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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Kinetic Activation-Relaxation Technique and Self-Evolving Atomistic Kinetic Monte Carlo: Comparison of on-the-fly kinetic Monte Carlo algorithms

Here, we present a comparison of the Kinetic Activation–Relaxation Technique (k-ART) and the Self-Evolving Atomistic Kinetic Monte Carlo (SEAKMC), two off-lattice, on-the-fly Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) techniques that were recently used to solve several materials science problems. We show that if the initial displacements are localized the dimer method and the Activation–Relaxation Technique nouveau provide similar performance. We also show that k-ART and SEAKMC, although based on different approximations, are in agreement with each other, as demonstrated by the examples of 50 vacancies in a 1950-atom Fe box and of interstitial loops in 16,000-atom boxes. Generally speaking, k-ART’s treatment of geometry and flickers is more flexible, e.g. it can handle amorphous systems, and rigorous than SEAKMC’s, while the later’s concept of active volumes permits a significant speedup of simulations for the systems under consideration and therefore allows investigations of processes requiring large systems that are not accessible if not localizing calculations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hydrogen Localization and Cluster Formation in α-Zr from First-Principles Investigations

We report alpha-zirconium (α-Zr) is a hydrogen atom host material used in nuclear energy and semiconducting applications due to Zr's excellent properties such as corrosion resistance, low thermal neutrons cross-section, and thermodynamically favorable interstitial sequestering of H atoms. Herein we use density functional theory simulations to systematically analyze the initial stages of H insertion in the Zr matrix, and determine optimal hydrogen localization, distribution, and clustering tendencies from a thermodynamics and kinetics perspective. Our results suggest that H occupation of tetrahedral sites is strongly favored, consistent with previous experimental and theoretical studies. Further, a cooperative effect in H localization is shown where H atoms favor clustering. The H pair is found to be the most stable by occupying tetrahedral sites with pairs at second nearest-neighbor positions (TTn2). Among the four H atom clusters, the most favorable configuration has two TTn2 pairs forming "box " or "zig-zag" shaped-cluster with the pairs separated by 3.03 or 3.25 Å, respectively. Nudged elastic band simulations suggest that the formation of TTn2 is facile and is limited by the small diffusion barrier of the monomer of less than 0.1 eV. Further, the formation routes for the 4H atom clusters are also presented. The current study can serve as a foundation to systematically model H atom clustering in metals and alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

O and H diffusion in uraninite: Implications for fluid-uraninite interactions, nuclear waste disposal, and nuclear forensics

Diffusion coefficients for oxygen and hydrogen were determined from a series of natural uraninite H2O experiments between 50 and 700 C. Under hydrous conditions there are two diffusion mechanisms: (1) an initial extremely fast-path diffusion mechanism that overprinted the oxygen isotopic composition of the entire crystals regardless of temperature and (2) a slower volume-diffusive mechanism dominated by defect clusters that displace or eject nearest neighbor oxygen atoms to form two interstitial sites and two partial vacancies, and by vacancy migration. Using the volume diffusion coefficients in the temperature range of 400 600 C, diffusion coefficients for oxygen can be represented by D = 1.90e5 exp (123,382 J/RT) cm2/s and for temperatures between 100 and 300 C the diffusion coefficients can be represented by D = 1.95e10 exp (62484 J/ RT) cm2/s, where the activation energies for uraninite are 123.4 and 62.5 kJ/mol, respectively. Hydrogen diffusion in uraninite appears to be controlled by similar mechanisms as oxygen. Using the volume diffusion coefficients for temperatures between 50 and 700 C, diffusion coefficients for hydrogen can be represented by D = 9.28e6 exp (156,528 J/RT) cm2/s for temperatures between 450 and 700 C and D = 1.39e14 exp (34518 J/RT) cm2/s for temperatures between 50 and 400 C, where the activation energies for uraninite are 156.5 and 34.5 kJ/mol, respectively. Results from these new experiments have implications for isotopic exchange during natural UO2 water interactions. The exceptionally low d18O values of natural uraninites (i.e. 32& to 19.5&) from unconformity-type uranium deposits in Saskatchewan, in conjunction with theoretical and experimental uraninite water and UO3 water fractionation factors, suggest that primary uranium mineralization is not in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with coeval clay and silicate minerals. The low d18O values have been interpreted as resulting from the low temperature overprinting of primary uranium mineralization in the presence of relatively modern meteoric fluids having d18O values of ca. 18&, despite petrographic and U Pb isotope data that indicate limited alteration. Our data show that the anomalously low oxygen isotopic composition of the uraninite from the Athabasca Basin can be due to meteoric water overprinting under reducing conditions, and meteoric water or groundwater can significantly affect the oxygen isotopic composition of spent nuclear fuel in a geologic repository, with minimal change to the chemical composition or texture. Moreover, the rather fast oxygen and hydrogen diffusion coefficients for uraninite, especially at low temperatures, suggest that oxygen and hydrogen diffusion may impart characteristic isotopic signals that can be used to track the route of fissile material.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2016

