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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 901 records · Page 50
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Fabrication of ZnO nanostructures sensitized with CdS quantum dots for photovoltaic application using a convenient solution method

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures sensitized with cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) were fabricated using a simple and inexpensive solution method. ZnO nanostructures, in the form of either nanocones or nanorods, were first grown directly from fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates in aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate (Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}) and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA, C{sub 6}H{sub 12}N{sub 4}) under external voltages. Then, CdS QDs were attached to these ZnO nanostructures via reactions in the mixed aqueous solutions of cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}) and thioacetamide (C{sub 2}H{sub 5}NS). Photovoltaic responses were obtained from the quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) in which these CdS QD-covered ZnO nanostructures were employed as the photoanodes. The morphologies of the ZnO nanostructures, which could be effectively modulated via the substrate location in the solutions during the fabrication, were found to have played an important role in determining the properties of the QDSSCs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication of CdTe QD-rGO composites with different linkers for controlling charge separation and recombination

Highlights: • CdTe QD-rGO heterostructures were fabricated by controlling cross linker molecules. • 1-Pyrene carboxylic acid and polyaniline acted as cross linker molecules. • Charge separation and recombination in PL was controlled by composition and structure. • PL properties have difference due to green and red CdTe QDs different surface states. - Abstract: The composites of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and aqueous CdTe QDs were fabricated through controlling cross linker molecules (e.g. 1-pyrene carboxylic acid and polyaniline (PANI)). The thioglycolic acid (TGA) ligands on the QDs were removed when 1-pyrene carboxylic acid was used as linkers. In contrast. The TGA was retained on the QDs in the case of PANI as linkers. Because green- and red-emitting CdTe QDs have different surface states, the PL properties of the QDs changed in the heterostructure. The charge separation and recombination in PL process was controlled by the component and structure of the composite.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication and characterization of electrospun single-crystal lead manganese borate nanofibers

Highlights: • Single crystal PbMnBO4 nanofibers were successfully fabricated by electrospinning process. • The PbMnBO4 nanofibers synthesized for the first time and unprecedented in the literature. • Characterization of PbMnBO{sub 4} nanofibers in mineralogical, optical and thermal properties was revealed. • The nanofibers exhibit single crystalline features with an average size between 120 and 250 nm. • These nanofibers can be used in optic or photonic fields as a flexible sensor due to its nonlinear and ferromagnetic properties. - Abstract: Anhydrous borate compounds are important materials in optical applications as nonlinear optical materials (NLO), due to the presence of structural B{sub x}O{sub y} subunits. Herein, lead manganese borate (PbMnBO{sub 4}) nanofibers have been firstly fabricated via a facile approach using a simple and inexpensive electrospinning technique. All of the synthesized samples were analyzed with X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV–vis) method. In addition, they were thermally analyzed with Thermal Gravimetric and Differential Thermal Analyzer and TG-DTA diagrams were discussed in detail. All of the characterization results showed that the obtained PbMnBO{sub 4} nanostructures have nanofiber structures and good crystalline features. PbMnBO{sub 4} nanofiber synthesized for the first time and unprecedented in the literature is promising absorber materials for nonlinear optic applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

PPV derivative/ZnO nanorods heterojunction: Fabrication, Characterization and Near-UV light sensor development

Highlights: • We have fabricated a PPV-C6/ZnO NRs heterojunction by a simple and low cost method. • We have studied the structural and optical properties of the heterojunction. • I–V characteristics of EGa-In/Si/PPV-C6/ ZnO NRs /graphite devices were analyzed. • Photoelectrical study shows a potential opportunity for UV light sensor development. - Abstract: Poly(1,4-phenylenevinylene) derivative (PPV-C{sub 6}) based solution was spin-coated onto hydrothermally grown and vertically aligned ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs).The morphological and the optical properties of the PPV-C{sub 6}/ZnO NRs hybrid heterojunction have been studied and shown a penetration of PPV-C{sub 6}into the interspaces between the ZnO NRs with enhanced excitonic dissociation. The current–voltage characteristics in dark and under 395 nm LED illumination have been analyzed. A short-circuit current J{sub sc} of 4691.42 μA/cm{sup 2}, an open-circuit voltage V{sub oc} of 0.46 V giving rise to a responsivity of about 29.32 mA/W have been obtained for the illuminated graphite/PPV-C6/ZnO NRs/Si/EGa-In structure based near UV light sensor showing an enhanced responsivity by a factor of about 200 compared with bare ZnO NRs based one. We have succeeded in the development of low cost near-UV light sensors by simple low temperature hydrothermal method using eco-friendly, low cost and easily fabricated electrodes.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication of In2O3/TiO2 nanotube arrays hybrids with homogeneously developed nanostructure for photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B

