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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 811 records · Page 45
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Aluminum doped nickel oxide thin film with improved electrochromic performance from layered double hydroxides precursor in situ pyrolytic route

Electrochromic materials with unique performance arouse great interest on account of potential application values in smart window, low-power display, automobile anti-glare rearview mirror, and e-papers. In this paper, high-performing Al-doped NiO porous electrochromic film grown on ITO substrate has been prepared via a layered double hydroxides(LDHs) precursor in situ pyrolytic route. The Al{sup 3+} ions distributed homogenously within the NiO matrix can significantly influence the crystallinity of Ni-Al LDH and NiO:Al{sup 3+} films. The electrochromic performance of the films were evaluated by means of UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry(CA) measurements. In addition, the ratio of Ni{sup 3+}/Ni{sup 2+} also varies with Al content which can lead to different electrochemical performances. Among the as-prepared films, NiO film prepared from Ni-Al (19:1) LDH show the best electrochromic performance with a high transparency of 96%, large optical modulation range (58.4%), fast switching speed (bleaching/coloration times are 1.8/4.2 s, respectively) and excellent durability (30% decrease after 2000 cycles). The improved performance was owed to the synergy of large NiO film specific surface area and porous morphology, as well as Al doping stifled the formation of Ni{sup 3+} making bleached state more pure. This LDHs precursor pyrolytic method is simple, low-cost and environmental benign and is feasible for the preparation of NiO:Al and other Al-doped oxide thin film. - Graphical abstract: The ratio of Ni{sup 3+}/Ni{sup 2+} varies with Al content which can lead to different electrochemical performances. Among the as-prepared films, NiO film prepared from Ni-Al (19:1) LDH show the best electrochromic performance with a high transparency of 96%, large optical modulation range, fast switching speed and excellent durability. Display Omitted.

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

Predicting Flaw-Induced Resonance Spectrum Shift with Theoretical Perturbation Analysis

Resonance inspection is an emerging non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique which uses the resonance spectra differences between the good part population and the flawed parts to identify anomalous parts. It was previously established that finite-element (FE)-based modal analysis can be used to predict the resonance spectrum for an engineering scale part with relatively good accuracy. However, FE-based simulations can be time consuming in examining the spectrum shifts induced by all possible structural flaws. This paper aims at developing a computationally efficient perturbation technique to quantify the frequency shifts induced by small structural flaws, based on the FE simulated resonance spectrum for the perfect part. A generic automotive connecting rod is used as the example part for our study. The results demonstrate that the linear perturbation theory provides a very promising way in predicting frequency changes induced by small structural flaws. As the flaw size increases, the discrepancy between the perturbation analysis and the actual FE simulation results increases due to nonlinearity, yet the perturbation analysis is still able to predict the right trend in frequency shift.

Acoustics↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effects of V addition on recrystallization resistance of 7150 aluminum alloy after simulative hot deformation

The effects of different V contents (0.01 to 0.19 wt.%) on the recrystallization resistance of 7150 aluminum alloys during post-deformation heat treatment were investigated. The microstructural evolutions at as-cast, as-homogenized conditions and after post-deformation annealing were studied using optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes and using the electron backscattered diffraction technique. The precipitation of Al{sub 21}V{sub 2} dispersoids was observed in alloys containing 0.11 to 0.19 wt.% V after homogenization. The dispersoids were mainly distributed in the dendrite cells, and the precipitate-free zones occurred in the interdendritic regions and near grain boundaries. V addition could significantly enhance the recrystallization resistance during post-deformation annealing, particularly in the presence of a great number of Al{sub 21}V{sub 2} dispersoids. Recrystallized grain growth was effectively restricted because of the dispersoid pinning effect. The alloy containing 0.15 wt.% V exhibited the highest recrystallization resistance amongst all V-containing alloys studied. - Highlights: • Investigated the effect of V level on microstructure and flow stress of 7150 alloys • Characterized microstructures using optical microscopy, SEM, TEM and EBSD • Described the precipitation behavior of V-dispersoids in the dendritic structure • Studied the V effect on recrystallization resistance during post heat treatment • V addition greatly enhanced the recrystallization resistance during annealing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

The relationships between residual stress relaxation and texture development in AZ31 Mg alloys via the vibratory stress relief technique

