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At least 127 records · Page 7

Enhanced Far Ultra-Violet Optical Properties of Physical Vapor Deposited Aluminum Mirrors Through Fluorination

Astronomical instrumentation for measurements in the Far Ultra-Violet (FUV, 90-200 nm) typically use aluminum (Al) thin films due to their high reflectance over this wavelength range. However, the native aluminum oxide layer that forms on Al upon exposure to the atmosphere is strongly absorbing in this wavelength range, requiring that the films be protected with a dielectric that inhibits oxidation. Typically, magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ) or lithium fluoride (LiF) coatings are used as protective layers, but each has shortcomings. For example, MgF 2 has an absorption cutoff at 115 nm reducing performance in a critical part of the FUV spectrum of observational interest. A viable option to access these lower wavelengths could be the use of the LiF overcoat as it has a lower absorption cutoff at 102.5 nm, but it is hygroscopic and thus susceptible to degradation in humid conditions. An approach to reduce the hygroscopic nature of LiF would be to implement a passivation process during the deposition of both Al+LiF coatings. Our team at GSFC has developed a new reactive Physical Vapor Deposition (rPVD) process that consists of a fluorination process with XeF 2 gas combined with our traditional PVD process. We have found that this new rPVD coating process offers a protected version of Al+LiF with a more environmentally stable and more transparent LiF layer, along with unprecedent reflectivity. The process starts with a bare optically smooth substrate that is coated with Al in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber by the conventional PVD process. Then, the bare Al mirror is immediately exposed to a reactive XeF 2 gas before and after the application of the flash PVD evaporated LiF layer. We have also been investigating the use of this rPVD coating process for potential efficiency enhancements of Si-based gratings. Since it is known that the XeF 2 vapor is a strong Si etchant, we are investigating if the native SiO 2 layer on Si is sufficient to protect the groove profile of e-beam-ruled Si gratings from degradation. We will report on the characterization of various Al+LiF witness mirror coatings (both on borosilicate and Si) performed under various deposition conditions using the XeF 2 passivation process. These tests include XPS to determine film stoichiometry and AFM/SEM to measure surface roughness and any etching on the Si substrate. We will also report on FUV reflectance and spectroscopic ellipsometry to characterize optical constants of these passivated films in the UV/Visible/NIR spectral ranges.

Engineering (General)↗

Enhanced Far Ultra-Violet Optical Properties of Physical Vapor Deposited Aluminum Mirrors Through Fluorination

Astronomical instrumentation for measurements in the Far Ultra-Violet (FUV, 90-200 nm) typically use aluminum (Al) thin films due to their high reflectance over this wavelength range. However, the native aluminum oxide layer that forms on Al upon exposure to the atmosphere is strongly absorbing in this wavelength range, requiring that the films be protected with a dielectric that inhibits oxidation. Typically, magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ) or lithium fluoride (LiF) coatings are used as protective layers, but each has shortcomings. For example, MgF 2 has an absorption cutoff at 115 nm reducing performance in a critical part of the FUV spectrum of observational interest. A viable option to access these lower wavelengths could be the use of the LiF overcoat as it has a lower absorption cutoff at 102.5 nm, but it is hygroscopic and thus susceptible to degradation in humid conditions. An approach to reduce the hygroscopic nature of LiF would be to implement a passivation process during the deposition of both Al+LiF coatings. Our team at GSFC has developed a new reactive Physical Vapor Deposition (rPVD) process that consists of a fluorination process with XeF 2 gas combined with our traditional PVD process. We have found that this new rPVD coating process offers a protected version of Al+LiF with a more environmentally stable and more transparent LiF layer, along with unprecedent reflectivity. The process starts with a bare optically smooth substrate that is coated with Al in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber by the conventional PVD process. Then, the bare Al mirror is immediately exposed to a reactive XeF 2 gas before and after the application of the flash PVD evaporated LiF layer. We have also been investigating the use of this rPVD coating process for potential efficiency enhancements of Si-based gratings. Since it is known that the XeF 2 vapor is a strong Si etchant, we are investigating if the native SiO 2 layer on Si is sufficient to protect the groove profile of e-beam-ruled Si gratings from degradation. We will report on the characterization of various Al+LiF witness mirror coatings (both on borosilicate and Si) performed under various deposition conditions using the XeF 2 passivation process. These tests include XPS to determine film stoichiometry and AFM/SEM to measure surface roughness and any etching on the Si substrate. We will also report on FUV reflectance and spectroscopic ellipsometry to characterize optical constants of these passivated films in the UV/Visible/NIR spectral ranges.