Post-processing interstitialcy diffusion from molecular dynamics simulations

An algorithm to rigorously trace the interstitialcy diffusion trajectory in crystals is developed. The algorithm incorporates unsupervised learning and graph optimization which obviate the need to input extra domain specific information depending on crystal or temperature of the simulation. The algorithm is implemented in a flexible framework as a post-processor to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We describe in detail the reduction of interstitialcy diffusion into known computational problems of unsupervised clustering and graph optimization. We also discuss the steps, computational efficiency and key components of the algorithm. Using the algorithm, thermal interstitialcy diffusion from low to near-melting point temperatures is studied. We encapsulate the algorithms in a modular framework with functionality to calculate diffusion coefficients, migration energies and other trajectory properties. The study validates the algorithm by establishing the conformity of output parameters with experimental values and provides detailed insights for the interstitialcy diffusion mechanism. The algorithm along with the help of supporting visualizations and analysis gives convincing details and a new approach to quantifying diffusion jumps, jump-lengths, time between jumps and to identify interstitials from lattice atoms. -- Graphical abstract:.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2011

In situ transmission electron microscopy of electron-beam induced damage process in nuclear grade graphite

Atomic level processes involved in the swelling and crack-closing in nuclear grade graphite under electron irradiation have been observed in real-time using transmission electron microscopy. Noise-filtered lattice images show the formation of vacancy loops, interstitial loops and resulting dislocations with unprecedented clarity. The dislocation dipoles formed via vacancy loops were found to undergo climb resulting in extra basal planes. Concurrent EELS studies showed a reduction in the atomic density because of the breakage of hexagonal carbon rings. The formation of new basal planes via dislocation climb in addition to the bending/breaking of basal planes leads to swelling and closing of micro-cracks.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fast ionic conduction achieved through the design and synthesis of ceramic heterointerfaces

Lithium (Li) chloride and iron oxychloride (FeOCl), typically nonconductive, were combined to form a [Li 1+δ Cl] δ+ /[FeOCl] δ- heterointerface composite material (LFH), achieving ionic conductivities of >1 mS cm -1 . Analysis techniques (scanning transmission electron microscopy [STEM] and electron energy-loss spectroscopy [EELS]) indicated that the microstructure of LFH consisted of an amorphous LiCl-based shell surrounding a crystalline FeOCl-based core. Electrochemical measurements alongside solid-state 6,7 Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular dynamic simulations revealed Li+ as the sole conductive species, with a diffusion barrier of ~0.25 eV. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) results further supported interstitial Li + diffusion at the heterointerface and within the LiCl phase, made possible by the heterointerface. Despite susceptibility to electronic conductivity, iron’s defects and multivalency (Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺) enable the Fe–O–Cl framework to accept Cl - , facilitating Li⁺ ionic conduction. Finally, a prototype solid-state cell (showing 97% Coulombic efficiency) demonstrated the viability of this heterointerface design for applications in energy storage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Insertion-release of guest species and ionic conduction in polyoxometalate solids with a layer-like Anderson structure