A systematic study of residual stress relaxation and the texture evolution of cold-rolled AZ31 Mg alloys using the vibratory stress relief technique with a simple cantilever beam vibration system was performed using a high-resolution X-ray diffractometer and a portable X-ray residual stress analyzer. The effects of vibrational stress excitation on the surface residual stress distribution and on the texture of pole figures (0002) occurring during the vibratory stress relief were examined. Compared with the effects corresponding to the same alloy under non-vibration condition, it can be observed that the uniform surface residual stress distribution and relaxation of the compressive residual stress in the stress concentration zone were observed rather than all of the residual stresses being eliminated. Furthermore, with an increase in the vibrational aging time, the compressive residual stress, texture density, and (0002) preferred orientation increased first and then decreased. It should be underlined that the vibratory stress relief process for the vibrational aging time of more than 10 min is able to weaken the strong basal textures of AZ31 Mg alloys, which is valuable for enhancement of their formability and is responsible for an almost perfect 3D-Debye–Scherrer ring. - Highlights: • 3D-Debye ring about VSR technique is not discussed in the existing literature. • A newly developed VSR method is suitable for small or thin workpieces. • The cosα method accurately and effectively determines the residual stresses. • The VSR technique is valuable for enhancement of their formability. • The texture and preferred orientation change with the vibrational aging time.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

A quasi-in-situ EBSD observation of the transformation from rolling texture to recrystallization texture in V-4Cr-4Ti alloy

Recrystallization texture evolution of rolled V-4Cr-4Ti alloy has been investigated by quasi-in-situ EBSD (electron back-scattering diffraction) method. Concurrently, the precipitates were characterized by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). It was found that both the initial rolling textures and the distribution of the precipitates affected the formation of the recrystallization texture. It was revealed that the texture transformations of (558) 〈110〉 + (665) 〈110〉 to (334) 〈483〉 + (665) 〈1 1 2.4〉 were possibly attributed to the selective drag induced by the sparsely dispersed Ti-rich precipitates. While the densely distributed Ti-rich precipitates were responsible for the randomized recrystallization texture. Finally, when the precipitates were absent, the orientation changes from (112) 〈110〉 and (558) 〈110〉 to (111) 〈112〉 and (001) <110> to (001) <520> were observed. - Highlights: • Micro recrystallization texture evolution in V-4Cr-4Ti alloys is reported for the first time. • The volume fraction of Ti-rich precipitates has significant effect on the recrystallization texture evolution. • The dissolution of the Ti-rich precipitates above 1100 °C induces the strengthening of (111) <112> texture.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Experimental quantification of “hardenability” of 2195 and 2050 Al-Li alloys by using cold-rolled sheets

Highlights: • An experimental simulation method for intuitive “hardenability” evaluation. • With increasing the distance from the quenching end, the strength of 2050 alloy lowers more slowly than that of 2195 alloy, indicating its better “hardenability”. • At the location far away from the quenching end, lenticular-shaped phases form within grains, which impede T1 precipitation at the same local location during the following aging process. • More intra-granular lenticular-shaped phases in 2195 Al-Li alloy corresponds to its lower “hardenability”. - Abstract: To effectively and intuitively evaluate the “hardenability” during the design of new heat-treatable Al alloys, an experimental evaluation method by using cold-rolled thin sheets was proposed, which combined end-quenching with tensile test after aging, and eliminated the effect of different original structure of thick plate through-thickness. The “hardenability” of 2050 and 2195 Al-Li alloys was then intuitively characterized by their strength lowering as a function of distance away from the quenching end after T8-aging following end-quenching. As the distance is increased, the strength of the 2050 Al-Li alloy lowers more slowly than that of the 2195 Al-Li alloy, indicating a better “hardenability” of the 2050 Al-Li alloy. At the location with a certain distance away from the quenching end, in addition to the Cu-rich secondary phases at the grain boundary, lenticular-shaped Cu-containing secondary phases also form within grains during the end quenching process, which impede the precipitation of T1 (Al{sub 2}CuLi) phase at the same local location during the following aging process. More importantly, the number of the intra-granular lenticular-shaped phases in the 2195 Al-Li alloy is much more than that in the 2050 Al-Li alloy, which contributes to a less “hardenability” of the 2195 Al-Li alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Microstructural evolution of ω assisted α precipitates in β-CEZ alloy during ageing process

