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At least 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Nondestructive hydrogen analysis of steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 by wide-angle neutron scattering

In this study, a nondestructive neutron scattering method to precisely measure the hydrogen content in high-temperature steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 cladding was developed. Zircaloy-4 cladding was used to produce hydrided specimens with hydrogen content up to ≈500 wppm. Following hydrogen charging, the hydrogen content of the hydrided specimens was measured using the vacuum hot extraction method, by which the samples with desired hydrogen concentrations were selected for the neutron study. The hydrided samples were then oxidized in steam up to ≈6.0wt. % at 1100°C. Optical microscopy shows that our hydriding procedure results in uniform distribution of circumferential hydrides across the wall thickness, and uniform oxide layers were formed on the sample surfaces by the steam oxidation. Small- and wide-angle neutron scattering were simultaneously performed to provide a quick (less than an hour per sample) measurement of the hydrogen content in various types of hydrided and oxidized Zircaloy-4. Our study demonstrates that the hydrogen in pre-oxidized Zircaloy-4 cladding can be measured very accurately by both small- and wide-angle neutron scattering. For steam-oxidized samples, the small-angle neutron scattering is contaminated with coherent scattering from additional structural features induced by the steam oxidation. However, the scattering intensity of the wide-angle neutron scattering increases proportionally with the hydrogen charged in the samples. The hydrogen content and wide-angle neutron scattering intensity are highly linearly correlated for the oxidized cladding samples examined in this work, and can be used to precisely determine the hydrogen content in steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 samples. Hydrogen contents determined by neutron scattering of oxidation samples were also found to be consistent with the results of chemical analysis within acceptable margins for error.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effect of spacer grids on high-burnup fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal

Increasing the fuel burnup limit in light-water reactors to improve fuel cycle economics requires a strong technical foundation. Experimental observations from the Halden and Studsvik programs have revealed severe fuel fragmentation during loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) conditions, highlighting the need for additional technical evaluation. Consequently, further LOCA test data are needed to complement existing findings and improve the understanding of fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD) behavior. Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Severe Accident Test Station has played a significant role in advancing the understanding of high-burnup fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal phenomena. One remaining gap in the available experimental database is the effect of fuel assembly structural features on cladding deformation behavior during a LOCA, and more specifically, their impact on the fuel’s ability to fragment, relocate, and disperse. Recent analyses using the BISON fuel performance code suggest that cladding deformation near grid spacers will remain below the 3% threshold that has been reported in the NRC Research Information Letter, indicating that the cladding could remain mechanically constrained during the LOCA event. This paper builds upon the BISON analyses to design and conduct a series of out-of-cell tests aimed at further evaluating cladding deformation in and around grid spacers. In addition, these tests were used to assess local cladding temperature conditions and compare them against analytical predictions in order to better replicate expected in-reactor behavior. Finally, an in-cell high-burnup LOCA test was designed and performed to evaluate the effects of a grid spacer, or cladding restraint, on fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal susceptibility. The high-burnup test results differed from those of historical LOCA experiments, with a recorded rupture temperature of 861°C. Two ballooned regions and corresponding rupture openings were observed, with rupture widths of approximately 0.64 mm for both ruptures and rupture lengths of 4.8 mm and 5.6 mm, respectively.

Capps, Nathan [ORNL]↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural manipulation approaches towards enhanced sodium ionic conductivity in Na-rich antiperovskites

High-performance solid electrolytes are critical for realizing all-solid-state batteries with enhance safety and cycling efficiency. However, currently available candidates (sulfides and the NASICON-typ ceramics) still suffer from drawbacks such as inflammability, high-cost and unfavorable machinability Here we present the structural manipulation approaches to improve the sodium ionic conductivity in series of affordable Na-rich antiperovskites. Experimentally, the whole solid solutions of Na 3 OX (X ¼ Cl Br, I) are synthesized via a facile and timesaving route from the cheapest raw materials (Na, NaOH an NaX). The materials are nonflammable, suitable for thermoplastic processing due to low melting temperature (<300° C) without decomposing. Notably, owing to the flexibility of perovskite-type structure it's feasible to control the local structure features by means of size-mismatch substitution an unequivalent-doping for a favorable sodium ionic diffusion pathway. Enhancement of sodium ioni conductivity by 2 magnitudes is demonstrated by these chemical tuning methods. The optimized sodiu ionic conductivity in Na 2.9 Sr 0.05 OBr 0.6 I 0.4 bulk samples reaches 1.9 10 - 3 S/cm at 200° C and even highe at elevated temperature. Here, we believe further chemical tuning efforts on Na-rich antiperovskites wil promote their performance greatly for practical all-solid state battery applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enhanced electrolysis performance through hierarchical nanoparticle formation in the BaCo 0.4 Fe 0.4 Zr 0.1 Y 0.1 O 3-δ cathode materials system