The precipitation of Na{sup +} and K{sup +} mixed salts of Anderson type [SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}]{sup 7-} by addition of excess of NaNO{sub 3} and NaCl yielded polycrystalline powders of Na{sub 2.5}K{sub 5.3}[SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}](NO{sub 3}){sub 0.8}.12H{sub 2}O (1) and Na{sub 2}K{sub 5.35}[SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}]Cl{sub 0.35}.12H{sub 2}O (2), respectively. The two compounds are isomorphous and exhibit a layer-like Anderson (LLA) type structure, which consists of [SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}]{sup 7-}-containing layers and interstitial Na{sup +}, K{sup +}, NO{sub 3}{sup -} or Cl{sup -}, and water O atoms. Recrystallization of 1 and 2 from hot water yielded Na{sub 2}K{sub 5.4}[SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}](NO{sub 3}){sub 0.4}.12H{sub 2}O (1-recry) and Na{sub 2}K{sub 5.25}[SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}]Cl{sub 0.25}.12H{sub 2}O (2-recry) as a result of partial release of NO{sub 3}{sup -} and Cl{sup -} (and Na{sup +} and K{sup +} for charge compensation). Dehydration of 1 and 2 at 400 and 500 {sup o}C (1-dehyd400 and 2-dehyd500) caused a shrinkage of lattice, but their the LLA structures retained. Simulation of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns for the dehydrated forms allowed to presume that the each [SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}]{sup 7-} anion had been 30{sup o}-rotated within its molecular plane in order to avoid intermolecular repulsion. A compressed powder of 1-dehyd400 exhibited fast alkaline-ion conduction with a bulk conductivity of 1.2x10{sup -2} {Omega}{sup -1} cm{sup -1} at 400 {sup o}C. The hosting of a sufficient amount of NO{sub 3}{sup -} together with Na{sup +} for charge compensation into the lattice is crucial for high conduction. -- Graphical abstract: Two compounds Na{sub 2.5}K{sub 5.3}[SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}](NO{sub 3}){sub 0.8}.12H{sub 2}O (1) and Na{sub 2}K{sub 5.35}[SbW{sub 6}O{sub 24}]Cl{sub 0.35}.12H{sub 2}O (2) possessing a layer-like Anderson (LLA) structure exhibited pseudo intercalation-deintercalation behavior. The dehydrated form of 1 is a high alkaline cation conductor with a conductivity of 1.2x10{sup -2} {Omega}{sup -1} cm{sup -1} at 400 {sup o}C. Display Omitted Research highlights: {yields} Layer-like Anderson-type POM solid accommodates and releases NO{sub 3}{sup -} and Cl{sup -}. {yields} The POM exhibits reversible dehydration by heat treatment. {yields} The dehydration involves rotation of POM molecule retaining layer structure. {yields} The dehydrated POM shows good Na{sup +} and K{sup +} conduction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Microstructure and magnetic properties of electrospun one-dimensional Al{sup 3+}-substituted SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} nanofibers

SrAl{sub x}Fe{sub 12-x}O{sub 19} (x=0-3.0) nanofibers with diameters about 100 nm have been prepared by electrospinning and subsequent heat treatment. With Al{sup 3+} ion content ranging from 0 to 3.0, the lattice parameters decrease due to Fe{sup 3+} ions substituted by smaller Al{sup 3+} ions and the average grain size calculated by the Scherrer's equation reduces from 65 to 37 nm. The magnetization shows a continuous reduction with the Al content and its value measured at 77 K is higher than at room temperature, which can be explained by Bloch's law. For the coercivity, its value initially increases, reaching a maximum value of 617 (298 K) and 547 kA m{sup -1} (77 K) at x=2.0, and then reduces with the Al content further increase largely arising from the substituted Al{sup 3+} ion arrangement in different interstitial sites of the strontium ferrite unit cell. -- Graphical abstract: Al{sup 3+} ions substituted strontium ferrite nanofibers have been prepared by the electrospinning with a diameter of about 100 nm and the Al{sup 3+} ion substitution has a great effect on the microstructure and magnetic property of SrAl{sub x}Fe{sub 12-x}O{sub 19} nanofibers. Display Omitted Research highlights: {yields} SrAl{sub x}Fe{sub 12-x}O{sub 19} nanofibers have been fabricated by the electrospinning. {yields} There is a relation between the Al{sup 3+} ions substitution and microstructure. {yields} The magnetic property can be tuned effectively by Al{sup 3+} ion substitution. {yields} The magnetic property is influenced by measurement temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Preparation, crystal structure, and superconductive characteristics of new oxynitrides (Nb{sub 1-x}M{sub x})(N{sub 1-y}O{sub y}) where M=Mg, Si, and x{approx}y

