Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Synthesis”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 811 records · Page 45
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Quantitative phase analysis and microstructure characterization of magnetite nanocrystals obtained by microwave assisted non-hydrolytic sol–gel synthesis

An innovative preparation procedure, based on microwave assisted non-hydrolytic sol–gel synthesis, to obtain spherical magnetite nanoparticles was reported together with a detailed quantitative phase analysis and microstructure characterization of the synthetic products. The nanoparticle growth was analyzed as a function of the synthesis time and was described in terms of crystallization degree employing the Rietveld method on the magnetic nanostructured system for the determination of the amorphous content using hematite as internal standard. Product crystallinity increases as the microwave thermal treatment is increased and reaches very high percentages for synthesis times longer than 1 h. Microstructural evolution of nanocrystals was followed by the integral breadth methods to obtain information on the crystallite size-strain distribution. The results of diffraction line profile analysis were compared with nanoparticle grain distribution estimated by dimensional analysis of the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. A variation both in the average grain size and in the distribution of the coherently diffraction domains is evidenced, allowing to suppose a relationship between the two quantities. The traditional integral breadth methods have proven to be valid for a rapid assessment of the diffraction line broadening effects in the above-mentioned nanostructured systems and the basic assumption for the correct use of these methods are discussed as well. - Highlights: • Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocrystals were obtained by MW-assisted non-hydrolytic sol–gel synthesis. • Quantitative phase analysis revealed that crystallinity up to 95% was reached. • The strategy of Rietveld refinements was discussed in details. • Dimensional analysis showed nanoparticles ranging from 4 to 8 nm. • Results of integral breadth methods were compared with microscopic analysis.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

On the formation of Mo{sub 2}C nanocrystals by a novel system through microwave assisted combustion synthesis

This research is devoted to microwave assisted combustion synthesis of Mo{sub 2}C nanoparticles. The ternary system of MoO{sub 3}–Zn–C was used as a novel approach for the in-situ synthesis of Mo{sub 2}C in which the zincothermic reduction of MoO{sub 3} was responsible for the combustion to take place. Results showed that the formation of Mo{sub 2}C was assisted by the zincothermic reaction, although further microwave heating up to 6 min was necessary to complete the reaction. The effects of the microwave heating and mechanical activation on the reaction progress were investigated. X-ray powder diffraction was used to examine the synthesis progress. Final products (Mo{sub 2}C and ZnO) were successfully separated from each other and the synthesized carbide was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing the formation of Mo{sub 2}C hexagonal nanocrystals during combustion process. - Highlights: • Hexagonal β-Mo{sub 2}C nanocrystals were successfully synthesized. • MoO{sub 3}–Zn–C powder mixture was selected as the initial mixture for the in-situ synthesis of Mo{sub 2}C. • 30 min of mechanical activation was necessary for the carbide formation to be completed. • The zincothermic reduction of MoO{sub 3} by Zn was responsible for the combustion. • The final products included of Mo{sub 2}C and ZnO in which ZnO was removed by acid leaching.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Direct hydrothermal synthesis of hydroxyapatite/alumina nanocomposite

Hydrothermal synthesis offers numerous advantages such as: control over product homogeneity, nucleation, growth and aging. This leads to the control of particle aggregation, size uniformity and morphology over conventional and non-conventional ceramic synthesis methods. In the present work, a novel procedure for the direct synthesis of Hydroxyapatite (HAp)/alumina nanocomposite in a hydrothermal vessel with continuous stirring was investigated, where the effects of different concentration of aluminium nitrate were also studied. The optimized concentration of starting material for the characteristic formation of HAp/alumina composite (hexagonal HAp and monoclinic alumina phases) was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. The size distribution of HAp/alumina composite was found as 100 nm by electron microscopy and EDAX revealed that the concentration of alumina in the HA4 was ~ 10%, which is more suitable for biomedical implant. Further, the cytotoxicity study against MG 63 cells showed that HA4 was biocompatible even at higher concentration (200 μg/ml). Hence, the direct synthesis of HAp/alumina composite without the formation of any intermediate like calcium aluminate could be used as a novel approach to prepare HAp based biomedical implants.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Mechanochemical synthesis of layered hydroxy salts

