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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 1,243 records · Page 69
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Elasticity, Anisotropy and Magnetism of Anti-perovskite M{sub 3}AlC (M=Ti, Fe, Sm) from First-Principle Calculations

Elasticity, anisotropy, and magnetism of anti-perovskite M{sub 3}AlC (M=Ti, Fe, Sm) have been calculated and investigated via non-relativistic density functional theory. And the elasticity constant, elastic modulus, Poisson ratio, and Cauchy pressure of three structures have been obtained. Based on the Poisson ratio, Pugh modulus ratio, and Cauchy pressure, bonding attributes of the three materials have been analyzed. The result showed that Ti{sub 3}AlC is a brittle material with high degrees of strength, rigidity, and hardness, and Sm{sub 3}AlC and Fe{sub 3}AlC possess excellent toughness. Based on the universal elastic anisotropy index A{sup U}, anisotropy fraction ratios A{sub B}, A{sub G}, and A{sub E},and Zener factor A, it showed that all three M{sub 3}AlC structures demonstrated elasticity and anisotropy. The elasticity and anisotropy of the three M{sub 3}AlC structures has been illustrated in three-dimensional images of the elastic modulus. Compared with Ti{sub 3}AlC and Fe{sub 3}AlC, Sm{sub 3}AlC has a significantly higher level of anisotropy. Moreover, in this paper, the magnetism of transition metal Fe and rare earth element Sm in the M{sub 3}AlC structure has been compared and analyzed from the perspective of the electronic structure and population analysis.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Investigation of New d{sup 0} Half-metallic Heusler Alloy LiCsN{sub 2} Using First-Principle Calculations

Using the self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) method, we predicated a new d{sup 0} half-metallic Heusler compound LiCsN{sub 2} with integer total magnetic moment 4.00 μ B per formula unit based on density functional theory (DFT). Our calculation shows that this alloy has a huge half-metallic gap (1.06 eV) and a wide band gap (4.52 eV). We found the LiCsN{sub 2} alloy is a robust half-metallic material with respect to the lattice compression. It maintains the half-metallic character until the lattice constant is contracted to 6.10 Å. The Curie temperature of LiCsN{sub 2} was estimated to be 6145.4 K within the mean field approximations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Magnetic Properties of La-Doped ZnO(0001)–Zn Polar Surface with and without Vacancies: a First-Principle Study

The effects of La doping with and without vacancies on the magnetism of a ZnO(0001)–Zn polar surface were studied using the generalized gradient approximation + U (GGA + U) method of density functional theory to determine the magnetism source of La-doped ZnO. Results revealed that La doping with O vacancy did not cause ZnO ferromagnetism, but La-doped ZnO with Zn vacancy was ferromagnetic. The net magnetic moment was primarily related to the unpaired electron amount of the O 2p state and slightly modified by orbital and anomalous magnetic moments. The anomalous magnetic moment originated from the radiating magnetism moment via quantum electrodynamics and was confirmed to exist via theoretical calculations of magnetism. Formation energy showed that La doping easily generated Zn vacancies in ZnO, but magnetic quenching occurred when the ratio of La ions to Zn vacancies was 2:1. The unpaired O 2p electrons induced by Zn vacancies were the magnetism source of La-doped ZnO. Moreover, the Curie temperature of La-doped ZnO with Zn vacancy reached room temperature. Results showed that the ZnO(0001)–Zn polar surface can be utilized as the surface of ZnO-based diluted magnetic semiconductors because of its unipolarity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Formation of As–As Interlayer Bonding in the cT Phase of EuFe{sub 2}As{sub 2} and CeFeAsO Under Pressure from First Principle

The electronic band structure and structural phase stability of EuFe{sub 2}As{sub 2} and CeFeAsO compounds were studied using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method implemented using WIEN2k. To calculate the structural stability and phase transition of these compounds, the total energies have been computed as a function of reduced volumes and fitted with the Birch–Murnaghan equation. The calculated lattice parameters are found to be in agreement with the available experimental data. The present results show that EuFe{sub 2}As{sub 2} and CeFeAsO compounds undergo structural phase transition from body-centered tetragonal (BCT) into collapsed tetragonal (cT) and tetragonal (T) into cT phase under pressure. The calculated phase transition pressures are in agreement with recent experimental data. The calculated valence charge density of collapsed tetragonal phase reveals that As–As interactions found to be stronger under pressure.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of Core Electrons in Defining the Total Energy, Correlation Energy, and Binding Energy of Graphene, Graphite, and Diamond: a First-Principles Study