Highlights: • A new class of plate-like In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TNAs photocatalyst is successfully fabricated. • The obtained In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TNAs hybrid presents a well-aligned nanotubular structure. • In{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles are dispersed homogeneously on TNAs without blocking the nozzles. • In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TNAs hybrid shows a much enhanced Rhodamine B degradation efficiency. • In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TNAs hybrid demonstrates an excellent recycling capability. - Abstract: To enhance the photocatalytic recycling capability of the TiO{sub 2}-based photocatalysts, a new kind of plate-like In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} nanotube array (TNA) hybrids is fabricated herein by constructing TNAs via an anodization method followed by doping In{sub 2}O{sub 3} via a solvothermal method. The obtained In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TNA hybrid demonstrates a well-aligned nanotubular structure with homogeneous dispersion of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles. It shows a much higher degradation rate of 77% after 2 h compared to TNA (37%). In addition, the plate-like feature endows the photocatalysts with an excellent recycling capability. These superior photocatalytic degradation performances can be ascribed to the following factors: (1) the enhanced light absorption ability and efficient separation of photoexcited electron-hole pairs derived from the formation of the heterostructure between the interface of TiO{sub 2} and In{sub 2}O{sub 3}; (2) the efficient transport of reactant molecules provided by the well-defined TNAs and the homogeneous distribution of the In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles without blocking the nanotubes.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication of CeO2/PANI composites for high energy density supercapacitors

Highlights: • Fabrication of CeO{sub 2}/PANI composite was successfully prepared using easy solution mixing method. • Combinational approaches of rare earth oxides with conducting polymer composites posses’ excellent pseudocapacitive nature. • Superior specific capacitance, rate capacitance and cyclic stability. • Outstanding performance of asymmetric and symmetric devices. - Abstract: Combinational approaches of rare earth oxides with conducting polymer composites have gained vast attention in supercapacitor field due to the outstanding pseudocapacitive property. Here we detail the redox reaction based on CeO{sub 2}/polyaniline nanostructure to grasp the superior electrochemical nature of the composite. The CeO{sub 2}/polymer nanostructure showed the improved specific capacitance of 1452 F g{sup −1} at 2 A g{sup −1} when compared to pristine CeO{sub 2} (927 F g{sup −1} at 2 A g{sup −1}). The composite also maintains excellent rate capacitance (875 F g{sup −1} at 10 A g{sup −1}) and good cyclic stability upto 1500 cycles at high current density of 20 A g{sup −1}. Symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitor devices were fabricated using CeO{sub 2}/ PANI as an electrode. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor possesses excellent specific capacity (256 F g{sup −1} at 2 mV s{sup −1}) with high energy density (75 Whkg{sup −1}) and high power density (566 Wkg{sup −1}). These results suggest a potential usefulness of CeO{sub 2}/ PANI composite exploit as an efficient electrode for supercapacitor applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication, mechanism, formic acid−tuned degradation and photocatalytic hydrogen production of novel modified ZnO spheres by L−TA−DMF assisted hydrothermal method

