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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 1,117 records · Page 62
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Enriched adhesion of talc/ZnO nanocomposites on cotton fabric assisted by aloe-vera for bio-medical application

Synthesis and characterization of talc/ZnO nanocomposites with the assistance of aloe-vera are investigated by structural and morphological studies. The crystal structure and the phase analysis of ZnO and talc are characterized and confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The average crystallite size estimation from the Scherrer formula and the particle size analysis clearly predicts that the size of the ZnO declines when aloe-vera is used as a capping molecule in comparison to the commercially available ZnO. The reduced crystallite size of ZnO renders a stable cohesion with the talc composition and the presence of distinct functional group pyridines/ammonia in the synthesized nanocomposites enriches the good adhesion between the as-synthesized material and cotton fabric. The adhesion and homogeneous distribution of talc/ZnO nanocomposites on the cotton fabric are inferred from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. The basic studies and characterizations would pave way for futuristic bio-medical application.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Electrokinetics of scalable, electric-field-assisted fabrication of vertically aligned carbon-nanotube/polymer composites

Composite thin films incorporating vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) offer promise for a variety of applications where the vertical alignment of the CNTs is critical to meet performance requirements, e.g., highly permeable membranes, thermal interfaces, dry adhesives, and films with anisotropic electrical conductivity. However, current VACNT fabrication techniques are complex and difficult to scale up. In this paper, we describe a solution-based, electric-field-assisted approach as a costeffective and scalable method to produce large-area VACNT composites. Multiwall-carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a polymeric matrix, aligned with an alternating-current (AC) electric field, and electrophoretically concentrated to one side of the thin film with a direct-current (DC) component to the electric field. This approach enables the fabrication of highly concentrated, individually aligned nanotube composites from suspensions of very dilute (Φ=4×10 –4 ) volume fraction. We experimentally investigate the basic electrokinetics of nanotube alignment under AC electric fields, and show that simple models can adequately predict the rate and degree of nanotube alignment using classical expressions for the induced dipole moment, hydrodynamic drag, and the effects of Brownian motion. The composite AC þ DC field also introduces complex fluid motion associated with AC electro-osmosis and the electrochemistry of the fluid/electrode interface. We experimentally probe the electric-field parameters behind these electrokinetic phenomena, and demonstrate, with suitable choices of processing parameters, the ability to scalably produce large-area composites containing VACNTs at number densities up to 10 10 nanotubes/cm 2 . This VACNT number density exceeds that of previous electric-fieldfabricated composites by an order of magnitude, and the surface-area coverage of the 40nm VACNTs is comparable to that of chemical-vapor-deposition-grown arrays of smaller-diameter nanotubes.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Fabrication and characterization of 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-pentacene active semiconductor thin films prepared by flow-coating method

Investigation on the physical characterization and comparison of organic thin film based on a soluble 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) (TIPS) pentacene is reported. Oriented thin-films of pentacene have been successfully deposited by flow-coating method, in which the chloroform solution is sandwiched between a transparent substrate and a slide glass, followed by slow-drawing of the substrate with respect to the slide glass. Molecular orientation of flow-coated TIPS-pentacene is comparable to that of the thermal-evaporated pentacene thin film by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. XRD results showed that the morphology of flow-coated soluble pentacene is similar to that of the thermal-evaporated pentacene thin films in series of (00l) diffraction peaks where the (001) diffraction peaks are strongest in the nominally out-of-plane intensity and interplanar spacing located at approximately 2θ = 5.33° (d-spacing, d{sub 001} = 16 Å). Following that, ITO/p-TIPS-pentacene/n-ZnO/Au vertical diode was fabricated. The diode exhibited almost linear characteristics at low voltage with nonlinear characteristics at higher voltage which similar to a pn junction behavior. The results indicated that the TIPS-pentacene semiconductor active thin films can be used as a hole injection layer for fabrication of a vertical organic transistor.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Three-terminal graphene single-electron transistor fabricated using feedback-controlled electroburning

