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At least 1,045 records · Page 58
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Nucleation kinetics model for primary crystallization in Al–Y–Fe metallic glass

The high density of aluminum nanocrystals (>10 21 m -3 ) that develop during the primary crystallization in Al-based metallic glasses indicates a high nucleation rate (~10 18 m -3 s -1 ). Several studies have been advanced to account for the primary crystallization behavior, but none have been developed to completely describe the reaction kinetics. Recently, structural analysis by fluctuation electron microscopy has demonstrated the presence of the Al-like medium range order (MRO) regions as a spatial heterogeneity in as-spun Al 88 Y 7 Fe 5 metallic glass that is representative for the class of Al-based amorphous alloys that develop Al nanocrystals during primary crystallization. From the structural characterization, an MRO seeded nucleation configuration is established, whereby the Al nanocrystals are catalyzed by the MRO core to decrease the nucleation barrier. The MRO seeded nucleation model and the kinetic data from the delay time (τ) measurement provide a full accounting of the evolution of the Al nanocrystal density (N v ) during the primary crystallization under isothermal annealing treatments. Moreover, the calculated values of the steady state nucleation rates (J ss ) predicted by the nucleation model agree with the experimental results. Moreover, the model satisfies constraints on the structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic parameters, such as the critical nucleus size, the interface energy, and the volume-free energy driving force that are essential for a fully self-consistent nucleation kinetics analysis. In conclusion, the nucleation kinetics model can be applied more broadly to materials that are characterized by the presence of spatial heterogeneities.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Synaptonemal complex formation produces a particular arrangement of the lateral element-associated DNA

Highlights: • The NAMA-Ur method can be used to analyze the DNA associated to the synaptonemal complex. • The DNA associated to the synaptonemal complex display bubble-like organization. • Formation of the synaptonemal complex is enough to produce the bubble-like organization of the DNA. • Synaptonemal complex without lateral elements produce similar organization of its associated DNA. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This exchange or meiotic recombination is mediated by a proteinaceous scaffold known as the Synaptonemal complex (SC). Any defects in its formation produce failures in meiotic recombination, chromosome segregation and meiosis completion. It has been proposed that DNA repair events that will be resolved by crossover between homologous chromosomes are predetermined by the SC. Hence, structural analysis of the organization of the DNA in the SC could shed light on the process of crossover interference. In this work, we employed an ultrastructural DNA staining technique on mouse testis and followed nuclei of pachytene cells. We observed structures organized similarly to the SCs stained with conventional techniques. These structures, presumably the DNA in the SCs, are delineating the edges of both lateral elements and no staining was observed between them. DNA in the LEs resembles two parallel tracks. However, a bubble-like staining pattern in certain regions of the SC was observed. Furthermore, this staining pattern is found in SCs formed between non-homologous chromosomes, in SCs formed between sister chromatids and in SCs without lateral elements, suggesting that this particular organization of the DNA is determined by the synapsis of the chromosomes despite their lack of homology or the presence of partially formed SCs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Broad Distribution of Local Polar States Generates Large Electrothermal Properties in Pb-Free Relaxor Ferroelectrics

Electrothermal energy conversion provides attractive solutions for global energy management, such as energy harvesting from waste heat using pyroelectric energy conversion (PEC) and efficient cooling of portable electronics or data servers using the electrocaloric effect. Relaxor ferroelectrics are attractive for electrothermal energy conversion because of their large pyroelectric coefficients over a wide temperature range. Although Pb-based relaxors are well-known, toxicity concerns have mandated the intense search for Pb-free alternatives. Here, we engineered (Ba,Ca)TiO 3 -based relaxors based on a multisite doping strategy, which show promising electrothermal performance, viz. a maximum PEC efficiency of 14% and electrocaloric refrigeration capacity of 115 J/kg. Using local-scale structural analysis, we provide an atomistic model for large electrothermal properties in the newly designed Pb-free ferroelectrics, whereby a temperature-independent continuous distribution of cation displacement directions creates easy pathways for microscopic polarization reorientation. This research provides key structural insight for future atomic-scale engineering of environmentally sustainable ferroelectrics in energy applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Oriented porous LLZO 3D structures obtained by freeze casting for battery applications