Effects of core electrons on total energy, correlation energy, and binding energy of graphene, graphite, and diamond have been investigated along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the PBE level of theory using all electron and frozen-core calculations. For these calculations, correlation-consistent basis sets cc-pVXZ and cc-pCVXZ have been used where X is the cardinal number that represents the maximum angular momentum number in the basis set. By taking the difference between all electron and frozen-core calculations, core-electron binding energy contribution for each basis set has been obtained. It has been shown that to reduce the effects of core electrons, large basis sets should be used.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electronic Structure, Elastic, Magnetic, and Optical Properties of Fe{sub 2}MnZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sn) Full Heusler Alloys: First-Principle Calculations

Investigations of the electronic structure, elastic, magnetic, and optical properties of Fe{sub 2}MnZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sn) full Heusler alloys show mechanical stability with cubic symmetry in all three alloys. They are elastically anisotropic and Fe{sub 2}MnSi is ductile whereas Fe{sub 2}MnGe and Fe{sub 2}MnSn are brittle in nature. The value of total magnetic moment is 3 μ{sub B} for Fe{sub 2}MnSi and Fe{sub 2}MnGe at their equilibrium lattice constants and follows the Slater–Pauling curve. Fe{sub 2}MnSn possess the largest magnetic moment among the three with a value of 5.73 μ{sub B} at equilibrium lattice constant. Fe{sub 2}MnSi shows half-metallic nature with 100% spin polarization for a wide range of lattice parameters and is useful for spintronics devices. Good optical properties over wide photon energies point to the possible use of these alloys as radiation shielding materials, optical filters, and photo-electronic devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

First Principle Mechanical and Thermodynamic Properties of Some TbX (X = S, Se) Compounds

The mechanical and thermodynamic results of some terbium chalcogenides, TbX (X = S, Se) compounds have been examined using full-potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on density functional theory. The local spin density approximation with Hubbard potential (LSDA+U) has been used for proper treatment of 4f-electrons of Tb. The magnetic moment of TbS and TbSe was calculated to be 5.44μ{sub B} and 5.57μ{sub B}, respectively. The ground state properties such as lattice parameter, bulk modulus, and pressure derivative of bulk modulus were obtained and found in good agreement with already available theory and experiment results. The mechanical properties such as Young modulus (E), shear modulus (G), Poisson ratio (υ), Cauchy pressure and B/G ratio were also predicted. Further, in thermodynamic properties, Debye temperatures (θ{sub D}), specific heats at constant volume(C{sub V}), thermal expansion co-efficient (α), and entropies (S) and their behavior with high temperature(0–1200 K) and pressure (0–50 GPa) were also predicted.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electronic Structure, Lattice Dynamics, and Superconducting Properties of Mercury-Alkaline Earth Metal Compounds: a First-Principles Study

The electronic structure, lattice dynamics, and superconducting properties of SrHg and BaHg intermetallic compounds are investigated using plane wave pseudo-potential and linear response methods based on density functional theory. The ground state properties such as lattice parameters are in good agreement with previously reported results. The positive phonon frequencies reveal the stability of both compounds in B{sub 2} (CsCl-type) structure. The metallic nature of SrHg and BaHg is confirmed by the electronic band structure as well as phonon dispersion curves. The superconducting behavior described in terms of Eliashberg spectral function (α{sup 2}F(ω)) and electron-phonon coupling constant (λ). The calculated values of superconducting transition temperatures (T{sub c}) show good agreement with available experimental data.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Characterization of pentavalent and hexavalent americium complexes in nitric acid using X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and first-principles modeling

We studied the speciation of pentavalent and hexavalent americium (Am) complexes in nitric acidicby X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS), UV-visible spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT). Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) results were consistent with the presence of a mixture of AmO 2 + and AmO 2 2+ with only a small amount AmO 2 present. The resulting average bond distances we found were 1.71 Å for Am=O and 2.44 Å for Am-O. All-electron scalar relativistic calculations were also carried out using DFT to predict the equilibrium geometries and properties of the AmO 2 + and AmO 2 2+ aquo complexes. Calculated bond distances for the Am(VI) complex are in reasonable agreement with EXAFS data and the computed energy gaps between frontier molecular orbitals suggest a slightly higher kinetic stability and chemical hardness of Am(VI) compared to Am(V).

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2019

Optoelectronic properties of germanium iodide perovskites AGeI{sub 3} (A = K, Rb and Cs): first principles investigations

In this paper, we have investigated the structural, optoelectronic and elastic properties of AGeI{sub 3} (A = K, Rb and Cs) using the density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for potential exchange correlation. The modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ-GGA) potential approximation is also used for calculating the optoelectronic properties of the material. The results show that the band structure of the perovskites AGeI{sub 3} (have a semiconductor behavior with direct band gap at R–R direction, the gap energy values calculated with mBJ-GGA, for each compound as following: 0.58, 0.63, and 0.71 eV, respectively. The optical properties, such as real and imaginary parts of the dielectric functions, refractive index, reflectivity, conductivity and absorption coefficient are investigated. As results, these compounds are competent candidates photovoltaic application like light harvester.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

