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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 1,351 records · Page 75

Ferroelectric Domain Wall Engineering Enables Thermal Modulation in PMN–PT Single Crystals

Acting like thermal resistances, ferroelectric domain walls can be manipulated to realize dynamic modulation of thermal conductivity ( k ), which is essential for developing novel phononic circuits. Despite the interest, little attention has been paid to achieving room-temperature thermal modulation in bulk materials due to challenges in obtaining a high thermal conductivity switching ratio ( k high / k low ), particularly in commercially viable materials. Here, room-temperature thermal modulation in 2.5 mm-thick Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 – x PbTiO 3 (PMN– x PT) single crystals is demonstrated. With the use of advanced poling conditions, assisted by the systematic study on composition and orientation dependence of PMN– x PT, a range of thermal conductivity switching ratios with a maximum of ≈1.27 is observed. Further, simultaneous measurements of piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 ) to characterize the poling state, domain wall density using polarized light microscopy (PLM), and birefringence change using quantitative PLM reveal that compared to the unpoled state, the domain wall density at intermediate poling states (0< d 33 33,max ) is lower due to the enlargement in domain size. At optimized poling conditions (d 33,max ), the domain sizes show increased inhomogeneity that leads to enhancement in the domain wall density. This work highlights the potential of commercially available PMN– x PT single crystals among other relaxor-ferroelectrics for achieving temperature control in solid-state devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Probing the surface chemistry for reverse water gas shift reaction on Pt(1 1 1) using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Using ambient pressure XPS (APXPS), we explored carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) adsorption and CO 2 hydrogenation on Pt(1 1 1) single crystal surface to observe the activation of CO 2 and the subsequent reaction mechanism. In pure CO 2 , we observed CO adsorbates and adsorbed oxygen on Pt(1 1 1) derived from CO 2 dissociation at room temperature. The introduction of H 2 (at a pressure ratio of 1:1 (H 2 :CO 2 )) increased the production of CO across all temperatures by facilitating the removal of surface oxygen. As a consequence, the surface could expose sites that could then be utilized for producing CO. Under these conditions, the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction was observed starting at 300 °C. At higher H 2 partial pressure (10:1 (H 2 :CO 2 )), the RWGS reaction initiated at a lower temperature of 200 °C and continued to enhance the conversion of CO 2 with increasing temperatures. Our results revealed that CO 2 was activated on a clean Pt(1 1 1) surface through the dissociation mechanism to form adsorbed CO and O at room temperature and at elevated temperatures. Introducing H 2 facilitated the RWGS as adsorbed oxygen was consumed continuously to form H 2 O, and adsorbed CO desorbed from the surface at elevated temperatures. This work clearly provides direct experimental evidence for the surface chemistry of CO 2 dissociation and demonstrates how hydrogen impacts the RWGS reaction on a platinum surface.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

How Cation Migration across a 2D/3D Interface Dictates Perovskite Solar Cell Efficiency

Perovskite solar cells with 2D/3D architecture are claimed to exhibit better stability compared to pristine 3D films at room temperature. However, under illumination and/or heat, cation migration causes the exchange of the bulky spacer cations (2D phase) with the smaller A-site cations (3D phase), creating a gradient heterostructure at the 2D/3D interface. We have evaluated the performance of BA 2 MAPb 2 I 7 /MAPbI 3 (2D/3D) and MAPbI 3 (3D) solar cells at different temperatures, while simultaneously probing the absorption changes of the 2D/3D perovskite layer and the photovoltaic performance of solar cell devices. The 2D/3D solar cells were more stable at room temperature but exhibited deterioration of photovoltaic performance at high temperatures. Here, by employing in situ measurements of operating solar cells to track both the photoconversion efficiency and absorption changes at different temperatures, we show that the cation exchange at the 2D/3D interface contributes to the efficiency losses.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Emergent electric field control of phase transformation in oxide superlattices

