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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 1,459 records · Page 81
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Additives and solvents-induced phase and morphology modification of NaYF{sub 4} for improving up-conversion emission

Both cubic and hexagonal NaYF{sub 4} were synthesized in different reaction systems via hydro/solvo-thermal route. The effects of reaction temperature, solvents, and additives on the synthesis of NaYF{sub 4} have been studied in detail. It has been shown that phase transformation from cubic NaYF{sub 4} to hexagonal NaYF{sub 4} always occurred. The sequence of the ability for inducing the phase transformation was ethanol>H{sub 2}O>acetic acid. It is found that ethanol can not only facilitate the formation of hexagonal NaYF{sub 4} but also control the growth of the crystal. This is quite unusual for the growth of H-NaYF{sub 4}. The up-conversion emission properties of Yb/Er co-doped NaYF{sub 4} have also been investigated and the results demonstrated some general principles for improving up-conversion emission. - Graphical abstract: Additives and solvents can induce the phase transformation of NaYF{sub 4}, typically the use of organic sodium salt and ethanol. - Highlights: • The effect of additives and solvents on the synthesis of NaYF{sub 4} was studied in detail. • Ethanol can facilitate the formation of H-NaYF{sub 4} while acetic acid restrain it. • Three general principles for improving up-conversion emission were summarized.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

On the state of Mn in Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O nanoparticles and their surface modification with isonipecotic acid

Mn-doped ZnO (Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O) nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and coated with isonipecotic acid as capping ligand. The structure, composition and morphology of the resulting nanomaterial were investigated by energy disperse X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy data. Such measurements showed that the solid obtained contains 6 at% of Mn and it is formed by a highly crystalline material with 3–5 nm range of crystallite size, and only a small elongation of its cell parameter with respect to undoped ZnO wurtzite unit cell. Information on the state of manganese atom in the Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O nanostructures formed was obtained from X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and electron energy loss (EELS) spectroscopies. XPS and EELS spectra are composed of four peaks, corresponding to two species of Mn(II) and signals from Mn(III) and Mn(IV). Such spectral data on the state of Mn in the material studied is consistent with the mapping of Mn distribution observed in recorded transmission electron microscopy images, which reveal presence of clusters of Mn atoms. Only a fraction of doping Mn atoms were found forming a solid solution with the host ZnO structure. The functionalization of the nanoparticles system with Isonipecotic acid shows that this molecule remains anchored to the nanoparticles surface mainly through its N basic site. The availability of free carboxylate groups in the capping molecule was tested by conjugation to type IV horseradish peroxidase. - Graphical abstract: State of Mn atoms in Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures prepared by the precipitation method, their capping with isonipecotic acid and subsequent conjugation to peroxidase. - Highlights: • State of manganese in manganese-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. • Isonipecotic acid as surface modifier of ZnO nanoparticles. • Peroxidase conjugation to ZnO nanoparticles modified with isonipecotic acid.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Surface modification of sol–gel synthesized TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles induced by La-doping

The influence of La-doping in the range of 0.5–6.0 mol% on structural and morphological properties of TiO{sub 2} nanopowders synthesized by sol–gel routine has been investigated by XRPD, AFM, EDS and BET measurements, as well as Raman spectroscopy. The XRPD and Raman measurements have revealed the anatase phase as dominant in all nanopowders, with crystallite size decreasing from ∼ 15 nm in pure TiO{sub 2} to ∼ 12 nm in La-doped samples. The BET data suggest that all samples are fully mesoporous, with mean pore diameters in the range of ∼ 6–8 nm. The specific surface area and the complexity of pore structure are greater in doped samples than in pure TiO{sub 2} sample. The spectroscopic ellipsometry has apparently shown that the band gap has been gradually increased with the increase of La content. The STM and STS techniques have been used successfully to evaluate the surface morphology and electronic properties of La-doped nanopowders. All investigated properties have been related to photocatalytic activity, tested in degradation of a metoprolol tartrate salt (0.05 mM), and induced by UV-radiation. All doped samples showed increased photocatalytic activity compared to pure TiO{sub 2}, among which the 0.65 mol% La-doped sample appeared to be the most efficient. - Highlights: • Effects of La-doping on structural, morphological and electronic properties of TiO{sub 2} nanopowders. • Surface morphology and electronic properties of La-doped nanopowders evaluated by STM/STS. • Spectroscopic ellipsometry shown gradual increase of bandgap with the increase of La content. • Photocatalytic activity of samples was tested in degradation of MET under UV light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Modification of microstructure and properties of Ti-47Al-2Cr-4Nb-0.3W alloys fabricated by SPS with trace multilayer graphene addition

