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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Synthesis of multicomponent oxygen evolution reaction coatings via block copolymer templating with vapor- and solution-phase precursors

Porous mixed transition metal oxide heterostructures are promising electrocatalysts due to their high surface area. However, achieving conformal multicomponent oxide coatings with controlled nanoscale architectures remains challenging. Here, we report a synthesis strategy that integrates solution-based swelling infiltration (SBI) with gas-phase sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) in a block copolymer template to fabricate porous, high-surface-area, conformal mixed-oxide electrocatalytic coatings. In this approach, a PS75-P4VP25 block copolymer (BCP) film is first infiltrated with transition metal acetylacetonate precursors via SBI, followed by exposure to gas phase precursors of ZnO via SIS process. Thermal annealing of the infiltrated BCP films converts them into all-inorganic Fe–ZnO, Fe–Co–ZnO, and Fe–Ni–ZnO coatings. Electrochemical testing on 70 nm thick conformal coatings demonstrates promising oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity in alkaline media, with mass-specific current densities up to 1.0 × 10 5 mA/g at an overpotential of 330 mV (vs. RHE) at ultralow loading (~0.005 g/cm 2 ). Among the compositions, Fe–Co–ZnO and amorphous Fe–Ni–ZnO show the best OER performance, delivering current densities of 2.00 and 3.04 mA/cm 2 , respectively, compared to 1.52 mA/cm 2 for Fe–ZnO.. This work establishes SBI–SIS as a versatile route for fabricating nm-thin, high-performance multicomponent oxide heterostructures on cost-efficient supports, enabling efficient catalyst utilization in electrochemical energy conversion application.

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

Synthesis and optimized formulation for high-capacity manganese fluoride (MnF 2 ) electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

Electrochemical activity of poorly conductive metal fluorides in Li-ion batteries is contingent on their nanostructuration to reduce diffusion lengths and increase reaction kinetics. In that regard, we optimize the synthesis and electrode formulation of MnF 2 to enable sufficient electrochemical activity required to study its electrochemical conversion reaction mechanism. Solvothermal synthesis in a water–ethanol mixture (1:1 Vol.), using Mn acetate and a slight excess of hydrofluoric acid (HF), results in pure phase, nanosized (˜30 nm diameter) rutile-type MnF 2 ( P 4 2 /mnm). High energy ball-milling of MnF2–carbon mixtures leads to an amorphization of MnF 2 and its partial phase transformation to the α-PbO 2 -type structure, without significant improvement of the electrochemical performance. Changing the electrode binder, however, from typical polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to water-soluble Na-alginate, leads to a significant improvement of the reversibility of the electrochemical reaction. Here, we attribute this drastic improvement to the improved adherence and homogeneity of the electrode film prepared with Na-alginate.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Room temperature synthesis of β-NaGdF 4 : RE 3+ (RE= Eu, Er) nanocrystallites and their luminescence

In this study, a room temperature synthesis was developed for phase pure β-NaGdF 4 nanocrystallites as well as 5, 10, and 20% Eu 3+ or 5% Er 3+ doped material. Rare earth acetates and NaCl react in a 1:2 M ratio with a variable excess of NH 4 F in ethylene glycol within 24 hours. Since the thermodynamic stability of the hexagonal phase decreases along the lanthanide series, a larger excess of NH 4 F was required for the synthesis of luminescent samples doped with the smaller Er 3+ ions than for Eu 3+ doped or pure β-NaGdF 4 . The materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy. The Eu 3+ -doped samples show 5 D 0 → 7 F J and 5 D 1 → 7 F J luminescence after Eu 3+ excitation at 394 nm or Gd 3+ excitation at 273 nm and 308 nm. The ratio of 5 D 1 vs. 5 D 0 luminescence is influenced by the excitation wavelength and the Eu 3+ concentration. Lastly, the Er 3+ -doped samples show green and red upconversion luminescence, respectively, from the 2 H 11/2 + 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 and 4 F 9/2 → 4 I 15/2 transitions after 970 nm excitation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

The influence of hydrothermal synthesis temperature on the electronic structure and luminescence property of Cr-doped ZnGa 2 O 4 nanoparticles

