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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 955 records · Page 53
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Construction of a Compact Array of Microplasma Jet Devices and Its Application for Random Mutagenesis of Rhodosporidium toruloides

A small and efficient DNA mutation-inducing machine was constructed with an array of microplasma jet devices (7 × 1) that can be operated at atmospheric pressure for microbial mutagenesis. Using this machine, we report disruption of a plasmid DNA and generation of mutants of an oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides. Specifically, a compact-sized microplasma channel (25 × 20 × 2 mm 3 ) capable of generating an electron density of greater than 10 13 cm –3 was constructed to produce reactive species (N 2 *, N 2 +, O, OH, and H α ) under helium atmospheric conditions to induce DNA mutagenesis. The length of microplasma channels in the device played a critical role in augmenting both the volume of plasma and the concentration of reactive species. First, we confirmed that microplasma treatment can linearize a plasmid by creating nicks in vitro. Second, we treated R. toruloides cells with a jet device containing 7 microchannels for 5 min; 94.8% of the treated cells were killed, and 0.44% of surviving cells showed different colony colors as compared to their parental colony. Microplasma-based DNA mutation is energy-efficient and can be a safe alternative for inducing mutations compared to conventional methods using toxic mutagens. In conclusion, this compact and scalable device is amenable for industrial strain improvement involving large-scale mutagenesis.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

On-device lead sequestration for perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) face obstacles on their way towards commercialization. Potential issues with lead toxicity and leaching from devices remain relatively unexplored. It is desirable to develop strategies that avoid potential Pb leakage to the environment, although enhanced physical encapsulation can lessen Pb leakage from devices when subjected to mild environmental damage. We present a new chemical approach for on-device sequestration (>96%) of lead leakage caused by severe device damage without sacrificing the efficiency and stability of PSCs under normal operation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Multidimensional materials and device architectures for future hybrid energy storage

Electrical energy storage plays a vital role in daily life due to our dependence on numerous portable electronic devices. Moreover, with the continued miniaturization of electronics, integration of wireless devices into our homes and clothes and the widely anticipated ‘Internet of Things’, there are intensive efforts to develop miniature yet powerful electrical energy storage devices. Here, this review addresses the cutting edge of electrical energy storage technology, outlining approaches to overcome current limitations and providing future research directions towards the next generation of electrical energy storage devices whose characteristics represent a true hybridization of batteries and electrochemical capacitors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Electronic control of H + current in a bioprotonic device with Gramicidin A and Alamethicin

In biological systems, intercellular communication is mediated by membrane proteins and ion channels that regulate traffic of ions and small molecules across cell membranes. A bioelectronic device with ion channels that control ionic flow across a supported lipid bilayer (SLB) should therefore be ideal for interfacing with biological systems. Here, we demonstrate a biotic–abiotic bioprotonic device with Pd contacts that regulates proton (H + ) flow across an SLB incorporating the ion channels Gramicidin A (gA) and Alamethicin (ALM). We model the device characteristics using the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz (GHK) solution to the Nernst–Planck equation for transport across the membrane. We derive the permeability for an SLB integrating gA and ALM and demonstrate pH control as a function of applied voltage and membrane permeability. This work opens the door to integrating more complex H + channels at the Pd contact interface to produce responsive biotic–abiotic devices with increased functionality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Giant switchable photovoltaic effect in organometal trihalide perovskite devices

Organolead trihalide perovskite (OTP) materials are emerging as naturally abundant materials for low-cost, solution-processed and highly efficient solar cells. Here, we show that, in OTP-based photovoltaic devices with vertical and lateral cell configurations, the photocurrent direction can be switched repeatedly by applying a small electric field of <1 V μm –1 . The switchable photocurrent, generally observed in devices based on ferroelectric materials, reached 20.1 mA cm –2 under one sun illumination in OTP devices with a vertical architecture, which is four orders of magnitude larger than that measured in other ferroelectric photovoltaic devices. This field-switchable photovoltaic effect can be explained by the formation of reversible p–i–n structures induced by ion drift in the perovskite layer. Furthermore, the demonstration of switchable OTP photovoltaics and electric-field-manipulated doping paves the way for innovative solar cell designs and for the exploitation of OTP materials in electrically and optically readable memristors and circuits.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Robust resistive memory devices using solution-processable metal-coordinated azo aromatics

