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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 1,405 records · Page 78
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Co-evaporation of transition metal salt and SiO powder toward copper(or nickel)/silicon-contained composite nanostructures

Graphical abstract: Copper(or nickel)/silicon-contained composite nanostructures were successfully synthesized by co-evaporating SiO powder and corresponding transition metal salts (nickel formate and copper sulfate). Display Omitted Highlights: ► Novel nanostructures were synthesized by co-evaporating SiO and metal salts. ► A pre-sintering process was used in the synthesis of copper/silicon nanocomposites. ► A Ni{sub 31}Si{sub 12}/Si/SiO{sub 2} nanocomposite was obtained. ► Peapod-like copper/silicon-contained nanocomposites were obtained. ► On the basis of experimental results, the formation mechanism was discussed. -- Abstract: We demonstrate that several novel copper(or nickel)/silicon-contained composite nanostructures were successfully synthesized by co-evaporating SiO powder and corresponding transition metal salts (transition metal organic salt and transition metal inorganic salt), including nickel formate, cobalt acetate, and copper sulfate. The morphologies, compositions, and crystal structures of products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results indicate that the morphology and composition of formed copper(or nickel)/silicon-contained composite nanostructures are dramatically influenced by the distance between SiO powder and transition metal salts, or by the pre-sintering temperature of the reactants. The possible formation mechanisms of these composite nanostructures were discussed on the basis of experimental observations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

In situ NiTi/Nb(Ti) composite

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • In situ NiTi/Nb(Ti) composites were fabricated. • The transformation temperature was affected by the mixing Ti:Ni atomic ratios. • The NiTi component became micron-scale lamella after forging and rolling. • The composite exhibited high strength and high damping capacity. - Abstract: This paper reports on the creation of a series of in situ NiTi/Nb(Ti) composites with controllable transformation temperatures based on the pseudo-binary hypereutectic transformation of NiTi–Nb system. The composite constituent morphology was controlled by forging and rolling. It is found that the thickness of the NiTi lamella in the composite reached micron level after the hot-forging and cold-rolling. The NiTi/Nb(Ti) composite exhibited high damping capacity as well as high yield strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Au/SiO{sub x} composite thin film as catalyst for solvent-free hydrocarbon oxidation

Graphical abstract: Au/SiO{sub x} composite thin film possesses high catalytic activity and stability for selective oxidation of cis-cyclooctene. - Highlights: • Au/SiO{sub x} composite thin film was synthesized by a facile and efficient chemical approach. • The Au/SiO{sub x} composite thin film exhibits high catalytic ability for the selective oxidation. • The Au/SiO{sub x} composite thin film possesses high structural and catalytic stability. - Abstract: We report a facile and efficient chemical approach for the controllable preparation of Au/SiO{sub x} composite thin film using silicon quantum dots as SiO{sub x} sources. Au/SiO{sub x} composite thin film exhibits high catalytic activity (65.04% conversion based on cis-cyclooctene and 78.34% selectivity for 2-hydroxycyclooctanone) and stability for selective oxidation of cis-cyclooctene in the absence of solvent using TBHP as radical initiator and oxygen (in the air) as oxidant at 80 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Matrix structure evolution and thermo-mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiC-C castable composites

Highlights: • Carbon fibers are formed in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiC-C castable composites under the action of nano Ni. • Starting growth temperature is 900 °C and growth mechanism agrees with V–S model. • The high temperature strength of composites can be increased by above 40%. • The thermal shock resistance can be enhanced by above 20%. - Abstract: The spalling and corrosion during the thermal cycles are the main causes of the damages observed in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiC-C castable composites that are used in molten-iron system. Using the catalyst of nano Ni and ball pitch in the matrix, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiC-C castable composites were prepared with the anti-oxidant addition of silicon. The results indicate that the high temperature of the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiC-C castable composites can be increased by above 42%, and the thermal shock resistance can be enhanced by above 20% because the ball pitch is carbonized and releases C{sub x}H{sub y} vapor, which can be pyrolized to carbon atoms and subsequently deposited into carbon fibers under the catalyst action. The starting temperature of carbon fiber growth is approximately 900 °C, and their diameter and aspect ratio can increase with the rising temperature. The in-situ generation of carbon fibers in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiC-C castable composites can significantly improve the fibers’ thermo-mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite/sodium tantalate composite and its photodegradation of methyl orange