Cr-doped ZnGa 2 O 4 (CZGO) is a near-infrared-emitting material with long-lasting persistent luminescence. This unique property makes it a great candidate in optical imaging and sensing for various biomedical applications. Nanosized CZGO can be synthesized via a hydrothermal approach, but the reaction temperatures reported in existing literature vary from 120°C to 220°C, approaching the highest temperature allowed for a standard autoclave vessel. The reason for choosing a particular hydrothermal synthesis temperature has rarely been discussed, and it is unclear whether the resulting CZGO possess the same optical properties. This work compares CZGO nanoparticles synthesized at temperatures from the lowest reported 120°C and to as high as 220°C. We find that although all the synthesized CZGO are light emitting, they exhibit different luminescence intensities and respond differently to the change of excitation energy. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis is employed to investigate the local chemical environment around Zn, Ga and Cr, respectively. We found synthesis temperature strongly influences the Ga species formed in these particles. The energy transfer mechanism is further elucidated using X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) in combination with element-specific XAFS. Two energy transfer paths are identified, which explains the different excitation energy dependencies of the observed photoluminescence.

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

Synthesis and characterization of Gd-doped magnetite nanoparticles

There has been rising interest in the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles due to their importance in biomedical and technological applications. Tunable magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles to meet specific requirements will greatly expand the spectrum of applications. Tremendous efforts have been devoted to studying and controlling the size, shape and magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles. We investigate gadolinium (Gd) doping to influence the growth process as well as magnetic properties of magnetite nanocrystals via a simple co-precipitation method under mild conditions in aqueous media. Gd doping was found to affect the growth process leading to synthesis of controllable particle sizes under the conditions tested (0–10 at% Gd 3+ ). Typically, undoped and 5 at% Gd-doped magnetite nanoparticles were found to have crystal sizes of about 18 and 44 nm, respectively, supported by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. These results showed that Gd-doped nanoparticles retained the magnetite crystal structure, with Gd 3+ randomly incorporated in the crystal lattice, probably in the octahedral sites. The composition of 5 at% Gd-doped magnetite was Fe (3-x) Gd x O 4 (x=0.085±0.002), as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. 5 at% Gd-doped nanoparticles exhibited ferrimagnetic properties with small coercivity (~65 Oe) and slightly decreased magnetization at 260 K in contrast to the undoped, superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles. Templation by the bacterial biomineralization protein Mms6 did not appear to affect the growth of the Gd-doped magnetite particles synthesized by this method.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hydrothermal synthesis of Co-free NMA cathodes for high performance Li-ion batteries

Scalable and sustainable production of high voltage cathodes is required to meet the increasing demands for Li-ion batteries. Additionally, the anticipated scarcity of critical materials like cobalt necessitates demonstration of Co-free alternatives that can match the performance metrics of conventional cathodes. Herein, a hydrothermal synthesis route for production of a new class of high-capacity, cobalt-free cathode material, LiNi 0.9 Mn 0.05 Al 0.05 O 2 (NMA9055) for next-generation Li-ion batteries is reported. In this work, the synthesized cathode material shows high crystallinity and purity with monodispersed spherical morphology. Extensive electrochemical, structural, and post-mortem characterization of this novel NMA material is carried out. NMA-Li half cells show an initial discharge capacity of 200 mAh/g with a 96% capacity retention over 100 cycles when cycled between 3.0 and 4.4 V. On the other hand, NMA full cells with Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) electrodes as the anode, show an initial discharge capacity of 186 mAh/g with 81% capacity retention over 200 cycles. Post-mortem structural and morphological characterization show that the NMA morphology and crystal structure do not degrade significantly over 200 charge/discharge cycles. This new class of cobalt free cathode material containing nickel, manganese and aluminum synthesized by an ammonia-free synthesis route is expected to provide a facile solution towards sustainable cathode production.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Hydrothermal synthesis map of bismuth titanates

The hydrothermal synthesis of four bismuth titanate materials from common bismuth and titanium precursors under hydrothermal conditions is described. Reaction of NaBiO{sub 3}{center_dot}2H{sub 2}O and anatase TiO{sub 2} in concentrated NaOH solution at 240 Degree-Sign C is shown to produce perovskite and sillenite phases Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}TiO{sub 3} and Bi{sub 12}TiO{sub 20}, depending on the ratio of metal precursors used. When KOH solution is used and a 1:1 ratio of the same precursors, a pyrochlore Bi{sub 1.43}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 0.29}(H{sub 2}O){sub 0.66} is formed. The use of a mixture of HNO{sub 3} and NaOH is shown to facilitate the formation of the Aurivillius-type bismuth titanate Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12}. The phases have been isolated separately as phase-pure powders and profile refinement of powder X-ray diffraction data allows comparisons with comparable materials reported in the literature. Analysis of Bi L{sub III}-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra of the materials shows the oxidation state of bismuth is +3 in all of the hydrothermally derived products. - Graphical abstract: Use of NaBiO{sub 3}{center_dot}2H{sub 2}O and TiO{sub 2} as reagents under hydrothermal conditions allows the phase-pure preparation of four crystalline bismuth titanate materials. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer NaBiO{sub 3} and TiO{sub 2} under hydrothermal conditions allow formation of bismuth titanates. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis of four distint phases has been mapped. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bi LIII-edge XANES shows Bi is reduced to oxidation state +3 in all materials. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A new hydrated bismuth titanate pyrochlore has been isolated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Controlled synthesis, formation mechanism and upconversion luminescence of NaYF{sub 4}: Yb, Er nano-/submicrocrystals via ionothermal approach