Highlights: ► Ultrafast synthesis method was developed for the synthesis of layered hydroxy salts. ► Preparation of hydroxy single salt by this method requires only one minute. ► Hydroxy salts with variable Ni/Zn ratio could be synthesized by varying the metal contents of the starting mixture. ► This synthesis method is solvent free and environment friendly. -- Abstract: A simple one minute synthesis method was adapted for the preparation of layered hydroxy salts of copper, zinc, nickel and cadmium by grinding the metal salts with sodium hydroxide in a mortar. This solvent free method is environment friendly and fast. This method could be extended to the preparation of Ni/Zn hydroxy double salts. The Ni/Zn ratio could be varied from 1.2 to 1.9 by varying the metal contents of the precursor salts without the formation of any impurities in the sample. The prepared compounds had similar characteristics as that of the samples prepared by precipitation route. No sign of carbonate contamination was observed in any of the prepared samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and characterization of mixed phases in the Ca–Co–O system using the Pechini method

Highlights: ► We have prepared mixed Ca–Co–O phases using the Pechini method. ► Reaction times are reduced relative to conventional solid-state synthesis. ► Products have high surface area suitable for ceramic processing. ► Product composition is dictated by both kinetic and thermodynamic control. ► A revised phase diagram of the Ca–Co–O system is proposed. - Abstract: The synthesis of mixed phases in the Ca–Co–O system using the Pechini method was investigated. The phases CaCo{sub 2}O{sub 4}, Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 4}O{sub 9} and Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 2}O{sub 6}, which can be expressed in terms of the molar ratios of the binary oxides (CaO:Co{sub 2}O{sub 3}) as (1:1), (3:2) and (3:1) respectively, were obtained in pure form. Powder X-ray diffraction data showed they are comparable with materials obtained by conventional solid-state synthesis. The mild synthesis conditions of the Pechini method allowed the evolution of the Ca–Co–O phases to be studied as a function of temperature and heating time. Both variables have a strong influence on the composition of the products, indicating that both kinetic and thermodynamic factors play a role, with the former being of more importance at lower temperatures. The (1:1) phase, previously not identified in the phase diagram of the Ca–Co–O system, was obtained preferentially across the composition range below ca. 650 °C. The (3:2) phase was preferred until ca. 800 °C. At even higher temperatures, the (3:1) phase is obtained. The upper thermal stability limit of mixed phases in the Ca–Co–O system increases with the Ca:Co ratio. An updated phase diagram for the Ca–Co–O system is proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and modification of nano-sized TiO{sub 2} for photo-degradation process under visible light irradiation; a Placket–Burman experimental design

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Nanosized TiO{sub 2} doped with nitrogen and iron was produced by sol-gel method. • Linear models were derived to relate the phase and particle size to synthesis factors. • High photocatalytic activity was observed for acetaldehyde degradation. - Abstract: In this research, nitrogen and iron (III) co-doped nano TiO{sub 2} (N-Fe-TiO{sub 2}) was prepared by sol-gel method using ammonium chloride and iron chloride solutions as nitrogen and iron sources, respectively. The effect of synthesis parameters (weight ratios of N/TiO{sub 2} and Fe/TiO{sub 2}, synthesis temperature, calcination time and temperature) was simultaneously investigated on the quality of the N-Fe-TiO{sub 2} product by a two-level Placket–Burman experimental design. The synthesized powders were characterized by XRD, XPS and UV–Vis spectroscopy techniques. The mean crystal size and anatase content were determined and evaluated as the linear functions of so-called synthesis parameters by the statistical analysis and regression. The 2%N-1%Fe-TiO{sub 2} product by 11 nm mean crystal size and 78% anatase content, synthesized at 35 °C and calcined at 500 °C during 2 h, exhibited the most significant activity during the photo-degradation of acetaldehyde under visible light irradiation and its efficiency was obtained about four times more than photocatalytic activity of Degussa TiO{sub 2}-P25.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Template-free synthesis of CoMoO{sub 4} rods and their characterization