Non-volatile memories will play a decisive role in the next generation of digital technology. Flash memories are currently the key player in the field, yet they fail to meet the commercial demands of scalability and endurance. Resistive memory devices, and in particular memories based on low-cost, solution-processable and chemically tunable organic materials, are promising alternatives explored by the industry. However, to date, they have been lacking the performance and mechanistic understanding required for commercial translation. Here we report a resistive memory device based on a spin-coated active layer of a transition-metal complex, which shows high reproducibility (~350 devices), fast switching (≤30 ns), excellent endurance (~10 12 cycles), stability (>10 6 s) and scalability (down to ~60 nm 2 ). In situ Raman and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy alongside spectroelectrochemistry and quantum chemical calculations demonstrate that the redox state of the ligands determines the switching states of the device whereas the counterions control the hysteresis. This insight may accelerate the technological deployment of organic resistive memories.

Goswami, Sreetosh↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multiparameter laser performance characterization of liquid crystals for polarization control devices in the nanosecond regime

Abstract Interactions of liquid crystals (LC’s) with polarized light have been studied widely and have spawned numerous device applications, including the fabrication of optical elements for high-power and large-aperture laser systems. Currently, little is known about both the effect of incident polarization state on laser-induced–damage threshold (LIDT) and laser-induced functional threshold (LIFT) behavior at sub-LIDT fluences under multipulse irradiation conditions. This work reports on the first study of the nanosecond-pulsed LIDT’s dependence on incident polarization for several optical devices employing oriented nematic and chiral-nematic LC’s oriented by surface alignment layers. Accelerated lifetime testing was also performed to characterize the ability of these devices to maintain their functional performance under multipulse irradiation as a function of the laser fluence at both 1053 nm and 351 nm. Results show that the LIDT varies as a function of input polarization by 30–80% within the same device, while the multipulse LIFT (which can differ from the nominal LIDT) depends on irradiation conditions such as laser fluence and wavelength.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Scalable fabrication of an array-type fixed-target device for automated room temperature X-ray protein crystallography

X-ray crystallography is one of the leading tools to analyze the 3-D structure, and therefore, function of proteins and other biological macromolecules. Traditional methods of mounting individual crystals for X-ray diffraction analysis can be tedious and result in damage to fragile protein crystals. Furthermore, the advent of multi-crystal and serial crystallography methods explicitly require the mounting of larger numbers of crystals. To address this need, we have developed a device that facilitates the straightforward mounting of protein crystals for diffraction analysis, and that can be easily manufactured at scale. Inspired by grid-style devices that have been reported in the literature, we have developed an X-ray compatible microfluidic device that can be used to trap protein crystals in an array configuration, while also providing excellent optical transparency, a low X-ray background, and compatibility with the robotic sample handling and environmental controls used at synchrotron macromolecular crystallography beamlines. At the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), these capabilities allow for fully remote-access data collection at controlled humidity conditions. Furthermore, we have demonstrated continuous manufacturing of these devices via roll-to-roll fabrication to enable cost-effective and efficient large-scale production.

chemical engineering↗
DOE OSTI2014

High-Q CMOS-integrated photonic crystal microcavity devices

Integrated optical resonators are necessary or beneficial in realizations of various functions in scaled photonic platforms, including filtering, modulation, and detection in classical communication systems, optical sensing, as well as addressing and control of solid state emitters for quantum technologies. Although photonic crystal (PhC) microresonators can be advantageous to the more commonly used microring devices due to the former’s low mode volumes, fabrication of PhC cavities has typically relied on electron-beam lithography, which precludes integration with large-scale and reproducible CMOS fabrication. Here, we demonstrate wavelength-scale polycrystalline silicon (pSi) PhC microresonators with Qs up to 60,000 fabricated within a bulk CMOS process. Quasi-1D resonators in lateral p-i-n structures allow for resonant defect-state photodetection in all-silicon devices, exhibiting voltage-dependent quantum efficiencies in the range of a few 10 s of %, few-GHz bandwidths, and low dark currents, in devices with loaded Qs in the range of 4,300–9,300; one device, for example, exhibited a loaded Q of 4,300, 25% quantum efficiency (corresponding to a responsivity of 0.31 A/W), 3 GHz bandwidth, and 30 nA dark current at a reverse bias of 30 V. This work demonstrates the possibility for practical integration of PhC microresonators with active electro-optic capability into large-scale silicon photonic systems.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Integrating theory, synthesis, spectroscopy and device efficiency to design and characterize donor materials for organic photovoltaics: a case study including 12 donors