All solid-state lithium batteries are, potentially, higher energy density and safer alternatives to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). These are particularly attractive characteristics for large-scale applications such as electric vehicles and grid energy storage systems. However, the thin film deposition techniques used to make current devices are not readily scalable, and result in low areal capacities, which translate to low practical energy densities. To overcome these deficiencies, it is necessary to design thicker electrodes similar to what are used in LIBs (30–100 μm), in which the active material is composited with an ionic conductor and an electronically conducting additive, to overcome transport limitations. In this paper, we propose a method for making such an electrode, starting with a porous scaffold, i.e. Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO), made by freeze casting, which is then infiltrated with the active material LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC-622) and other components. The freeze casting technique results in the formation of oriented channels with low tortuosity, which run roughly parallel to the direction of the current. The scaffolds were characterized with synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography for structural analysis, as well as synchrotron X-ray fluorescence to map the elemental distribution in the infiltrated composite. A hybrid half-cell was constructed and cycled as proof of principle, and it showed good stability. In addition, a bilayer structure consisting of a porous layer combined with a dense LLZO film was successfully made as a prototype of an all solid-state battery. Finally, a mathematical model was established to propose optimized scaffold structures for battery performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Dimensionality Reduction Library v 0.2

Dimensionality Reduction Library is a C++ library for dimensionality reduction. In the context of this library, dimensionality reduction is considered to consist of 1)estimation of the intrinsic dimensionality using sampled data, 2) Finding maps that reduce the dimensionality of data (forward map) or increase the dimensionality of data (reverse map) and 3) mapping arbitray coordinates to high and low dimensionalities. The library is intended to provide a consistent interface to multiple dimensionality reduction algorithms with an efficient C++ interface that runs efficiently on multicore architectures. A few routines have been optimized with an option for GPU acceleration or distributed computation. Currently the library offers intrinsic dimensionality estimation using point-PCA reconstruction error and/ residual variance. The following dimensionality reduction methods have been implemented: Principal Component Analysis Multidimensional Scaling Locally Linear Embedding IsoMap Autoencoder Neutral Networks An executable is also supplied that can be built to allow for command-line access to the library routines. A description for an application of the library for molecular structure analysis has been published.

BROWN, WILLIAM↗
DOE OSTI2015

High-pressure protein crystallography of hen egg-white lysozyme

The crystal structure of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) was analyzed under pressures of up to 950 MPa. The high pressure modified the conformation of the molecule and induced a novel phase transition in the tetragonal crystal of HEWL. Crystal structures of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) determined under pressures ranging from ambient pressure to 950 MPa are presented. From 0.1 to 710 MPa, the molecular and internal cavity volumes are monotonically compressed. However, from 710 to 890 MPa the internal cavity volume remains almost constant. Moreover, as the pressure increases to 950 MPa, the tetragonal crystal of HEWL undergoes a phase transition from P4{sub 3}2{sub 1}2 to P4{sub 3}. Under high pressure, the crystal structure of the enzyme undergoes several local and global changes accompanied by changes in hydration structure. For example, water molecules penetrate into an internal cavity neighbouring the active site and induce an alternate conformation of one of the catalytic residues, Glu35. These phenomena have not been detected by conventional X-ray crystal structure analysis and might play an important role in the catalytic activity of HEWL.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Study of the structural and magnetic phase-transitions and multiferroic properties in BiFeO3-Ba0.95Ca0.05TiO3 solid solutions

Highlights: • The detailed structural analysis has been done for (1-x) BiFeO{sub 3}-xBa{sub 0.95}Ca{sub 0.05}TiO{sub 3} (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9). • The detailed magnetic behavior has been studied for (1-x) BiFeO{sub 3}-xBa{sub 0.95}Ca{sub 0.05}TiO{sub 3} (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9). • The dielectric constant (ε') and the dielectric loss (ε'') versus frequency curves have been fitted by using Cole-Cole dispersion formula and non-Debye relaxation behavior has been found. • The weak magnetodielectric response (MD) has been found. • The non saturating P-E loops have been found for 0.7 ≤ x ≤ 0.9 samples. - Abstract: We synthesized (1-x) BiFeO{sub 3}-x Ba{sub 0.95}Ca{sub 0.05}TiO{sub 3} solid solutions for 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9, using a solid-state-reaction. The XRD analysis reveals that a composition-driven rhombohedral-to-cubic and a cubic-to-tetragonal phase-transition occur at x ≈ 0.4 and x ≈ 0.7, respectively. The experiments show that BaCaTiO{sub 3}-substitution suppresses the spiral spin-structure, which leads to net magnetization. The samples have been found to exhibit magnetic order for 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 and paramagnetic behavior for x ≥ 0.8. The electrical conductivity increases with increasing frequency of the applied electric field. The dielectric measurements suggest a non-Debye type relaxation. The samples show magneto-dielectric response (MD) upto x = 0.5, with the highest MD of 11.61% at 10 kHz for x = 0.3. The maximum attainable remanent polarization (P{sub r}) ∼ 5.24 μC/cm{sup 2} was observed for x = 0.7.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Synthesis and characterization of aluminophosphate glasses with unique blue emission

