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At least 1,243 records · Page 69
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Mapping of reciprocal space of La{sub 0.30}CoO{sub 2} in 3D: Analysis of superstructure diffractions and intergrowths with Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}

We have used electron diffraction tomography and powder X-ray diffraction to elucidate the structural properties of layered cobaltate γ-La{sub 0.30}CoO{sub 2}. The structure consists of hexagonal sheets of edge-sharing CoO{sub 6} octahedra interleaved by lanthanum monolayers. The La{sup 3+} cations occupy only one third of available P2 sites, forming a 2-dimensional a√3×a√3 superstructure in a–b plane. The results show that there exists no order in the mutual relative shift between the neighbouring La interlayers within the a–b plane. This is manifested in the observed monotonous decrease of the diffracted intensity of the superstructure diffractions along c{sup ⁎} in both X-ray and electron diffraction data. The observed lack of stacking order differentiates the La{sub x}CoO{sub 2} from its Ca and Sr analogues where at least a partial stacking order of the cationic interlayers is manifested in experimental data published in literature. - Highlights: • We use electron diffraction tomography for reciprocal space mapping of La{sub 0.30}CoO{sub 2}. • We observed a complete disorder of the stacking of Lanthanum interlayers. • Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} intergrown with La{sub 0.30}CoO{sub 2} crystals brings about fake superstructure diffractions. • Twinning of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} enhances the problem of fake superstructure diffractions.

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

Local and long-range atomic/magnetic structure of non-stoichiometric spinel iron oxide nanocrystallites

Spinel iron oxide nanoparticles of different mean sizes in the range 10–25 nm have been prepared by surfactant-free up-scalable near- and super-critical hydrothermal synthesis pathways and characterized using a wide range of advanced structural characterization methods to provide a highly detailed structural description. The atomic structure is examined by combined Rietveld analysis of synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data and time-of-flight neutron powder-diffraction (NPD) data. The local atomic ordering is further analysed by pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of both X-ray and neutron total-scattering data. It is observed that a non-stoichiometric structural model based on a tetragonal γ-Fe 2 O 3 phase with vacancy ordering in the structure (space group P 4 3 2 1 2) yields the best fit to the PXRD and total-scattering data. Detailed peak-profile analysis reveals a shorter coherence length for the superstructure, which may be attributed to the vacancy-ordered domains being smaller than the size of the crystallites and/or the presence of anti-phase boundaries, faulting or other disorder effects. The intermediate stoichiometry between that of γ-Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 is confirmed by refinement of the Fe/O stoichiometry in the scattering data and quantitative analysis of Mössbauer spectra. The structural characterization is complemented by nano/micro-structural analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental mapping using scanning TEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and the measurement of macroscopic magnetic properties using vibrating sample magnetometry. Notably, no evidence is found of a Fe 3 O 4 /γ-Fe 2 O 3 core-shell nanostructure being present, which had previously been suggested for non-stoichiometric spinel iron oxide nanoparticles. Finally, the study is concluded using the magnetic PDF (mPDF) method to model the neutron total-scattering data and determine the local magnetic ordering and magnetic domain sizes in the iron oxide nanoparticles. The mPDF data analysis reveals ferrimagnetic collinear ordering of the spins in the structure and the magnetic domain sizes to be ∼60–70% of the total nanoparticle sizes. The present study is the first in which mPDF analysis has been applied to magnetic nanoparticles, establishing a successful precedent for future studies of magnetic nanoparticles using this technique.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-resolution neutron diffraction determination of noncollinear antiferromagnetic order in the honeycomb magnetoelectric Fe 4 ⁢Nb 2⁢ O 9

Magnetoelectric systems offer potential for device applications exploiting coupled states between electric and magnetic properties. Among magnetoelectric materials, Fe 4 ⁢Nb 2 ⁢O 9 has attracted special attention because of its pronounced dielectric signal at high magnetic transition temperatures. However, the magnetic ground state, which is essential information for understanding its unusual magnetoelectricity, remains unclarified. Here, we report a noncollinear magnetic ground state of Fe 4 ⁢Nb 2 ⁢O 9 . To examine the magnetoelectric effect associated with sequential magnetic and structural transitions upon cooling, we conducted combined x-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, dielectric constant, and magnetodielectric experiments. Powder neutron diffraction experiments revealed a series of magnetic Bragg peaks and clear splitting of peaks via structural transition. Magnetic Rietveld refinements, combined with group theory analysis, determined a noncollinear antiferromagnetic structure including a significant 𝑐-axis moment component at 1.5 K. This article provides insights into the understanding of its magnetoelectric properties.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

