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At least 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Involute Working Group – FSI Analysis of Fuel Plates Using Finite Volume and Finite Element Methods

The three involute plate research reactors RHF, HFIR, and FRM II have expressed an interest in using computational software to carry their steady-state safety analysis. Since these tools represent a significant departure from the methods used currently (one-dimensional), the acceptability of the new approach by regulators requires thorough verification and validation of these tools. Therefore, Argonne National Laboratory and the three involute-plate reactors formed an informal group called the Involute Working Group aiming at qualifying computational tools to perform steady-state safety analysis. The present report focuses on a comparison of finite volume and finite element methods to model solids in fluid-structure interaction problems with the goal to estimate the coolant flow-induced fuel plate deflections obtained with the two methods. The finite volume method will be obsoleted in STARCCM+ by the end of 2021, nevertheless, this evaluation is important because the method was used by ANL researchers to model the response of the fuel plates, despite its drawbacks, which are discussed in the report. It was essential to check how those estimates compare to the results obtained with the finite element method that is considered superior for structural analysis. Various geometries, i.e., flat, cylindrical and circle-involute fuel plates, as well as coolant flow speed, were considered. The comparison shows that, independently of the plate geometry, the finite volume method significantly underestimates the deflection as compared to finite element method for coarser meshes. When the discretization is developed as a result of a mesh sensitivity study using finite element method, the result obtained using finite volume method can be a few times smaller than the corresponding finite element method solution. A code-to-code comparison , between STAR-CCM+ and LS-DYNA was included in the analysis. Within the LS-DYNA models, two types of finite element formulations were used: solid and shell finite elements. Mesh sensitivity study showed that both approaches converge to a similar value that was obtained with STAR-CCM+ finite element solver. The evaluation of the computational solvers was extended by adding two benchmark cases from the STAR-CCM+ Verification Suite and presented in the Appendix A. The selected cases are: (1) bending of a cantilever beam under external load, and (2) cylindrical shell deformation analysis, known in the literature as ‘Scordelis-Lo roof’. The problems were solved with finite volume, and finite element methods, and the results confirmed the previously discussed findings. The analysis shows that the finite element solver is superior to the finite volume solver in terms of representation of model geometry and estimating the structural behavior of fuel plates. Depending on the ratio of the load to the flexibility of the plate, the finite volume solver can greatly under- or overestimate the structural response if a very carefully selected mesh is not used.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Magnetic exchange interaction in gadolinium(III) complex having aliphatic nitroxide radical TEMPO

We synthesized a new compound, [Gd(hfac){sub 3}(MeOH)(TEMPO)] (TEMPO = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl; Hhfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione) with the metal/radical ratio of 1/1. This compound has an advantage in the magnetic analysis, because the exchange coupling system is described with a unique coupling parameter J, when compared to the structure and magnetic properties of the previous TEMPO and related complexes. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of [Gd(hfac){sub 3}(MeOH)(TEMPO)] revealed the N-O and Gd-O(N) bond lengths are 1.299(9) and 2.307(5) Å, respectively, and the Gd-O-N angle is 149.4(5)°. The magnetic study clarified the Gd{sup 3+}-radical antiferromagnetic interaction of 2J/k{sub B} = −3.5(1) K.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Circular Reprocessing of Thermoset Polyurethane Foams

Thermoset polyurethane (PU) foams are widely used in industrial applications, but they cannot be recycled by conventional melt reprocessing because of their cross-linked structures. The introduction of carbamate exchange catalysts converts thermoset PU into covalent adaptable networks (CANs), which are amenable to reprocessing at elevated temperatures. However, this approach has produced solid PU films, which have fewer uses and lower commercial demand. In this work, simultaneous reprocessing and refoaming of thermoset PU foams is demonstrated by leveraging the melt-processability of PU CANs and allowing cell growth by gas generation in a twin-screw extruder. The optimal operating temperature of the refoaming process is determined through chemical, thermal, and structural analysis of PU foam extrudates. The foam-to-foam extrusion process produces controllable, continuous, and uniform foam structures, as characterized by cell diameter and cell number density. Low-density PU foams are obtained through a process simulating injection molding. The compression properties of reprocessed PU foam are compared with as-synthesized PU foam to demonstrate efficacy of the refoaming processes. These results demonstrate that PU foams can be prepared through recycling while maintaining microstructural and chemical integrity. In the future, this strategy may be applied to thermoset PU foams of various chemical compositions and shows promise for scalability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural insight into the role of VAL1 B3 domain for targeting to FLC locus in Arabidopsis thaliana