Highlights: • Many novel ZnO microspheres and building blocks were obtained. • It is first time that DMF and TA were used to fabricate ZnO simultaneously. • Five visible emissions are generated simultaneously and their PL intensities are tunable. • Formic acid induced photocatalytic efficiency was obtained. The H{sub 2} generation rate of S6 is 4.15 mL h{sup −1} g{sup −1} under simulated sunlight irradiation. • Photocatalytic mechanism and self-assembly modes were proposed. - Abstract: Many ZnO microspheres were fabricated by hydrothermal method using l−TA and DMF as double capping agents. These spheres possess many novel nanostructures and exhibit unique and flexible self−assemblies and building units. For example, diverse pattern−like spheres, core/shell spheres, and semispheres were obtained. FTIR spectra of S1−S9 show TA and HCOOH modified ZnO spheres, which agree with those of XPS analysis. PL spectra show that violet, blue, green, yellow and orange emissions generated simultaneously can be tuned. E{sub g} and ε are influenced by c. TA and DMF lead to diverse and novel ZnO growth, while DMF can tune the number of surface active sites of exposed (002) facet of ZnO, which determines final photocatalytic efficiency. TOC results show most of MB are mineralized rather than being partially degraded. The photocatalytic H{sub 2} generation rate is 4.15 ml h{sup −1}g{sup −1} under simulated sunlight irradiation. In addition, DMF−induced photocatalytic mechanisms and two self−assemblies were proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication of high efficiency perovskite solar cells based on mesoporous TiO2 nanofibrous film under high humidity conditions

Highlights: • 1D TiO{sub 2} nanofibrous film was prepared by electrospinning technique as mesoporous of PSCs. • PSCs were fabricated under ambient conditions even with a high humidity condition more than 40%. • The 1D TiO{sub 2} nanofiber-based PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) about 11.6% compared with 7.5% whereas the 0D TiO{sub 2} nanoparticle-based PSCs only has 7.5%. - Abstract: One-dimensional (1D) TiO{sub 2} nanofibrous film with good morphology and electrical characteristics was prepared by electrospinning technique. And then perovskite solar cells (PSCs) were fabricated based on 2-μm-thick mesoporous TiO{sub 2} nanofibrous film under ambient conditions even with a high humidity condition more than 40%. The devices show high power conversion efficiency (PCE) due to high porosity that is beneficial to the loading of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} perovskite layer. This high-porosity 1D TiO{sub 2} nanofibrous film also acts as a protection layer which can enhance the moisture stability of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3}. As a result, conversion efficiency of 11.6% and short-circuit current density (J{sub sc}) of 17.3 mA were achieved under 100 mW cm{sup −2} AM 1.5 G solar illumination. These two values are both higher than those of zero-dimensional (0D) TiO{sub 2} nanoparticulate film-based devices.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication of MoS2@SnO2-SnS2 composites and their applications as anodes for lithium ion batteries

Highlights: • The MoS{sub 2}@SnO{sub 2}-SnS{sub 2} composites were successfully fabricated. • The composites show long-term cycling performance used as anode for LIBs. • The superior performance ascribes to the synergistic effect between MoS{sub 2} and SnO{sub 2}. - Abstract: Sn-based anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been received extensive concern, due to its high theoretical specific capacity. However, its poor stability induced by serious volume changes during charge/discharge process limits its application. MoS{sub 2} possesses a 2-dimisional (2D) graphene-like layered structure facilitates lithium ions insertion and extraction and can be served as the buffer to alleviate the volume variation. Unfortunately, 2D MoS{sub 2} nanosheets are highly susceptible to stacking/restacking during cycles, which is fatal to their capacity retention. Herein, a novel MoS{sub 2}@SnO{sub 2}-SnS{sub 2} composite has been designed and fabricated via a two-step simple hydrothermal route. Due to the synergistic effect between the ultrathin MoS{sub 2} nanosheets and the SnO{sub 2}-SnS{sub 2} nanosheets, the MoS{sub 2}@SnO{sub 2}-SnS{sub 2} composite exhibits excellent electrochemical performance as anode for LIBs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Scalable aqueous-phase fabrication of reduced graphene oxide nanofiltration membranes by an integrated roll-to-roll (R2R) process