Highlights: • The TiAl alloys with different content addition of multilayer graphene were fabricated. • When the graphene content is 0.8 at.%, the mean grain size decreases to 8.2 μm. • The bending and fracture strength increase to 1000 MPa and 2347 MPa, respectively. • The friction coefficient decreased from 0.6 to 0.4, with a decrease by 1/3. - Abstract: In this paper, Ti-47Al-2Cr-4Nb-0.3W alloys with trace multilayer graphene addition were fabricated by spark plasma sintering to enhance both mechanical properties and tribological property simultaneously. With the addition of multilayer graphene, bending strength, compressive strength and tribological property of TiAl alloys are all improved. When graphene content increases from zero to 0.8 at.%, the mean grain size decreases from 14.8 ± 1.4 μm to 8.2 ± 0.8 μm. The bending strength reaches almost 1000 MPa and the fracture strength increases to 2347 ± 12 MPa, an increase of 15% compared with TiAl alloy. The friction coefficient also decreases from about 0.6 to 0.4, a decrease by 1/3 compared with TiAl alloy. The reasons for the improved mechanical properties and tribological property are the in-situ reaction plate-shape Ti{sub 2}AlC phase, fine needle-like Ti{sub 3}AlC phase as well as fine and homogeneous microstructure. The wear mechanism changes from abrasive wear to abrasive wear plus adhesive wear with the increased graphene content.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Modification of eutectic Mg2Si in AlMg5Si2Mn alloy by pre-homogenization deformation treatment with different reduction conditions

Highlights: • PHD treatment was proposed to modify Mg{sub 2}Si morphology of extruded AlMg5Si2Mn alloy. • PHD treatment accelerated spheroidization of eutectic Mg{sub 2}Si in AlMg5Si2Mn alloy. • Tensile properties of AlMg5Si2Mn extrudates were improved by introduction of PHD. - Abstract: The effect of a novel pre-homogenization deformation (PHD) treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded AlMg5Si2Mn alloy was investigated. By introducing the cold compression prior to homogenization treatment, the brittle and interconnected eutectic Mg{sub 2}Si phase in the as-cast AlMg5Si2Mn alloy transformed into fine and spherical particles uniformly dispersed in the aluminum matrix. As the amount of PHD increased, up to 10%, the size of the Mg{sub 2}Si particles decreased and their sphericity increased in the extruded samples, resulting in a gradual increase in both strength and elongation after heat treatment. The mechanical properties of the PHD-treated AlMg5Si2Mn extrudates were compared with those of materials prepared using various casting and deformation processes, and the potential application to wrought products was discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Synthesis, particle shape characterization, magnetic properties and surface modification of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanochains

We report monodisperse, chain-like particles (nanochains) consisted of silica-coated maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticle clusters prepared by colloidal chemistry and magnetic field-induced self-assembly of nanoparticle clusters. In order to quantify the shapes of chain-like particles, we have used the measure for shape convexity which is also called solidity. We functionalize the surface of the nanochains with amino (–NH2) and carboxyl groups (–COOH) in order to modify surface charge. These surfaces of nanochains provide better colloidal stability and their potential for practical applications in biomedicine. The enhanced colloidal stability of the surface modified nanochains is confirmed by Zeta potential (ζ-potential) analysis. Magnetic properties of the nanochains show superparamagnetic state at room temperature since the nanochains are composed of tiny nanoparticles as their building blocks. The measured M(H) data at room temperature have been successfully fitted by the Langevin function and magnetic moment μp = 20,526 μB for sphere-like nanoparticle clusters and μp = 20,767 μB for nanochains are determined. The determined magnetic parameters have revealed that the nanochains show a magnetic moment of the nanoparticles higher than the one of individual nanoparticle clusters. These differences can be attributed to the collective magnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) assembled in different morphologies (isotropic and anisotropic morphology). © 2018.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis, surface group modification of 3D MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} nanostructures and adsorption effect on Rhodamine B