Highlights: • Sodalite/NaTaO{sub 3} composite is prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis. • Enhanced photodegradation is achieved due to the heterogeneous doping effect. • Structure distortion is found for NaTaO{sub 3} after removing sodalite by acid washing. - Abstract: Sodalite/NaTaO{sub 3} composite was prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis method. Sodalite and NaTaO{sub 3} grow interpenetrated, and the resulting composites have similar morphology as the pure sodalite. The sodalite/NaTaO{sub 3} composite has a lower band gap of 3.35 eV due to the heterogeneous doping effect, and exhibits an enhanced photodegradation of methyl orange under UV irradiation as compared to the pure NaTaO{sub 3}. A slight structure distortion is found for NaTaO{sub 3} after removing sodalite by acid washing the sodalite/NaTaO{sub 3} composite, and such result further confirms the co-growth of the two crystals. This one-pot hydrothermal method opens up new avenues for the preparation of photocatalytic composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Facile synthesis and temperature-dependent luminescence of single-phase dual-emitting CdTe@NaNO{sub 3} composite

Graphical abstract: Single-phase dual-emitting CdTe@NaNO{sub 3} composite was prepared by a facile and efficient aqueous ethanol phase assisted coprecipitation method. Its use in self-referencing luminescent thermometry was tested, by exploiting the temperature-dependence of fluorescence intensity ratio (green/red) in range of 273–473 K. - Highlights: • Single-phase green and red dual-emitting CdTe@NaNO{sub 3} composite was prepared. • CdTe QDs embedded in NaNO{sub 3} matrices exhibit photoluminescence quantum yields of 35%. • Temperature-dependent luminescent properties of CdTe@NaNO{sub 3} composite were studied. • It could be a good candidate for ratiometric temperature sensing with a high relative sensitivity. - Abstract: Single-phase dual-emitting CdTe@NaNO{sub 3} composite was prepared by a facile and efficient aqueous ethanol phase assisted coprecipitation method, providing a new type of solid-state luminescent material with processability, robustness and high luminescence. Cubic-shape Green + Red (G + R) CdTe@NaNO{sub 3} composite particles display single-excitation, dual-emission with two well-resolved, intensity-comparable fluorescence peaks. Its application potential in ratiometric luminescent thermometry was tested, by exploiting the temperature-dependence of fluorescence intensity ratio (green/red) in range of 273–473 K, and the maximum sensitivity is found to be 0.6183% K{sup −1} at 473 K. The results indicate that dual-emitting G + R CdTe@NaNO{sub 3} composite could be considered as potential candidates for ratiometric temperature sensing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of phenol over Ag3PO4-BiOCl1−xBrx composites

Highlights: • Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}-BiOCl{sub 1−x}Br{sub x} composites were successfully synthesized and characterized. • The band energy of composites can be tunable by solid-solution strategy. • Appropriate band-gap structure facilitates charge separation property and light absorption. - Abstract: In this paper, a series of Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}-BiOCl{sub 1−x}Br{sub x} composites with adjustable band gap has been fabricated by using a facile two-step synthetic method. The photocatalytic activity of Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}-BiOCl{sub 1−x}Br{sub x} was evaluated by photocatalytic decomposition of phenol aqueous solution under simulated solar light irradiation. The result shows that Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}-BiOCl{sub 0.75}Br{sub 0.25} (1:5) composite possesses the best photocatalytic activity among all the as-prepared samples. The photocatalytic activity of Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}-BiOCl can be enhanced mainly owing to the strong light absorption ability by loading Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} on the surface of BiOCl, while the photocatalytic activities of Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}-BiOCl{sub 1−x}Br{sub x} (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) composites could be enhanced by restraining the recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. The enhanced solar-light photocatalytic activities of Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}-BiOCl{sub 1−x}Br{sub x} composites could be ascribed to the adjustable energy band structure, which facilitates the separation of photoinduced carriers. In addition, superoxide radicals (O{sub 2}{sup −}), holes (h{sup +}) and OH are considered to dominate the photocatalytic degration process. Moreover, a possible mechanism of deep understanding on the base of experimental results was proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Target preparation of multicomponent composites Au@CdS/g-C3N4 as efficient visible light photocatalysts with the assistance of biomolecules