Economic fractionation of multicomponent biomass-derived streams is a key challenge in biobased fuels and chemicals production. Kraft black liquor (BL) is generated at ~1 billion tons/yr globally from biomass pulping and contains ~15wt% total solids including lignin, hemicellulose fragments, and inorganics. Membrane-based BL concentration is attractive but challenged by low solute rejections and poor stability in BL, which combines alkaline pH (~13), high dissolved solids content (15+ wt%) and high temperature (70–85°C). Here we discuss the scaled fabrication and characterization of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanofiltration membranes by slot die coating on a roll-to-roll (R2R) with integrated vacuum filtration. Here, we obtain high-quality 90×30 cm rGO membranes (referred to as “R2R-rGO membranes” in this work) with ~100 nm average thickness supported on porous poly(ethersulfone) (PES) sheets, and an effective area of 2700cm 2 . We present characterizations of their microstructure and uniformity as mapped over large areas by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ellipsometry, adhesion test and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The constructed ellipsometry model for the rGO membrane/PES substrate composite was successfully applied to 48 different locations of the R2R-rGO membranes. The R2R-rGO membranes showed >98% lignin rejection with a steady state flux of ~12 LMH at 50bar in a 15.7wt% total solids (TS) kraft BL stream at 72°C and 2–3 gal/min crossflow rates. Slot die coating on a R2R platform with integrated vacuum filtration can enable rapid fabrication of high-quality GO membranes at scale without organic solvents or volatile organic compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Variable voltage electron microscopy: Toward atom-by-atom fabrication in 2D materials

The precisely focused electron beam (e-beam) in scanning transmission electron microscopy has been found to be a versatile tool for patterning matter on the atomic level and enabling atom-by-atom fabrication, however, beam-induced phenomena are known to be extremely sensitive to the e-beam energy and are closely correlated with the proximity of the knock-on threshold. Here we provide a method to control the energy transferred to the sample while facilitating much faster changes in accelerating voltages by maintaining a nearly constant temperature in the electron microscope lenses. We use this method to demonstrate in-situ nano-milling of a graphene film followed rapidly by “gentler” imaging at lower energy. Additionally, the insertion and controlled movement of silicon dopants in graphene is demonstrated by employing a different e-beam energy during each process. We believe the incorporation of variable e-beam energy will broaden the potential for atomic scale e-beam fabrication.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Broadband unidirectional visible imaging using wafer-scale nano-fabrication of multi-layer diffractive optical processors

We present a broadband and polarization-insensitive unidirectional imager that operates at the visible part of the spectrum, where image formation occurs in one direction, while in the opposite direction, it is blocked. This approach is enabled by deep learning-driven diffractive optical design with wafer-scale nano-fabrication using high-purity fused silica to ensure optical transparency and thermal stability. Our design achieves unidirectional imaging across three visible wavelengths (covering red, green, and blue parts of the spectrum), and we experimentally validated this broadband unidirectional imager by creating high-fidelity images in the forward direction and generating weak, distorted output patterns in the backward direction, in alignment with our numerical simulations. This work demonstrates wafer-scale production of diffractive optical processors, featuring 16 levels of nanoscale phase features distributed across two axially aligned diffractive layers for visible unidirectional imaging. This approach facilitates mass-scale production of ~0.5 billion nanoscale phase features per wafer, supporting high-throughput manufacturing of hundreds to thousands of multi-layer diffractive processors suitable for large apertures and parallel processing of multiple tasks. Beyond broadband unidirectional imaging in the visible spectrum, this study establishes a pathway for artificial-intelligence-enabled diffractive optics with versatile applications, signaling a new era in optical device functionality with industrial-level, massively scalable fabrication.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Scalable fabrication and coating methods for perovskite solar cells and solar modules

Since the report in 2012 of a solid-state perovskite solar cell (PSC) with a power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.7% and a stability of 500 h, intensive efforts have been made to increase the certified PCE, reaching 25.2% in 2019. The PCE of PSCs now exceeds that of conventional thin-film solar-cell technologies, and the rate at which this increase has been achieved is unprecedented in the history of photovoltaics. Moreover, the development of moisture-stable and heat-stable materials has increased the stability of PSCs. Small-area devices (<1 cm2) are typically fabricated using a spin-coating method; however, this approach may not be suitable for the preparation of the large-area (>100 cm2) substrates required for commercialization. Thus, materials and methods need to be developed for coating large-area PSCs. In this Review, we discuss solution-based and vapour-phase coating methods for the fabrication of large-area perovskite films, examine the progress in performance and the parameters affecting the properties of large-area coatings, and provide an overview of the methodologies for achieving high-efficiency perovskite solar modules.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Thermally evaporated methylammonium tin triiodide thin films for lead-free perovskite solar cell fabrication