There have been remarkable improvements in the power conversion efficiency of solution-processable Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) have largely been driven by the development of novel narrow bandgap copolymer donors comprising an electron-donating (D) and an electron-withdrawing (A) group within the repeat unit. The large pool of potential D and A units and the laborious processes of chemical synthesis and device optimization, has made progress on new high efficiency materials slow with a few new efficient copolymers reported every year despite the large number of groups pursuing these materials. In our paper we present an integrated approach toward new narrow bandgap copolymers that uses theory to guide the selection of materials to be synthesized based on their predicted energy levels, and time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) to select the best-performing copolymer–fullerene bulk heterojunction to be incorporated into complete OPV devices. We validate our methodology by using a diverse group of 12 copolymers, including new and literature materials, to demonstrate good correlation between (a) theoretically determined energy levels of polymers and experimentally determined ionization energies and electron affinities and (b) photoconductance, measured by TRMC, and OPV device performance. The materials used here also allow us to explore whether further copolymer design rules need to be incorporated into our methodology for materials selection. For example, we explore the effect of the enthalpy change (ΔH) during exciton dissociation on the efficiency of free charge carrier generation and device efficiency and find that ΔH of -0.4 eV is sufficient for efficient charge generation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Graphene in perovskite solar cells: device design, characterization and implementation

Conversion of light energy directly into electricity by solar cell devices represents one of the most promising options for highly scalable renewable power. Tremendous effort has been directed at improving photovoltaic (PV) conversion efficiencies, resulting in dramatic device performance increases over the past two decades for novel, cost-effective PV systems. Nevertheless, performance issues related to device stability, scalability, and flexibility prevent these novel designs from achieving their market potential. For mechanically flexible architectures, integration of new materials such as graphene-derived nanomaterials (i.e. graphene/graphite oxide and their modified analogs with other nanocarbons and carbon nanotubes) may be necessary to enhance alternatives to silicon-based PV systems. Among the diverse solar technologies, perovskite solar cells—most notably organometal halides—have stood out from the crowd with solar efficiencies over 20% and potential for highly scalable manufacturing. Here, we review the use of graphene and graphene-derived nanomaterials in new designs of perovskite solar cells associated with organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites utilized as light-harvesting layers, outlining design perspectives, device characterization, and performance. Recent efforts to clarify stability issues and efficiency control mechanisms are also briefly discussed, and we provide some perspective on the currently available literature and future research directions in the field.

Acik, Muge↗
DOE OSTI2024

Trade-off between processability and device performance in donor–acceptor semiconductors revealed using discrete siloxane side chains

Donor–acceptor polymeric semiconductors are crucial for state-of-the-art applications, such as electronic skin mimics. The processability, and thus solubility, of these polymers in benign solvents is critical and can be improved through side chain engineering. Nevertheless, the impact of novel side chains on backbone orientation and emerging device properties often remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigate the influence of elongated linear and branched discrete oligodimethylsiloxane (oDMS) side chains on solubility and device performance. Thereto, diketopyrrolopyrrole–thienothiophene polymers are equipped with various oDMS pendants (PDPPTT-Si n ) and subsequently phase separated into lamellar domains. The introduction of a branching point in the siloxane significantly enhanced the solubility of the polymer, as a result of increased backbone distortion. Simultaneously, the charge carrier mobility of the polymers decreased by an order of magnitude upon functionalization with long and/or branched siloxanes. This work unveils the intricate balance between processability and device performance in organic semiconductors, which is key for the development of next-generation electronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Quantum-ring spin interference device tuned by quantum point contacts

We introduce a spin-interference device that comprises a quantum ring (QR) with three embedded quantum point contacts (QPCs) and study theoretically its spin transport properties in the presence of Rashba spin-orbit interaction. Two of the QPCs conform the lead-to-ring junctions while a third one is placed symmetrically in the upper arm of the QR. Using an appropriate scattering model for the QPCs and the S-matrix scattering approach, we analyze the role of the QPCs on the Aharonov-Bohm (AB) and Aharonov-Casher (AC) conductance oscillations of the QR-device. Exact formulas are obtained for the spin-resolved conductances of the QR-device as a function of the confinement of the QPCs and the AB/AC phases. Conditions for the appearance of resonances and anti-resonances in the spin-conductance are derived and discussed. We predict very distinctive variations of the QR-conductance oscillations not seen in previous QR proposals. In particular, we find that the interference pattern in the QR can be manipulated to a large extend by varying electrically the lead-to-ring topological parameters. The latter can be used to modulate the AB and AC phases by applying gate voltage only. We have shown also that the conductance oscillations exhibits a crossover to well-defined resonances as the lateral QPC confinement strength is increased, mapping the eigenenergies of the QR. In addition, unique features of the conductance arise by varying the aperture of the upper-arm QPC and the Rashba spin-orbit coupling. Our results may be of relevance for promising spin-orbitronics devices based on quantum interference mechanisms.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2013