This study demonstrated that the activity of a triple conducting BaCo 0.4 Fe 0.4 Zr 0.1 Y 0.1 O 3-δ (BCFZY0.1) air cathode was improved by in situ formation BCFZY0.1 nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs, directly formed from the reaction of BCFZY0.1 with H 2 O and CO 2 from air under electrolysis measurements conditions, were uniformly distributed in a porous BCFZY0.1 framework. At 600 °C, the current density increased and reached a plateau of 1.12 A/cm 2 with the hierarchical BCFZY0.1 cathode under electrolysis conditions within 400 h operation. Distribution of Relaxation Time (DRT) measurements found that the polarization resistance decreased over time as NPs were formed. Furthermore, SEM and TEM results confirm the nanoparticle formation, and the chemical and structural features were assigned to a BCFZY0.1 phase.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2013

A new oxytelluride: Perovskite and CsCl intergrowth in Ba{sub 3}Yb{sub 2}O{sub 5}Te

The new oxytelluride Ba{sub 3}Yb{sub 2}O{sub 5}Te was obtained from an alkaline earth flux. Ba{sub 3}Yb{sub 2}O{sub 5}Te crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mmm (#123), with a=4.3615(3) Å and c=11.7596(11) Å, Z=1. The structure combines two distinct building blocks, a Ba{sub 2}Yb{sub 2}O{sub 5} perovskite-like double layer with square bipyramidal coordination of the ytterbium ions, and a CsCl-type BaTe layer. Short range magnetic order is apparent at below 5 K, with the magnetic behavior above this temperature dominated by crystal field effects. The structure may be considered as an analog to the Ruddlesden–Popper phases, where the NaCl-type layer has been replaced by the CsCl-type layer. The two-dimensional magnetic behavior is expected based on the highly anisotropic nature of the structure. - Graphical abstract: Optical images of Ba{sub 3}Yb{sub 2}O{sub 5}Te in transmission (left) and reflected (right) light, with atomic unit cell overlay. - Highlights: • Single crystal synthesis and characterization of a new phase, Ba{sub 3}Yb{sub 2}O{sub 5}Te. • The structure features the BaTe high pressure polymorph intergrowth. • Magnetic susceptibility measurements show short range 2 dimensional ordering. • Heat capacity measurements show a feature at the magnetic ordering temperature. • Optical reflectivity measurements show a {sup 2}F{sub 7/2}→{sup 2}F{sub 5/2} absorption at 976 nm.

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

Two unusual 12-connected metal–organic coordination polymers with fcu net

Two new three-dimensional 12-connected metal–organic coordination polymers, [Zn{sub 2}(bptc)(H{sub 2}O)]·C{sub 2}H{sub 5}OH·H{sub 2}O (1) and [Cd{sub 4}(bptc){sub 2}(bbi)(H{sub 2}O)]·H{sub 2}O (2) (H4bptc=biphenyl-2,5,2′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid, bbi=1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole)), have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All compounds are also characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analyses and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Topological analysis indicates that both 1 and 2 are 12-connected frameworks with fcu topology, which are based on cuboid cage and rob-like (Cd3) subunit as 12-connected nodes, respectively. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of the two compounds were discussed in detail. - Graphical abstract: Two new compounds with unusual 12-connected fcu topology display intriguing structural feature, as well as luminescence property. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Two new 3D metal–organic coordination polymers based on biphenyl-2,5,2′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid ligand have been synthesized. • Two compounds exhibit rare 12-connected fcu topology. • Photoluminescent property at room temperature has been investigated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

TiO{sub 2} synthesized by microwave assisted solvothermal method: Experimental and theoretical evaluation