First principle study of structural, electronic, optical, and transport properties of ternary compounds NaGaX{sub 2} (X = S, Se, and Te) in tetragonal chalcopyrite phase

Eemploying the all electron full potential linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbital (FP-LAPW + lo) method based on density functional theory (DFT) structural, electronic, optical, and transport properties of compounds NaGaX{sub 2} (X = S, Se, and Te) in tetragonal phase have been investigated at ground state. The exchange-correlation effects have been included using the Wu Cohen (WC) generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) exchange potentials. Enthalpy of formation values ensure that crystal structures are stable in tetragonal chalcopyrite phase. Total and partial density of states, and band structures have been plotted to calculate electronic properties which exhibits direct band gap for all compounds. The electronic band gap of NaGaS{sub 2} (2.1 eV) is found to be higher than the electronic band gaps of NaGaSe{sub 2} (1.7 eV) and NaGaTe{sub 2} (1.2 eV) compounds. Using real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function, optical properties such as refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k), reflectivity (R), absorption coefficient (α), and energy loss spectrum (L) were determined. Transport properties like Seebeck coefficient, thermal and electrical conductivities, figure of merit, and power factors have also been reported by combining the results from DFT and Boltzmann transport theory. The high absorption peaks in visible and ultraviolet regions of the energy spectrum and direct band gaps of these compounds ensure that three compounds are promising materials for photovoltaic applications.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

On the Structure Sensitivity of Dimethyl Ether Electro-oxidation on Eight FCC Metals: A First-Principles Study

The electro-oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) was investigated using periodic, self-consistent density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the (111) and (100) facets of eight fcc metals: Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd, Ni, Ir, and Rh. The goal of this study is to understand the experimentally observed structure sensitivity of this reaction on Pt, and to predict trends in structure sensitivity of this reaction across the other seven metals studied. The main conclusion is that the enhanced activity of Pt(100) originates from more facile C–O bond breaking and removal of surface poisoning species, including CO and CH. When comparing C–O bond breaking energetics, we do not find a universal trend where these elementary steps are always more exergonic on the (100) facet. However, we find that, at a given potential, DME can be dehydrogenated (prior to breaking the C–O bond) to a greater extent on the (100) facet. Additionally, we find that the reaction energy for C–O bond breaking in CHxOCHy-type species becomes increasingly exergonic as the species becomes increasingly dehydrogenated. Together, the more facile dehydrogenation on the (100) facets provides more favorable routes to C–O bond activation. Though we calculate a lower onset potential on Au(100), Ag(100), Cu(100), Pt(100), and Pd(100) than their respective (111) facets, the calculated onset potential for Ni(100), Ir(100), and Rh(100) are actually higher than for their respective (111) facets. Lastly, by constructing theoretical volcano plots, we conclude that Au(100), Ag(100), Cu(100), Pt(100), and Pd(100) should be more active than their respective (111) facets, while Ni(100), Rh(100), and Ir(100) will show the opposite trend.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Signature of the hydrogen-bonded environment of liquid water in X-ray emission spectra from first-principles calculations

Based on ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory, we performed a systematic theoretical study to elucidate the correlation between the H-bonded environment and Xray emission spectra of liquid water. The spectra generated from excited water molecules embedded in an intact H-bonded environment yield broader spectral peaks and a larger spectral range than the spectra generated from water molecules in a broken H-bonded environment. Such differences are caused by the local electronic structures on the excited water molecules within the core-hole lifetime that evolve differently through the rearrangement of neighboring water molecules in different H-bonded environments.

Shen, Huaze↗
DOE OSTI2013

Oxygen Atom Adsorption on and Diffusion into Nb(110) and Nb(100) from First Principles

In order to understand the dynamics of oxidation of Nb, we examine the adsorption, absorption, and diffusion of an oxygen atom on, in, and into Nb(110) and Nb(100) surfaces, respectively, using density functional theory. Our calculations predict that the oxygen atom adsorbs on the threefold site on Nb(110) and the fourfold hollow site on Nb(100), and the adsorption energy is -5.08 and -5.18 eV respectively. We find the long and short bridge sites to be transition states for O diffusion on Nb(110), while the on top site is a rank-2 saddle point. In the subsurface region, the oxygen atom prefers the octahedral site, as in bulk niobium. Our results also show that the O atom is more stable on Nb(110) subsurface than on Nb(100) subsurface. The diffusion of oxygen atoms into niobium surfaces passes through transition states where the oxygen atom is coordinated to four niobium atoms. The diffusion barriers of the oxygen atom into Nb(110) and Nb(100) are 1.81 and 2.05 eV, respectively. Analysis of the electronic density of states reveals the emergence of well localized electronic states below the lowest states of clean Nb surfaces due to d-p orbital hybridization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