In order to deepen the fundamental understanding of IL-mediated synthesis of nano-/submicrostructure, hydrophilic ILs ([Emim][BF{sub 4}], [Bmim][BF{sub 4}] and [Omim][BF{sub 4}]), which act as solvents, templates, as well as fluorine source, have been employed to synthesize rare earth doped NaYF{sub 4} upconversion nano-/submicrocrystals (UC-NMCs). The imidazolium cations provide the capping reagent to prevent the nucleation centers from aggregation and growing, while the tetrafluoroborate anions introduce a new fluorine source according to partial hydrolysis. It is demonstrated that the properties of IL, such as viscosity, polarity, solvency and interfacial tension, extremely affect the dissolution, diffusion and nucleation process of lanthanide ions in IL. Morphology and size of the final products can thus be tailored by synthetical parameters, like imidazolium cations, cosolvents, Ln{sup 3+} and fluoride concentrations, as well as ionothermal time. Based on the experimental results, the possible mechanism of the nucleation and growth of UC-NMCs in IL is discussed. - Graphical abstract: The upconversion nano-/submicrocrystals with diverse morphologies and sizes have been synthesized through ionothermal approach. The possible mechanism is concluded, which strengthens the fundamental understanding of IL-mediated synthesis of nano-/submicrostructure. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The upconversion nano-/submicrocrystals were synthesized through ionothermal approach. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The as-prepared products exhibited diverse morphologies and sizes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The possible mechanism of the nucleation and growth process in ILs is concluded.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Hydrothermal synthesis of new rare earth silicate fluorides: A novel class of polar materials

Polar crystals provide an interesting avenue for materials research both in the structures they form and the properties they possess. This work describes the hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of three novel silicate fluorides. Compound (1), LiY{sub 3}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}F{sub 2} crystallizes in space group C2/c, with a=17.651(4) A, b=4.8868(10) A, c=11.625(2) A and {beta}=131.13(3) Degree-Sign . BaY{sub 2}(Si{sub 2}O{sub 7})F{sub 2} (2) crystallizes in space group P-1, with a=5.1576(10) A, b=6.8389(14) A, c=11.786(2) A, {alpha}=93.02(3) Degree-Sign , {beta}=102.05(3) Degree-Sign and {gamma}=111.55(3) Degree-Sign . Finally, the structure of Ba{sub 2}Y{sub 3}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}F{sub 5} (3) was determined in the polar orthorhombic space group Pba2, having unit cell parameters a=8.8864(18) A, b=12.764(3) A and c=5.0843(10) A. The structures are compared based on their building blocks and long range polarities. Aligned silicate tetrahedra segregated into a single layer in (3) impart the observed polarity. - Graphical abstract: The polar structure of Ba{sub 2}Y{sub 3}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}F{sub 5}. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Natural yttrium silicate fluoride minerals are briefly reviewed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The synthesis and structures of LiY{sub 3}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}F{sub 2}, BaY{sub 2}(Si{sub 2}O{sub 7})F{sub 2} and Ba{sub 2}Y{sub 3}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}F{sub 5} are discussed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ba{sub 2}Y{sub 3}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}F{sub 5} crystallizes in the polar space group Pba2. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Polarity occurs primarily through aligned silicate tetrahedra in a segregated layer.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis of YAG nanopowder by the co-precipitation method: Influence of pH and study of the reaction mechanisms