In this study, a microwave assisted solvothermal method was used to synthesize TiO{sub 2} with anatase structure. The synthesis was done using Ti (IV) isopropoxide and ethanol without templates or alkalinizing agents. Changes in structural features were observed with increasing time of synthesis and evaluated using periodic quantum chemical calculations. The anatase phase was obtained after only 1 min of reaction besides a small amount of brookite phase. Experimental Raman spectra are in accordance with the theoretical one. Micrometric spheres constituted by nanometric particles were obtained for synthesis from 1 to 30 min, while spheres and sticks were observed after 60 min. - Graphical abstract: FE-SEM images of anatase obtained with different periods of synthesis associated with the order–disorder degree. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Anatase microspheres were obtained by the microwave assisted hydrothermal method. • Only ethanol and titanium isopropoxide were used as precursors during the synthesis. • Raman spectra and XRD patterns were compared with quantum chemical calculations. • Time of synthesis increased the short-range disorder in one direction and decreased in another.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

New organic–inorganic hybrid assemblies based on copper(I) ion, bichelate-bridging ligand and Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate

Three new organic–inorganic hybrid compounds, namely [Cu{sup I}L{sub p}]{sub 2}[W{sub 6}O{sub 19}]·H{sub 2}O (1), [Cu{sup I}L{sub p}]{sub 3}[W{sub 6}O{sub 19}]Cl (2) and [Cu{sup I}L{sub p}]{sub 2}[W{sub 6}O{sub 19}]·2H{sub 2}O (3) (L{sub p}=α,α′-bis-[3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1,4-dimethylbenzene) based on copper(I) ion, a neutral N-donor bichelate-bridging ligand (L{sub p}) and a Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate (POM) [W{sub 6}O{sub 19}]{sup 2−}, have been hydrothermally prepared under different synthetic conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, TG analyses, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 contain two different but topologically similar meso-helical chainlike coordination moieties. Compound 3 contains both left- and right-handed chiral “mobius strip” units. These cationic meso-helical chains and “mobius strip” units in compounds 1–3 are further combined with Lindqvist-type polyoxoanions to form 3-D supramolecular assemblies through extensive electrostatic forces and/or π–π interactions. The photo-luminescent properties of 1–3 have also been investigated, which are mainly attributed to the L{sub p} ligand-centered emission. - Graphical abstract: Three new hybrid compounds based on same Cu(I) ion, bichelate-bridging ligand and [W{sub 6}O{sub 19}]{sup 2−} building blocks were synthesized. Various structural features of three compounds were tuned by different synthetic conditions. - Highlights: • New compounds based on Cu(I), bichelate-bridging ligand and POM were prepared. • Compounds 1 and 2 contain two different but topologically similar meso-helical chains. • Compound 3 contains both left- and right-handed chiral “mobius strip” units. • Compounds 1–3 exhibit the ligand-centered luminescent property.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Ba{sub 3}GeS{sub 5} and Ba{sub 3}InS{sub 4}Cl: Interesting size effects originated from the tetrahedral anions

Two new barium chalcogenides, Ba{sub 3}GeS{sub 5} and Ba{sub 3}InS{sub 4}Cl, were synthesized by using high temperature solid-state reactions and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Despite the similar chemical formula, the structures of Ba{sub 3}GeS{sub 5} and Ba{sub 3}InS{sub 4}Cl are subtly different due to the size effects originated from the tetrahedral anions. Ba{sub 3}GeS{sub 5} crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (no. 62) with cell parameters of a=12.0528(9) Å, b=9.5497(7) Å and c=8.5979(6) Å, while Ba{sub 3}InS{sub 4}Cl adopts a different tetragonal system (space group: I4/mcm, no. 140, a=b=8.3613(6) Å, c=14.3806(18) Å). The measured optical band gap of Ba{sub 3}GeS{sub 5} is 3.0 eV, a little smaller than the value of 3.42 eV in Ba{sub 3}InS{sub 4}Cl. Theoretical calculations by Wien2k are provided as well in order to better understand these results. - Graphical abstract: The polyhedral structure view for Ba{sub 3}GeS{sub 5} and Ba{sub 3}InS{sub 4}Cl in which Ba, S and Cl atoms are plotted in purple, red and green spheres. - Highlights: • Two new barium chalcogenides, Ba{sub 3}GeS{sub 5} and Ba{sub 3}InS{sub 4}Cl, were synthesized from the BaCl{sub 2}-flux reactions. • Their crystal structures feature discrete [MS{sub 4}] tetrahedra which embody interesting size effects. • Both compounds exhibit a band gap around 3.0 eV. • They are thermally stable up to 1073 K.