Engineering (General)↗

Transition Metal Dissolution Mechanisms and Impacts on Electronic Conductivity in Composite LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 Cathode Films

The high-voltage LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO) spinel cathode material offers high energy density storage capabilities without the use of costly Co that is prevalent in other Li-ion battery chemistries (e.g., LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 (NMC)). Unfortunately, LNMO-containing batteries suffer from poor cycling performance because of the intrinsically coupled processes of electrolyte oxidation and transition metal dissolution that occurs at high voltage. In this work, we use operando electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies to demonstrate that transition metal dissolution in LNMO is tightly coupled to HF formation (and thus, electrolyte oxidation reactions as detected with operando and in situ solution NMR), indicative of an acid-driven disproportionation reaction that occurs during delithiation (i.e., battery charging). Leveraging the temporal resolution (s-min) of magnetic resonance, we find that the LNMO particles accelerate the rate of LiPF 6 decomposition and subsequent Mn 2+ dissolution, possibly due to the acidic nature of terminal Mn-OH groups. X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM) provides surface-sensitive and localized X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements, in addition to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), that indicate disproportionation is enabled by surface reconstruction upon charging, which leads to surface Mn 3+ sites on the LNMO particle surface that can disproportionate into Mn 2+ (dissolved) and Mn 4+ (s) . During discharge of the battery, we observe high quantities of metal fluorides (in particular, MnF 2 ) in the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) on LNMO as well as the conductive carbon additives in the composite. Electronic conductivity measurements indicate that the MnF 2 decreases film conductivity by threefold compared to LiF, suggesting that this CEI component may impede both the ionic and electronic properties of the cathode. Ultimately, to prevent transition metal dissolution and the associated side reactions in spinel-type cathodes (particularly those that operate at high voltages like LNMO), the use of electrolytes that offer improved anodic stability and prevent acid byproducts will likely be necessary.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impact of Annealing on the Chemical and Superconducting Properties of Ta Thin Films

Tantalum thin films are annealed to dissolve the surface oxide. The effect of annealing is studied using material characterization tools, XPS and TOF-SIMS, and electrical transport measurements of the annealed films are taken using standard PPMS methods to correlate with the surface chemistry. Annealing dissociates the surface oxide, and the oxygen produced diffuses into the thin film. The introduction of oxygen reduces the quality of the thin film, as shown by the suppression of Tc and a reduction in RRR.

Shinde, Maithilee [IIT, Chicago]↗

Oxygen-Plasma-Induced Hetero-Interface NiFe2O4/NiMoO4 Catalyst for Enhanced Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution

The electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen is an effective method for solving the rapid consumption of fossil fuel resources and the problem of global warming. The key to its success is to design an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst with efficient conversion and reliable stability. Interface engineering is one of the most effective approaches for adjusting local electronic configurations. Adding other metal elements is also an effective way to enrich active sites and improve catalytic activity. Herein, high-valence iron in a heterogeneous interface of NiFe 2 O 4 /NiMoO 4 composite was obtained through oxygen plasma to achieve excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability. In particular, 270 mV of overpotential is required to reach a current density of 50 mA cm -2 , and the overpotential required to reach 500 mA cm -2 is only 309 mV. The electron transfer effect for high-valence iron was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The fast and irreversible reconstruction and the true active species in the catalytic process were identified by in situ Raman, ex situ XPS, and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. This work provides a feasible design guideline to modify electronic structures, promote a metal to an active oxidation state, and thus develop an electrocatalyst with enhanced OER performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A new technique for oil backstreaming contamination measurements