Vernalization is a pivotal stage for some plants involving many epigenetic changes during cold exposure. In Arabidopsis, an essential step in vernalization for further flowering is successful silence the potent floral repressor Flowering Locus C (FLC) by repressing histone mark. AtVal1 is a multi-function protein containing five domains that participate into many recognition processes and is validated to recruit the repress histone modifier PHD-PRC2 complex and interact with components of the ASAP complex target to the FLC nucleation region through recognizing a cis element known as CME (cold memory element) by its plant-specific B3 domain. Here, we determine the crystal structure of the B3 domain in complex with Sph/RY motif in CME. Our structural analysis reveals the specific DNA recognition by B3 domain, combined with our in vitro experiments, we provide the structural insight into the important implication of AtVAL1-B3 domain in flowering process.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Syntheses and characterizations of two new energetic copper–amine-DNANT complexes and their effects on thermal decomposition of RDX

Two novel copper complexes of dinitroacetonitrile (DNANT), Cu(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}(DNANT){sub 2} (1) and Cu(en){sub 2}(DNATN){sub 2} (2), have been synthesized for the first time through an unique reaction, and structurally characterized. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis shows that the Cu{sup 2+} cations in the two complexes share a similar four-coordinated structure, which however does not directly involve the main energetic DNANT{sup −} anion. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study reveals that the two complexes have higher thermal stability and lower sensitivity than the analogous FOX-7 complexes, and exhibit good catalytic action to the decomposition of RDX. - Graphical abstract: Cu(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}(DNANT){sub 2} (1) and Cu(en){sub 2}(DNATN){sub 2} (2) have been first synthesized through an unique reaction. Cu{sup 2+} ion shares a similar four-coordinated structure in the two complexes. Display Omitted - Highlights: • A new reaction is unexpectedly found, and reaction process was discussed in this work. • Cu(NH{sub 3}){sub 4} (DNANT){sub 2}and Cu(en){sub 2}(DNATN){sub 2} were first synthesized through an unique reaction. • The structures and properties of the two complexes were discussed in detail, and they all present good application performances. • The adjacent amino-hydrazino group in AHDNE exhibits high reactivity. The work is another typical example for the reactivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Rietveld refinement and dielectric relaxation of a new rare earth based double perovskite oxide: BaPrCoNbO{sub 6}

A new rare earth based double perovskite oxide barium praseodymium cobalt niobate, BaPrCoNbO{sub 6} (BPCN) is synthesized by solid-state reaction technique. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data shows that the compound crystallizes in a perovskite like tetragonal structure which belongs to the I4/mmm space group with lattice parameters a=b=5.6828(9) Å, c=8.063(2) Å. Structural analysis reveals 1:1 ordered arrangement for the Co{sup 2+} and Nb{sup 5+} cations over the six-coordinate B-sites of BPCN. The superlattice line (1 0 1) at 2θ=19.10° arising from the alternate ordering of Co{sup 2+} and Nb{sup 5+} sites is observed in the XRD pattern which confirms the presence of cation ordering in BPCN. Fourier transform infrared spectrum shows two phonon modes of the sample due to the antisymmetric NbO{sub 6} stretching vibration. The relaxation dynamics of the conductive process in BPCN is investigated in the temperature range 303 to 503 K and in the frequency range 100 Hz to 1 MHz using impedance spectroscopy. The relaxation mechanism of the sample in the framework of electric modulus formalism is modeled by Davidson–Cole model (DCM). The values of α (distribution of relaxation time) for the DCM varies from 0.1 to 0.3 which suggests the asymmetric distribution of relaxation time for BPCN. The activation energy of the sample, calculated from both conductivity and modulus spectra, are found to be almost the same ∼0.4 eV, which indicates that the conduction mechanism for BPCN is polaron hopping. The scaling behaviour of the imaginary part of electric modulus suggests that the relaxation follows the same mechanism at various temperatures. - Graphical abstract: Rietveld refinement plot for BPCN. Inset shows the schematic presentation of the BPCN tetragonal unit cell. The Co{sup 2+} atoms are located at the centers of the CoO{sub 6} (blue) octahedra. The Nb{sup 5+} atoms are located at the centers of the NbO{sub 6} (green) octahedra. Display Omitted - Highlights: • BaPrCoNbO{sub 6} is synthesized for the first time. • Rietveld refinement of XRD data confirms tetragonal phase. • XRD confirms the presence of cation ordering in BaPrCoNbO{sub 6}. • The activation energy is ∼0.4 eV. • The conduction mechanism for BPCN is due to polaron hopping.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Comparative study of optical and structural properties of electrospun 1-dimensional CaYAl{sub 3}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 3+} nanofibers and bulk phosphor