Electric fields can transform materials with respect to their structure and properties, enabling various applications ranging from batteries to spintronics. Recently electrolytic gating, which can generate large electric fields and voltage-driven ion transfer, has been identified as a powerful means to achieve electric-field-controlled phase transformations. The class of transition metal oxides provide many potential candidates that present a strong response under electrolytic gating. However, very few show a reversible structural transformation at room-temperature. Here, we report the realization of a digitally synthesized transition metal oxide that shows a reversible, electric-field-controlled transformation between distinct crystalline phases at room-temperature. In superlattices comprised of alternating one-unit-cell of SrIrO 3 and La 0.2 Sr 0.8 MnO 3 , we find a reversible phase transformation with a 7% lattice change and dramatic modulation in chemical, electronic, magnetic and optical properties, mediated by the reversible transfer of oxygen and hydrogen ions. Strikingly, this phase transformation is absent in the constituent oxides, solid solutions and larger period superlattices. Our findings open up this class of materials for voltage-controlled functionality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Large exotic spin torques in antiferromagnetic iron rhodium.

Spin torque is a promising tool for driving magnetization dynamics for computing technologies. These torques can be easily produced by spin-orbit effects, but for most conventional spin source materials, a high degree of crystal symmetry limits the geometry of the spin torques produced. Magnetic ordering is one way to reduce the symmetry of a material and allow exotic torques, and antiferromagnets are particularly promising because they are robust against external fields. We present spin torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) measurements and second harmonic Hall measurements characterizing the spin torques in anti -ferromagnetic iron rhodium alloy. We report extremely large, strongly temperature-dependent exotic spin torques with a geometry apparently defined by the magnetic ordering direction. We find the spin torque efficiency of iron rhodium to be (207 +/- 94)% at 170 K and (88 +/- 32)% at room temperature. We support our conclusions with theoretical calculations showing how the antiferromagnetic ordering in iron rhodium gives rise to such exotic torques.

Gibbons, Jonathan↗

Deep-ultraviolet transparent conducting SrSnO 3 via heterostructure design

Exploration and advancements in ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors are pivotal for next-generation high-power electronics and deep-ultraviolet (DUV) optoelectronics. Here, we used a thin heterostructure design to facilitate high conductivity due to the low electron mass and relatively weak electron-phonon coupling, while the atomically thin films ensured high transparency. We used a heterostructure comprising SrSnO 3 /La:SrSnO 3 /GdScO 3 (110), and applied electrostatic gating, which allow us to effectively separate charge carriers in SrSnO 3 from dopants and achieve phonon-limited transport behavior in strain-stabilized tetragonal SrSnO 3 . This led to a modulation of carrier density from 10 18 to 10 20 cm −3 , with room temperature mobilities ranging from 40 to 140 cm 2 V −1 s −1 . The phonon-limited mobility, calculated from first principles, closely matched experimental results, suggesting that room temperature mobility could be further increased with higher electron density. In addition, the sample exhibited 85% optical transparency at a 300-nm wavelength. These findings highlight the potential of heterostructure design for transparent UWBG semiconductor applications, especially in DUV regime.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Mixer conditions temperature of liquified gas streams

Room temperature gaseous hydrogen mixed with liquified hydrogen in a venturi produces a two- phased liquid hydrogen stream at a stable temperature. This technique is useful in laboratory testing where presently, temperature control is maintained by a calibrated heat leak that results in considerable expenditure of cryogenic refrigerants.

Talmor, E.↗

Anode for rechargeable ambient temperature lithium cells

An ambient room temperature, high density, rechargeable lithium battery includes a Li(x)Mg2Si negative anode which intercalates lithium to form a single crystalline phase when x is up to 1.0 and an amorphous phase when x is from 1 to 2.0. The electrode has good reversibility and mechanical strength after cycling.

