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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 1,441 records · Page 80

The impact of lidar detection sensitivity on assessing aerosol direct radiative effects: LIDAR SENSITIVITY AND AEROSOL DRE

Spaceborne lidar observations have great potential to provide accurate global estimates of the aerosol direct radiative effect (DRE) in both clear and cloudy conditions. However, comparisons between observations from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite (CALIPSO) and multiple years of Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program's ground-based Raman lidars (RL) show that CALIPSO does not detect all radiatively significant aerosol, i.e., aerosol that directly modifies the Earth's radiation budget. We estimated that using CALIPSO observations results in an underestimate of the magnitude of the global mean aerosol DRE by up to 54%. The ARM RL data sets along with NASA Langley airborne high spectral resolution lidar data from multiple field campaigns are used to derive the detection sensitivity required to accurately resolve the aerosol DRE. This shows that a lidar with a backscatter coefficient detection sensitivity of about 1–2 × 10 -4 km -1 sr -1 at 532 nm would resolve all the aerosol needed to derive the DRE to within 1%.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Nanohybrid of Silver‐MXene: A Promising Sorbent for Iodine Gas Capture from Nuclear Waste

The increasing reliance on nuclear energy as a significant low-carbon power source necessitates effective solutions for managing radioactive emissions. This study introduces a novel application of MXene nanohybrids, specifically silver-MXene (Ag-Ti 3 C 2 T x ), as an effective sorbent for radioiodine off-gas capture at an operating temperature of 150 °C. Through comprehensive material characterization, including X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and gas sorption analyses, the successful loading of Ag nanoparticles onto Ti 3 C 2 T x is confirmed and the subsequent formation of AgI upon iodine capture. The results demonstrate that Ag-Ti 3 C 2 T x exhibits superior iodine uptake compared to traditional silver-based sorbents such as silver mordenite zeolite (AgZ) and silver-functionalized silica aerogel (AgAero). The Ag-Ti 3 C 2 T x achieves an iodine loading of 946 mg g −1 , significantly outperforming AgZ (131 mg g −1 ). These findings highlight the potential of Ag-Ti 3 C 2 T x as a highly efficient, thermally stable sorbent for radioiodine capture, and potentially addressing key limitations of existing materials.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

One-step in situ synthesis of graphene–TiO{sub 2} nanorod hybrid composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Chemically bonded graphene/TiO{sub 2} nanorod hybrid composites with superior dispersity were synthesized by a one-step in situ hydrothermal method using graphene oxide (GO) and TiO{sub 2} (P25) as the starting materials. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, Raman, N{sub 2} adsorption, and UV–vis DRS techniques. Enhanced light absorption and a red shift of absorption edge were observed for the composites in the ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). Their effective photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. An enhancement of photocatalytic performance was observed over graphene/TiO{sub 2} nanorod hybrid composite photocatalysts, as 3.7 times larger than that of pristine TiO{sub 2} nanorods. This work demonstrated that the synthesis of TiO{sub 2} nanorods and simultaneous conversion of GO to graphene “without using reducing agents” had shown to be a rapid, direct and clean approach to fabricate chemically bonded graphene/TiO{sub 2} nanorod hybrid composites with enhanced photocatalytic performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanism of zeolite X crystallization from diatomite

Highlights: • The intermediate species of zeolite X appears on the surface of solid particles. • The β cages build up the intermediate species, which was consist of four-membered rings (4R) and six-membered rings (6R). • The double six-membered ring (D6R) played a critical role for the crystallization process. • The β cages interconnect via double six-membered rings to form the framework of zeolite X. - Abstract: Here we systemically investigated the crystallization process of zeolite X using diatomite, a natural cost-effective silica precursor by the hydrothermal method. To decipher the mechanism, solids were separated from the mixtures at various stages of crystallization and were characterized by XRD, SEM, solid state NMR, FT-IR, UV-Raman and XRF. The XRD patterns revealed that the crystallization started between 3 and 3.5 h and ended by 5 h. The SEM images showed that the intermediate species of zeolite X appear on the surface of particles. The FT-IR and UV-Raman spectra suggested the presence of double six-membered rings (D6R) in the framework of zeolite X and they played a critical role in the crystallization process. Furthermore, the UV-Raman spectra indicated that the secondary building units of β cages formed the intermediate species and they were interconnected via double six-membered rings to form the framework of zeolite X.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Role of laser energy density on growth of highly oriented topological insulator Bi{sub 2}Se{sub 3} thin films