Due to the large size and the number of diffusion pumps, space simulation chambers cannot be easily calibrated by the usual test dome method for measuring backstreaming from oil diffusion pumps. In addition, location dependent contamination may be an important parameter of the test. The backstreaming contamination was measured in the Space Power Facility (SPF) near Sandusky, OH, the largest space simulation vacuum test chamber in the U.S.. Small clean silicon wafers placed at all desired measurement sites were used as contamination sensors. The facility used diffusion pumps with DC 705 oil. The thickness of the contamination oil film was measured using ellipsometry. Since the oil did not wet the silicon substrate uniformly, two analysis models were developed to measure the oil film: (1) continuous, homogeneous film; and (2) islands of oil with the islands varying in coverage fraction and height. In both cases, the contamination film refractive index was assumed to be that of DC 705. The second model improved the ellipsometric analysis quality parameter by up to two orders of magnitude, especially for the low coverage cases. Comparison of the two models shows that the continuous film model overestimates the oil volume by less than 50 percent. Absolute numbers for backstreaming are in good agreement with published results for diffusion pumps. Good agreement was also found between the ellipsometric results and measurements done by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on examples exposed to the same vacuum runs.

Alterovitz, S. A.↗

Intensity analysis of XPS spectra to determine oxide uniformity - Application to SiO2/Si interfaces

A simple method of determining oxide uniformity is derived which requires no knowlege of film thickness, escape depth, or film composition. The method involves only the measurement of oxide and substrate intensities and is illustrated by analysis of XPS spectral data for thin SiO2 films grown both thermally and by low-temperature chemical vapor deposition on monocrystalline Si. A region 20-30 A thick is found near the SiO2/Si interface on thermally oxidized samples which has an inelastic mean free path 35% less than that found in the bulk oxide. This is interpreted as being due to lattice mismatch resulting in a strained region which is structurally, but not stoichiometrically, distinct from the bulk oxide.

Vasquez, R. P.↗

Analysis of surfaces from the LDEF A0114, phase 4

Progress made from 1 Mar. to 31 Aug. 1991 is presented. The work concentrated on profilometry measurements of eroded and corroded sample surfaces, optical transmission measurements, analysis of the pinhole camera, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis of some samples. The following papers are presented: (1) observation of Be-7 on the surface of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) Spacecraft; (2) measurement of the passive attitude control performance of a recovered spacecraft; (3) effects on LDEF exposed copper flim and bulk; (4) measurements of erosion characteristics for metal and polymer surfaces using profilometry; (5) the interactions of atmospheric cosmogenic radionuclides with spacecraft surfaces; (6) pinhole cameras as sensors for atomic oxygen in orbit; and (7) interaction of atomic oxygen with solid surfaces in low earth orbit- results from LDEF experiment A0114.

Gregory, John C.↗

Carbon Coating Influence on the Formation of Percolating Electrode Networks for Silicon Anodes

Previous studies have demonstrated that chemical vapor deposition carbon coating on silicon (Si@C) can enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries with Si-based anodes. However, the underlying mechanisms contributing to this improvement have not been fully explored. Here, we address this knowledge gap by applying a suite of characterization methods to evaluate Si@C anodes prepared by reducing acetylene on ball-milled Si particles. Raman mapping measurements show that the C coating (<5 nm thick) enables a homogeneous Si and carbon distribution during the slurry casting process, thereby promoting Si utilization during cycling. The coating’s microstructure and morphology were evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy, and neutron reflectivity experiments. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements upon cycling indicate that carbon coating also reduces the overall resistance as benchmarked against bare Si anodes. Galvanostatic cycling in half-cell studies revealed higher initial Coulombic efficiency and specific capacities with increasing carbon coating time. However, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) investigations using XPS showed that the coated and uncoated samples have very similar characteristics, suggesting that the SEI may only play a minor role in enhancing the performance of Si@C. Full-cell evaluation of the Si electrodes was consistent with half-cell results relating to performance and SEI properties, further supporting the conclusion that electronic and ionic percolation, enabled by effective electrode manufacturing, are the dominant factors contributing to the favorable performance of Si@C.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