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Template-free synthesis of rods of CoMoO{sub 4} was achieved under hydrothermal conditions. • The width of the rods is about 100 nm and the length varies from 1 to 5 μm. • Low temperature and pressure of synthesis favour the formation of longer rods. - Abstract: The effect of pressure and temperature on the synthesis of cobalt-molybdenum oxides and their characterisation is herein reported. The synthesis was performed under hydrothermal conditions without any template. It was found that the experimental conditions affect the physical properties of the CoMoO{sub 4}. SEM images demonstrate that the synthesised powder is comprised of rods, and the width of the structures is about 100 nm but the length varies from about 5 μm to less than 1 μm. Low temperature and pressure favour the formation of longer rods.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Sonochemical and hydrothermal synthesis of PbTe nanostructures with the aid of a novel capping agent

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • PbTe nanostructures were prepared with the aid of Schiff-base compound. • Sonochemical and hydrothermal methods were employed to fabricate PbTe nanostrucrues. • The effect of preparation parameters on the morphology of PbTe was investigated. - Abstract: In this work, a new Schiff-base compound derived from 1,8-diamino-3,6-dioxaoctane and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde marked as (2-HyNa)-(DaDo) was synthesized, characterized, and then used as capping agent for the preparation of PbTe nanostructures. To fabricate PbTe nanostructures, two different synthesis methods; hydrothermal and sonochemical routes, were applied. To further investigate, the effect of preparation parameters like reaction time and temperature in hydrothermal synthesis and sonication time in the presence of ultrasound irradiation on the morphology and purity of the final products was tested. The products were analyzed with the aid of SEM, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, and EDS. Based on the obtained results, it was found that pure cubic phased PbTe nanostructures have been obtained by hydrothermal and sonochemical approaches. Besides, SEM images showed that cubic-like and rod-like PbTe nanostructures have been formed by hydrothermal and sonochemical methods, respectively. Sonochemical synthesis of PbTe nanostructures was favorable, because the synthesis time of sonochemical method was shorter than that of hydrothermal method.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

One-step synthesis of dense and spherical nanostructured V{sub 2}O{sub 5} particles for cathode of lithium batteries and their electrochemical properties

Graphical abstract: Dense and spherical nanostructured V{sub 2}O{sub 5} particles. - Highlights: • One-step synthesis of dense, spherical, nanostructured V{sub 2}O{sub 5} particles was achieved. • As-prepared V{sub 2}O{sub 5} consists of primary particles of approximately 100 nm size. • The electrochemical performance of spherical nanostructured V{sub 2}O{sub 5} was investigated. • The potential range affects to the discharge capacity and cyclability of V{sub 2}O{sub 5}. - Abstract: A one-step synthesis of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} was directly achieved via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis at various synthesis temperatures ranging from 500 to 700 °C. The V{sub 2}O{sub 5} prepared at 500 °C is dense and spherical nanostructured particles, which consist of primary particles with a size of approximately 100 nm. The morphology change remarkably progresses with increasing synthesis temperatures from 500 to 700 °C. The electrochemical performance of a cathode comprising dense and spherical nanostructured V{sub 2}O{sub 5} particles prepared at 500 °C was investigated by galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling and cyclic voltammetry. From the discharge–charge cycling, the initial discharge capacity of the cathode was found to be about 403 mAh g{sup −1} in the potential range of 1.5–4.0 V, but it decreased owing to inherent phase changes with repeated cycling. The potential range significantly affects the cycle performance, and the V{sub 2}O{sub 5} cathode showed good cycle performance in the potential range of 2.5–4.0 V.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

One pot synthesis of CdS/TiO{sub 2} hetero-nanostructures for enhanced H{sub 2} production from water and removal of pollutants from aqueous streams