Topological insulators (TIs) are very promising in the field of nanoelectronics due to their exotic properties. Bismuth Selenide, a 3D Topological insulator is considered as reference TI owing to its simple band structure and large bandgap. However, the presence of unintentional doping, which masks the metallic surface states, is still a major concern. In this work, we report the effect of laser energy density on the growth of highly oriented and stoichiometric thin films of Bi{sub 2}Se{sub 3} by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Structural characterizations by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopy confirms the c-axis orientation and good crystallinity of films. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) study shows the increase in average grain size and rms roughness (from 3.1 nm to 5.1 nm) with the decrease in laser energy density. Compositional study by X-Ray Reflectivity (XRR) measurement is found to be in agreement with AFM results. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurements confirm the desired stoichiometry of the samples.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Spin-lattice entanglement in CoPS 3

Complex chalcogenides in the 𝑀⁢PS 3 family of materials (𝑀 =Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) display remarkably different phase progressions depending upon the metal center orbital filling, character of the P–P linkage, and size of the van der Waals gap. There is also a stacking pattern and spin-state difference between the “lighter” and “heavier” transition-metal-containing systems that places CoPS 3 at the nexus of these activities. Despite these unique properties, this compound is underexplored. Here, we bring together Raman scattering spectroscopy and infrared absorption spectroscopy with x-ray techniques to identify a structural component to the 119 K magnetic ordering transition. With temperature-dependent Raman scattering, we discover a set of magnon-phonon pairs that engages in avoided crossings below 𝑇 Néel . Lastly, these findings point to strong spin-phonon entanglement as well as opportunities to control these effects under external stimuli.

Magnetism↗

Hydrogen sulfide at high pressure: Change in stoichiometry

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) was studied by x-ray synchrotron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy up to 150 GPa at 180–295 K and by quantum-mechanical variable-composition evolutionary simulations. The experiments show that H 2 S becomes unstable with respect to formation of compounds with different structure and composition, including Cccm and a body-centered cubic like (R3m or Im – 3m) H 3 S, the latter one predicted previously to show a record-high superconducting transition temperature, a T c of 203 K. Furthermore, these experiments provide experimental ground for understanding of this record-high T c . The experimental results are supported by theoretical structure searches that suggest the stability of H 3 S, H 4 S 3 , H 5 S 8 , H 3 S 5 , and HS 2 compounds that have not been reported previously at elevated pressures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Multiscale Characterization of Photovoltaic Modules—Case Studies of Contact and Interconnect Degradation

The current popularity of photovoltaic (PV) systems is due in large part to their exceptional reliability and significantly lower cost than other energy sources. Studying cell and module degradation is key to promote further development in the state of the art. Fielded or accelerated aged modules exhibit different failure modes, of which metallization degradation (contacts and interconnections) is prevalent. In this work, we discuss how multiscale characterization methods can be applied to a variety of module technologies that have been field exposed and have undergone accelerated age testing. These methods include performing characterization on the module level, cell level, and finally the materials level. The observed performance losses from the module- and cell-level characterization can be correlated with materials properties to find out the root cause of degradation. We recommend an initial nondestructive characterization suite, including module- and cell-level current-voltage ( I--V ), Suns-V OC , photoluminescence and electroluminescence imaging, quantum efficiency, ultraviolet fluorescence imaging, and thermal infrared imaging. Samples are then extracted from particularly degraded regions of the module and prepared for materials characterization techniques, such as top-down and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, allowing a deeper look into the mechanism behind the metallization degradation. This article serves as an instructional review to introduce the different multiscale characterization methods and how they can be effectively applied to perform PV degradation studies. Furthermore, we also share some of our examples and discuss the strengths, limitations, and best practices for each of the characterization techniques.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

A parametric study of single-wall carbon nanotube growth by laser ablation

Results of a parametric study of carbon nanotube production by the double-pulse laser oven process are presented. The effect of various operating parameters on the production of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is estimated by characterizing the nanotube material using analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The study included changing the sequence of the laser pulses, laser energy, pulse separation, type of buffer gas used, operating pressure, flow rate, inner tube diameter, as well as its material, and oven temperature. It was found that the material quality and quantity improve with deviation from normal operation parameters such as laser energy density higher than 1.5 J/cm2, pressure lower than 67 kPa, and flow rates higher than 100 sccm. Use of helium produced mainly small diameter tubes and a lower yield. The diameter of SWCNTs decreases with decreasing oven temperature and lower flow rates.

Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry↗

The Impact of Lidar Detection Sensitivity on Assessing Aerosol Direct Radiative Effects

Spaceborne lidar observations have great potential to provide accurate global estimates of the aerosol direct radiative effect (DRE) in both clear and cloudy conditions. However, comparisons between observations from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite (CALIPSO) and multiple years of Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program’s ground-based Raman lidars (RL) show that CALIPSO does not detect all radiatively significant aerosol, i.e. aerosol that directly modifies the Earth’s radiation budget. We estimated that using CALIPSO observations results in an underestimate of the magnitude of the global mean aerosol DRE by up to 54%. The ARM RL datasets along with NASA Langley airborne high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) data from multiple field campaigns are used to compute the detection sensitivity required to accurately resolve the aerosol DRE. This shows that a lidar with a backscatter coefficient detection sensitivity of about 1−2x10(exp -4)km(exp -1)sr(exp -1) at 532nm would resolve all the aerosol needed to derive the DRE to within 1%.

Tyler J. Thorsen↗

Study of the Structural and Luminescence Properties of InAs/GaAs Heterostructures with Bi-Doped Potential Barriers

The influence of Bi in GaAs barrier layers on the structural and optical properties of InAs/GaAs quantum-dot heterostructures is studied. By atomic-force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, it is established that the introduction of Bi into GaAs to a content of up to 5 at % results in a decrease in the density of InAs quantum dots from 1.58 × 10{sup 10} to 0.93 × 10{sup 10} cm{sup –2}. The effect is defined by a decrease in the mismatch between the crystal-lattice parameters at the InAs/GaAsBi heterointerface. In this case, an increase in the height of InAs quantum dots is detected. This increase is apparently due to intensification of the surface diffusion of In during growth at the GaAsBi surface. Analysis of the luminescence properties shows that the doping of GaAs potential barriers with Bi is accompanied by a red shift of the emission peak related to InAs quantum dots and by a decrease in the width of this peak.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Large Photothermal Effect in Sub-40 nm h-BN Nanostructures Patterned Via High-Resolution Ion Beam

The controlled nanoscale patterning of 2D materials is a promising approach for engineering the optoelectronic, thermal, and mechanical properties of these materials to achieve novel functionalities and devices. Herein, high-resolution patterning of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is demonstrated via both helium and neon ion beams and an optimal dosage range for both ions that serve as a baseline for insulating 2D materials is identified. Through this nanofabrication approach, a grating with a 35 nm pitch, individual structure sizes down to 20 nm, and additional nanostructures created by patterning crystal step edges are demonstrated. Raman spectroscopy is used to study the defects induced by the ion beam patterning and is correlated to scanning probe microscopy. Photothermal and scanning near-field optical microscopy measure the resulting near-field absorption and scattering of the nanostructures. These measurements reveal a large photothermal expansion of nanostructured h-BN that is dependent on the height to width aspect ratio of the nanostructures. This effect is attributed to the large anisotropy of the thermal expansion coefficients of h-BN and the nanostructuring implemented. Finally, the photothermal expansion should be present in other van der Waals materials with large anisotropy and can lead to applications such as nanomechanical switches driven by light.