Highlights: • Au@CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} composites were prepared through a novel biomolecules assisted hydrothermal route. • Au@CdS core-shell structure is formed in composites. • The composites exhibit high visible light photocatalytic activity and stability. • The enhanced photocatalytic properties are ascribed to the efficient charges separation. - Abstract: In this work, we aimed to develop a novel method for the target preparation of multicomponent composites Au@CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} towards high visible light photocatalytic activity with the assistance of L-cysteine biomolecules. Through the interaction of L-cysteine biomolecules with Au nanoparticles and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} bulks, CdS layer were in-situ precipitated on the surface of Au nanoparticles to form core-shell structure Au@CdS and Z-scheme structure Au@CdS-g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} with good interface bonding in composites. By taking advantage of this feature, the highest reaction rate constant of 8%Au@CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} for methyl orange dye and phenol degradation was 3.08- and 1.48-folds higher than pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} bulks, which was ascribed to the strong interaction between different substances for efficient charges transferring and separation as evidenced by the studies of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, steady-state and transient photoluminescence spectroscopy. This work highlights the utilization of biomolecules for the target preparation of composites and its application on environmental remediation.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

PdAu/YSZ composite hydrogen separation membranes with enhanced stability in the presence of CO

The effects of gold composition on the tolerance of palladium-based composite membranes to CO exposure was studied under the presence of high CO concentrations. Membranes with PdAu compositions ranging up to 41% by mass were exposed to binary 50/50 H 2 /CO gas atmospheres and both hydrogen flux and purity were monitored over time. It was observed that the highest gold composition (41%) suffered no degradation in membrane performance in terms of permeate hydrogen purity and hydrogen permeation flux during the 48 h exposure. Furthermore, for lower gold compositions, X-ray diffraction patterns suggested that carbon entered the film and could be removed by exposure to a non-CO containing gas mixture over time. However, removal of the carbon adversely affected purity; interestingly, some of the purity decline could be reversed upon re-exposure to the CO gas mixture. It is hypothesized that carbon loading in the palladium films causes lattice expansion and may even fill pore defects, thus lowering leaks through the Pd films. Furthermore, this study suggests that a membrane exposed to a CO mixture should not be cycled between CO and non-CO environments, but rather run continuously for best performance. Additionally, the choice of Pd-alloy and metal composition should be considered in regard to its carbon solubility to best predict lifetime performance.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2018

Temperature-dependent plastic deformation mechanisms of a Cu/steel transforming nanolamellar composite

Metallic nanolamellar composites possess unusually high strength owing to the high density interfaces that impede dislocation nucleation and migration. Meanwhile most nanolamellar composites show limited ductility in tension due to the lack of effective deformation mechanisms. Martensitic transformation, once multiplied with dislocations, can improve the work hardening efficiently during plastic deformation, leading to enhanced ductility. It is thereby of interest to investigate the mechanical behavior of nanolamellar composites that contain martensitic constituents. We here report on the temperature-dependent deformation mechanisms of a nanolamellar Cu/carbon-steel composite wire with a high volume fraction of retained austenite. Tensile tests at various temperatures reveal that the mechanical behavior of the composite is sensitive to temperature, analogous to the feature of deformation-induced martensitic transformation in steels with mechanically metastable austenite. In particular, a maximum uniform elongation of 63% is achieved at 180 degrees C. In situ synchrotron X-ray studies suggest that the deformation mechanisms of the composite are a result of the competition between transformation and slip of the retained austenite. Finally, a deformation mechanism map is proposed and the boundary between stress- and strain-induced martensitic transformation is clearly identified.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