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

Crystal growth and anisotropy of high temperature thermoelectric properties of yttrium borosilicide single crystals

We studied thermoelectric properties of YB{sub 41}Si{sub 1.3} single crystals grown by the floating zone method. The composition of the grown crystal was confirmed by electron probe micro-analysis. We have determined the growth direction for the first time for these borosilicides, and discovered relatively large anisotropy in electrical properties. We measured the electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient along [510] (the growth direction) and [052] directions and we found that this crystal exhibits strong electrical anisotropy with a maximum of more than 8 times. An interesting layered structural feature is revealed along [510] with dense boron cluster layers and yttrium layers, with conductivity enhanced along this direction. We obtained 3.6 times higher power factor along [510] compared to that along [052]. Although the ZT of the present system is low, anisotropy in the thermoelectric properties of a boride was reported for the first time, and can be a clue in developing other boride systems also. - Graphical abstract: The growth direction ([510]) was determined for the first time in YB{sub 41}Si{sub 1.3} single crystals and revealed an interesting layered feature of boron clusters and metal atoms, along which the electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power factor was strongly enhanced. - Highlights: • We have grown YB{sub 41}Si{sub 1.3} single crystals by the floating zone method. • Growth direction of [510] determined for first time in REB{sub 41}Si{sub 1.2}. • Electrical resistivity was strongly anisotropic with possible enhancement along metal layers. • The obtained power factor along [510] is 3.6 times higher than that along [052].

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Syntheses and structural characterization of vanado-tellurites and vanadyl-selenites: SrVTeO{sub 5}(OH), Cd{sub 2}V{sub 2}Te{sub 2}O{sub 11}, Ca{sub 3}VSe{sub 4}O{sub 13}·H{sub 2}O and Ba{sub 2}VSe{sub 3}O{sub 10}

Four new quaternary vanado-tellurites and vanadyl-selenites, namely, SrVTeO{sub 5}(OH)(1), Cd{sub 2}V{sub 2}Te{sub 2}O{sub 11}(2), Ca{sub 3}VSe{sub 4}O{sub 13}·H{sub 2}O(3) and Ba{sub 2}VSe{sub 3}O{sub 10}(4) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The oxidation state of vanadium is +5 in tellurites 1 and 2 and +4 in selenites 3 and 4. The structures of SrVTeO{sub 5}(OH)(1) and Cd{sub 2}V{sub 2}Te{sub 2}O{sub 11}(2) compounds consist of (VTeO{sub 5}(OH)){sup 2-} and (V{sub 2}Te{sub 2}O{sub 11}){sup 4-}anionic chains respectively, which are built from tetrahedral VO{sub 4} and disphenoidal TeO{sub 4} moieties. Similarly the structures of Ca{sub 3}VSe{sub 4}O{sub 13}·H{sub 2}O(3) and Ba{sub 2}VSe{sub 3}O{sub 10}(4) respectively contain (VSe{sub 2}O{sub 7}){sup 2-} and (VSe{sub 3}O{sub 10}){sup 4-} anionic chains, which are made up of octahedral VO{sub 6} and pyramidal SeO{sub 3} units. Compounds 1 and 3 have been characterized by thermogravimetric and infrared spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 2 are wide band gap semiconductors. - Graphical abstract: Ca{sub 3}VSe{sub 4}O{sub 13}·H{sub 2}O and Ba{sub 2}VSe{sub 3}O{sub 10} compounds contain (VSe{sub 2}O{sub 7}){sup 2-} and (VSe{sub 3}O{sub 10}){sup 4-} chains. - Highlights: • Four new vanado-tellurites and vanadyl-selenites are synthesized. • Their structural features are different. • The vanado-tellurites are wide band gap semiconductors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

The 12-layer trimer-based hexagonal perovskite Cs 4 Ca 0.7 Mn 3.3 Cl 12

Here, we describe the crystal structure and basic magnetic properties of Cs 4 Ca 0.7 Mn 3.3 Cl 12 , a previously unreported twelve layer (12L-) hexagonal (R-3m) chloride perovskite. Its crystal structure features face sharing MnCl 6 octahedra that form Mn 3 Cl 12 trimers. The trimers, which form a triangular array, are separated by corner sharing to layers of disordered single Ca(Mn)Cl 6 octahedra. The decreased intratrimer Mn–Mn distance yields stronger magnetic coupling within trimers than between trimers. The dominant magnetic interactions are antiferromagnetic (θ CW = –105 K), the effective magnetic moment per Mn 2+ is 6.5 μ B , and potential signatures of magnetic frustration are observed. Behavior consistent with short- and long-range magnetic order is exhibited at approximately 37 and 0.7 K, respectively.