Highlights: • Ultrafine Athermal ω precipitates were formed in β-CEZ alloy by quenching from above the β transus temperature. • In the ageing process, these ω precipitates coarsen, accompanied by the form of needle-like α phase. • ω precipitates were formed by {111}β planes shift 0.5d222 along the direction. • The superfine α particles are formed in close proximity of the ω/β interface. - Abstract: The microstructural evolution in β-CEZ (Ti-5Al-2Sn-4Zr-4Mo-2Cr-1Fe wt%) alloy, after quenching and ageing, has been investigated by combining results from orientation imaging microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). Ultrafine Athermal ω precipitates (about 1 nm) are formed in this alloy by quenching from above the β transus temperature. In the ageing process, these ω precipitates coarsen, accompanied by the form of needle-like α phase. The scale of ω assisted α increased from 5 to 10 nm in width and about 50 nm in length to 10 nm in width and 100–300 nm in length while extending ageing time from 2 h to 5 h at 350 °C. However, when going on extending the ageing time from 5 h to 20 h at 350 °C, the scale of α didn't grow dramatically but the density of α increased clearly. When increasing the ageing temperature from 350 °C to 450 °C, the scale of ω assisted α grow dramatically. Furthermore, the structural relationship of ω and α is observed by HRTEM images. It can be found that ω precipitates were formed by {111}β planes shift 0.5d222 along the <111> direction, and the superfine α particles are formed in close proximity of the ω/β interface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Characterization of hot extrusion and heat treatment on mechanical properties in a spray formed ultra-high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

Highlights: • The spray forming technology was used to fabricate ultra-high strength aluminum alloy. • The alloy under RRA state obtained the highest ultimate tensile strength of 732 MPa. • The effects of dislocations, solutes and precipitates etc., on yield strength were calculated. • Precipitation was characterized as the main strengthening mechanism for aging states. - Abstract: To obtain the optimal mechanical properties, several processes including spray forming technology, two passes hot extrusion and substantial heating treatments were operated on an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy. The characterization methods used in this study include tensile tests, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and microstructure observations by optical microscope, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The typical characteristics were the refined grain, homogeneous precipitates and porosity in the as-deposited pre-forms. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness and elongation improved significantly after two passes hot extrusion. A good combination of ultimate tensile strength at 704 MPa and elongation at 9.7% were achieved under peak-aged treatment. The best ultimate tensile strength was obtained at 732 MPa after re-aging and regression. It was main dimple fracture in the extruded and aging treated specimens while brittle fracture for the as-deposited. The secondary phases were main MgZn{sub 2} and Al{sub 3}Zr dispersoids throughout all the states. The contributions of grain boundaries, dislocations, solid-solution and precipitates on the yield strength were analyzed using a quantitative equation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Perturbing the spin state and conduction of Fe (II) spin crossover complexes with TCNQ

In this study, we investigated modifications driven by 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) to the spin state configuration of [Fe(3-bpp) 2 ](TCNQ) 2 co-crystal and both spin state and electric conductivity of [Fe{H 2 B(pz) 2 } 2 (bipy)] and TCNQ mixtures. The Fe 2+ site in the [Fe(3-bpp) 2 ](TCNQ) 2 co-crystal has a sizable orbital moment. During X-ray absorption measurements, the iron ion is partially excited to the high spin state and strong surface effects are indicated. Mixing TCNQ with the [Fe{H 2 B(pz) 2 } 2 (bipy)] spin crossover complex leads to a molecular combination with increased conductivity and drift carrier lifetimes. [Fe{H 2 B(pz) 2 } 2 (bipy)] thin films with TCNQ, grown using dimethylformamide (DMF), are to great extent locked mainly in the low spin (LS) state across a broad temperature range and exhibit drift carrier lifetimes approaching 0.5 s. When deposited onto a ferroelectric polyvinylidenefluoride-hexafluoropropylene thin film substrate, [Fe{H 2 B(pz) 2 } 2 (bipy)], shows enhanced transistor carrier mobility, likely associated with the increasing cationic character of [Fe{H 2 B(pz) 2 } 2 (bipy)] thin films with TCNQ.