Here, we report on the synthesis of methylammonium tin triiodide (MASnI 3 ) thin films at room temperature by a hybrid thermal evaporation method and their application in fabricating lead (Pb)-free perovskite solar cells. The as-deposited MASnI 3 thin films exhibit smooth surfaces, uniform coverage across the entire substrate, and strong crystallographic preferred orientation along the < 100 > direction. By incorporating this film with an inverted planar device architecture, our Pb-free perovskite solar cells are able to achieve an open-circuit voltage ( V oc ) up to 494 mV. The relatively high V oc is mainly ascribed to the excellent surface coverage, the compact morphology, the good stoichiometry control of the MASnI 3 thin films, and the effective passivation of the electron-blocking and hole-blocking layers. Finally, our results demonstrate the potential capability of the hybrid evaporation method to prepare high-quality Pb-free MASnI 3 perovskite thin films which can be used to fabricate efficient Pb-free perovskite solar cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Quantum dot Ge/TiO{sub 2} heterojunction photoconductor fabrication and performance

Spun cast TiO{sub 2}-Ge quantum dot (QD) heterojunction type photodetectors have been fabricated and characterized, with interest paid to photocurrent enhancements related to device design. Performance as a function of absorber layer thickness, QD size, and back contact is investigated. We have achieved ultra-thin (∼200 nm) devices with photocurrents at 0.5 V of 10{sup −4} A cm{sup −2} while the thickest devices have photocurrents at 0.5 V of 10{sup −2} A cm{sup −2} with on-off ratios >100, which represents 5 orders of magnitude increase in photocurrents over previously fabricated Ge QD devices. At 0.5 V bias, the currents in our devices are competitive with thin-film Ge photovoltaics.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Fabrication of polycrystalline Cu{sub 2}ZnSnSe{sub 4} layers with strongly preferential grain orientation via selenization of Sn/Cu/ZnSe(001)/GaAs(001) structures

We report on a simple approach for the fabrication of polycrystalline Cu{sub 2}ZnSnSe{sub 4} films on GaAs with strongly preferential grain orientation. Such layers are important for both fundamental spectroscopic investigations as well as studies of the impact of grain boundaries on the performance of solar cells. Cu{sub 2}ZnSnSe{sub 4} (CZTSe) layers were fabricated by growing a Sn/Cu/ZnSe(001) stack on a GaAs(001) substrate in a molecular-beam epitaxy system followed by selenization in a tube furnace. Raman spectroscopy as well as X-ray diffraction measurements combined with a microstructural investigation indicate the presence of the kesterite phase. Further, X-ray analysis such as rocking curves and ϕ-scans proves a preferential grain orientation of the obtained CZTSe films in all three dimensions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using annato seeds (Bixa orellana Linn)

The Fabrication of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using Annato seeds has been conducted in this study. Annato seeds (Bixa orellana Linn) used as a sensitizer for dye sensitized solar cell. The experimental parameter was concentration of natural dye. Annato seeds was extracted using etanol solution and the concentration was controlled by varying mass of Annato seeds. A semiconductor TiO{sub 2} was prepared by a screen printing method for coating glass use paste of TiO{sub 2}. Construction DSSC used layered systems (sandwich) consists of working electrode (TiO{sub 2} semiconductor-dye) and counter electrode (platina). Both are placed on conductive glass and electrolytes that occur electrons cycle. The characterization of thin layer of TiO{sub 2} was conducted using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscpy) analysis showed the surface morphology of TiO{sub 2} thin layer and the cross section of a thin layer of TiO{sub 2} with a thickness of 15–19 μm. Characterization of natural dye extract was determined using UV-Vis spectrometry analysis shows the wavelength range annato seeds is 328–515 nm, and the voltage (V{sub oc}) and electric current (I{sub sc}) resulted in keithley test for 30 gram, 40 gram, and 50 gram were 0,4000 V; 0,4251 V; 0,4502 V and 0,000074 A; 0,000458 A; 0,000857 A, respectively. The efficiencies of the fabricated solar cells using annato seeds as senstizer for each varying mass are 0,00799%, 0,01237%, and 0,05696%.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Fabrication and characterization of nanometric SiOx/SiOy multilayer structures obtained by LPCVD

This work presents the fabrication of nanometric multilayer structures and their characterization by Atomic Force Microscopy, Photoluminescence and Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy. The structures were deposited by Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD). Three types of multilayer structure were fabricated. After the deposition some samples were annealed in N{sub 2} ambient for three hours. It was found that the structures keep the characteristics of each layer.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