High-pressure high-temperature phase diagram of gadolinium studied using a boron-doped heater anvil

A boron-doped designer heater anvil is used in conjunction with powder x-ray diffraction to collect structural information on a sample of quasi-hydrostatically loaded gadolinium metal up to pressures above 8 GPa and 600 K. The heater anvil consists of a natural diamond anvil that has been surface modified with a homoepitaxially grown chemical-vapor-deposited layer of conducting boron-doped diamond, and is used as a DC heating element. Internally insulating both diamond anvils with sapphire support seats allows for heating and cooling of the high-pressure area on the order of a few tens of seconds. This device is then used to scan the phase diagram of the sample by oscillating the temperature while continuously increasing the externally applied pressure and collecting in situ time-resolved powder diffraction images. In the pressure-temperature range covered in this experiment, the gadolinium sample is observed in its hcp, αSm, and dhcp phases. Under this temperature cycling, the hcp → αSm transition proceeds in discontinuous steps at points along the expected phase boundary. From these measurements (representing only one hour of synchrotron x-ray collection time), a single-experiment equation of state and phase diagram of each phase of gadolinium is presented for the range of 0–10 GPa and 300–650 K.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

ZnTeO{sub 3} crystal growth by a modified Bridgman technique

Highlights: • ZnTeO{sub 3} single crystals were grown for the first time by a modified Bridgman method. • The growth is still possible in a system that lacks congruent melting. • A growth is best when melt is exposed to a steeper axial thermal gradient. • Optical and electrical properties were investigated for the grown crystals. - Abstract: Zinc Tellurite (ZnTeO{sub 3}) crystals were grown for the first time using a modified Bridgman method with a 2.5 kHz radio frequency (RF) furnace. Single crystal growth of ZnTeO{sub 3} was hindered by many complicating factors, such as the evaporation of TeO{sub 2} above 700 °C and the formation of more than one phase during crystal growth. While there were several successful runs that produced ZnTeO{sub 3} single crystals, it was found that large (≥10 cm{sup 3}) single ZnTeO{sub 3} crystals resulted when the crucible was exposed to a steeper vertical thermal gradient and when the temperature of the melt was raised to at least 860 °C. The results of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were in accordance with the X-ray powder diffraction file (PDF) for ZnTeO{sub 3}. Some optical, electrical and structural properties of ZnTeO{sub 3} single crystals were reported in this paper.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Study of titanate nanotubes by X-ray and electron diffraction and electron microscopy

The structure of titanate nanotubes (Ti-NTs) was studied by a combination of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), electron diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Ti-NTs are prepared by hydrothermal treatment of TiO{sub 2} powder. The structure is identified by powder X-ray diffraction as the one based on the structure of H{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 5}·H{sub 2}O phase. The same structure is obtained by projected potential from HRTEM through-focus image series. The structure is verified by simulated PXRD pattern with the aid of the Debye formula. The validity of the model is tested by computing Fourier transformation of a single nanotube which is proportional to measured electron diffraction intensities. A good agreement of this calculation with measured precession electron diffraction data is achieved. - Highlights: • Titanate nanotubes were prepared by hydrothermal method. • X-ray powder diffraction indicated their structure based on that of H{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 5}·H{sub 2}O. • Structural model was created with the aid of high-resolution electron microscopy. • The model was verified with electron diffraction data. • X-ray powder diffraction pattern was calculated with the aid of the Debye formula.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

From fluorite to pyrochlore: Characterisation of local and average structure of neodymium zirconate, Nd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7}

The structural characterisation of Nd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} prepared via a precursor route was performed using a combination of local and average structure probes (neutron total scattering, X-ray and neutron diffraction). We present the first total scattering and reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) modelling study of Nd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7}, which provides compelling evidence for the adoption of a disordered fluorite-type structure by Nd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} prepared by a low-temperature precursor route. Annealing the material at high temperatures leads to a transformation to a pyrochlore-type structure; however, Rietveld refinement using powder neutron diffraction data shows that the oxygen sublattice retains a degree of disorder. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • The first total scattering and RMC modelling study of Nd{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7}. • Demonstration that the synthetic route influences the crystal structure adopted. • Insight into the importance of total scattering in studies of complex superstructures, especially for nano-sized materials.