Huang, Chen-Kuo↗

Single Event Effects Test Results for the Actel ProASIC Plus and Altera Stratix-II Field Programmable Gate Arrays

This work describes radiation testing of Actel's ProASIC Plus and Altera's Stratix-II FPGAs. The Actel Device Under Test (DUT) was a ProASIC Plus APA300-PQ208 nonvolatile, field reprogrammable device which is based on a 0.22micron flash-based LVCMOS technology. Limited investigation has taken place into flash based FPGA technologies, therefore this test served as a preliminary reference point for various SEE behaviors. The Altera DUT was a Stratix-II EP2S60F1020C4. Single Event Upset (SEU) and Single Event Latchup (SEL) were the focus of these studies. For the Actel, a latchup test was done at an effective LET of 75.0 MeV-sq cm/mg at room temperature, and no latchup was detected when irradiated to a total fluence of 1 x 10(exp 7) particles/sq cm. The Altera part was shown to latchup at room temperature.

heavy ions↗

High-temperature, low-cycle fatigue of advanced copper-base alloys for rocket nozzles. Part 1: Narloy Z

Short-term tensile and low-cycle fatigue data are reported for Narloy Z, a centrifugally cast, copper-base alloy. Tensile tests were performed at room temperature in air and in argon at 482, 538 and 593 C using an axial strain rate of .002/sec to the -1 power. In addition tensile tests were performed at 538 C in an evaluation of tensile properties at strain rates of .004 and .01/sec to the -1 power. Ultimate and yield strength values of about 315 and 200 MN/sq m respectively were recorded at room temperature and these decreased to about 120 and 105 respectively as the temperature was increased to 593 C. Reduction in area values were recorded in the range from 40 to 50% with some indication of a minimum ductility point at 538 C.

Conway, J. B.↗

Homogenization of Dendritic Structures and the High-Temperature Strength of the Refractory High-Entropy Alloy MoNbTaVW

MoNbTaVW, a pioneering refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA), is renowned for its exceptional strength at elevated temperatures. Like most RHEAs, it solidifies into a dendritic microstructure with steep concentration gradients, necessitating heat treatment for equilibration. Steep concentration gradients typically complicate mechanical property analysis and modeling, key challenges for high-throughput alloy discovery. This study examines the effects of high-temperature homogenization (1800 °C for 8 hours) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of MoNbTaVW across temperatures up to 1200 °C. Postmortem microstructural analysis, coupled with chemical, crystallographic, and mechanical assessments, revealed that yield strength was surprisingly insensitive to homogenization, with less than a 3 pct difference between as-cast and heat-treated materials. Nanoindentation confirmed minimal nanohardness changes across the dendritic structure at room temperature. However, homogenization significantly enhanced high-temperature work hardening, producing higher peak compressive strength. Both as-cast and homogenized MoNbTaVW exhibited room-temperature strengths of 1400 MPa, exceeding previously reported values. These findings demonstrate that high-temperature treatment enables microstructural homogenization without compromising strength, a unique behavior among RHEAs. In conclusion, while not universally applicable, this insight highlights the importance of understanding microstructural development in experimental alloys and offers a pathway to design alloys that achieve homogeneous-like properties without heat treatment.

Rietema, C. J. [Lawrence Livermore National Labora↗

Microstructure and mechanical behavior of a TiC nanoprecipitate strengthened V Alloy

The V-4Cr-4Ti (V44) alloys have been proposed as the prime candidate structural material for self-cooled liquid Li blanket and other designs for fusion energy applications. However, the applications of the V44 alloy are limited to a narrow operation temperature window, due to reduction in creep strength at or above 700 °C and susceptibility to irradiation hardening and embrittlement when irradiated below 400 °C. Here, in this work, we explore the feasibility of designing a novel V alloy to form a high number density of TiC nanoprecipitates, in order to simultaneously improve creep strength and provide defect sinks to mitigate irradiation hardening. Computational thermodynamics was used to design a new alloy (V44C) to achieve our goal of high TiC nanoprecipitates density within the alloy V44 matrix. To ensure scalability, the new alloy was made through arc-melting and ingot-casting followed by hot forging, cold rolling and heat treatments of homogenization and precipitation aging. The microstructure was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and APT, confirming the existence of nanoprecipitates predicted in the thermodynamic calculations. In addition to microstructural evaluation tensile properties at room temperature and 700 °C, and Charpy impact energy at room temperature were measured. The microstructure and mechanical properties were then compared with those from a historic reference V44 alloy. The tensile strength improvement in V44C was rationalized based on particle and solid solution strengthening mechanism. The fracture behavior was discussed based on the fractography results and necking deformation behavior.