We report room-temperature Coulomb blockade in a single layer graphene three-terminal single-electron transistor fabricated using feedback-controlled electroburning. The small separation between the side gate electrode and the graphene quantum dot results in a gate coupling up to 3 times larger compared to the value found for the back gate electrode. This allows for an effective tuning between the conductive and Coulomb blocked state using a small side gate voltage of about 1 V. The technique can potentially be used in the future to fabricate all-graphene based room temperature single-electron transistors or three terminal single molecule transistors with enhanced gate coupling.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Fabrication and single-electron-transfer operation of a triple-dot single-electron transistor

A triple-dot single-electron transistor was fabricated on silicon-on-insulator wafer using pattern-dependent oxidation. A specially designed one-dimensional silicon wire having small constrictions at both ends was converted to a triple-dot single-electron transistor by means of pattern-dependent oxidation. The fabrication of the center dot involved quantum size effects and stress-induced band gap reduction, whereas that of the two side dots involved thickness modulation because of the complex edge structure of two-dimensional silicon. Single-electron turnstile operation was confirmed at 8 K when a 100-mV, 1-MHz square wave was applied. Monte Carlo simulations indicated that such a device with inhomogeneous tunnel and gate capacitances can exhibit single-electron transfer.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Room-temperature fabrication of light-emitting thin films based on amorphous oxide semiconductor

We propose a light-emitting thin film using an amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) because AOS has low defect density even fabricated at room temperature. Eu-doped amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O thin films fabricated at room temperature emitted intense red emission at 614 nm. It is achieved by precise control of oxygen pressure so as to suppress oxygen-deficiency/excess-related defects and free carriers. An electronic structure model is proposed, suggesting that non-radiative process is enhanced mainly by defects near the excited states. AOS would be a promising host for a thin film phosphor applicable to flexible displays as well as to light-emitting transistors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Mechanical design and fabrication of the VHF-gun, the Berkeley normal-conducting continuous-wave high-brightness electron source

A high repetition rate, MHz-class, high-brightness electron source is a key element in future high-repetition-rate x-ray free electron laser-based light sources. The VHF-gun, a novel low frequency radio-frequency gun, is the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) response to that need. The gun design is based on a normal conducting, single cell cavity resonating at 186 MHz in the VHF band and capable of continuous wave operation while still delivering the high accelerating fields at the cathode required for the high brightness performance. The VHF-gun was fabricated and successfully commissioned in the framework of the Advanced Photo-injector EXperiment, an injector built at LBNL to demonstrate the capability of the gun to deliver the required beam quality. In conclusion, the basis for the selection of the VHF-gun technology, novel design features, and fabrication techniques are described.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Magnetic properties of electrospun non-woven superconducting fabrics

Non-woven superconducting fabrics were prepared by the electrospinning technique, consisting of Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCuO{sub 8} (Bi-2212) nanowires. The individual nanowires have a diameter of ∼150-200 nm and lengths of up to 100 μm. A non-woven fabric forming a network with a large number of interconnects results, which enables the flow of transport currents through the entire network. We present here magnetization data [M(T) and M(H)-loops] of this new class of superconducting material. The magnetic properties of these nanowire networks are discussed including the irreversibility line and effects of different field sweep rates, regarding the microstructure of the nanowire networks investigated by electron microscopy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fabrication of SWCNT based flexible chemiresistor

Carboxyl (-COOH) functionalized SWCNT chemiresistors have been realized on Kapton substrate patterned with Au microelectrodes by the drop casting of functionalized SWCNT dispersion in DI water. I-V measurements on fabricated chemiresistor showed ohmic behavior at different temperatures (25°C-120°C). The effect of bending on flexible functionalized SWCNT chemiresistor for different diameter has been measured. It has been found that bending at different radius of curvature doesn’t change the ohmic behavior of fabricated chemiresistor. Achieved results are promising for cheap flexible electronic devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Bio-composites fabricated by sandwiching sisal fibers with polypropylene (PP)

Sisal fibers reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were successfully fabricated using sandwiching sisal fibers with PP sheets. The ratio of fiber and polymer matrix was 50:50 (wt. %). Untreated short and long sisal fibers, and alkali treated short sisal fibers in 6% NaOH at 100°C for 1 and 3 h were used as reinforcement or fillers. A small amount (3 wt. %) of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was added as a coupling agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the surface morphology and chemical composition of the fibers, respectively. Flexural test of sisal/PP composites was done according to ASTM D 790-02. The results showed that flexural strength of untreated long fiber reinforced composite is much higher than that of the untreated and alkali treated short fibers reinforced composites with and without the addition of MAPP. Alkalization related to fiber surface modification, fiber length/fiber orientation and a composite fabrication technique are important factors in contributing to the fiber distribution within the matrix, the bonding between the fiber and the matrix and the enhancement of flexural strength of the bio-composite.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fabrication of transparent cellulose acetate/graphene oxide nanocomposite film for UV shielding