Highlights: ► Fabrication of urchin-like MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} with oxygen-containing surface groups. ► Mn{sub 0.5}V{sub 2}O{sub 5}·nH{sub 2}O as an intermediate product holds the key to the final products. ► 3D architectures of MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} with oxygen-containing surface groups as sorbent. ► The sorbent shows a good adsorption ability. -- Abstract: Highly uniform 3D MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} nanostructures modified by oxygen functional groups (-COO-) were successfully prepared in large quantities by an approach involving preparation of vanadyl ethylene glycolate as the precursor. The growth and self-assembly of MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} nanobelts and nanorods could be readily tuned by additive species and quantities, which brought different morphologies and sizes to the final products. With a focus on the regulation of structure, the formation process of 3D architectures of MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} by self-assembly of nanobelts was followed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The consecutive processes of vanadyl ethylene glycolate and benzoyl peroxide assisted formation of layered structure Mn{sub 0.5}V{sub 2}O{sub 5}·nH{sub 2}O, growth of aligned MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} nanobelts, and oriented assembly were proposed for the growth mechanism. The band gap vs. different morphology was also studied. Optical characterization of these MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} with different morphologies showed direct bandgap energies at 1.8–1.95 eV. The adsorption properties of 3D MnV{sub 2}O{sub 6} nanostructures synthesized under different conditions were investigated through the removal test of Rhodamine B in aqueous water, and the 3D nanostructures synthesized with 30 g L{sup −1} benzoyl peroxide showed good adsorption capability of Rhodamine B.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Modification of the optical properties of ZnO thin films by proton implantation

Highlights: ► Optical properties of proton-implanted ZnO thin film prepared by rf magneton sputtering were studied. ► Increase in the ordinary refractive index after proton implantation was explained by the polarizability. ► A slight decrease in the optical bandgap by proton implantation was identified. -- Abstract: Optical properties of proton-implanted ZnO thin film prepared by radio-frequency (rf) magneton sputtering have been studied, the optical constants being obtained from the reflectance measurements by employing Cauchy–Urbach model. Increase in the ordinary refractive index after proton implantation was explained by that in the polarizability. Besides, a slight increase in the optical band gap by proton implantation was identified and discussed in terms of the hydrogen shallow donors introduced by the proton implantation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and modification of nano-sized TiO{sub 2} for photo-degradation process under visible light irradiation; a Placket–Burman experimental design

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Nanosized TiO{sub 2} doped with nitrogen and iron was produced by sol-gel method. • Linear models were derived to relate the phase and particle size to synthesis factors. • High photocatalytic activity was observed for acetaldehyde degradation. - Abstract: In this research, nitrogen and iron (III) co-doped nano TiO{sub 2} (N-Fe-TiO{sub 2}) was prepared by sol-gel method using ammonium chloride and iron chloride solutions as nitrogen and iron sources, respectively. The effect of synthesis parameters (weight ratios of N/TiO{sub 2} and Fe/TiO{sub 2}, synthesis temperature, calcination time and temperature) was simultaneously investigated on the quality of the N-Fe-TiO{sub 2} product by a two-level Placket–Burman experimental design. The synthesized powders were characterized by XRD, XPS and UV–Vis spectroscopy techniques. The mean crystal size and anatase content were determined and evaluated as the linear functions of so-called synthesis parameters by the statistical analysis and regression. The 2%N-1%Fe-TiO{sub 2} product by 11 nm mean crystal size and 78% anatase content, synthesized at 35 °C and calcined at 500 °C during 2 h, exhibited the most significant activity during the photo-degradation of acetaldehyde under visible light irradiation and its efficiency was obtained about four times more than photocatalytic activity of Degussa TiO{sub 2}-P25.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Surface modifications and optical variations of (−1 1 1) lattice oriented CuO nanofilms for solar energy applications