Highlights: • Unique blue emission from aluminophosphate glass due to the phosphorus defect. • Tune the blue emission intensity by addition of SiO{sub 2}, ZnF{sub 2}, or Li{sub 2}O to the base glass. • Study the structural defects in the glass by PALS. • Energy transfer from phosphorus defect to Mn{sup 2+} in Mn-doped aluminophosphate glass. - Abstract: The aluminophosphate glasses were prepared by the melting-quenching technique and their optical and structural properties were investigated. The 56P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-20Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} glass exhibits unique blue emission at 406 nm due to the phosphorus defect in the glass matrix. Addition of SiO{sub 2}, ZnF{sub 2}, or Li{sub 2}O to 56P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-20Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} glass matrix has different influence on formation of phosphorus defect resulting in different intensities of blue emission at 406 nm, though SiO{sub 2}, ZnF{sub 2} or Li{sub 2}O mostly enters the glass network as modifier. Structural analysis of P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} based aluminophosphate glasses by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy indicates that values of positron lifetimes and the corresponding intensities may be connected with the sizes and number of structural defects. Under excitation of 251 nm, a broad blue emission band and a red emission band were observed in the Mn-doped 56P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-20Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-15SiO{sub 2}-10ZnF{sub 2} glass, indicating the operation of energy transfer from the phosphorus defect to octahedrally coordinated Mn in the glass host.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Focused acoustic beam imaging of grain structure and local Young's modulus with Rayleigh and surface skimming longitudinal waves

The interaction of a focused acoustic beam with materials generates Rayleigh surface waves (RSW) and surface skimming longitudinal waves (SSLW). Acoustic microscopic investigations have used the RSW amplitude and the velocity measurements, extensively for grain structure analysis. Although, the presence of SSLW has been recognized, it is rarely used in acoustic imaging. This paper presents an approach to perform microstructure imaging and local elastic modulus measurements by combining both RSW and SSLW. The acoustic imaging of grain structure was performed by measuring the amplitude of RSW and SSLW signal. The microstructure images obtained on the same region of the samples with RSW and SSLW are compared and the difference in the contrast observed is discussed based on the propagation characteristics of the individual surface waves. The velocity measurements are determined by two point defocus method. The surface wave velocities of RSW and SSLW of the same regions of the sample are combined and presented as average Young's modulus image.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

An integrated study of thermal treatment effects on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Zn-ferrite nanoparticles

The evolution of the magnetic state, crystal structure and microstructure parameters of nanocrystalline zinc–ferrite, tuned by thermal annealing of ~4 nm nanoparticles, was systematically studied by complementary characterization methods. Structural analysis of neutron and synchrotron x-ray radiation data revealed a mixed cation distribution in the nanoparticle samples, with the degree of inversion systematically decreasing from 0.25 in an as-prepared nanocrystalline sample to a non-inverted spinel structure with a normal cation distribution in the bulk counterpart. The results of DC magnetization and Mossbauer spectroscopy experiments indicated a superparamagnetic relaxation in ~4 nm nanoparticles, albeit with different freezing temperatures T f of 27.5 K and 46 K, respectively. The quadrupole splitting parameter decreases with the annealing temperature due to cation redistribution between the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the spinel structure and the associated defects. DC magnetization measurements indicated the existence of significant interparticle interactions among nanoparticles (‘superspins’). Additional confirmation for the presence of interparticle interactions was found from the fit of the T f (H) dependence to the AT line, from which a value of the anisotropy constant of K eff = 5.6 × 10 5 erg cm -3 was deduced. Further evidence for strong interparticle interactions was found from AC susceptibility measurements, where the frequency dependence of the freezing temperature T f (ƒ) was satisfactory described by both Vogel–Fulcher and dynamic scaling theory, both applicable for interacting systems. The parameters obtained from these fits suggest collective freezing of magnetic moments at T f .