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

In situ hydrothermal syntheses, structures and photoluminescent properties of four novel metal-organic frameworks constructed by lanthanide (Ln=Ce(III), Pr(III), Eu(III)) and Cu(I) metals with flexible dicarboxylate acids and piperazine-based ligands

Four novel metal-organic frameworks,[Cu{sub 2}Cl{sub 2}(pyrz)]{sub n} (1) and (H{sub 2}pip){sub n}[Ln{sub 2}(pydc){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sub n} (Ln=Ce (2), Pr (3) and Eu (4), H{sub 2}pzdc=2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid, pyrz=pyrazine, H{sub 2}pydc=2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, H{sub 2}pip=piperazine) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by the elemental analysis, ICP, Far IR (FIR), FT-IR spectra, TGA, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Compound 1 is two-dimensional containing Cl-Cu-Cl sites, while the lanthanide complexes contain one-dimensional infinite Ln–O-Ln chains. All the complexes show high thermal stability. The complexes 1–3 exhibit luminescence emission bands at 584, 598 and 614 nm at room temperature when excited at 300 nm. Complex 4 exhibits bright red solid-state phosphorescence upon exposure to UV radiation at room temperature. - Graphical abstract: Four novel metal-organic frameworks have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Thermal and luminescent properties of the compounds have been investigated.

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

High‐Pressure Characterization of Melt‐Castable Biisoxazole Energetics: 3,3′‐Biisoxazole‐5,5′‐bis‐(Methylene) Dinitrate and 3,3′‐Biisoxazole‐4,4′,5,5′‐Tetrakis‐(Methylene Nitrate)

Abstract The high‐pressure behavior of 3,3′‐biisoxazole‐5,5′‐bis‐(methylene) dinitrate (BIDN) and 3,3′‐biisoxazole‐4,4′,5,5′‐tetrakis‐(methylene nitrate) (BITN) have been studied at room temperature to 25 GPa by Raman spectroscopy and powder X‐ray diffraction. The Raman spectra, powder patterns, and calculated unit‐cell volumes at select pressures show qualitative agreement with first‐principles density function theory calculations. Over this pressure range, no evidence of polymorphism was observed. The lack of observed phase changes can be partially attributed to the strengthening of hydrogen bonding observed with pressure increase. These insights point to the potential importance of hydrogen bonding in potential melt‐castable materials.

Bennion, Jonathan C.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Hydrothermal synthesis, structure, heterogeneous catalytic activity and photoluminescent properties of a novel homoleptic Sm(III)-organic framework

A novel metal-organic framework, (H{sub 2}pip){sub n}[Sm{sub 2}(pydc){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sub n} (1) (H{sub 2}pydc=2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, H{sub 2}pip=piperazine) has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by the elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The structure of 1 was determined to be three-dimensional, linked along Sm-O-Sm chains. The asymmetric unit consisted of one singly anionic fragment consisting of Sm(III) coordinated to two H{sub 2}pydc ligands and one water, and one half of a protonated H{sub 2}pip, which sits on an inversion center. 1 exhibited luminescence emission bands at 534 nm at room temperature when excited at 440 nm. Its thermal behavior and catalytic performance were investigated and the selectivity was measured as 100% for the oxidation of thymol to thymoquinone. - Graphical abstract: A novel 3D lanthanide-organic framework has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The thermal behavior and catalytic performance of 1 were investigated and its selectivity was measured as 100% for the oxidation of thymol to thymoquinone.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Correlating Elastic Properties and Molecular Organization of an Ionic Organic Nanostructure