Electron transfer at the contact between Al electrode and gold nanoparticles of polymer: Nanoparticle resistive switching devices studied by alternating current impedance spectroscopy

Electron transfer at the contact between an Al electrode and Au nanoparticles of polymer:nanoparticle devices is studied by ac impedance spectroscopy. The devices have a polystyrene layer embedded with Au nanoparticles capped with conjugated 2-naphthalenethiol sandwiched between Al and MoO{sub 3}/Al electrodes, and they exhibit electrode-sensitive resistive switches. The devices in the pristine or high resistance state have high capacitance. The capacitance decreases after the devices switch to a low resistance state by a voltage scan. The change in the capacitance is attributed to the voltage-induced change on the electronic structure of the contact between the Al electrode and Au nanoparticles.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Magnetic configuration dependence of magnetoresistance in a Fe-porphyrin-like carbon nanotube spintronic device

By using nonequilibrium Green's functions in combination with the density functional theory, we investigate the spin-dependent transport properties in a Fe-porphyrin-like carbon nanotube spintronic device. The results show that magnetoresistance ratio is strongly dependent on the magnetic configuration of the Fe-porphyrin-like carbon nanotube. Under the application of the external magnetic field, the magnetoresistance ratio of the device can be increased from about 19% to about 1020% by tuning the magnetic configuration in the device. Our results confirm that the magnetic configuration is a key factor for obtaining a high-performance spintronic device.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Calcium chloride electron injection/extraction layers in organic electronic devices

Nontoxic calcium chloride (CaCl{sub 2}) was introduced into organic electronic devices as cathode buffer layer (CBL). The turn-on voltage and maximum luminance of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) with 1.5 nm CaCl{sub 2} was 3.5 V and 21 960 cd/m{sup 2}, respectively. OLED with 1.5 nm CaCl{sub 2} possessed comparable electroluminescent characteristics to that of the commonly used LiF. Moreover, the performance of the organic photovoltaic device with 0.5 nm CaCl{sub 2} was comparable to that of the control device with LiF. Therefore, CaCl{sub 2} has the potential to be used as the CBL for organic electronic devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

An unattended device for high-voltage sampling and passive measurement of thoron decay products

An integrating measurement device for the concentration of airborne thoron decay products was designed and calibrated. It is suitable for unattended use over up to several months also in inhabited dwellings. The device consists of a hemispheric capacitor with a wire mesh as the outer electrode on ground potential and the sampling substrates as the inner electrode on +7.0 kV. Negatively charged and neutral thoron decay products are accelerated to and deposited on the sampling substrates. As sampling substrates, CR39 solid-state nuclear track detectors are used in order to record the alpha decay of the sampled decay products. Nuclide discrimination is achieved by covering the detectors with aluminum foil of different thickness, which are penetrated only by alpha particles with sufficient energy. Devices of this type were calibrated against working level monitors in a thoron experimental house. The sensitivity was measured as 9.2 tracks per Bq/m{sup 3} × d of thoron decay products. The devices were used over 8 weeks in several houses built of earthen material in southern Germany, where equilibrium equivalent concentrations of 1.4–9.9 Bq/m{sup 3} of thoron decay products were measured.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

High-frequency programmable acoustic wave device realized through ferroelectric domain engineering

Surface acoustic wave devices are extensively used in contemporary wireless communication devices. We used atomic force microscopy to form periodic macroscopic ferroelectric domains in sol-gel deposited lead zirconate titanate, where each ferroelectric domain is composed of many crystallites, each of which contains many microscopic ferroelastic domains. We examined the electro-acoustic characteristics of the apparatus and found a resonator behavior similar to that of an equivalent surface or bulk acoustic wave device. We show that the operational frequency of the device can be tailored by altering the periodicity of the engineered domains and demonstrate high-frequency filter behavior (>8 GHz), allowing low-cost programmable high-frequency resonators.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