Alloys development↗

Nonvolatile Electric Control of the Anomalous Hall Effect in an Ultrathin Magnetic Metal

Abstract Low‐dimensional magnetism has been boosted by the recent discovery of the ferromagnetism in layered two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductors. Although the macroscopic magnetic moments of 2D ferromagnets are weak, the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) can serve as a versatile electric probe to their magnetic properties. Here, the nonvolatile electric‐field manipulation of the AHE in an ultrathin metallic ferromagnet with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at room temperature is reported, which is achieved by the electrostatic modulation of the longitudinal resistivity via a ferroelectric substrate without varying magnetization. Therefore, this work demonstrates an electric‐field‐controlled room‐temperature memory device based on the zero‐magnetic‐field anomalous Hall resistance of an ultrathin ferromagnet. More importantly, the experimental results disentangle magnetization and anomalous Hall resistance. As a result, the study reveals a linear decrease of anomalous Hall conductivity with normal conductivity, which is distinct from previous scaling relations. Accordingly, this work manifests a universe avenue to harnessing the AHE in low‐dimensional magnetic materials.

Feng, Zexin↗

Solid-state batteries enabled by ultra-high-frequency self-heating

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are promising next-generation batteries due to their high energy density and enhanced thermal stability and safety. However, their sluggish kinetics and transport at room temperature result in high internal impedance and critically reduce the attainable discharge energy density. Taking advantage of their strong temperature-dependent ionic conductivity, here we introduce ultra-high-frequency (greater than 105 Hz) self-heating (UHFSH) of SSBs, which can rapidly warm up the batteries from room temperature to operating temperature (∼65°C) in less than a minute. As proof of concept, UHFSH experiments were conducted on symmetric solid-state cells with lithium aluminum germanium phosphate electrolyte in different configurations. Using an experimentally validated model, pack-level simulations predict fast heating (50 K/min) and minimized heating energy consumption (less than 4%). Without any modification of the materials or structure of the batteries, our non-intrusive self-heating strategy potentially enables SSBs to discharge more than 2-fold energy in 25°C ambient.

pulse heating↗

Fracture toughness and the effects of stress state on fracture of nickel aluminides

The effects of stress state on the fracture behavior of Ni3Al, Ni3Al + B, and NiAl were determined using either notched or fatigue-precracked bend bars tested to failure at room temperature, in addition to testing specimens in tension under superposed hydrostatic pressure. Although Ni3Al is observed to fail in a macroscopically brittle intergranular manner in tension tests conducted at room temperature, the fracture toughnesses presently obtained on Ni3Al exceeded 20 MPam, and R-curve behavior was exhibited. In situ monitoring of the fracture experiments was utilized to aid in interpreting the source(s) of the high toughness in Ni3Al, while SEM fractography was utilized to determine the operative fracture modes. The superposition by hydrostatic pressure during tensile testing of NiAl specimens was observed to produce increased ductility without changing the fracture mode.