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

One-step electrochemical synthesis of a graphene–ZnO hybrid for improved photocatalytic activity

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Graphene–ZnO hybrid was synthesized by one-step electrochemical deposition. • Graphene–ZnO hybrid presents a special structure and wide UV–vis absorption spectra. • Graphene–ZnO hybrid exhibits an exceptionally higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye methylene blue. - Abstract: A graphene–ZnO (G-ZnO) hybrid was synthesized by one-step electrochemical deposition. During the formation of ZnO nanostructure by cathodic electrochemical deposition, the graphene oxide was electrochemically reduced to graphene simultaneously. Scanning electron microscope images, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, and UV–vis absorption spectra indicate the resulting G-ZnO hybrid presents a special structure and wide UV–vis absorption spectra. More importantly, it exhibits an exceptionally higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye methylene blue than that of pure ZnO nanostructure under both ultraviolet and sunlight irradiation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of scandia doping method on the emission uniformity of scandate cathode with Sc{sub 2}O{sub 3}–W matrix

Graphical abstract: Emission uniformity of the cathodes prepared by mechanical mixing (a) and spray drying method (b). - Highlights: • The emission uniformity of scandate cathodes has been quantitively obtained. • The nanoparticles on the cathode surface lead to the electric field enhancement. • The cathode prepared by spray drying method exhibits good emission uniformity. - Abstract: Scandia doped tungsten matrix dispenser cathodes were manufactured using scandia doped tungsten powder prepared by mechanical mixing, liquid–solid doping and a spray drying method. It is found the macrostructure of the cathode depended on the powder preparation method. The cathode prepared using the powder prepared by spray drying method had a homogenous and porous matrix characterized with grains with a diameter of less than 1 μm and with many nanoparticles distributing uniformly around these grains. The cathode with submicron structure and uniform distribution of scandia exhibited good emission uniformity. The emission uniformity ΔJ/J of the cathode prepared by spray drying method was 0.17, about 6 times lower than that of the cathode prepared by mechanical mixing method. The calculation results showed that the nanoparticles led to electric field enhancement. A Ba–Sc–O multilayer on the cathode surface and nanoparticles distributing mainly on W grains contributed to the emission property of the cathode.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Evaluate humidity sensing properties of novel TiO{sub 2}–WO{sub 3} composite material

Graphical abstract: TiO{sub 2}–WO{sub 3} (1:1) showed better humidity sensing properties than others within the range of 12–90% relative humidity (RH), the response and recovery time were about 20 s and 160 s, respectively. Compared to the previous studies, the prepared sensor exhibits higher sensitivity (S = 451) and the low hysteresis value was around 0.13% at 32% RH. - Highlights: • Novel TiO{sub 2}–WO{sub 3} composite material was prepared for humidity sensor. • The sensor exhibits higher sensitivity (S = 451). • Low hysteresis value was around 0.13% at 32% RH. - Abstract: A novel TiO{sub 2}–WO{sub 3} composite material was prepared using a different proportion of TiO{sub 2} and WO{sub 3} to that investigated in previous studies. The obtained mesoporous material was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption techniques. The humidity-sensing properties were measured using an inductance, capacitance and resistance analyzer. The results demonstrated that the TiO{sub 2}–WO{sub 3} sample with a ratio of 1:1 showed better humidity sensing properties. Compared to previous studies, the prepared sensor exhibited higher sensitivity (S = 451) and the lower hysteresis value was around 0.13% at 32% RH. Complex impedance analysis indicated that the enhanced humidity sensitivity was probably due to spherical Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and the hetero-junction between TiO{sub 2}–WO{sub 3} thin films, while the impedance varied about three orders of magnitude. Our results demonstrated the potential application of TiO{sub 2}–WO{sub 3} composite for fabricating high performance humidity sensors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis of pore-variable mesoporous CdS and evaluation of its photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Self-templated synthesis of tubular CdS. • Cadmium complexes of aliphatic acids sustain the network of mesoporous structures. • Aliphatic acids affect the phase composition and particle size. • Pore size and volume vary with aliphatic acids having different hydrocarbonyl. - Abstract: In this study, mesoporous CdS polycrystallites have been synthesized using aliphatic acids of hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, and oleic acid as coordinating and capping agents, respectively. The fibrous Cd–fatty acid salts act as a template to form the tubular CdS. The organic species are found to be necessary for maintaining the network of mesoporous CdS. The characterization results indicate that the shorter carbon chain length in aliphatic acids favors the wurtzite phase and particle size growth the specific surface area, pore diameter and pore volume show a monotonic raise with increasing carbon chain. The photocatalytic activities of mesoporous CdS tubes exhibit much higher efficiency than those of nanosized CdS powders in decolorizing methylene blue under simulated visible light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Enhancement on photocatalytic activity of an amorphous titanium oxide film with nano-textured surface by selective-fluorination etching process