12L-hexagonal perovskite↗
DOE OSTI2015

Semiconductor-to-metallic flipping in a ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}–graphene based smart nano-system: Temperature/microwave magneto-dielectric spectroscopy

Zn-(FeO{sub 2}){sub 2}–graphene smart nano-composites were synthesized using a novel modified solvothermal synthesis with different percentages of graphene. The structure of the nanocomposite was confirmed through X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman scattering spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The structural growth and morphological aspects were analyzed using scanning/transmission electron microscopy, revealing marvelous micro-structural features of the assembled nano-system resembling a maple leaf. To determine the composition, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used. Microwave magneto-dielectric spectroscopy revealed the improved dielectric properties of the nano-composite compared to those of the parent functional nanocrystals. Temperature gradient dielectric spectroscopy was used over the spectral range from 100 Hz to 5 MHz to reveal the phenomenological effect that the nanosystem flips from its usual semiconductor nature to a metallic nature with sensing temperature. Electrical conductivity and dielectric analysis indicated that the dielectric loss and the dielectric permittivity increased at room temperature. This extraordinary switching capability of the functionalized graphene nanosystem opens up a new dimension for engineering advanced and efficient smart composite materials. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Zn-(FeO{sub 2}){sub 2}–graphene smart nano-composites were synthesized using a novel modified solvothermal synthesis. • The synthesized nano-system exhibits marvelous leaf like microstructure. • These nano-composites show improved magneto dielectric response. • This engineered smart nano-system shows phenomenological flipping from semiconductor like nature to metallic behavior.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

The distribution and mechanism of pore formation in copper foams fabricated by Lost Carbonate Sintering method

In this research, utilizing X-ray computed tomography (XCT), geometrical characterization, and pore formation mechanisms of highly porous copper foams manufactured by powder metallurgical (PM) process are investigated. Open-cell copper foams with porosity percentages of 60% and 80% and with a pore size within the range of 300–600 μm were manufactured by using potassium carbonate as a space holder agent via the Lost Carbonate Sintering (LCS) technique. XCT and SEM were also employed to investigate the three-dimensional structure of foams and to find the effect of the parameters of the space holders on the structural properties of copper foams. The result showed an excellent correlation between the structural properties of the foams including the size and shape of the pores, porosity percentage, volume percentage, particle size, and the shape of the sacrificial agent used. Also, the advanced image analysis of XCT images indicated fluctuations up to ± 10% in porosity distribution across different cross-sections of the foams. Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA: DTA–TG) was also used to study the thermal history of the powders used during the manufacturing process of the foams. The results indicated that the melting and thermal decomposition of the potassium carbonate occurred simultaneously at 920 °C and created the porous structure of the foams. By combining the STA result with the result of the tension analysis of cell walls, the mechanisms of open-pore formation were suggested. In fact, most open pores in the samples were formed due to the direct contact of potassium carbonate particles with each other in green compact. Also, it was found that the thermal decomposition of potassium carbonate particles into gaseous CO{sub 2} led to the production of gas pressure inside the closed pores, which eventually caused the creation of cracks on the cell walls and the opening of the pores in foam's structure. - Highlights: • Structural characterization of copper foam produced by LCS method is investigated by tomography images. • The ability of LCS technique to control structural features of produced foams was proved. • The mechanisms of open pores formation were presented.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

The effect of ZnO ↔ Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} substitution on the structural and thermal properties of SiO{sub 2}-ZnO-SrO-CaO-P{sub 2}O{sub 5} glasses