The path towards functional nanoparticle-DNA origami composites

Nanoparticles (NPs) hold tremendous promise for diverse applications infields such as imaging, sensing, nanorobotics, and for optical and electronic materials. These applications often require precisely controlled interactions between multiple NPs or between NPs and other components. Hence, the organization of NPs into composite materials has been an active area of research. DNA origami nanotechnology offers a promising path forward with unparalleled control over complex nanoscale geometry and functionalization, programmed dynamic and mechanical properties, stimulus response to local or externally applied triggers, and capability of assembly into higher-order 1D, 2D, or 3D materials. Furthermore, DNA origami self-assembly is rapid and scalable, overcoming limitations of top-down NP organization methods. In this review, we outline the challenges, recent advances, and opportunities for NP-DNA origami composites. We go into depth on aspects of DNA origami that enhance materials function, such as dynamic actuation, and we discuss practical aspects involved in making NP-DNA composites. Whereas the vast majority of research in NP-DNA origami composite synthesis focuses on gold NPs, these methods can be generalized to other DNA-coated NPs, and therefore more broadly establish a path towards functional NP-DNA origami composites. We envision this review will serve as a guide to materials science and engineering researchers to pursue new materials based on NP-DNA composites.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

In-situ ionothermal synthesis of nanoporous carbon/oxide composites: A new key to functional separators for stable lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) with high energy density are promising for energy storage. However, conventional polypropylene-based separator cannot avoid polysulfides shuttling which impedes the practical application of LSBs. Herein, an in-situ ionothermal synthesis strategy that concurrently applies ionic liquid as the solvent, template and high-yield carbon source is proposed for the facile preparation of nanoporous carbon/oxide composite separator modifiers. The composites exhibit features of high polarity, self doping, oxygen vacancy, heteroatom doping, abundant defects and high electronic conductivity. Theoretical and experimental studies suggest that the composites can efficiently trap and convert polysulfides for high-performance LSBs. Indeed, in the composite-modified LSBs with next-generation roll-to-roll dry-processed high-loading sulfur cathodes, enhanced performance is achieved, revealing the effectiveness of the composites as functional materials towards separator modification. Therefore, the proposed strategy and its delivered nanoporous composites exhibit excellent versatility and practicality for high-performance LSBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Computational investigation of arranged scintillating particle composites for fast neutron detection

Composite materials have the potential to play an important role in enabling high-performance and cost-effective neutron detectors for fundamental science, global security, and dosimetry applications. This work presents neutron and gamma transport simulation results on composites consisting of 6 Li-containing GS20 scintillator glass particles arranged in an organic matrix. These composites achieve high sensitivity for neutrons while suppressing signals from gamma rays. The simulations successfully identified optimal composite parameters such as particle size, geometry, and inter-particle pitch. This information is key to the subsequent fabrication and scale-up of the desired GS20-in-acrylic composite. Finally, the simulation results presented in this paper demonstrate that arranged composites can provide high neutron detection efficiency with gamma misidentification values of <1 in 10 6 gamma rays, assuming irradiation with a 252 Cf spontaneous fission source.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2017

Lattice Matched Carbide–Phosphide Composites with Superior Electrocatalytic Activity and Stability

Composites of electrocatalytically active transition-metal compounds present an intriguing opportunity toward enhanced activity and stability. Here, to identify potentially scalable pairs of a catalytically active family of compounds, we demonstrate that phosphides of iron, nickel, and cobalt can be deposited on molybdenum carbide to generate nanocrystalline heterostructures. Composites synthesized via solvothermal decomposition of metal acetylacetonate salts in the presence of highly dispersed carbide nanoparticles show hydrogen evolution activities comparable to those of state-of-the-art non-noble metal catalysts. Investigation of the spent catalyst using high resolution microscopy and elemental analysis reveals that formation of carbide–phosphide composite prevents catalyst dissolution in acid electrolyte. Lattice mismatch between the two constituent electrocatalysts can be used to rationally improve electrochemical stability. Among the composites of iron, nickel, and cobalt phosphide, iron phosphide displays the lowest degree of lattice mismatch with molybdenum carbide and shows optimal electrochemical stability. Turnover rates of the composites are higher than that of the carbide substrate and compare favorably to other electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant elements. Lastly, our findings will inspire further investigation into composite nanocrystalline electrocatalysts that use molybdenum carbide as a stable catalyst support.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Molecular Insights into Novel Struvite–Hydrogel Composites for Simultaneous Ammonia and Phosphate Removal