Mechanical and structural properties of ionically self-assembled nanostructures of meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP) and meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (TPyP) are presented. This is the first time that elastic modulus of an ionic porphyrin nanostructure has been reported. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible spectra, and elemental analysis all support a stoichiometric 1 : 1 TSPP to TPyP composition. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the porphyrin nanostructure is composed of stacked ribbons about 20 nm tall, 70 nm wide, and several microns in length. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images showed clear lattice fringes 1.5 ± 0.2 nm in width aligned along the length of the nanorod. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and powder X-ray diffraction patterns of TSPP:TPyP are consistent with an orthorhombic system and space group Imm2 with lattice parameters a ¼ 26.71 °A, b ¼ 20.16 °A, and c ¼ 8.61 °A. Crystallographic data is consistent with an arrangement of alternating face-to-face TSPP and TPyP molecules forming ordered columns along the length of the nanorods. The structural integrity of the solid is attributed to combined noncovalent interactions that include ionic, hydrogen bonding, and p–p interactions. The values of Young’s modulus obtained for the crystalline TSPP:TPyP nanorods averaged 6.5 ± 1.3 GPa. This modulus is comparable to those reported for covalently bonded flexible polymeric systems. The robust bonding character of the TSPP:TPyP nanostructures combined with their mechanical properties makes them excellent candidates for flexible optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Synthesis of a series of rare-earth-based multi-anion chalcogenide iodides RE 3 Si 2 Se x S 8− x I (RE = La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) using the flux-assisted boron–chalcogen mixture method

Single crystals and polycrystalline powders of rare earth mixed chalcogenide iodides La 3 Si 2 Se 1.21 S 6.79 I, Ce 3 Si 2 Se 1.39 S 6.61 I, Pr 3 Si 2 Se 1.22 S 6.78 I, and Nd 3 Si 2 Se 1.18 S 6.82 I were prepared using the reactive flux-assisted boron–chalcogen mixture (BCM) method at 850 °C. All compounds crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system, space group C2/c (space group number 15). The series adopts the La 3 Si 2 O 8 Cl structure type, containing isolated SiQ 4 tetrahedra connected by REQ 8 (RE = La, Ce, Pr and Nd) polyhedra; this arrangement creates tunnels that are filled by I atoms. The partial substitution of S by Se was carried out to modulate the optical properties. Phase pure samples and uniform solid solutions were obtained for all compositions as determined using powder X-ray diffraction patterns. Polycrystalline powders were used for physical property measurements, including magnetic susceptibility and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance. The solid-state UV-Vis data for the polycrystalline La 3 Si 2 Se 1.21 S 6.79 I, Ce 3 Si 2 Se 1.39 S 6.61 I, and Pr 3 Si 2 Se 1.22 S 6.78 I samples revealed band gaps of E g = 2.5(1), 2.2(1), and 2.3(1) eV, typical of semiconductors. Magnetic measurements indicated that Ce 3 Si 2 Se 1.39 S 6.61 I and Nd 3 Si 2 Se 1.18 S 6.82 I exhibit paramagnetic behavior with slightly negative Weiss constants θ = −25 and −38. The photoluminescence spectrum of Ce 3 Si 2 Se 1.39 S 6.61 I exhibits a broad emission band around ∼493 nm.

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

Tailored multivariate analysis for modulated enhanced diffraction

Modulated enhanced diffraction (MED) is a technique allowing the dynamic structural characterization of crystalline materials subjected to an external stimulus, which is particularly suited for in situ and operando structural investigations at synchrotron sources. Contributions from the (active) part of the crystal system that varies synchronously with the stimulus can be extracted by an offline analysis, which can only be applied in the case of periodic stimuli and linear system responses. In this paper a new decomposition approach based on multivariate analysis is proposed. The standard principal component analysis (PCA) is adapted to treat MED data: specific figures of merit based on their scores and loadings are found, and the directions of the principal components obtained by PCA are modified to maximize such figures of merit. As a result, a general method to decompose MED data, called optimum constrained components rotation (OCCR), is developed, which produces very precise results on simulated data, even in the case of nonperiodic stimuli and/or nonlinear responses. The multivariate analysis approach is able to supply in one shot both the diffraction pattern related to the active atoms (through the OCCR loadings) and the time dependence of the system response (through the OCCR scores). When applied to real data, OCCR was able to supply only the latter information, as the former was hindered by changes in abundances of different crystal phases, which occurred besides structural variations in the specific case considered. To develop a decomposition procedure able to cope with this combined effect represents the next challenge in MED analysis.