Highlights: • Novel one pot synthesis of CdS/TiO{sub 2} hetero nanostructures by combustion synthesis. • Excellent visible light photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} production from water. • Enhanced activity for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous streams. - Abstract: To achieve more effective coupling of cadmium sulfide (CdS) to the TiO{sub 2}, single step synthesis of CdS/TiO{sub 2} composites is advantageous. In the present study a novel one pot synthesis of several CdS/TiO{sub 2} hetero-nanostructures was explored through combustion technique. As the process involves the simultaneous nucleation of CdS and TiO{sub 2} it leads to the proper connectivity between the constituent materials. All the catalysts were characterized by using several techniques and the excellent visible light activity of the composites has been asserted by the H{sub 2} production from water containing sacrificial reagents, removal of methylene blue and Cr(VI) from aqueous streams. Therefore the present synthetic strategy which is devoid of using molecular linker at interface is more suitable for solar applications, which require faster rates of electron transfer at the hetero junctions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Synthesis and characterization of methyl esters from non-edible plant species yellow oleander oil, using magnesium oxide (MgO) nano-catalyst

Highlights: • Introduction of new non-edible oil source for bioenergy industry. • Nano-particles MgO used as a heterogeneous catalyst. • Maximum conversion yield at optimum level achieved 93.1%. • Fuel properties were matched and found similar to ASTM standards. - Abstract: Synthesis and characterization of methyl esters from non-edible oil sources provide a distinctive and sustainable approach towards sustainable energy and the cleaner environment, in general. This study aims the synthesis of methyl esters from non-edible plant species yellow oleander seeds oil. The transesterification process was carried for the synthesis of methyl esters, using heterogeneous nano-catalyst magnesium oxide (MgO). A well known co-precipitation method was used for the synthesis of MgO nano-catalyst. The application of MgO nano-catalyst showed the maximum conversion (93.1%) of triacylglycerols to methyl esters. Different parameters affecting the conversion percentage; alcohol to oil molar ratio, temperature and catalyst concentrations were checked and optimized, accordingly. The optimum conditions for the maximum conversion noted; 1:5 oil to methanol molar ratio at 90 °C, using 0.2% (w/w) MgO nano-catalyst. The various analytical techniques; XRD, SEM-EDX and TEM-EDS spectroscopes were used to check out the nano-particle morphology and crystalline size, accordingly while, the FTIR, GC–MS & NMR were used to quantify and determine the structural measurements of synthesized methyl esters. The fuel properties of oleander methyl esters papered sample were checked, compared and found within accordance to the ASTM standards.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

New concept of radiolytic synthesis of gold nanoparticles in continuous flow

Radiolytic synthesis has been used to produce a plethora of unsupported and supported metallic nanoparticles in batch. As proof of a new concept, we evaluated the formation of gold nanoparticles by radiolytic synthesis in continuous flow using a millifluidic reactor. A mixture of gold ions solution, branched polyethyleneimine, and ethylene glycol yielded gold nanoparticles with a mean size of 3.4 ± 1.0 nm after irradiation with an X-ray irradiator (127 Gy/min) at an absorbed dose of 5.1 kGy. The morphology and size distribution of gold nanoparticles was influenced by AgNO 3 , where its absence resulted in a mean size of 20.9 ± 15.8 nm. The radiolytic synthesis of gold nanoparticles in continuous flow was achieved in short reaction times (<60 min), at room temperature, and with low concentrations of both stabilizing and reducing agents. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the potential of radiolytic synthesis in continuous flow for high-throughput formation of metallic nanoparticles with controlled specifications in size and distribution.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Fluorochemicals used in food packaging inhibit male sex hormone synthesis

Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate surfactants (PAPS) are widely used in food contact materials (FCMs) of paper and board and have recently been detected in 57% of investigated materials. Human exposure occurs as PAPS have been measured in blood; however knowledge is lacking on the toxicology of PAPS. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of six fluorochemicals on sex hormone synthesis and androgen receptor (AR) activation in vitro. Four PAPS and two metabolites, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH) were tested. Hormone profiles, including eight steroid hormones, generally showed that 8:2 diPAPS, 8:2 monoPAPS and 8:2 FTOH led to decreases in androgens (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione) in the H295R steroidogenesis assay. Decreases were observed for progesterone and 17-OH-progesterone as well. These observations indicated that a step prior to progestagen and androgen synthesis had been affected. Gene expression analysis of StAR, Bzrp, CYP11A, CYP17, CYP21 and CYP19 mRNA showed a decrease in Bzrp mRNA levels for 8:2 monoPAPS and 8:2 FTOH indicating interference with cholesterol transport to the inner mitochondria. Cortisol, estrone and 17β-estradiol levels were in several cases increased with exposure. In accordance with these data CYP19 gene expression increased with 8:2 diPAPS, 8:2 monoPAPS and 8:2 FTOH exposures indicating that this is a contributing factor to the decreased androgen and the increased estrogen levels. Overall, these results demonstrate that fluorochemicals present in food packaging materials and their metabolites can affect steroidogenesis through decreased Bzrp and increased CYP19 gene expression leading to lower androgen and higher estrogen levels. -- Highlights: ► Fluorochemicals found in 57% of paper and board food packaging were tested. ► Collectively six fluorochemicals were tested for antiandrogenic potential in vitro. ► Three out of six tested fluorochemicals inhibited synthesis of male sex hormones. ► Generally, levels of estrogens and cortisol stayed unaffected or increased. ► The effect on steroid synthesis was specific on gene expression of Bzrp and CYP19.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Nicotine-induced retardation of chondrogenesis through down-regulation of IGF-1 signaling pathway to inhibit matrix synthesis of growth plate chondrocytes in fetal rats

Previous studies have confirmed that maternal tobacco smoking causes intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and skeletal growth retardation. Among a multitude of chemicals associated with cigarette smoking, nicotine is one of the leading candidates for causing low birth weights. However, the possible mechanism of delayed chondrogenesis by prenatal nicotine exposure remains unclear. We investigated the effects of nicotine on fetal growth plate chondrocytes in vivo and in vitro. Rats were given 2.0 mg/kg·d of nicotine subcutaneously from gestational days 11 to 20. Prenatal nicotine exposure increased the levels of fetal blood corticosterone and resulted in fetal skeletal growth retardation. Moreover, nicotine exposure induced the inhibition of matrix synthesis and down-regulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling in fetal growth plates. The effects of nicotine on growth plates were studied in vitro by exposing fetal growth plate chondrocytes to 0, 1, 10, or 100 μM of nicotine for 10 days. Nicotine inhibited matrix synthesis and down-regulated IGF-1 signaling in chondrocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that prenatal nicotine exposure induces delayed chondrogenesis and that the mechanism may involve the down-regulation of IGF-1 signaling and the inhibition of matrix synthesis by growth plate chondrocytes. The present study aids in the characterization of delayed chondrogenesis caused by prenatal nicotine exposure, which might suggest a candidate mechanism for intrauterine origins of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. - Highlights: ► Prenatal nicotine-exposure could induce delayed chondrogenesis in fetal rats. ► Nicotine inhibits matrix synthesis of fetal growth plate chondrocytes. ► Nicotine inhibits IGF-1 signaling pathway in fetal growth plate chondrocytes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Synthesis and Properties of Bulk Mg 3 WN 4 in a Wurtzite-Derived Structure

Experimental synthesis of theoretically predicted materials with controlled elemental coordination environments can lead to the realization of useful properties, such as facile ion transport or ferroelectric switching. Among such materials are ternary nitrides in the Mg−W−N composition space, where several stable and metastable compounds have been predicted and synthesized recently in bulk and film forms. Here, we report for the first time on the bulk synthesis of Mg 3 WN 4 in a wurtzite-derived crystal structure via a solid-state metathesis reaction. In situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction shows how the ion exchange proceeds from Li 6 WN 4 + MgCl 2 precursors to Mg 3 WN 4 + LiCl products, with the reaction starting slowly near 380 °C and completing by 600 °C, including the presence of a competing disordered rocksalt-derived phase (Mg,W)N above 440 °C. The follow-up ex situ powder synthesis at 400 °C for 0.5 h with 10% excess MgCl 2 reveals the cation-ordered nature of the wurtzite-derived Mg 3 WN 4 structure with polar symmetry confirmed by second-harmonic generation measurements. Optical absorption spectra, chemical composition analysis, and electron microscopy imaging suggest that bulk Mg 3 WN 4 obtained via metathesis reaction is prone to defect formation. Overall, this study shows that selective ex situ synthesis of the phase-pure ternary nitrides, informed by in situ measurements, is possible by carefully controlling the thermal budget of the reaction and paves the way toward property characterization of the Mg 3 WN 4 wurtzite-derived material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Precursor Ion–Ion Aggregation in the Brust–Schiffrin Synthesis of Alkanethiol Nanoparticles