New niobium oxynitrides containing either magnesium or silicon were prepared at 1000 deg. C by ammonia nitridation of oxide precursors obtained via the citrate route. The products had rock-salt type crystal structures. Crystallinity was improved by annealing in 0.5 MPa N{sub 2} and the final compositions were (Nb{sub 0.95}Mg{sub 0.05})(N{sub 0.92}O{sub 0.08}) at 1500 deg. C and (Nb{sub 0.87}Si{sub 0.09{open_square}0.04})(N{sub 0.87}O{sub 0.13}) at 1200 deg. C. The magnesium and oxide ions partially co-substitute the niobium and nitride ions in the octahedral sites of the {delta}-NbN lattice, respectively. Silicon ions were also successfully doped together with oxide ions into the rock-salt type NbN lattice. The Si doped product exhibited relatively large displacement at the octahedral sites and was accompanied by a small amount of cation vacancies. Superconductivity was improved by annealing to obtain critical temperatures/volume fractions of T{sub c}=17.6 K/100% for Mg- and T{sub c}=16.2 K/95% for the Si-doped niobium oxynitrides. - Graphical Abstract: Doped silicon ions substituting Nb in (Nb{sub 0.87}Si{sub 0.09{open_square}0.04})(N{sub 0.87}O{sub 0.13}) introduced a large displacement at the 4a site mainly because of the accompanied vacancy. The silicon ions may also be slightly shifted from the regular octahedral 4a site (green) towards the interstitial tetrahedral site (red) statistically in the rock-salt type lattice. Highlights: > New superconducting niobium oxynitrides containing either magnesium or silicon were prepared. > Their annealed products had chemical compositions of (Nb{sub 0.95}Mg{sub 0.05})(N{sub 0.92}O{sub 0.08}) and (Nb{sub 0.87}Si{sub 0.09{open_square}0.04})(N{sub 0.87}O{sub 0.13}) in the rock-salt type structure. > Their superconductivities were T{sub c}/volume fraction=17.6 K/100% and 16.2 K/95%, respectively.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2011

Thermal expansion in 3d-metal Prussian Blue Analogs-A survey study

We present a comprehensive study of the structural properties and the thermal expansion behavior of 17 different Prussian Blue Analogs (PBAs) with compositions M{sup II}{sub 3}[(M'){sup III}(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2}.nH{sub 2}O and M{sup II}{sub 2}[Fe{sup II}(CN){sub 6}].nH{sub 2}O, where M{sup II}=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn, (M'){sup III}=Co, Fe and n is the number of water molecules, which range from 5 to 18 for these compounds. The PBAs were synthesized via standard chemical precipitation methods, and temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction studies were performed in the temperature range between -150 deg. C (123 K) and room-temperature. The vast majority of the studied PBAs were found to crystallize in cubic structures of space groups Fm3-bar m, F4-bar 3m and Pm3-bar m. The temperature dependence of the lattice parameters was taken to compute an average coefficient of linear thermal expansion in the studied temperature range. Of the 17 compounds, 9 display negative values for the average coefficient of linear thermal expansion, which can be as large as 39.7x{sup 1}0{sup -6} K{sup -1} for Co{sub 3}[Co(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2}.12H{sub 2}O. All of the M{sup II}{sub 3}[Co{sup III}(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2}.nH{sub 2}O compounds show negative thermal expansion behavior, which correlates with the Irving-Williams series for metal complex stability. The thermal expansion behavior for the PBAs of the M{sup II}{sub 3}[Fe{sup III}(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2}.nH{sub 2}O family are found to switch between positive (for M=Mn, Co, Ni) and negative (M=Cu, Zn) behavior, depending on the choice of the metal cation (M). On the other hand, all of the M{sup II}{sub 2}[Fe{sup II}(CN){sub 6}].nH{sub 2}O compounds show positive thermal expansion behavior. - Graphical Abstract: The structure of Prussian Blue analogs (PBAs) consists of two types of metal centered octahedral units connected by cyanide ligand. Lattice and interstitial water molecules are present in these framework structures. All the PBAs of the M{sub 3}[Co(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2}.nH{sub 2}O family show negative thermal expansion (NTE) behavior. The lattice parameters and magnitude of NTE correlates inversely with the Irving-Williams series of metal complex stability. Highlights: > Thermal expansion behavior of 17 Prussian Blue Analogs has been studied via XRD. > Nine compounds display negative thermal expansion (NTE) behavior. > All compounds of the M{sup II}{sub 3}[Co{sup III}(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2} family exhibit NTE behavior. > Magnitude of the NTE in M{sup II}{sub 3}[Co{sup III}(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2} follows the order Mn>Fe>Co>Ni>Cu<Zn. > NTE materials show correlations with lattice parameters and Irving-Williams series.