Lewandowski, John J.↗

In situ characterization of residual stress evolution during heat treatment of SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites using high-energy X-ray diffraction

Volumetric strains were measured in silicon carbide/silicon carbide melt-infiltrated ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) at ambient and high temperatures using high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). Both silicon and silicon carbide constituents were interrogated utilizing a broad spectrum of diffracting planes that would be largely inaccessible to common laboratory XRD equipment. Residual room-temperature principal strains in the melt-infiltrated silicon phase were found to be approximately 1100 mu epsilon in compression, corresponding to stresses of approximately 300 MPa using simplifying constitutive assumptions. Residual room-temperature principal strains in silicon carbide particles found throughout the matrix were approximately 500 mu epsilon in tension, corresponding to approximately 300 MPa. Residual strains were found to decrease considerably as temperatures increased from ambient temperature to 1250 degrees C. Additionally, residual strains returned to approximately preheat treatment values after cool-down to ambient temperature. Strain measurements in the silicon phase were found to be significantly affected by dissolved boron dopant levels causing contraction of the silicon lattice. This contraction must be accounted for in high-temperature experiments for accurate calculation of stresses in the silicon phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Solvent-free and low temperature synthesis of chalcogenide Na superionic conductors for solid-state batteries

Sodium chalcogenide ionic conductors are attractive candidates as solid electrolytes (SEs) in solid-state Na metal batteries. They show the advantages of high ionic conductivity of 10 –4 –10 –2 S cm –1 at room temperature and great chemical stability in air. However, simple, efficient, and scalable approaches for the synthesis of chalcogenide solid electrolytes (SEs) are required. In this work, we report a solvent-free mixing to form dry intermediate products, which are subjected to different treatments (electron-beam assisted method or low temperature heating (≤150 °C)) to produce pure phase of Na 3 SbS 4-y Se y (0 ≤ y < 2) chalcogenides. Heavy Se-doping in Na 3 SbS 4 results in the tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition as well as a significant change of Sb-S bonding in Raman spectra. Among all chalcogenide SEs, Na 3 SbS 3 Se showed the highest ionic conductivity of 3.75 × 10 –4 S cm –1 at room temperature, 47% higher than that of pristine Na 3 SbS 4 . Moreover, the Se-dopant also enhanced the electrochemical stability towards Na metal in solid-state batteries. The solid-state Na||FeS 2 battery with Na 3 SbS 3 Se SE displayed long-term cycling ability up to 1,000 cycles within the voltage window of 1.0–2.7 V and retained a specific capacity of 105 mAh g –1 after 600 cycles. As a result, this technique promotes the practical applications of chalcogenide SEs in solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Endogenous Microbial Survival in Brewed Tea

Loose-leaf bagged tea is a commonly requested beverage item that comprises up to 7% of the microbiological samples from the space food systems. As loose-leaf tea blends often contain herbs and spices that frequently have high microbial loads, they have a high failure rate as defined by the microbiological standards outlined in NASA-STD-3001, which are more stringent than the limits set for industry. Between April 2019 and September 2022, 54.8% of loose-leaf teas submitted for microbiological testing have failed, necessitating the evaluation of a variety of brands and lot numbers of each requested tea type to meet crew preference requests, which are typically specific, resulting in excess labor and material costs to provide a single product for spaceflight consumption. Attempts to identify specific brands or ingredients that are less likely to produce a failure have been unsuccessful, as to date, no trends in those measures have been identified. We have, however, noticed a trend in types of teas (spiced and herbal) which are more likely to fail. Of additional concern, hot water available for brewing tea on ISS is dispensed at a lower temperature than the CDC recommended brewing temperature. In a study we previously reported, we found that that brewing water temperature may not have a significant impact on the number of aerobic bacteria in chamomile tea, as there were no significant differences in the total microbial load between tea brewed with boiling, ISS-like, or room temperature waters. It did appear that ISS temperature water was similarly effective to boiling water against a pathogenic bacterial species. In this study, we aim to assess whether the total number of aerobic bacteria of other high-fail-rate tea types is similarly unaffected when brewing tea in room temperature or boiling water. Data from this study and the previous study, as well as additional analysis of every tea product that has been tested as part of the normal food system since April 2019, will be used to determine the expected typical microbial load for loose-leaf teas, which we will compare to existing industry limits so that we can recommend a new microbiological limit for loose-leaf teas that accurately reflects the true risk of consuming brewed teas in spaceflight.

space flight food↗