2D materials↗

Hydrothermal synthesis of highly nitrogen-doped few-layer graphene via solid–gas reaction

Highlights: • A novel approach to synthesis of N-doped few-layer graphene has been developed. • The high doping levels of N in products are achieved. • XPS and XANES results reveal a thermal transformation of N bonding configurations. • The developed method is cost-effective and eco-friendly. - Abstract: Nitrogen-doped (N-doped) graphene sheets with high doping concentration were facilely synthesized through solid–gas reaction of graphene oxide (GO) with ammonia vapor in a self-designed hydrothermal system. The morphology, surface chemistry and electronic structure of N-doped graphene sheets were investigated by TEM, AFM, XRD, XPS, XANES and Raman characterizations. Upon hydrothermal treatment, up to 13.22 at% of nitrogen could be introduced into the crumpled few-layer graphene sheets. Both XPS and XANES analysis reveal that the reaction between oxygen functional groups in GO and ammonia vapor produces amide and amine species in hydrothermally treated GO (HTGO). Subsequent thermal annealing of the resultant HTGO introduces a gradual transformation of nitrogen bonding configurations in graphene sheets from amine N to pyridinic and graphitic N with the increase of annealing temperature. This study provides a simple but cost-effective and eco-friendly method to prepare N-doped graphene materials in large-scale for potential applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantification of irradiation defects in beta-silicon carbide using Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectra from polycrystalline beta-silicon carbide (SiC) were collected following neutron irradiation at 380–1180 °C to 0.011–1.87 displacement per atom. The longitudinal optical (LO) peak shifted to a lower frequency and broadened as a result of the irradiation. The changes observed in the LO phonon line shape and position in neutron-irradiated SiC are explained by a combination of changes in the lattice constant and Young's modulus, and the phonon confinement effect. The phonon confinement model reasonably estimates the defect-defect distance in the irradiated SiC, which is consistent with results from previous experimental studies and simulations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Understanding the Origin of Negative Temperature Dependence and Activity of N-Coordinated Cobalt Sites During Ethylene Dimerization

The on-demand production of short-chain linear alpha olefins (LAOs; C4-C8) via C2H4 dimerization and oligomerization is industrially attractive, prompting extensive research on designing active, selective, and stable catalysts for industrial use. Cobalt supported on ammoniated carbon (Co(NH3)x/C) catalysts have shown remarkable activity and selectivity in this process. However, critical aspects such as the active phase, active site structure, the role of the catalyst support, cobalt loading effects, and the inverse correlation of the reaction rate with temperature remain inadequately understood. This study systematically explores these factors using a combination of steady-state differential catalytic tests, in situ molecular characterization including diffuse reflectance UV-Vis (DR-UV-Vis), Infrared, and Raman spectroscopies, and ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high annular aberration-corrected dark field transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Various supports (SiO2, Al2O3, NH4-ZSM-5, g-C3N4, and C) and cobalt loadings (1.0-3.0 Co nm-2) were studied to determine the optimal catalyst composition and identify the active phase and sites. Carbon-supported catalysts uniquely produce C4-8 LAOs during C2H4 dimerization, with site-time-yield remaining constant (~10-3 s-1) for 1.0-4.0 Co nm-2 at prolonged reaction times (24-48?h time-on-stream). At higher loadings of 6.0 Co nm-2, the formation of crystalline CoO and Co3O4 phases reduces catalytic activity and LAO selectivity. Our findings show that active catalysts lack crystalline cobalt oxides and instead feature dispersed Co2+ sites, tetra-coordinated to a mix of N/NH3 and O/H2O ligands, which catalyze C2H4 dimerization via the Cossee-Arlman mechanism, exhibiting 1st order dependence on C2H4 concentration. The observed inverse rate-temperature correlation is attributed to compensation effects (i.e., presence of Cremer-Constable relationship) linked to changes in adsorption enthalpic and entropic factors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Magnetoelectric properties of (Pb{sub 0.60}Sr{sub 0.40})TiO{sub 3}-CFO composite thin film synthesized by metallo-organic decomposition

(Pb{sub 0.60}Sr{sub 0.40}) TiO{sub 3}-CFO composite thin films were grown on Pt/TiO{sub 2}/Si substrate by novel metallo-Organic process using spin coating technique. The structural, surface morphology and micro structural properties were confirmed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscope (AFM) and TEM respectively. The lattice constant of the composite thin film crystallized in the pervoskite and spinel phase was 3.9531 and 8.571 Ǻ. Excellent ferroelectric behavior at 10V was observed, a room temperature magnetic hysteresis shows good results. The saturation magnetization value of the bilayer thin film is lower than that of the pure CFO film which is may be attributed to presence of non ferromagnetic PST layer A high initial behavior of dynamic ME response coefficient for the film was observed. The ME effect of the film strongly depends on the magnetic bias.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