In this work, we have fabricated transparent cellulose acetate/graphene oxide nanocomposite (CAGONC) films for ultraviolet radiations (UVR) shielding. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by modified Hummer’s method and CAGONC films were fabricated by solvent casting method. The films were analyzed using characterization techniques like x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) equipped scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultra-violet visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. Four films were prepared by varying the wt% of GO (0.1wt%, 0.2wt% and 0.3wt%) with respect to cellulose acetate (CA). UV-vis measurements exhibit optical transparency in the range of 76-99% for visible light while ultra-violet radiation was substantially shielded.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Dwindling the resistance value of PEDOT:PSS – coated on fabric yarns

Herein we describe by dip coating method to transform typical fabric yarn to conductive fiber. Different types of yarns have been used to coat from a known conductive polymer, Poly (3,4ethylenedioxythiophene) Poly (styrene sulfonic acid). We have optimized the method to have lesser resistance of the conductive yarns. The minimum resistance achieved has a value of 77 Ω/cm. This value is not high as metals but could be comparable to that of metal oxides or semiconducting materials. However, flexibility of yarns and feeling of fabric combining with the conductivity developed in this process is suitable for wearable electronics and also as gas sensors, electromagnetic shielding.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fabricating Ohmic contact on Nb-doped SrTiO{sub 3} surface in nanoscale

Fabricating reliable nano-Ohmic contact on wide gap semiconductors is an important yet difficult step in oxide nanoelectronics. We fabricated Ohmic contact on the n-type wide gap oxide Nb-doped SrTiO{sub 3} in nanoscale by mechanically scratching the surface using an atomic force microscopy tip. Although contacted to high work function metal, the scratched area exhibits nearly linear IV behavior with low contact resistance, which maintains for hours in vacuum. In contrast, the unscratched area shows Fowler–Nordheim tunneling dominated Schottky rectifying behavior with high contact resistance. It was found that the Ohmic conductivity in the scratched area was drastically suppressed by oxygen gas indicating the oxygen vacancy origin of the Ohmic behavior. The surface oxygen vacancy induced barrier width reduction was proposed to explain the phenomena. The nanoscale approach is also applicable to macroscopic devices and has potential application in all-oxide devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

The effects of composition and sintering temperature on the silica foam fabricated by slurry method

Reticulated ceramic or open pore ceramic foam is a well-known material which exhibits extremely high porosities, with a significant degree of interconnectivity that makes them desirable in a wide range of applications. There were broad types of ceramic foam fabrication method such as polymeric sponge method, direct foaming, and starch consolidation. In this study, the slurry method has been chosen to fabricate Silica (SiO{sub 2}) foam. In this process, Polyurethane (PU) foam template was dipped into ceramic slurry and followed by drying and sintering to obtain foam which contains porosity in the range of 50% to 70%. The compositions of SiO{sub 2} were varied starting from 55 wt.%, 60 wt.%, 65 wt.% and 70 wt.%. The samples of SiO{sub 2} that have been dipped and dried were sintered at 900°C, 1000°C, 1100°C, and 1250°C. The sintered SiO{sub 2} ceramic foam samples were characterized to observe their morphology, and physical properties. Thus, the microstructure of the SiO{sub 2} ceramic foams samples was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Meanwhile, the physical properties of the SiO{sub 2} ceramic foam samples such as the total porosity (%) and bulk density were determined using Archimedes method. It was found that the density of ceramic foam produced was in the range of 0.25 g/cm{sup 3} up to 0.75 g/cm{sup 3}, whereas the level of porosity percentage was in the range of 61.81% to 82.18% with the size of open pore or window cells were in between 141 µm up to 626 µm.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance of Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} microcolumn films fabricated using facile reactive sputtering