YAG nanopowders with an average grain size of 30 nm have been successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation method using nitrates with precipitant of ammonium hydrogen carbonate. The influence of precipitation conditions such as pH, aging time and calcination temperature on the formation of secondary phases has been studied. The accurate control of pH value at every stage of precipitation process is crucial to avoid the presence of YAM (Yttrium Aluminium Monoclinic, Y{sub 4}Al{sub 2}O{sub 9}) and yttrium oxide (Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) after calcination. The reaction mechanisms have been investigated using different techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and thermal analyses. The YAG phase is formed around 1050 Degree-Sign C passing through an intermediate phase called YAP (Yttrium Aluminium Perovskite, YAlO{sub 3}). Local chemical heterogeneities are responsible for the deviation of the Y:Al ratio and the formation of YAP during heat treatment. - Graphical abstract: Synthesis of YAG nanopowder by the co-precipitation method: Influence of pH and study of the reaction mechanisms, Marlot et al. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis of pure YAG nanoparticles by the co-precipitation method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Influence of pH value on the formation of secondary phases all along the process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Study of the importance of pH using titration method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Chemical evolution of the precursor during calcinations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Proposition for reaction mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Monodisperse spindle-like FeWO{sub 4} nanoparticles: Controlled hydrothermal synthesis and enhanced optical properties

Monodisperse FeWO{sub 4} nanoparticles with specific spindle-like morphology have been synthesized in the presence of citric acid through hydrothermal process. In the synthesis route, citric acid played four roles such as the reducing agent, chelating regents, structure-directing agent and stabilizing agents. In addition, the morphology of FeWO{sub 4} was dramatically tuned by the pH value of the precursor medium. The optical properties of FeWO{sub 4} were investigated with UV-Vis spectra and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the decomposition efficiency of the monodisperse spindle-like FeWO{sub 4} nanoparticles is 74% after 30 min of UV irradiation, which displayed remarkable enhanced photodegradation activity compared with ordinary FeWO{sub 4} sample (57%) and normal TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts P-25 (56%). - Monodisperse spindle-like FeWO{sub 4} nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activities. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Monodisperse spindle-like FeWO{sub 4} were synthesized with hydrothermal method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Citric acid plays key roles in the hydrothermal synthesis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Their morphology can be tuned with pH value of the precursor medium. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer They show enhanced photocatalytic activities with irradiation of UV light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis of Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} electrocatalysts by mechanical activation

Potassium-substituted SrFeO{sub 3-{delta}} for possible application as oxygen evolution electrode in alkaline or molten salt media was prepared by mechanical activation and characterized by X-ray diffraction, dilatometric and thermogravimetric analysis, Moessbauer spectroscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements. Room temperature mechanical activation of a mixture of oxide precursors with subsequent thermal treatments at 700-900 Degree-Sign C results in the formation of Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} with tetragonal perovskite-like structure. Such allows to decrease the synthesis temperature, if compared to the conventional solid-state route, and to prevent possible volatilization of potassium. The results of Moessbauer spectroscopy studies indicate that the oxygen nonstoichiometry in the samples annealed in air at 900-1100 Degree-Sign C with subsequent rapid cooling vary in the range {delta}=0.30-0.32. The electrical conductivity in air exhibits a metal-like behaviour at temperatures above 400 Degree-Sign C and semiconductor behaviour in the low-temperature range, reaching 13-30 S/cm under prospective operation conditions for alkaline electrolyzers ({<=}90 Degree-Sign C). - graphical abstract: XRD patterns of Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} powders, as-prepared and after annealing at different temperatures. Log({sigma}{center_dot}T) vs. 1000/T plot of the electrical conductivity of Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}}. The inset shows the thermal variation of {sigma}. Ceramics used were prepared by mechanical activation followed by a two-step sintering process at 900 Degree-Sign C for 1 h and 1000 Degree-Sign C for 5 h (82% densification). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} was successfully obtained by mechanical activation of oxide precursors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis temperature is significantly lower when compared to a conventional solid-state route. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Oxygen nonstoichiometry of annealed samples at 900-1100 Degree-Sign C vary in the range {delta}=0.30-0.32. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sr{sub 0.9}K{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3-{delta}} shows metal and semiconductor behaviour above and below 400 Degree-Sign C, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

High-pressure synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic property of ilmenite-type FeGeO{sub 3}