A sulfur segregation study of PWA 1480, NiCrAl, and NiAl alloys

Some nickel based superalloys show reduced oxidation resistance from the lack of an adherent oxide layer during high temperature cyclic oxidation. The segregation of sulfur to the oxide-metal interface is believed to effect oxide adhesion, since low sulfur alloys exhibit enhanced adhesion. X ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was combined with an in situ sample heater to measure sulfur segregation in NiCrAl, PWA 1480, and NiAl alloys. The polished samples with a 1.5 to 2.5 nm (native) oxide were heated from 650 to 1100 C with hold times up to 6 hr. The sulfur concentration was plotted as a function of temperature versus time at temperature. One NiCrAl sulfur study was performed on the same casting used by Browning to establish a base line between previous Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) results and the XPS results of this study. Sulfur surface segregation was similar for PWA 1480 and NiCrAl and reached a maximum of 30 at% at 800 to 850 C. Above 900 C the sulfur surface concentration decreased to about 3 at% at 1100 C. These results are contrasted to the minimal segregation observed for low sulfur hydrogen annealed materials which exhibit improved scale adhesion.

Jayne, D. T.↗

Unraveling the nature of Fe-doping mediated inter- and intra-chain interactions in Ca 3 Co 2 O 6

The structural and magnetic properties of quasi-one-dimensional (1D) spin-chain compounds Ca 3 Co 2-x Fe x O 6 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) synthesized by a sol-gel method have been systematically studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), neutron powder diffraction (NPD), dc and ac magnetization measurements. The samples adopt a rhombohedral crystal structure with the space group R-3c in a temperature range of 5–100 K. Fe ions are found to locate at the trigonal prism Co2 crystallographic sites. Fe doping converts some of low-spin Co 3+ ions at Co1 octahedral sites into Co 2+ ions. For the high-temperature paramagnetic phase, the Curie paramagnetic temperature θp changes its sign from positive to negative at x = 0.2, implying that the dominant magnetic interaction is driven from ferromagnetic (FM) to antiferromagnetic (AFM) upon Fe substitution. A partial low-spin to high-spin state crossover of the Co1 ions is observed at high Fe-doping level x = 0.3. All the samples exhibit a long-range spin-density wave (SDW) AFM ordering below TN, followed by a spin-glass-like transition at Tf. These low-temperature magnetic phases were significantly suppressed upon Fe doping. The Fe substitution in Ca 3 Co 2-x Fe x O 6 weakened both intrachain and interchain magnetic interactions, caused by enhanced magnetic disorder due to the different magnetic characters of Ising Co and Heisenberg Fe spins.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Differentiating supported platinum single atoms, clusters and nanoparticles by styrene hydrogenation

Supported metal catalysts often consist of metal sites ranging from nanoparticles to subnanometer clusters and single atoms. It remains a necessity to differentiate these sites to guide design of optimal catalysts. Here we report a simple method to assess the distribution of metal active sites in catalyst samples. The method takes the advantage of the structure sensitivity of styrene hydrogenation over titania supported platinum (Pt) catalysts with Pt aggregates varied from single atom to ~1.40 nm nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties were characterized by STEM, XPS, XANES, H2-TPR and CO-chemisorption measurements. The reactivity of Pt sites was quantified by styrene hydrogenation at ambient conditions. The nanometer-sized Pt clusters have significantly higher activity than Pt nanoparticles, sub-nanometer clusters or isolated single atoms. Additionally, the relationship between activity and structural/electronic properties of Pt sites influenced by particle sizes was discussed. Similar relationship was found in the carbon supported Pt catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The Effect of Dopant Concentration and Annealing Treatments on N-Type Iodine Doped CdTe

We report properties of highly conducting n-type cadmium telluride single crystals doped with iodine (CdTe:I). These crystals were grown with dopant concentrations in the range of 10^17 cm-3 to 10^19 cm-3 by Modified Vertical Bridgman (MVB) melt growth. Post-growth dopant activation, including Cd annealing, Te annealing, and rapid thermal annealing (RTA), was applied to improve free carrier density. The structural, optical, and electrical properties were analyzed by Glow Discharge Mass Spectroscopy (GDMS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL), optical absorption, Hall measurements, Capacitance-Voltage (CV) measurements, and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL). The results indicate that Cd annealing is the most effective activation method to get 100% donor activation (n is approximately 2 x 10^18 cm-3), which is close to the room temperature solubility limit of iodine. This leads to the lowest resistivity and the highest mobility. Moreover, this data suggests a potential role of Cd vacancy-related defects on electrical self-compensation.