Antic, Bratislav↗
DOE OSTI2016

Plasmon-Enhanced Photocatalytic CO 2 Conversion within Metal–Organic Frameworks under Visible Light

Materials development for artificial photosynthesis, in particular, CO 2 reduction, has been under extensive efforts, ranging from inorganic semiconductors to molecular complexes. In this report, we demonstrate a metal-organic framework (MOF)-coated nanoparticle photocatalyst with enhanced CO 2 reduction activity and stability, which stems from having two different functional units for activity enhancement and catalytic stability combined together as a single construct. Covalently attaching a CO 2 -to-CO conversion photocatalyst Re I (CO) 3 (BPYDC)Cl, BPYDC = 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylate, to a zirconium MOF, UiO-67 (Re n -MOF), prevents dimerization leading to deactivation. By systematically controlling its density in the framework (n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 16, and 24 complexes per unit cell), the highest photocatalytic activity was found for Re 3 -MOF. Structural analysis of Re n -MOFs suggests that a fine balance of proximity between photoactive centers is needed for cooperatively enhanced photocatalytic activity, where an optimum number of Re complexes per unit cell should reach the highest activity. Here, based on the structure-activity correlation of Re n -MOFs, Re 3 -MOF was coated onto Ag nanocubes (Ag$\subset$Re 3 -MOF), which spatially confined photoactive Re centers to the intensified near-surface electric fields at the surface of Ag nanocubes, resulting in a 7-fold enhancement of CO 2 -to-CO conversion under visible light with long-term stability maintained up to 48 h.

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

Local structure order in Pd 78 Cu 6 Si 16 liquid

The short-range order (SRO) in Pd 78 Cu 6 Si 16 liquid was studied by high energy x-ray diffraction and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The calculated pair correlation functions at different temperatures agree well with the experimental results. The partial pair correlation functions from ab intio MD simulations indicate that Si atoms prefer to be uniformly distributed while Cu atoms tend to aggregate. By performing structure analysis using Honeycutt-Andersen index, Voronoi tessellation, and atomic cluster alignment method, we show that the icosahedron and face-centered cubic SRO increase upon cooling. The dominant SRO is the Pd-centered Pd 9 Si 2 motif, namely the structure of which motif is similar to the structure of Pd-centered clusters in the Pd 9 Si 2 crystal. The study further confirms the existence of trigonal prism capped with three half-octahedra that is reported as a structural unit in Pd-based amorphous alloys. The majority of Cu-centered clusters are icosahedra, suggesting that the presence of Cu is benefit to promote the glass forming ability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Crystal structure of mouse coronavirus receptor-binding domain complexed with its murine receptor

Coronaviruses have evolved diverse mechanisms to recognize different receptors for their cross-species transmission and host-range expansion. Mouse hepatitis coronavirus (MHV) uses the N-terminal domain (NTD) of its spike protein as its receptor-binding domain. Here we present the crystal structure of MHV NTD complexed with its receptor murine carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1a (mCEACAM1a). Unexpectedly, MHV NTD contains a core structure that has the same {beta}-sandwich fold as human galectins (S-lectins) and additional structural motifs that bind to the N-terminal Ig-like domain of mCEACAM1a. Despite its galectin fold, MHV NTD does not bind sugars, but instead binds mCEACAM1a through exclusive protein-protein interactions. Critical contacts at the interface have been confirmed by mutagenesis, providing a structural basis for viral and host specificities of coronavirus/CEACAM1 interactions. Sugar-binding assays reveal that galectin-like NTDs of some coronaviruses such as human coronavirus OC43 and bovine coronavirus bind sugars. Structural analysis and mutagenesis localize the sugar-binding site in coronavirus NTDs to be above the {beta}-sandwich core. We propose that coronavirus NTDs originated from a host galectin and retained sugar-binding functions in some contemporary coronaviruses, but evolved new structural features in MHV for mCEACAM1a binding.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Structure of archaerhodopsin-2 at 1.8 Å resolution