Highlights: • The amorphous TiO{sub x} film surface was modified via selective fluorination etching process. • The resulting nano-textured surface markedly enriched the specific surface area and surface acidity. • The photocatalytic activity was comparable to an annealed TiO{sub x} film with anatase structure. - Abstract: A selective-fluorination etching process achieved by an UV light pre-irradiation and the subsequently fluorination etching was developed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of a low-temperature deposited amorphous titanium oxide (a-TiO{sub x}) film. Textured surface on the a-TiO{sub x} films formed by this process were investigated using atomic force microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope. Evidence of the fluorine ions introduced into the a-TiO{sub x} films was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The etching thickness of the a-TiO{sub x} film was found to be deeply relevant to the film pre-irradiated by the UV light. An a-TiO{sub x} film with nano-textured surface, which was favorable to enlarge the specific surface area, thus was obtainable from the notable etching selectivity of the film pre-irradiated by UV light through a nano-sized mask. In addition, the surface acidity of the a-TiO{sub x} film was enhanced by the formation of the Ti-F chemical bonds originating from the fluorination etching process, which also was functional to facilitate the production of surface OH free radicals. Accordingly, the resulting fluorinated a-TiO{sub x} film with nano-textured surface performed a quality photocatalytic activity comparable to that of the high-temperature achieved TiO{sub x} film with anatase structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Free-standing anode of N-doped carbon nanofibers containing SnO{sub x} for high-performance lithium batteries

Highlights: • Self-standing SnO{sub x} N-CNF electrodes were synthesized by electrospinning. • The SnO{sub x} N-CNFs anode exhibits high capacity, good cyclic stability, and excellent rate performance for lithium ion batteries. • The enhanced performance is ascribed to the synergetic effects between N-CNFs and SnO{sub x} nanoparticles. - Abstract: Free-standing paper of N-doped carbon nanofibers (NCNFs) containing SnO{sub x} was prepared by electrospinning. The structure and morphology of the sample were analyzed by XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM. The results show that nitrogen atoms were successfully doped into CNFs. The SnO{sub x} were homogenously embedded in the N-doped CNFs via annealing treatment. Subsequently, the SnO{sub x} NCNF paper was cut into disks and used as anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The anodes of SnO{sub x} NCNFs exhibit excellent cycling stability and show high capacity of 520 mA h g{sup −1} tested at a 200 mA g{sup −1} after 100 cycles. More importantly, at a high current density of 500 mA g{sup −1}, a large reversible capacity of 430 mA h g{sup −1} after 100 cycles can still be obtained. The good electrochemical performance should be attributed to the good electronic conductivity from the NCNFs and the synergistic effects from NCNFs and SnO{sub x} materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structure and properties of Pb(Lu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}–0.2PbTiO{sub 3} relaxor ferroelectric crystal

Graphical abstract: The relaxor state of the crystal was demonstrated by the dielectric behavior. - Highlights: • PLN–0.2PT ferroelectric crystal was obtained by the TSSG technique. • The super-lattice reflections were identified by XRD and TEM results. • The PLN–0.2PT crystal is a typical relaxor ferroelectric. - Abstract: Ferroelectric crystal Pb(Lu{sub 1/2}Nb{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}–0.2PbTiO{sub 3} (PLN–0.2PT) was successfully obtained by a top-seed solution growth technique. At room temperature the symmetry was orthorhomic according to X-ray diffraction (XRD). The super-lattice reflections were identified by XRD and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The micro-domain structure was detected by TEM. The temperature dependence of the dielectric constant (ϵ′) shows a typical relaxor behavior. The temperature dependence of coercive electric field and remnant polarizations were investigated, which also shows the relaxor feature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

High (1 1 1) orientation poly-Ge film fabricated by Al induced crystallization without the introduction of AlO{sub x} interlayer

High (1 1 1) orientation poly-Ge film was fabricated by Al induced crystallization (AIC), where Al and amorphous Ge (a-Ge) layers were continuously deposited by magnetron sputtering, avoiding the deliberate introduction of an AlO{sub x} interlayer. To improve the quality of poly-Ge film, the ratio of thicknesses of Al and a-Ge was adjusted. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) results revealed that the (1 1 1) fraction of poly-Ge film reached 97% and the average crystal grain size surpassed 100 μm.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