annealing↗

Understanding the Origin of the Nonpassivating Behavior of Si-Based Anodes during the Initial Cycles

In this contribution, we combined electrochemical cycling and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to understand the nonpassivating behavior of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Si anodes during the first cycles. Based on galvanostatic measurements, we show that the irreversible capacity loss is reduced after the first cycle, and it stays almost constant from the second cycle onwards. XPS was used to determine the root causes of the Coulombic inefficiency, showing that the rate of decomposition of the organic solvents strongly decreased after the first cycle, whereas the rate of salt decomposition is almost unchanged between cycles. We determine that the inhibition of the decomposition reaction of the organic solvent is responsible for the lower Coulombic loss during the second electrochemical cycle in comparison to the first, whereas the nonpassivating behavior toward the salt decomposition is one of the main causes of capacity loss upon cycling. Here, we further revisit the role of cracking in contributing to capacity loss. Whereas high volumetric expansion remains an issue plaguing the performance of Si anodes, our chronoamperometry studies reveal that the SEI formed on Si anodes does not passivate even when the electrode is fully expanded, and no additional surface is exposed. Overall, our work establishes the need to address the chemical and electrochemical instability of the SEI on the Si anode in addition to the more notorious issue of cracking.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Space Weathering of Silicates Simulated by Successive Laser Irradiation: in Situ Reflectance Measurements of Fo90, Fo99+, and SiO2

Pulsed-laser irradiation causes the visible-near-infrared spectral slope of olivine (Fo90 and Fo99+) and SiO2 to increase (redden), while the olivine samples darken and the SiO2 samples brighten slightly. XPS analysis shows that irradiation of Fo90 produces metallic Fe. Analytical SEM and TEM measurements confirm that reddening in the Fo90 olivine samples correlates with the production of "nanophase" metallic Fe (npFe0) grains, 20-50 nm in size. The reddening observed in the SiO2 sample is consistent with the formation of SiO or other SiOx species that absorb in the visible. The weak spectral brightening induced by laser irradiation of SiO2 is consistent with a change in surface topography of the sample. The darkening observed in the olivine samples is likely caused by the formation of larger npFe0 particles, such as the 100-400 nm diameter npFe0 identified during our TEM analysis of Fo90 samples. The Fo90 reflectance spectra are qualitatively similar to those in previous experiments suggesting that in all cases formation of npFe0 is causing the spectral alteration. Finally, we find that the accumulation of successive laser pulses cause continued sample darkening in the Vis-NIR, which suggests that repeated surface impacts are an efficient way to darken airless body surfaces.

Airless planetary bodies↗

O-6 Optical Property Degradation of the Hubble Space Telescope's Wide Field Camera-2 Pick Off Mirror

Degradation in the performance of optical components can be greatly affected by exposure to the space environment. Many factors can contribute to such degradation including surface contaminants; outgassing; vacuum, UV, and atomic oxygen exposure; temperature cycling; or combinations of parameters. In-situ observations give important clues to degradation processes, but there are relatively few opportunities to correlate those observations with post-flight ground analyses. The return of instruments from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) after its final servicing mission in May 2009 provided such an opportunity. Among the instruments returned from HST was the Wide-Field Planetary Camera-2 (WFPC-2), which had been exposed to the space environment for 16 years. This work focuses on the identifying the sources of degradation in the performance of the Pick-off mirror (POM) from WFPC-2. Techniques including surface reflectivity measurements, spectroscopic ellipsometry, FTIR (and ATR-FTIR) analyses, SEM/EDS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with and without ion milling, and wet and dry physical surface sampling were performed. Destructive and contact analyses took place only after completion of the non-destructive measurements. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was then repeated to determine the extent of contaminant removal by the destructive techniques, providing insight into the nature and extent of polymerization of the contaminant layer.