The same hexagonal array of archaerhodpsin-2 trimers as observed in the native membrane is reconstituted in a three-dimensional crystal prepared by the membrane fusion method. In this crystal, a pair of conserved glutamate residues in the proton-release pathway is maintained by a low-barrier hydrogen bond. Archaerhodopsin-2 (aR2), the sole protein found in the claret membrane of Halorubrum sp. Aus-2, functions as a light-driven proton pump. In this study, structural analysis of aR2 was performed using a novel three-dimensional crystal prepared by the successive fusion of claret membranes. The crystal is made up of stacked membranes, in each of which aR2 trimers are arranged on a hexagonal lattice. This lattice structure resembles that found in the purple membrane of H. salinarum, except that lipid molecules trapped within the trimeric structure are not distributed with perfect threefold symmetry. Nonetheless, diffraction data at 1.8 Å resolution provide accurate structural information about functionally important residues. It is shown that two glutamates in the proton-release channel form a paired structure that is maintained by a low-barrier hydrogen bond. Although the structure of the proton-release pathway is highly conserved among proton-pumping archaeal rhodopsins, aR2 possesses the following peculiar structural features: (i) the motional freedom of the tryptophan residue that makes contact with the C13 methyl group of retinal is restricted, affecting the formation/decay kinetics of the L state, and (ii) the N-terminal polypeptide folds into an Ω-loop, which may play a role in organizing the higher-order structure.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Advanced grazing-incidence techniques for modern soft-matter materials analysis

The complex nano-morphology of modern soft-matter materials is successfully probed with advanced grazing-incidence techniques. Based on grazing-incidence small- and wide-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (GISAXS, GIWAXS, GISANS and GIWANS), new possibilities arise which are discussed with selected examples. Due to instrumental progress, highly interesting possibilities for local structure analysis in this material class arise from the use of micro- and nanometer-sized X-ray beams in micro- or nanofocused GISAXS and GIWAXS experiments. The feasibility of very short data acquisition times down to milliseconds creates exciting possibilities for in situ and in operando GISAXS and GIWAXS studies. Tuning the energy of GISAXS and GIWAXS in the soft X-ray regime and in time-of flight GISANS allows the tailoring of contrast conditions and thereby the probing of more complex morphologies. In addition, recent progress in software packages, useful for data analysis for advanced grazing-incidence techniques, is discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2026

Crystal structure of Methanococcus jannaschii dihydroorotase with substrate bound

Here, we report the X-ray structural analysis of dihydroorotase from Methanococcus jannaschii co-crystallized with dihydroorotate at pH 6.5. The crystals are isomorphous with the crystals of the apoenzyme, with space group P3 2 21 and unit-cell dimensions a = b = 111.4, c = 101.2 Å. The structure was refined to R = 0.169 and R free = 0.186 at a resolution of 1.87 Å at room temperature. During crystallization the degradative reaction took place, and the electron density in the active site corresponds to the substrate carbamoyl aspartate. Carbamoyl aspartate interacts with the protein in the active site in a manner similar to that observed for Escherichia coli and human dihydroorotases. However, the flexible loop (residues 140–151) adopts both conformations in the crystal, loop-out and loop-in, with the loop-out conformation having higher occupancy. This contrasts with our expectations for the flexible loop to be exclusively in the loop-in conformation, which is the conformation that it adopts to stabilize the binding of the substrate in the known systems. Additional studies with substrate analogs that resemble carbamoyl aspartate and different crystallization conditions would provide further insight into the conformation of the flexible loop in this system.

Methanococcus jannaschii↗
DOE OSTI2019

Super Rapid Crystal Growth and Quench of Monoclinic Bi-II* During Dynamic Compression

We show that monoclinic Bi-II* forms during a dynamic compression regime with crystal growth rates from melt of approximately 70 m/s. This extreme quench rate implies crystallization by non-diffusive processes and indicates that the liquid had a high degree of pre-ordering. Using ambient condition single crystal structure analysis we show for the first time that the monoclinic distorted phase of Bi (Bi-II) exists at ambient pressure, albeit bound to formation under dynamic compression. We review the pressure, temperature, and time conditions for formation and growth of this structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