A series of glasses based on the system 48SiO{sub 2}-(36-X) ZnO-6CaO-8SrO-2P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-XTa{sub 2}O{sub 5} with X varying from 0 mol% (Ta0) to 8 mol% (Ta4) were fabricated. The structural features as a function of Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} content were investigated by network connectivity (NC) calculations, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The thermal properties of the glasses were obtained by performing simultaneous thermal analysis (STA). XRD showed that all compositions were predominantly amorphous, however the incorporation of tantalum pentoxide (Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5}) resulted in a small degree of crystallinity within the sample. Replacing ZnO with Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} increases the glass transition, crystallization and melting temperatures. Further, Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} incorporation results in higher thermal stability suggesting a greater glass forming tendency and the insertion of Ta in the glass network. XPS and FTIR spectroscopy revealed that Ta behaves as a glass former and that Zn has an intermediary role in the vitreous network. - Highlights: • ZnO substitution for Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} in the glass system SiO{sub 2}-ZnO-CaO-SrO-P{sub 2}O{sub 5} is presented. • ZnO substitution results in greater glass forming tendency. • Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} addition results in the formation of Si−O−Ta and Ta−O−Ta linkages. • Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} addition increases the glass thermal stability. • ZnO behaves as an intermediate in this glass system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Hydrothermal synthesis and magnetic properties of CuO hollow microspheres

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • CuO hollow microspheres were synthesized through hydrothermal route. • The possible growth mechanism was proposed according to the experimental results. • CuO hollow microspheres show an anomalous ferromagnetic behavior at 5 K and 300 K. - Abstract: In the present work, CuO hollow microspheres with the diameter about 2 μm were successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method. The phase purity, morphologies and structure features of the as obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. It was found that reaction temperature, reaction time and different volume ratios of ethanol and distilled water played important roles on the morphologies of the obtained CuO hollow microspheres. The possible formation mechanism was also proposed according to the corresponding experimental results. The magnetic properties were investigated by superconducting quantum interference device, revealing that the CuO hollow microspheres exhibited an anomalous ferromagnetic behavior at 5 K and 300 K. At the same time, the origin of the ferromagnetism in CuO hollow microspheres was also discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

3D TiO{sub 2} submicrostructures decorated by silver nanoparticles as SERS substrate for organic pollutants detection and degradation

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Contrive a multifunctional SERS substrate with 3D sub-micrometer structure and multicomponent. • The blue wing of butterfly (Euploea mulciber) is used as template for Ag/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites. • The 3D submicrostructures Ag/TiO{sub 2} presents superior SERS effect and photocatalytic activity. • Pave a facile route to prepare multifunctional material by utilizing smart structural designs in nature. - Abstract: The blue wing of butterfly Euploea mulciber is used as a template to generate Ag/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites. Thereinto, Ag nanoparticles are deposited uniformly onto TiO{sub 2} substrate with three dimensional (3D) submicrometer structures. This unique 3D sub-micrometer structures featured with ridges, ribs and struts can provide a large number of active “hot spots” for enhanced Raman signal. Meanwhile, depositing Ag onto the TiO{sub 2} surface can greatly boost its SERS effect and photocatalytic activity by bringing additional electrons into the molecules and inhibiting electrons–holes recombination. Thus, the as-prepared 3D Ag/TiO{sub 2} submicrostructures can not only offer sensitive and reproducible SERS signals, but also present superior photocatalytic activity, which can be utilized to detect and eliminate organic pollutants.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Nano-crystalline thin and nano-particulate thick TiO{sub 2} layer: Cost effective sequential deposition and study on dye sensitized solar cell characteristics

Highlights: • Thin TiO{sub 2} layer is deposited on conducting substrate using sol–gel based dip coating. • TiO{sub 2} nano-particles are synthesized using hydrothermal route. • Thick TiO{sub 2} particulate layer is deposited on prepared thin layer. • Dye sensitized solar cells are made using thin and thick layer based photo-anode. • Introduction of thin layer in particulate photo-anode improves the cell efficiency. - Abstract: A compact thin TiO{sub 2} passivation layer is introduced between the mesoporous TiO{sub 2} nano-particulate layer and the conducting glass substrate to prepare photo-anode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). In order to understand the effect of passivation layer, other two DSSCs are also developed separately using TiO{sub 2} nano-particulate and compact thin film based photo-anodes. Nano-particles are prepared using hydrothermal synthesis route and the compact passivation layer is prepared by simply dip coating the precursor sol prepared through wet chemical route. The TiO{sub 2} compact layer and the nano-particles are characterised in terms of their micro-structural features and phase formation behavior. It is found that introduction of a compact TiO{sub 2} layer in between the mesoporous TiO{sub 2} nano-particulate layer and the conducting substrate improves the solar to electric conversion efficiency of the fabricated cell. The dense thin passivation layer is supposed to enhance the photo-excited electron transfer and prevent the recombination of photo-excited electrons.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