We report the optical and structural studies of Eu{sup 3+}-doped 1-dimensional CaYAl{sub 3}O{sub 7} nano-fiber phosphor. CaYAl{sub 3}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors were synthesized by electrospinning technique and the pristine nano-fibers were annealed at 900 °C to form well crystallized uniform fibers. Under ultraviolet excitation, the CaYAl{sub 3}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 3+} exhibited red emission, due to transitions in the 4f states of Eu{sup 3+}. In order to explore the difference between the quantum efficiency of nano-fiber and bulk CaYAl{sub 3}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphor, detailed structural and optical analyses were carried out. The structural analysis of the CaYAl{sub 3}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 3+} nano-fibers indicates that the structural environment surrounding the dopant Eu{sup 3+} ion was more unstable in nano-fiber when compared to a bulk sample. Decay curves for both the samples when fitted with double exponential decay model indicate that the nano-fiber has shorter decay time, arising from the larger contribution from the non-radiative decay, due to defect levels introduced in the host lattice. - Highlights: • Synthesis of red nano-phosphor through electrospinning • Luminescence properties of bulk and nano-phosphors are compared. • Inferior emission intensity of the nano-phosphor is analyzed using MEM. • Charge cloud around nano-phosphor was found to be oblique.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Photoluminescence performance of thulium doped Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2} under irradiation of ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet lights

Highlights: • A novel blue-emitting phosphor Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} was reported. • Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} exhibited excellent thermal and irradiation stability. • Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} was found to possess high color purity. - Abstract: In this work, we synthesized Tm{sup 3+} doped Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors and investigated their photoluminescence properties under the excitation of ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet lights. The crystal structure analysis and variation of cell parameters confirm that Tm{sup 3+} ions have been successfully doped in the structure of Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2} host by occupying the sites of Ca{sup 2+} with the coordination number of 6. The luminescence results suggest that Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} is a good blue-emitting phosphor when excited by ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet irradiations. In addition, it is observed that there is nearly no degradation for Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} after undergoing thermal and irradiation treatments. Possible mechanisms for the luminescence processes are proposed on the basis of the discussion of excitation and emission spectra. In particular, the emission color of Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} by excitation of 147 and 172 nm irradiations is very close to the standard blue color, suggesting that it could be potentially applied in plasma display panels and mercury-free fluorescence lamps.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural, ferroelectric and magnetic study of lead free (Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}){sub 1-x}La{sub x}Ti{sub 0.988}Fe{sub 0.012}O{sub 3} (x=0,0.01,0.03,0.05) ceramic

Lead free (Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}){sub 1-x}La{sub x}Ti{sub 0.988}Fe{sub 0.012}O{sub 3} ceramic having compositions (x=0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) has been prepared by sol gel method using citric acid. Structural analysis has been done by X-ray diffraction and FTIR measurements. XRD patterns have been confirmed perovskite structure for all samples. FTIR absorption band at around ∼630 cm{sup −1} is observed for all samples which confirm perovskite phase formation in samples. With increasing La concentration, shifting in XRD peaks and FTIR absorption bands is observed which suggests incorporation of La on A-site in prepared (Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}){sub 1-x}La{sub x}Ti{sub 0.988}Fe{sub 0.012}O{sub 3} samples. Effect of La substitution on Ferroelectric (Polarization vs. Electric field) and Magnetic (Magnetization vs. Magnetic field) properties have been studied at room temperature. All samples exhibit weak ferromagnetic order and also possess ferroelectric behavior which provides new insight to lead free single phase multiferroic materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Sequence-dependent Structural Variation in DNA Undergoing Intrahelical Inspection by the DNA glycosylase MutM