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

(Na{sub x}k{sub 1−x}){sub 2}Ta{sub 4}O{sub 11}(x≈0.93) piezoelectric phase from the transformation of Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} thin films of monoclinic structure

A phase of trigonal structure has been reported in previous articles to be piezoelectric with a very high longitudinal d{sub 33} coefficient of several thousand pm/V (J. Solid State Chem. 184 (2011) 2023, 2033). It was observed in Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} thin films and assumed to be the result of a reversible monoclinic–trigonal phase transition. However, new investigations are reported because the cell parameters of this phase are actually very close to those of the natrotantite mineral Na{sub 2}Ta{sub 4}O{sub 11}. From analyses by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS), the chemical composition of this trigonal phase corresponds to (Na{sub x}K{sub 1−x}){sub 2}Ta{sub 4}O{sub 11} with x≈0.93. The origin of sodium, potassium, iron and oxygen atoms is found to be due to a pollution coming from alumina crucibles used for thermal treatments. Knowing both atomic structures Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} and Na{sub 2}Ta{sub 4}O{sub 11} and their structural relationships, observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), the mechanism of the reaction of transformation is re-examined and discussed. This mechanism implies that Ta{sup 5+} vacancies likely exist in monoclinic structures of tantalum oxide and that electrical neutrality could be due to incorporated proton H{sup +} instead of O{sup 2−} vacancies or Ta{sup 5+} interstitials. - Graphical abstract: (a, b) TEM images of interfaces between Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} monoclinic and (Na{sub 0.93}K{sub 0.07}){sub 2}Ta{sub 4}O{sub 11} trigonal phases where it appears that the ratio of periods for the transformation monoclinic-to-trigonal is 3/2 (c, d) corresponding schema of the reaction of transformation, (a, c) viewed along the zone axes [010]{sub o}∥[1{sup ¯}21{sup ¯}]{sub R} and (b, d) along the zone axes [100]{sub o}∥[101{sup ¯}]{sub R}. Highlights: ► The formation of a piezoelectric phase in Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} thin films, reported in previous articles, is re-examined. ► Its composition is actually (Na{sub x},K{sub 1}−x){sub 2}Ta{sub 4}O{sub 11} with x=0.93, instead of Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5}. ► Ta{sup 5+} vacancies, compensated by protons within tantalumoxide, are involved in a new analysis of the transformation.

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

Defect disorder in UO{sub 2}

A defect disorder model has been developed to determine equilibrium off-stoichiometry and its spatial variations in UO{sub 2} crystals. The model gives the concentrations of atomic defects and electronic carriers as functions of oxygen partial pressure and temperature in the bulk and near crystal surfaces subject to an oxygen environment. Energetic parameters from published density functional theory calculations have been integrated into the defect disorder model for an accurate determination of the defect density and off-stoichiometry. The ionosorption theory has been used to couple the oxygen environment with the defect state in the crystal as we solved for the defect disorder near crystal surfaces. Contrary to the common belief that hyper-stoichiometry of UO{sub 2} is dominated by oxygen interstitials, the current model predicts that this regime is rather dominated by uranium vacancies. The model predictions also show that, in the presence of surfaces, the point defect concentrations vary by orders of magnitude in the subsurface region relative to the bulk region. Highlights: • Defect disorder in bulk UO2+x is modeled in terms of temperature and oxygen pressure. • The densities of atomic defects and electronic charge carriers are determined. • The model is extended to study the heterogeneity of defect density near crystal surfaces. • The surface effect is modeled using ionosorption theory. • The dominant defect type and off-stoichiometry profile near surface are found.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effects of size reduction on microstructural, optical, vibrational, magnetic and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanocrystals

Highlights: • ZnO nanocrystals of different sizes 4–19 nm, thus different S/V ratios synthesized. • Lattice strain and lattice volume increase with size reduction. • Raman spectra show enhanced surface effects with phonon mode disappearance. • ESR shows exchange interaction; VSM shows surface originated ferromagnetism. • Photocatalysis is less affected with size reduction and surface enhancement. - Abstract: ZnO nanocrystals were synthesized in the size range 4 nm–19 nm by chemical co-precipitation method and extensively characterized by various techniques. Size control was achieved by changing the concentration of ME that acted as the capping agent. Lattice strain and lattice volume were found to increase with the decrease in crystallite size that could be attributed to an enhanced influence of surface atoms. Raman spectroscopy provided evidence of enhancement of surface influence and reduction of crystallinity with the observation of decrease in E{sub 2}{sup high} phonon mode intensity with a decrease in crystallite size. Electron spin resonance spectra revealed the presence of exchange interaction as well as presence of lattice disorder. Vibrating sample magnetometry results showed that M-H curves exhibit hysteresis loops which confirmed the ferromagnetic nature of the nanocrystals and it could be attributed to the interaction between localized electron spins resulting from oxygen vacancies at the surface. Blue shift of the UV–Visible absorption spectra was observed with decrease in crystallite size, which could be attributed to quantum confinement effect. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra were recorded under UV light excitation, which showed emission of different colours (light violet, violet, blue and green) in the visible region, attributable to the presence of various types of defects such as zinc interstitial, zinc vacancy and oxygen vacancy in the ZnO nanocrystals. Photodegradation of aqueous methylene blue by the ZnO nanocrystals was performed under simulated sunlight irradiation. There was a very small increase in efficiency of photodegradation with size reduction, which showed that there was no significant change in surface defects with size reduction in the nanocrystals despite the surface enhancement. A mechanism for photocatalysis involving defect states has been proposed.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Unusual ferromagnetism in high purity ZnO sintered ceramics