We synthesized well-crystallized ilmenite-type FeGeO{sub 3} to investigate its structural and magnetic properties. Ilmenite-type FeGeO{sub 3} were synthesized by high-pressure synthesis technique using a Kawai-type multi-anvil apparatus. Their structural and magnetic properties were examined by XRD analysis with Rietveld refinement, transmission electron microscopy, Moessbauer spectroscopy and SQUID-magnetization measurements. The subsequent annealing after the high-pressure synthesis was effective to improve the crystallinity of the ilmenite-type FeGeO{sub 3}. The primary particle size of ilmenite-type FeGeO{sub 3} was {approx}15 nm. Some particles seemed to be covered with non- or poorly crystalline phase even after the annealing, and others showed a lamellar microstructure parallel to the (0 0 1) plane. Theilmenite-type FeGeO{sub 3} showed typical antiferromagnetic behavior with the Neel temperature of 79 K. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure, transmission electron micrograph and temperature dependent susceptibility of ilmenite-type FeGeO{sub 3}. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ilmenite-type FeGeO{sub 3}, a novel polymorphism of FeGeO{sub 3} was successfully synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It was synthesized by using high pressure technique at 23.5 GPa at 500 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Subsequent annealing in vacuum was effective to improve the crystallinity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Its primary particle size was {approx}15 nm, and some grains had lamellar microstructure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It showed typical antiferromagnetic behavior with the Neel temperature of 79 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and characterization of thermally stable large-pore mesoporous nanocrystallineanatase

Thermally stable mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} with a pure anatase structure was obtained by sol–gel synthesis (in combination with hydrothermal treatment) using titanium tetrabutoxide and dibenzo-18-crown-6 as a structure-directing agent in presence of surfactant and/or La{sup 3+} ions additives. Nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} demonstrates various textures with a well-defined spherical morphology (micro- and nanospheres), a crystallite size of no greater than 10 nm (XRD), and a narrow pore size distribution. Spherical particles of micrometer scale in the presence of La{sup 3+} ions do not form. TiO{sub 2} calcined (at 500 °C) after hydrothermal treatment (at 175 °C) has a significantly more developed porous structure as compared with TiO{sub 2} which was not treated hydrothermally. For example, specific surface area amounts 137 m{sup 2} g{sup −1} and 69 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}, pore volume 0.98 cm{sup 3} g{sup −1} and 0.21 cm{sup 3} g{sup −1}, pore diameter 17.5 nm and 12.5 nm respectively for samples hydrothermally treated and not treated. - Graphical abstract: Large-pore mesoporous nanocristalline anatase. Highlights: ► Large-pore mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} was obtained by sol–gel synthesis. ► Crown ether was used as template in presence of surfactant and/or La{sup 3+} ions. ► Anatase (crystalline size<11 nm) is the only crystalline phase present in TiO{sub 2}. ► TiO{sub 2} shows well-defined homogeneous spherical morphology (micro- and nano-spheres)

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Vapour phase approach for iron oxide nanoparticle synthesis from solid precursors

A new non-solution mediated approach to the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles directly from solid FeCl{sub 2} salt precursors has been developed. The method is rapid, simple and scalable. The structural properties and the phase of the resulting iron oxide particles has been determined by a range of methods including XRD, FT-IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy, and the phase is shown to be maghemite (γ-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}). The magnetic properties of the iron oxide particles have been measured using SQUID, confirming superparamagnetic behaviour of the powder and a saturation magnetization of 53.0 emu g{sup −1} at 300 K. Aqueous dispersions at increasing concentrations were prepared and their heating rate under a 400 kHz alternating magnetic field measured. The specific absorption rate (SAR) of the iron oxide was found to be 84.8 W g{sup −1}, which makes the material suitable for the formulation of ferrofluids or ferrogels with RF heating properties. - Graphical Abstract: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles obtained by a novel vapour phase approach. Highlights: ► Novel vapour phase (non-solvent) approach for iron oxide nanoparticle synthesis. ► Attractive alternative approach to the present co-precipitation method. ► Better magnetic properties with high coercivity of nanoparticles. ► A high specific absorption rate (SAR) for hyperthermia applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of synthesis atmosphere, wetting, and compaction on the purity of AlB₂