MutM, a bacterial DNA-glycosylase, plays a critical role in maintaining genome integrity by catalyzing glycosidic bond cleavage of 8-oxoguanine (oxoG) lesions to initiate base excision DNA repair. The task faced by MutM of locating rare oxoG residues embedded in an overwhelming excess of undamaged bases is especially challenging given the close structural similarity between oxoG and its normal progenitor, guanine (G). MutM actively interrogates the DNA to detect the presence of an intrahelical, fully base-paired oxoG, whereupon the enzyme promotes extrusion of the target nucleobase from the DNA duplex and insertion into the extrahelical active site. Recent structural studies have begun to provide the first glimpse into the protein-DNA interactions that enable MutM to distinguish an intrahelical oxoG from G; however, these initial studies left open the important question of how MutM can recognize oxoG residues embedded in 16 different neighboring sequence contexts (considering only the 5'- and 3'-neighboring base pairs). In this study we set out to understand the manner and extent to which intrahelical lesion recognition varies as a function of the 5'-neighbor. Here we report a comprehensive, systematic structural analysis of the effect of the 5'-neighboring base pair on recognition of an intrahelical oxoG lesion. These structures reveal that MutM imposes the same extrusion-prone ('extrudogenic') backbone conformation on the oxoG lesion irrespective of its 5'-neighbor while leaving the rest of the DNA relatively free to adjust to the particular demands of individual sequences.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Isolation and characterization of new lignin streams derived from extractive-ammonia (EA) pretreatment

One of the key challenges facing lignin conversion to fuels and chemicals is related to the level of carbohydrate and ash impurities found in extracted lignin. Structural modifications of lignin may also occur as a result of biomass pretreatment and harsh lignin extraction protocols. Extractive-Ammonia (EA) is a new pretreatment technology that uses liquid ammonia to cleave lignin–carbohydrate complexes, decrystallize cellulose, solubilize lignin, and selectively extract lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, enabling better utilization of both lignin and carbohydrate components in a biorefinery. The EA-based biorefinery produces two different lignin-rich streams, with different properties, that could potentially be upgraded to fuels and chemicals using green processes. Here, a water/ethanol-based fractionation method was developed to enrich the ammonia-soluble extractives, resulting in a major product stream containing 92% lignin. Detailed characterization of the various streams resulting from EA treatment, including compositional analysis, structural characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, elemental analysis, molecular weight analysis, and thermo-gravimetric analysis provides a broad evaluation of the EA-derived lignin product stream structures and properties, assessing their potential for commercial applications. In conclusion, EA-derived lignins preserve much of lignin's functionality, including the sensitive β-aryl ether units. Furthermore, we observed nitrogen incorporation in the lignin-rich streams, notably due to the presence of hydroxycinnamoyl amides formed during ammonia pretreatment.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Frequency analysis of uncertain structures using imprecise probability

Two new methods for finite element based frequency analysis of a structure with uncertainty are developed. An imprecise probability formulation based on enveloping p-boxes is used to quantify the uncertainty present in the mechanical characteristics of the structure. For each element, independent variations are considered. Using the two developed methods, P-box Frequency Analysis (PFA) and Interval Monte-Carlo Frequency Analysis (IMFA), sharp bounds on natural circular frequencies at different probability levels are obtained. These methods establish a framework for handling incomplete information in structural dynamics. Numerical example problems are presented that illustrate the capabilities of the new methods along with discussions on their computational efficiency.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Structural dependence of hydrogen evolution reaction on transition metal catalysts sputtered at different temperatures in alkaline media