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The films are grown using a low cost SILAR method. • The pH value is found to play a significant role in the property of the resulting films. • The fabrication of band pass filters between 450 nm and 1000 nm is envisaged. • Electrical conductivity and optical band gap values were found to be 68.1 × 10{sup −3} Ω{sup −1} cm{sup −1} and 1.08 eV. • Coating may aid the small band of frequencies could pave way for enhancing the efficiency. - Abstract: This paper reports on the preparation and characterization of Successive Ionic Layer by Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) grown CuO thin films. The films were deposited onto glass substrates at various solution pH values. The thickness of the film is increased with increase of solution pH values. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the prepared films exhibited the monoclinic structure with (−1 1 1) predominant orientation. The optimized pH value is 11 ± 0.1. The microstructure, morphology, optical and electrical properties are studied and reported. The transmission spectra (T) at normal incidence revealed that the films exhibit indirect transitions and may be tailored for passing selected bands of frequencies in visible near IR range. The activation energy is estimated to be about 0.29 eV.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Influence of composition modification on Ca{sub 0.5−x}Mg{sub x}Ti{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) nanoparticles as electrodes for lithium batteries

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Cation mixing was determined in the Ca{sub 0.5−x}Mg{sub x}Ti{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} biphasic series. • Nanometric Ca{sub 0.15}Mg{sub 0.35}Ti{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} delivered 138 mAh/g at C/20 in lithium cells. • Low content of Ca{sup 2+} increases cell volume favoring Li{sup +} insertion in R-3c framework. • Diminution of R{sub SEI} and R{sub CT} for Ca{sub 0.15}Mg{sub 0.35}Ti{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} discharged electrodes. • Fast electrode response for x = 0.35. - Abstract: The Ca{sub 0.5−x}Mg{sub x}Ti{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} series (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) was prepared by a sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction patterns showed two rhombohedral phases which coexist for intermediate compositions. Despite of the absence of a solid solution mechanism for the whole stoichiometry range, an appreciable cation mixing was observed in both phases. {sup 31}P MAS NMR spectroscopy revealed that low magnesium contents are incorporated to the calcium compound inducing changes in the ordering of the alkaline earth cations in M{sub 1} sites. Derivative plots of the voltage–capacity curves revealed two reversible regions ascribed to the reduction of Ti{sup 4+} to Ti{sup 3+}, ascribable to the subsequent insertion of lithium ions into M{sub 1} and M{sub 2} vacant sites. Capacity values as high as 138 mAh/g after the first discharge were monitored for nanometric Ca{sub 0.15}Mg{sub 0.35}Ti{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} at C/20. Cell cycling under successive kinetic rates revealed a good capacity retention for samples with x = 0.15 and 0.25. Impedance spectra were recorded in lithium cells discharged after different number of cycles at different C rates. The increase in charge transfer resistance was shown to be an important factor determining the electrode behavior on extended cycling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Characterization, organic modification of wollastonite coated with nano-Mg(OH){sub 2} and its application in filling PA6

Highlights: • Wollastonite is first inorganic modified by coating nano-Mg(OH){sub 2} and then organic modified with silane. • Filling 30% of this composite powder in PA6 the mechanical properties, the heat distortion temperature and oxygen index of the PA6 composites were notably enhanced. - Abstract: Nano-Mg(OH){sub 2} was deposited on the surface of wollastonite (MW) powder with heterogeneous nucleation method and then modified with silane. The microstructure and surface properties of wollastonite (W) and MW powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The microstructure of W, MW and silane modified MW (SMW) powders were characterized by Fourier translation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanical properties, heat distortion temperature (HDT) and oxygen index (OI) of PA6 composites having different fillers were discussed. It was shown that the surface of wollastonite was coated with a layer of 33 nm thickness of Mg(OH){sub 2} grains and the distribution of which was uniform. The number of the hydroxyl groups on the surface of wollastonite powder increased after coated with Mg(OH){sub 2}. Filling 30% of SMW powder in PA6 the mechanical properties, HDT and OI were notably enhanced.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Modification of Bi:YIG film properties by substrate surface ion pre-treatment