Struvite (NH 4 MgPO 4 ·6H 2 O) mineralization is an effective technique for removing ammonium and phosphate species from wastewater. However, its wider use faces obstacles because of the copresence of various pollutants in wastewater and the additional requirement for magnesium to achieve proper supersaturation conditions. To address these challenges, this study developed novel mineral–hydrogel composites that can remove ammonium and phosphate simultaneously via heterogeneous struvite and calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralization in hydrogel matrices. The composites include in situ formed struvite and CaP mineral seeds, decreasing the nucleation energy barrier of struvite and CaP formation and promoting their heterogeneous nucleation kinetics even under undersaturation conditions in bulk solution. The dual struvite and CaP seeded composites can simultaneously reduce the ammonium and total phosphate concentrations up to 60% (26.3 mg of N/g) and 91% (9.54 mg of P/g), respectively. Furthermore, the average particle sizes in composites were increased from 6.12 to 14.8 nm after wastewater treatment. Moreover, various ions commonly existing in wastewater did not significantly interfere with the removal of ammonium and phosphate. Thus, these new mineral–hydrogel composites can provide an innovative way to lower nutrient levels before discharge to streams. Moreover, encapsulating ammonium and phosphate in mineral-hydrogel composites enables their upcycling in agricultural or biorefinery applications.

Cations↗
DOE OSTI2016

Formation of Nanoscale Composites of Compound Semiconductors Driven by Charge Transfer

Composites are a class of materials that are formed by mixing two or more components. These materials usually have new functional properties compared to their constituent materials. Traditionally composites are formed by self-assembly due to structural dissimilarities or by engineering different layers or structures in the material. In this work, we report the synthesis of a uniform and stoichiometric composite of CdO and SnTe with a novel nanocomposite structure stabilized by the dissimilarity of the electronic band structure of the constituent materials. The composite has interesting electronic properties which range from highly n-type in CdO to semi-insulating in the intermediate composition range to highly p-type in SnTe. This can be explained by the overlap of the conduction and valence band of the constituent compounds. Ultimately, our report identifies a new class of composite semiconductors in which nanoscale self-organization is driven and stabilized by charge transfer between constituent materials.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Holistic Design Consideration of Metal–Organic Framework-Based Composite Membranes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Metal–organic framework (MOF)-based membranes have received significant attention as separators for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries because of their high porosities, well-defined and tailored structures, and other tunable features that are desirable for preventing the “shuttle effect” of soluble polysulfides. Because of the insulating nature of most MOFs, composite membranes are generally constructed by a combination of MOFs and electron-conductive materials. In this work, we examine the property–performance relation between MOF-based separators and Li–S batteries by systematically adjusting the electrical conductivity, thickness, and mass loading of the MOF-based composite. Beyond the commonly referenced trapping or blocking ability of MOFs toward polysulfides, we find that by fixing the thickness of the MOF-based composite coating layer (~40 μm) on a Celgard membrane, the electrical conductivity of the MOF composite layer is of paramount importance compared with the physical/ chemical trapping ability of polysulfides. However, the trapping ability of MOFs becomes indispensable when the thickness of the composite layer is small (e.g., ~20 μm), indicating the synergetic effects of the adsorption and conversion capabilities of the thin composite layer. Furthermore, this work suggests the importance of a holistic design consideration for a MOF-based membrane for long-life and high-energy-density Li–S batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Alginate–Sodium Sulfate Decahydrate Phase Change Composite with Extended Stability

Here, this study reports on the use of sodium alginate to effectively stabilize sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na 2 SO 4 ∙10H 2 O, SSD) based phase change material (PCM) for application as a thermal energy storage material. Alginate/SSD composite PCMs were prepared by blending SSD with different concentrations of alginate polymer. The resulting composite PCMs demonstrate high phase change enthalpy ~160 J/g and extended cycling stability compared to existing PCM composites. The analysis carried out by optical microscopy, X-ray scattering, and periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the stabilization effect was caused by the interplay between ionic and hydrogen bond interactions between the alginate and SSD. Additionally, the variation in mechanical properties of PCM composites with polymer concentrations made it possible to formulate a composite that maintains stable performance after 3D printing. The advanced properties make this composite a promising candidate for application as a thermal energy storage material.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