In the present article, we studied the catalytic activity of magnetron sputtered Mo, V, Ni, and Co thin films for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in the alkaline electrolyte. Here, we find that the HER potentials (η 10 ) of the Mo and V thin film catalysts sputtered at 800 °C shift positive with respect to those of the film catalysts sputtered at 25°C. For Mo metal the observed shift of η 10 was 280 mV and for V metal observed shift of η 10 was 390 mV. On the other hand, minimal effect of sputtering temperature on both Ni and Co thin film catalyst activity for HER was observed. Structural analysis reveals that Mo and V prepared at 800 °C have uncommon face centered cubic (fcc, 0.74 packing density) structure as opposed to room-temperature sputtered Mo and V thin films which have common body centered cubic (bcc, 0.68 packing density) structure, resulting in significant increases of the packing densities when they are prepared at 800 °C. On the other hand, the high-temperature prepared thin films of Ni and Co retained fcc structures, resulting in no density changes compared to the room-temperature prepared fcc Ni and hexagonal close packed (hcp, 0.74 packing density) Co. Impedance spectroscopy shows that fcc Mo is a better catalyst than fcc Ni, which is considered an industry standard for non-noble pure metal-based catalysts in alkaline media. Stability tests also suggest that fcc Mo thin film catalysts prepared at 800 °C are more durable than fcc Ni thin films. Our study points out that structure phases of catalysts can be a key factor governing the activities of transition metals for HER in alkaline media.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2017

Direct evidence of atomic-scale structural fluctuations in catalyst nanoparticles

Rational catalyst design requires an atomic scale mechanistic understanding of the chemical pathways involved in the catalytic process. A heterogeneous catalyst typically works by adsorbing reactants onto its surface, where the energies for specific bonds to dissociate and/or combine with other species (to form desired intermediate or final products) are lower. Here, using the catalytic growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as a prototype reaction, we show that the chemical pathway may in-fact involve the entire catalyst particle, and can proceed via the fluctuations in the formation and decomposition of metastable phases in the particle interior. We record in situ and at atomic resolution, the dynamic phase transformations occurring in a Cobalt catalyst nanoparticle during SWCNT growth, using a state-of-the-art environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM). The fluctuations in catalyst carbon content are quantified by the automated, atomic-scale structural analysis of the time-resolved ETEM images and correlated with the SWCNT growth rate. We find the fluctuations in the carbon concentration in the catalyst nanoparticle and the fluctuations in nanotube growth rates to be of complementary character. These findings are successfully explained by reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations that track the spatial and temporal evolution of the distribution of carbon atoms within and on the surface of the catalyst particle. We anticipate that our approach combining real-time, atomic-resolution image analysis and molecular dynamics simulations will facilitate catalyst design, improving reaction efficiencies and selectivity towards the growth of desired structure.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structure of 18R shifted hexagonal perovskite La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} revisited by neutron diffraction

The structure of 18-layer shifted B-site deficient hexagonal perovskite La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} compound has been re-examined by neutron powder diffraction. Structural analysis reveals that La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} compound adopts a 18R octahedral-tilted structure with LaO{sub 3} layer stacking sequence of (hhcccc){sub 3} in space group R{sup {sup -}}3, in contrast with the previously proposed R3m. La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} demonstrates partially ordered Mg cation distribution with a preference on the central octahedral sites over the outer octahedral sites in the cubic perovskite blocks isolated by the single vacant octahedral layers between the two consecutive hexagonal layers. The instability of the La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} on alumina ceramic substrate at high temperature and its dependencies of cell parameters and permittivity were characterized as well. - Graphical abstract: 18-layer shifted hexagonal perovskite La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} adopts octahedral-tilted structure in R{sup {sup -}}3 and demonstrates partially ordered Mg distribution in the cubic perovskite blocks isolated by the vacant octahedral layers. - Highlights: • Neutron diffraction reveals an octahedra-tilted structure in R{sup {sup -}}3 for La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18}. • Mg/Ti distribution in La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} is partially ordered in the perovskite blocks. • Instability of La{sub 6}MgTi{sub 4}O{sub 18} on alumina ceramic at high temperature is demonstrated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of Al{sup 3+} substitution on the structural, magnetic, and electric properties in multiferroic Bi{sub 2}Fe{sub 4}O{sub 9} ceramics