This paper presents the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} microcolumn films. The highlights include (1) overcoming the fundamental barrier of standard reactive sputtering for fabricating microcolumns; (2) preventing unnecessary complexity from complicating facile sputtering; (3) an alternative but effective approach for fabricating Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} without using caustic NH{sub 3} gases; (4) investigating morphology tuning for favorable photocatalysis and PEC reactions; and (5) elucidating the relationships of the structures, morphologies, and properties of Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} microcolumns. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selective-area electron diffraction verified the polycrystallinity of Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} microcolumns, of which the elemental compositions and stoichiometry were measured using electron-probe energy dispersive spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The corresponding band gap was determined to be approximately 2.1 eV. The sample exhibited a superior photodegradation capability; the photodegradation rate constant k was determined to be approximately 1.4 times higher than that of P25 under UV irradiation. A photocatalytic and PEC cycling test indicated the photodegradation reusability and photostability of the Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} microcolumns. The incident photon-to-current efficiency performance reached 6%, suggesting that these microcolumns hold potential for application in PEC devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fabrications and application of single crystalline GaN for high-performance deep UV photodetectors

High-quality single crystalline Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor has been synthesized using molecule beam epitaxy (MBE) technique for development of high-performance deep ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors. Thickness of the films was estimated by using surface profile meter and scanning electron microscope. Electronic states and elemental composition of the films were obtained using Raman scattering spectroscopy. The orientation, crystal structure and phase purity of the films were examined using a Siemens x-ray diffractometer radiation. The surface microstructure was studied using high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two types of metal pairs: Al-Al, Al-Cu or Cu-Cu were used for interdigital electrodes on GaN film in order to examine the Schottky properties of the GaN based photodetector. The characterizations of the fabricated prototype include the stability, responsivity, response and recovery times. Typical time dependent photoresponsivity by switching different UV light source on and off five times for each 240 seconds at a bias of 2V, respectively, have been obtained. The detector appears to be highly sensitive to various UV wavelengths of light with very stable baseline and repeatability. The obtained photoresponsivity was up to 354 mA/W at the bias 2V. Higher photoresponsivity could be obtained if higher bias was applied but it would unavoidably result in a higher dark current. Thermal effect on the fabricated GaN based prototype was discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Continuous roll-to-roll fabrication of organic photovoltaic cells via interconnected high-vacuum and low-pressure organic vapor phase deposition systems

We demonstrate continuous roll-to-roll (R2R) fabrication of single junction and tandem organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells on flexible plastic substrates employing a system that integrates organic deposition by high vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) and low pressure organic vapor phase deposition (OVPD). By moving the substrate from chamber to chamber and then depositing films on stationary substrates, we achieve power conversion efficiencies of PCE = 8.6 ± 0.3% and 8.9 ± 0.2% for the single junction and tandem cells, respectively. Single junction OPVs are also fabricated on a continuously translating substrate at 0.3 cm/s, to achieve PCE = 8.5 ± 0.2%. Thin films grown on translating substrates by OVPD show <3% thickness non-uniformity and 0.66 nm root mean square surface roughness, similar to that obtained by VTE. Our results suggest that R2R film deposition comprising multiple vapor deposition technologies is a promising method for rapid speed and continuous manufacturing of high quality, small molecular weight organic electronic materials.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Characterization of large-volume Frisch grid detector fabricated from as-grown CdZnTeSe

CdZnTe (CZT) has been under continuous development as a room-temperature radiation detector for the past 2-3 decades. Due to its intrinsic defects, such as a high concentration sub-grain boundary network, it has been very challenging to consistently produce high-quality CZT detectors with high yield, particularly for detector volumes exceeding a few cm 3 . In this paper, we report characterization of a relatively large-volume Frisch-grid detector (dimensions: 11x10.8x19.4 mm 3 ) fabricated from a new material Cd 0.9 Zn 0.1 Te 0.985 Se 0.015 . Furthermore, the detector was fabricated from an as-grown ingot with a two-inch diameter grown by the Traveling Heater Method (THM). The detector sample was evaluated by infrared (IR) transmission microscopy to study the presence of Te inclusions. X-ray topography using a synchrotron light source was deployed to measure the presence of sub-grain boundaries and their networks. Finally, the detector performance was measured for an optimized Frisch-grid length to extract the best energy resolution at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