Highlights: • Effects of substrates ion beam treatment on magnetoptical properties Bi:YIG films. • Substrate surface damage results in sign inversion of the magneto-optical effects. • Atomically smooth films growth takes place on low energy ions treated substrates. • High energy ions treatment results in selective nucleation mechanism of the growth. - Abstract: The effect of a controlled ion beam pre-treatment of (1 1 1)-oriented Gd{sub 3}Ga{sub 5}O{sub 12} substrates on the magneto-optical properties and surface morphology of the ultrathin bismuth-substituted yttrium–iron garnet films with a composition Bi{sub 2.8}Y{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} was studied. It has been shown that the observed sign inversion of magneto-optical effects (Faraday rotation and magnetic circular dichroism) observed in films that were deposited on the GGG substrate pre-treated by 1 keV and 4 keV Ar{sup +} ion beams is a result of the substrate surface amorphization caused by the ion bombardment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Detection of oxygen species generated by WO{sub 3} modification fullerene/TiO{sub 2} in the degradation of 1,5-diphenyl carbazide

Highlights: • Reactive oxygen species were detected through oxidation reaction from DPCI to DPCO. • Generated reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radicals can be analysed by DPCI degradation. • C{sub 60} have good effect in photo/ultrasonic degradation process. • Enhanced adsorption capacity can increase the degradation effect. • Photocatalytic activity attributed to photo-absorption effect by C{sub 60} and cooperative effect of WO{sub 3} and TiO{sub 2}. - Abstract: In the present work, powders with different relative mole ratios of WO{sub 3}-fullerene/TiO{sub 2} were irradiated by visible light and ultrasonic. The composite obtained was characterized by BET surface area measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis analysis. A methylene blue (MB) solution under visible light and ultrasonic irradiation was used to determine the catalytic activity. The generation of reactive oxygen species were detected through the oxidation reaction from 1,5-diphenyl carbazide (DPCI) to 1,5-diphenyl carbazone (DPCO). Finally, we performed experiments to find the optimum relative mole ratio of fullerene for the degradation of MB.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} with BiOCl quantum dots modification

Highlights: • Novel BiOCl quantum dots modified g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalyst was synthesized. • BiOCl-g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} showed much higher photocatalytic activity than pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} and BiOCl. • High separation efficiency of photoinduced carriers results in the enhanced performance. - Abstract: Novel BiOCl quantum dots modified g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalyst was synthesized by a one-step chemical bath method at low temperature. The photocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission microscopy UV–visible light diffusion reflectance spectrometry, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that BiOCl quantum dots were dispersed on g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} to form heterojunction structures with high specific surface area. BiOCl-g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} showed much higher photocatalytic activity than pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} and BiOCl for rhodamine B degradation. The enhanced performance was induced by the high separation efficiency of photoinduced carriers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Enhanced organic photovoltaic properties via structural modifications in PEDOT:PSS due to graphene oxide doping

Highlights: • Graphene oxide(GO) blended with PEDOT:PSS is used as HTL for PTB7:PCBM BHJ solar cells. • Increase in conductivity due to structural alterations in PEDOT:PSS by GO addition. • The structural alterations are reaveled under Raman spectroscopy, XPS and AFM. • PEDOT:PSS changed to extended coil due to addition of GO to PEDOT:PSS. • Enhanced conductivity after GO addition to PEDOT:PSS resulted in enhanced PCE. - Abstract: Poly(3,4-thylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate), PEDOT:PSS is a well-known conductive polymer for hole transport in organic devices, the properties of which can be enhanced by doping. Common dopants are metal oxides and nanoparticles. In this study, addition of graphene oxide (GO) to PEDOT:PSS as a dopant is addressed in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). With GO doping, electrical conductivity and transport properties of PEDOT:PSS increases due to structural alterations in the presence of −COOH and −OH functional groups in GO. These structural alterations have been revealed under detailed study of Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, Topographical and conductive Atom force microscopy (AFM/C-AFM) mapping. OPVs fabricated using PEDOT:PSS: GO (5:1) as a hole transport layer (HTL) exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.68%, which was higher than the 7.01% that was obtained for the OPVs using pristine PEDOT:PSS.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