Structural, magnetic, and electric properties have been investigated in polycrystalline Bi{sub 2}(Fe{sub 1−x}Al{sub x}){sub 4}O{sub 9} (0≤x≤0.25) ceramics synthesized by a modified Pechini method. Structural analysis reveals that Al{sup 3+} doped Bi{sub 2}Fe{sub 4}O{sub 9} crystallizes in orthorhombic structure with Pbnm space group. Surface morphology of the end products is examined by scanning electron microscopy and the grain size has a tendency to decrease with increase in Al{sup 3+} doping level. Compared with pure Bi{sub 2}Fe{sub 4}O{sub 9}, room temperature coexistent multiferroic-like behavior is observed in Al{sup 3+} doped Bi{sub 2}Fe{sub 4}O{sub 9}. By analyzing magnetic properties, the Néel temperature monotonously shifts to low temperatures from ~260 K (x=0) to ~35 K (x=0.25). Moreover, the spin dynamic measured by the shift in ac magnetic susceptibility as a function of frequency provides a possibility of spin-glass-like behavior, which is further confirmed by fitting the critical slowing down power law and memory effect. - Graphical abstract: Compared with pure Bi{sub 2}Fe{sub 4}O{sub 9}, room temperature weak ferromagnetic property and enhanced ferroelectric-like behavior can be achieved simultaneously with proper Al{sup 3+} doping. - Highlights: • Bi{sub 2}(Fe{sub 1−x}Al{sub x}){sub 4}O{sub 9} (0≤x≤0.25) ceramics are fabricated via a Pechini method. • Weak ferromagnetic and ferroelectric behaviors can be achieved simultaneously. • Spin-glass-like behavior is detected with proper Al{sup 3+} doping. • The memory and aging effects are observed with proper Al{sup 3+} doping.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural investigations of Pu{sup III} phosphate by X-ray diffraction, MAS-NMR and XANES spectroscopy

PuPO{sub 4} was prepared by a solid state reaction method and its crystal structure at room temperature was solved by powder X-ray diffraction combined with Rietveld refinement. High resolution XANES measurements confirm the +III valence state of plutonium, in agreement with valence bond derivation. The presence of the americium (as β{sup −} decay product of plutonium) in the +III oxidation state was determined based on XANES spectroscopy. High resolution solid state {sup 31}P NMR agrees with the XANES results and the presence of a solid-solution. - Graphical abstract: A full structural analysis of PuPO{sub 4} based on Rietveld analysis of room temperature X-ray diffraction data, XANES and MAS NMR measurements was performed. - Highlights: • The crystal structure of PuPO{sub 4} monazite is solved. • In PuPO{sub 4} plutonium is strictly trivalent. • The presence of a minute amount of Am{sup III} is highlighted. • We propose PuPO{sub 4} as a potential reference material for spectroscopic and microscopic studies.

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

Self-assembly of silica nanoparticles into hollow spheres via a microwave-assisted aerosol process

Highlights: • The silica hollow spheres were fabricated via a microwave-assisted aerosol process. • The formation of the hollow spheres was obtained through a one-step process. • The spheres indicated the remarkable sustained release of potassium persulfate. - Abstract: In this work, a simple and efficient strategy for fabrication of silica hollow spheres (SHSs) has been successfully introduced with a one-step microwave-assisted aerosol process using silica nanoparticles (SiO{sub 2}, 12–50 nm) and NH{sub 4}HCO{sub 3} as precursor materials. This approach combines the merits of microwave radiation and the aerosol technique. And the formation of SHSs is ascribed to solvent evaporation and the as-generated gas from NH{sub 4}HCO{sub 3} decomposition in the microwave reactor. The morphology of the SHSs can be easily tuned by varying the residence time, amount of NH{sub 4}HCO{sub 3} and silica sources. The formation mechanism of SHSs was also investigated by structure analysis. In addition, the hollow spheres exhibited remarkable sustained release of potassium persulfate, by loading it into the porous structures. The results provide new sights into the fabrication of inorganic hollow spheres via a one-step process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