AlB₂ is attractive as an energetic fuel because of its large heat of combustion on a volumetric basis. The formation of AlB₂ from its elements is thermodynamically limited by decomposition into liquid aluminum and α-AlB₁₂ at temperatures approaching 950 °C, and kinetically limited in the reverse reaction, making synthesis of high-purity powders difficult. Minimizing unreacted Al and B makes AlB₂ more resistant to moisture degradation. AlB₂ yield for similarly prepared samples was observed to be significantly higher in He–6% H₂ or vacuum compared to a high-purity Ar atmosphere. Lower AlB₂ yield was generally associated with higher Al₂O₃ content in the reaction products, suggesting that poor Al wetting on oxide surfaces generated by the reaction of Al with B₂O₃ and other sources of oxygen prevented complete reaction. Compaction decreased the amount of oxygen available to the interior of the pellet, and the vacuum and He–6% H₂ environments reduced the amount of oxide impurities in the system, possibly by reducing or subliming them. By optimization of synthesis parameters the purity of AlB₂ was measured as 93 wt%, which was better than the previously reported bulk syntheses. Accounting for unreacted boron is important when using XRD to assess purity since the quantification of secondary phases, such as Al, Al₂O₃, and Al₃BC, allow the amount of boron, which is not easily detected in the scan, to be calculated. - Graphical abstract: Atmosphere and compaction pressure affect AlB₂ purity. Highlights: • Vacuum or He–6% H₂ yielded higher AlB₂ than Ar due to reduced Al₂O₃. • Compaction at 25 MPa prior to heating improved the AlB₂ yield. • XRD can be used to quantify AlB₂ if Al is used to assess the free B content. • Elimination of oxide impurities is the key to making higher purity AlB₂.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Large scale synthesis, second-harmonic generation, and piezoelectric properties of a noncentrosymmetric vanadium phosphate, Li₂VPO₆

The phase pure large scale synthesis, second-harmonic generation, and piezoelectric properties of a vanadium phosphate, Li₂VPO₆ are reported. The material has been synthesized by a standard solid-state reaction using Li₂CO₃, V₂O₅, and NH₄H₂PO₄ as reagents. The phase purity and crystal structure of the reported material have been confirmed by powder X-ray and neutron diffractions. The material crystallizes in orthorhombic space group Pna2₁ (no. 33) with a=10.32581(7) Å, b=4.63728(3) Å, c=8.56606(5) Å, and Z=4. The noncentrosymmetric layered structure is composed of distorted VO₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra. The V⁵⁺ cations distort either along the approximate [1 0 1] or [-1 0 1] directions attributable to the alignment of distorted VO₆ octahedra, resulting in a polar structure. Powder second-harmonic generating (SHG) measurements on Li₂VPO₆ using 1064 nm radiation, indicate the material has a SHG efficiency of approximately 10 times that of α-SiO₂ and is not phase-matchable (type 1). Converse piezoelectric measurements for the material reveal a piezoelectric coefficient, d₃₃, of 12 pm V⁻¹. - Graphical abstract: A net moment arising from the alignment of the distorted VO₆ octahedra is responsible for the SHG and piezoelectricity for the noncentrosymmetric vanadium phosphate, Li₂VPO₆. Highlights: • Large scale synthesis of a NCS vanadium phosphate, Li₂VPO₆ is reported. • Li₂VPO₆ exhibits a SHG efficiency of 10× that of α-SiO₂. • Li₂VPO₆ reveals a piezoelectric coefficient, d₃₃, of 12 pm V⁻¹. • A net moment is arising from the alignment of the VO₆ octahedra in Li₂VPO₆.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis of flower-like Boehmite (γ-AlOOH) via a one-step ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal route

A simple and novel synthesis process, one-step ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal synthesis route, has been developed in the work to synthesize Bohemithe (γ-AlOOH) with flower-like structure. The samples were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Ionic liquid [Omim]{sup +}Cl{sup −}, as a template, plays an important role in the morphology and pore structure of the products due to its strong interactions with reaction particles. With the increase in the dosage of ionic liquid [Omim]{sup +}Cl{sup −}, the morphology of the γ-AlOOH was changed from initial bundles of nanosheets (without ionic liquid) into final well-developed monodispersed 3D flower-like architectures ([Omim]{sup +}Cl{sup −}=72 mmol). The pore structure was also altered gradually from initial disordered slit-like pore into final relatively ordered ink-bottle pore. Furthermore, the proposed formation mechanism and other influencing factors such as reaction temperature and urea on formation and morphology of the γ-AlOOH have also been investigated. - Graphical abstract: The flower-like γ-AlOOH architectures composed by nanosheets with narrow size distribution (1.6–2.2 μm) and uniform pore size (6.92 nm) have been synthesized via a one-step ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal route. - Highlights: • The γ-AlOOH microflowers were synthesized via an ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal route. • Ionic liquid plays an important role on the morphology and porous structure of the products. • Ionic liquid can be easily removed from the products and reused in recycling experiments. • A “aggregation–recrystallization–Ostwald Ripening“formation mechanism may occur.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