atmosphere. These crystals belong to the CaF{sub 2} structure type (sp. gr. Fm3-barm) with the cubic lattice parameter a = 5.8287(2) A, are transparent in the spectral range of 0.5-11.3 {mu}m, and have microhardness H{sub {mu}} = 3.12 {+-} 0.13 GPa and ionic conductivity {sigma} = 1.4 x 10{sup -5} S/cm at 400 deg. C with the ion transport activation energy E{sub a} = 1.10 {+-} 0.05 eV. The physicochemical characteristics of the fluorite phases in the EuF{sub 2} - EuF{sub 3} systems are similar to those of the phases in the SrF{sub 2} - EuF{sub 3} and SrF{sub 2} - GdF{sub 3} systems due to the similar lattice parameters of the EuF{sub 2} and SrF{sub 2} components. Europium difluoride supplements the list of fluorite components MF{sub 2} (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Cd, Pb), which are crystal matrices for nonstoichiometric (nanostructured) fluoride materials M{sub 1-x}R{sub x}F{sub 2+x} (R are rare earth elements).
Nominally pure and gallium doped single crystals of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO{sub 4}) have been studied by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance at low temperatures before and after irradiation. Irradiation with 20 MeV electrons performed at room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature caused an appearance of electrons and holes. Gallium impurities act as hole traps in KTiOPO{sub 4} creating Ga{sup 4+} centers. Two different Ga{sup 4+} centers were observed, Ga1 and Ga2. The Ga1 centers are dominant in Ga-doped samples. For the Ga1 center, a superhyperfine structure with one nucleus with nuclear spin ½ was registered and attributed to the interaction of gallium electrons with a phosphorus nucleus or proton in its surrounding. In both Ga1 and Ga2 centers, Ga{sup 4+} ions substitute for Ti{sup 4+} ions, but with a preference to one of two electrically distinct crystallographic positions (site selective substitution). The Ga doping eliminates one of the shortcomings of KTP crystals—ionic conductivity of bulk crystals. However, this does not improve significantly the resistance of the crystals to electron and γ-radiation.
The in silico modeling of molten salts is critical for emerging "carbon-free" energy applications but is inhibited by the cost of quantum mechanically treating the high polarizabilities of molten salts. Here, we integrate configurational sampling using classical force fields with active learning to automate and accelerate the generation of Gaussian approximation potentials (GAP) for molten salts. This methodology reduces the number of expensive ab initio evaluations required for training set generation to O(100), enabling the facile parametrization of a molten LiCl GAP model that exhibits a 19 000-fold speedup relative to AIMD. The developed molten LiCl GAP model is applied to sample extended spatiotemporal scales, permitting new physical insights into molten LiCl's coordination structure as well as experimentally validated predictions of structures, densities, self-diffusion constants, and ionic conductivities. The developed methodology significantly lowers the barrier to the in silico understanding and design of molten salts across the periodic table.
Nanocomposites Samarium doped Ceria (SDC), Gadolinium doped Ceria (GDC), core shell SDC amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} (SDCC) and GDC amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} (GDCC) were synthesized using co-precipitation method and then compared to obtain better solid oxide electrolytes materials for low temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFCs). The comparison is done in terms of structure, crystallanity, thermal stability, conductivity and cell performance. In present work, XRD analysis confirmed proper doping of Sm and Gd in both single phase (SDC, GDC) and dual phase core shell (SDCC, GDCC) electrolyte materials. EDX analysis validated the presence of Sm and Gd in both single and dual phase electrolyte materials; also confirming the presence of amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} in SDCC and GDCC. From TGA analysis a steep weight loss is observed in case of SDCC and GDCC when temperature rises above 725 °C while SDC and GDC do not show any loss. The ionic conductivity and cell performance of single phase SDC and GDC nanocomposite were compared with core shell GDC/amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and SDC/ amorphous Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} nanocomposites using methane fuel. It is observed that dual phase core shell electrolytes materials (SDCC, GDCC) show better performance in low temperature range than their corresponding single phase electrolyte materials (SDC, GDC) with methane fuel.
The effect of LiCl addition on the properties of Li{sub 2}O: B{sub 2}O{sub 3}: SiO{sub 2}: TiO{sub 2} glasses has been studied. It has been observed that the ionic conductivity increases by about half an order with LiCl addition. The decrease in glass transition temperature T{sub g} and increase in the molar volume with LiCl addition have good correlation with conductivity results. The observed increase in density of glasses has been explained on the basis of heavier Cl{sup -} ion which is accommodated in the interstices in the glass network.
Transition metal (TM) and rare earth (RE) ions have been incorporated into many glass systems such as silicate, phosphate, and borosilicate-based oxide glasses, as well as in halide and chalcogenide glasses, that find applications ranging from optical, photonic, and magnetic devices, solid-state battery, to nuclear waste disposal. Understanding the structural role of RE and TM in these glasses can help to develop glass compositions for targeted applications with either high-optical emission efficiency, electrical conductivity, or chemical durability. In this chapter, we first provide a general introduction of the applications and structural features of RE and TM in glasses, then the critical aspects of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of these glasses such as interatomic potentials, structural analysis tools to study RE and TM ions in glasses and their clustering behaviors, Quantitative Structure–Property Analysis (QSPR), diffusion and dynamic property calculations, and electronic structure calculations to understand electronic defects such as charge trapping and radiation effects are introduced. Three representative case studies are presented: the first one is on MD simulations of erbium- and europium-doped silica and silicate glasses, as well as cerium doped aluminophosphate glasses, that revealed the effect of glass composition on RE ion local structure and clustering behavior. Electronic structure calculations of cerium-doped glass show how the existence of multioxidation states help to mediate radiation-induced damages caused by excited electron–hole pairs was also discussed. The second one focuses on alkali vanadophosphate glasses where the existence of two vanadium oxidation states help to provide electronic conduction in the glasses while alkali ions provide ionic conduction. MD simulations were used to understand vanadium environments and other structural aspects in the phosphate glasses, as well as the ionic transport behaviors of alkali ions. The third case study is on zirconium-containing borosilicate and aluminosilicate glasses that find wide applications in nuclear waste disposal. MD simulations help to provide structural details of zirconium ions that are validated by diffraction and EXAFS spectra. The structural information was used to interpret changes of mechanical properties and chemical durability by using QSPR and other analyses-based MD-generated structure models.