We report our novel result regarding the observation of unusual but clean ferromagnetic (FM) signature at room temperature (RT) in high pure (99.999%) ZnO bulk ceramics processed by slow step sintering schedule (SSSS). All the sintered samples showed ferromagnetic signature at room temperature. However, sample sintered at 850 {sup o}C showed more prominent M-H loop and saturation magnetization with respect to samples sintered at 500 {sup o}C and 1300 {sup o}C. Observation of FM behavior in sintered ceramics may be attributed to the presence of defects like cation (Zn)/anion (O) vacancies and interstitials created during the processing of sample. It is anticipated that SSSS promotes enhanced physical bulk as well as surface densification and at the same time confined the outgassing of free oxygen and Zn from the bulk which are acting as suitable defect sites inside the sintered grains and grain boundary junctions. Our micro-Raman and X-ray photoelectron studies revealed the existence of these defects which are believed to be the origin of the unconventional ferromagnetism (FM) of ZnO bulk ceramic at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Role of nickel doping on structural, optical, magnetic properties and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles

Highlights: • The XRD analyses revealed that the synthesizes nickel doped ZnO (Zn{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x}O, x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.06 and 0.09) nanostructures have hexagonal wurtzite structure. • The photoluminescence measurements revealed that the broad emission was composed of different bands due to zinc and oxygen vacancies. • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the Ni incorporation in ZnO lattice as Ni{sup 2+} ions. • Room temperature ferromagnetism was observed due to the oxygen vacancies and zinc interstitials are the main reasons for ferromagnetism in Ni doped ZnO NPs. - Abstract: Zn{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x}O nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The crystallite sizes of the synthesized samples found to decrease from 38 to 26 nm with increase in nickel concentration. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Zn−O stretching bands at 577, 573, 569 and 565 cm{sup −1} in the respective ZnO NPs. Optical absorption spectra revealed the red shifted and estimated band gap is found to decrease with increase of Ni doping concentration. The PL spectra of all the samples exhibited a broad emission at 390 nm in the visible range. The carriers (donors) bounded on the Ni sites were observed from the micro Raman spectroscopic studies. Pure and Ni doped ZnO NPs showed significant changes in the M–H loop, especially the diamagnetic behavior changed into ferromagnetic nature for Ni doped samples. The antiferromagnetic super-exchange interactions between Ni{sup 2+} ions is increased in higher Ni doped ZnO NPs and also their antibacterial activity has been studied.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Direct observation of vast off-stoichiometric defects in single crystalline SnSe

Single crystalline tin selenide (SnSe) recently emerged as a very promising thermoelectric material for waste heat harvesting and thermoelectric cooling, due to its record high figure of merit ZT in mediate temperature range. The most striking feature of SnSe lies in its extremely low lattice thermal conductivity as ascribed to the anisotropic and highly distorted Sn-Se bonds as well as the giant bond anharmonicity by previous studies, yet no theoretical models so far can give a quantitative explanation to such low a lattice thermal conductivity. Here, we presented direct observation of an astonishingly vast number of off-stoichiometric Sn vacancies and Se interstitials, using sophisticated aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscope; and credited the previously reported ultralow thermal conductivity of the SnSe single crystalline samples partly to their off-stoichiometric feature. In order to further validate the conclusion, we also synthesized stoichiometric SnSe single crystalline samples, and illustrated that the lattice thermal conductivity is deed much higher as compared with the off-stoichiometric single crystals. Finally, the scattering efficiency of individual point defect on heat-carrying phonons was then discussed in the state-of-art Debye-Callaway model.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