Tetraoctylammonium bromide is used in the Brust-Schiffrin nanoparticle synthesis to phase-transfer chloroaurate ions from the aqueous phase to the organic phase. While it is established that the quaternary ammonium complex self-associates in the organic phase, the actual self-assembled structure is debated. We have confirmed the presence of ion-ion aggregates through quantitative 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), pulsed field gradient, diffusion-ordered NMR (DOSY-NMR) and density functional theory (DFT) based NMR shift calculations. Tetraoctylammonium complexes (TOA-X, where X = Br, Cl, AuCl4-xBrx, AuBr4/Br and AuCl4-xBrx/Br) were investigated to measure the extraction of water into the organic phase. 1H NMR and DFT based NMR shielding calculations indicated that deshielding of water is due to hydration of the anion and not the formation of the aqueous core of a reverse micelle. DOSYNMR results were consistent with the formation of small aggregates at typical Brust-Schiffrin synthesis concentrations. The extent of aggregation correlated with the size and electronegativity of the anion and was analyzed with a modified, isodesmic, indefinite aggregation model. The substitution of bromoauric acid for chlororoauric acid at conditions emulating the Brust-Schiffrin synthesis increased the aggregation of the quaternary ammonium complex. The increase in aggregation corresponded with an increase in the size of the produced nanoparticles from 4.3 to 4.6 nm. Understanding the selfassembly and supramolecular structure of precursors in the Brust-Schiffrin synthesis will enable further refinement of models that predict the growth of noble metal nanoparticles.

Density Functional Theory↗
DOE OSTI2023

Heuristics for Molten-Salt Synthesis of Single-Crystalline Ultrahigh-Nickel Layered Oxide Cathodes

In pursuit of Li-ion batteries with higher energy density, ultrahigh-nickel layered oxides are a leading candidate for next-generation cathode materials. Single-crystalline morphology offers a neat solution to the poor stability of ultrahigh-Ni cathodes; a lower active surface area mitigates electrolyte decomposition at high voltages, and the elimination of grain boundaries improves mechanical resilience and increases volumetric energy density. However, single-crystal cathodes possess their own challenges, several of which originate from synthesis at elevated temperatures meant to induce grain growth. Molten-salt synthesis is an alternative method for obtaining single crystals, accelerating grain growth through the presence of a molten flux without the need for increased temperature. Herein, we offer heuristic guidelines for molten-salt synthesis, discussing key factors for designing reaction mixtures and the necessary exploratory research for novel molten salt/cathode systems. Here, the influence of different salts and synthesis conditions on the morphology and properties of single-crystal LiNiO 2 is presented. It is found that oxidative salts, such as Li 2 O 2 and LiNO 3 , are crucial to supplementing dissolution of gaseous oxygen into the molten phase. Through these discussions, this work aims to provide a set of overarching principles for obtaining higher-quality single-crystal layered oxide cathodes and engender more rigorous and impactful investigation into their fundamental nature and applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Earth-Abundant Manganese Nitride Catalysts for Mild-Condition Ammonia Synthesis

Developing advanced catalytic materials for mild-condition ammonia (NH 3 ) synthesis is essential for improving the energy efficiency of the industrial Haber-Bosch process. Here, in this study, we report a ζ-phase manganese nitride (MnN 0.43 ) catalyst for low-temperature NH 3 synthesis. The as-synthesized MnN 0.43 catalyst is protected by a carbon shell, allowing for the storage and processing of the air-sensitive metal nitride under ambient conditions. After activation in situ, the MnN 0.43 catalyst exhibits high activity for NH 3 synthesis at 250–350 °C, surpassing the conventional noble metal based Ru/MgO catalyst. A combination of kinetic, chemisorption, isotope labeling and computational studies indicate that a nitrogen vacancy-mediated associative mechanism accounts for the catalytic enhancements. Our work highlights the great potential of earth-abundant transition metal nitrides for catalyzing mild-condition NH 3 synthesis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