Caliandro, Rocco↗
DOE OSTI2015

Lithium insertion properties of Li{sub x}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} investigated by neutron diffraction and first-principles modelling

TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7}, a good candidate as anode in lithium batteries, was treated with n-butyllithium to synthesize Li{sub x}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} phases similar to those formed during electrochemical reactions. The Li{sub 2.67}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Li{sub 3.33}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} compounds, monoclinic C2/m, were studied by time-of-flight powder neutron diffraction. Their crystal structures, containing 3×3 blocks of (Ti,Nb)O{sub 6} octahedra, were Rietveld refined including Li positions. The Li atoms are distributed in similar amounts over sites with (Li–O) Coordination Numbers 5 and 4, although CN=5 should be preferred for having lower energy. Quantum-mechanical calculations were also performed, determining the average charge–discharge voltages to be 1.415 and 1.571 V for Li{sub 3.33}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Li{sub 2.67}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7}, respectively, in good agreement with experimental results. An analysis of the theoretical charge distribution shows that, on lithiation, the chemical reduction of Ti and Nb atoms concentrates in the more condensed peripheral octahedra of the 3×3 block. This corresponds to electrons moving into a partly spin-polarized small band which gives rise to semi-metallic conductivity. - Graphical abstract: Structure of monoclinic Li{sub 3.33}TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7}, and corresponding electron density of states. - Highlights: • Lithium was chemically inserted into the battery anode material TiNb{sub 2}O{sub 7}. • Li atoms are distributed over four- and fivefold oxygen coordinated sites. • On lithiation Nb and Ti atoms are reduced according to a peculiar structural pattern. • Theoretically predicted charge–discharge voltages fit experiments very well.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Understanding the Hydronium Cation in the Solid State: A Study in Synthetic Hydronium Uranyl Phosphate and Arsenate Mineral Systems and Their Irradiation Stability

Here, we present neutron diffraction, electronic structure calculations, and optical vibrational spectroscopic characterization of hydronium uranyl phosphate (HUP), the synthetic analog of chernikovite ((H 3 O)(UO 2 )(PO 4 )·3H 2 O) to gain insight into structural features of the hydronium cation in the solid state. HUP crystallizes in P2 1 /c instead of previously reported P4/ncc 1 at room temperature and Pccn below 302 K. Lower symmetry was required due to hydronium and interstitial water positions within the structure. Crystallographic positions of hydronium cations determined from powder neutron diffraction data are bolstered by Raman and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopic measurements and are further informed by density functional theory with phonon eigenvector analysis for spectral assignments. Finally, HUP and its arsenate analog (trogerite, (H 3 O)(UO 2 )(AsO 4 )·3H 2 O), (HUAs) were studied using He 2+ irradiation as an analog for α radiolysis to investigate the irradiation stability of these phases and the stability of hydronium cations in the solid state. Dose studies were employed wherein each sample was irradiated to 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 MGy. Structural insight regarding irradiated materials is gained using optical vibrational spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Surprising irradiation stability of HUAs was found up to 50 MGy of dose, which may have important implications for understanding and modeling the geologic stability of legacy U.

actinides↗
DOE OSTI2024

Synthesis and characterization of the novel breathing pyrochlore compound Ba 3 ⁢Tm 2⁢ Zn 5⁢ O 11

In this study, a novel material from the rare-earth based breathing pyrochlore family, Ba 3 ⁢Tm 2 ⁢Zn 5 ⁢O 11 , was successfully synthesized. Powder x-ray diffraction and high-resolution powder neutron diffraction confirmed phase purity and the $F\bar4$3⁢𝑚 breathing pyrochlore crystal structure, while thermogravimetric analysis revealed incongruent melting behavior compared to its counterpart, Ba 3 ⁢Yb 2⁢ Zn 5⁢ O 11 . High-quality single crystals of Ba 3 ⁢Tm 2 ⁢Zn 5 ⁢O 11 were grown using the traveling solvent floating zone technique and assessed using Laue x-ray diffraction and single crystal x-ray diffraction. Further, thermodynamic characterization indicated paramagnetic behavior down to 0.05 K, and inelastic neutron scattering measurements identified distinct dispersionless crystal electric field energy bands, with the fitted crystal electric field model predicting a single-ion singlet ground state and an energy gap of ∼9 meV separating it from the first excited (singlet) state. Additional low-energy excitation studies on single crystals revealed dispersionless bands at 0.8 and 1 meV. Computed phonon dispersions from first-principles calculations ruled out phonons as the origin of these modes, further illustrating the puzzling and unique properties of Ba 3 ⁢Tm⁢ 2 Zn 5 ⁢O 11 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