McNamara, Karen M.↗

Ion-Specific Effects on PuO 2 Nanoparticle Aggregation and Dissolution in Concentrated Electrolytes

Hydrolytic PuO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) are a dominant aqueous Pu-bearing phase in high ionic strength nuclear wastes, yet their reactivity in nonideal brines remains poorly constrained. We quantify how electrolyte identity and concentration control PuO 2 NP aggregation and ligand-assisted dissolution in acidic, high salinity solutions (NaCl, NaNO 3 , NaClO 4 , Na 2 SO 4 , Na 2 C 2 O 4 up to 5 M). A multitechnique workflow combining liquid scintillation counting (operationally defined aqueous [Pu]), scattering/electrokinetic measurements (aggregate size and zeta potential), and spectroscopy (UV–vis, XPS, Raman) resolves electrolyte-dependent partitioning between colloidal and molecular Pu species. Weakly coordinating anions (ClO 4 – , Cl – , NO 3 – ) largely preserve the (aggregated) nanoparticulate fraction but generate distinct dissolved species at high concentration, i.e., Pu(IV)–nitrato complexes in NaNO 3 and Pu(VI)–chloro complexes in NaCl. In contrast, stronger ligands substantially perturb PuO 2 NP stability: sulfate promotes partial dissolution to Pu(IV)–sulfate complexes at low concentration but reduces aqueous [Pu] at higher sulfate levels via secondary Pu(IV) sulfate formation, whereas oxalate drives strong dissolution to aqueous Pu–oxalate complexes. Aged NPs show similar trends with reduced aqueous fractions and more dominant aggregation mechanisms. In conclusion, these spectroscopically constrained speciation data provide a foundation for incorporating PuO 2 NP reactivity into thermodynamic and reactive transport models for high salinity waste and brine environments.

Aggregation↗

Co-Design of Charge Transport Superhighways to Connect Catalytic Sites in Soft Photoelectrochemical Systems

Efficient photon-to-electron-to-molecule conversion requires multi-length scale control over charge transport pathways, where electronic charges are delivered to catalytic sites under high mass transport flux. A fundamental question is how can we co-design charge transport pathways to promote efficient charge transfer to/from catalytic sites in complex three-dimensional architectures? Soft conducting polymer systems offer exceptional promise to provide three-dimensional charge transport networks, where electrolyte (ion and solvent) can interdiffuse to promote long-lived charge carriers and the molecular nature allows for strategic synthetic design of catalytic sites. Herein we combine theoretical and experimental approaches to investigate the earliest stages of photoelectrochemical deposition of near-surface catalytic sites (Pt) on soft bulk heterojunction polymeric semiconductors composed of a prototype donor (PTB7-Th) and a prototype acceptor (N2200) as a model system towards better understanding molecular catalyst-polymer site interactions. We focus initially on photoelectrochemical deposition of low Pt loadings, nanoparticle sizes (formed by progressive nucleation) below 20 nm, for both density functional theory (DFT) modeling studies and for spectroscopic characterization using surface-sensitive X-ray and UV-photoemission (XPS/UPS). DFT modeling of “n-type” N2200 slabs reveal for the first time that sulfur atoms in the thiophene units serve as the lowest-energy adsorption sites for single Pt atoms, while larger Pt clusters engage more complexly with both thiophene and naphthalene diimide (NDI) core sites. Changes in chemical composition observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) support the DFT predictions, and the angle-resolved measurements reveal that Pt nucleation initiates at subsurface sites which appear to be localized active domains that promote charge transport/transfer and enable vertical growth toward the surface. These results suggest that light-activated Pt nanoparticle deposition decorates energetically distinct sites, where photoactivity is dictated by the local energetics of those sites, and the fact that they represent the termini of charge transport “super-highways” – a small percentage of the total volume of the donor/acceptor polymeric active layer which carries most of the photocurrent generated during both Pt deposition and photoelectrochemical HER. We posit that these initial studies provide a foundational strategy for design of catalytic sites in the near surface regions of complex polymeric materials and advancing soft semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical systems. Achieving a nanometer-scale understanding of catalyst deposition and the impact of local composition and energetics on that placement, should ultimately provide the design guidelines (co-design) for a broad array of catalysts at sites that optimize that efficiency and maximize platform durability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