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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 1,513 records · Page 84
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

The thermal equation of state of (Mg, Fe)SiO 3 bridgmanite (perovskite) and implications for lower mantle structures

The high–pressure/high–temperature equation of state (EOS) of synthetic 13% Fe–bearing bridgmanite (Mg silicate perovskite) is measured using powder X–ray diffraction in a laser–heated diamond anvil cell with a quasi–hydrostatic neon pressure medium. We compare these results, which are consistent with previous 300 K sound speed and compression studies, with a reanalysis of Fe–free Mg end–member data from Tange et al. (2012) to determine the effect of iron on bridgmanite's thermoelastic properties. EOS parameters are incorporated into an ideal lattice mixing model to probe the behavior of bridgmanite at deep mantle conditions. With this model, a nearly pure bridgmanite mantle composition is shown to be inconsistent with density and compressibility profiles of the lower mantle. We also explore the buoyant stability of bridgmanite over a range of temperatures and compositions expected for Large Low–Shear Velocity Provinces, concluding that bridgmanite–dominated thermochemical piles are more likely to be passive dense layers externally supported by convection, rather than internally supported metastable domes. Here, the metastable dome scenario is estimated to have a relative likelihood of only 4–7%, given the narrow range of compositions and temperatures consistent with seismic constraints. If buoyantly supported, such structures could not have remained stable with greater thermal contrast early in Earth's history, ruling out formation scenarios involving a large concentration of heat producing elements.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Reversible Phase Transitions Enable Cyclic Isothermal CO 2 Capture in Redox‐Activated Perovskite‐Structured Sorbents

Sorption‐enhanced steam reforming and gasification using CO 2 sorbents enable the production of H 2 ‐rich syngas from carbonaceous feedstocks but are limited by significant temperature swings and sintering‐induced activity loss. Perovskite‐structured oxides are presented herein as sintering‐resistant, redox‐activated isothermal CO 2 sorbents capable of overcoming these challenges by releasing lattice oxygen to partially oxidize the carbonaceous feedstock while capturing CO 2 , shifting equilibrium toward H 2 production. Building on this, the structural and thermodynamic impact of Fe doping on the CO 2 sorption properties of SrMn 1‐ x Fe x O 3‐ δ is investigated for sorption‐enhanced reforming. Experimental results demonstrate that these sorbents enable isothermal production of high‐quality, H 2 ‐enriched syngas from carbonaceous feedstocks. Laboratory and synchrotron‐based powder X‐ray diffraction analyses, coupled with density functional theory calculations, reveal the structural dynamics and energy landscape of the SrMn 1‐ x Fe x O 3‐ δ perovskite system under reaction conditions, elucidating the solid‐state reaction pathway and the effect of Fe doping on the extent of carbonation.

CO2 capture↗
DOE OSTI2019

Operando Observations and First-Principles Calculations of Reduced Lithium Insertion in Au-Coated LiMn 2 O 4

The deposition of protective coatings on the spinel LiMn 2 O 4 (LMO) lithium–ion battery cathode is effective in reducing Mn dissolution from the electrode surface. Although protective coatings positively affect LMO cycle life, much remains to be understood regarding the interface formed between these coatings and LMO. Using operando powder X–ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement, it is shown that, in comparison to bare LMO, the lattice parameter of a model Au–coated LMO cathode is significantly reduced upon relithiation. Less charge passes through Au–coated LMO in comparison to bare LMO, suggesting that the reduced lattice parameter is associated with decreased Li + solubility in the Au–coated LMO. Density functional theory calculations show that a more Li + –deficient near–surface is thermodynamically favorable in the presence of the Au coating, which may further stabilize these cathodes through suppressing formation of the Jahn–Teller distorted Li 2 Mn 2 O 4 phase at the surface. Electronic structure and chemical bonding analyses show enhanced hybridization between Au and LMO for delithiated surfaces leading to partial oxidation of Au upon delithiation. Furthermore, this study suggests that, in addition to transition metal dissolution from electrode surfaces, protective coating design must also balance potential energy effects induced by charge transfer at the electrode–coating interface.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Double Paddle‐Wheel Enhanced Sodium Ion Conduction in an Antiperovskite Solid Electrolyte

Abstract Antiperovskite structure compounds (X 3 AB, where X is an alkali cation and A and B are anions) have the potential for highly correlated motion between the cation and a cluster anion on the A or B site. This so‐called “paddle‐wheel” mechanism may be the basis for enhanced cation mobility in solid electrolytes. Through combined experiments and modeling, the first instance of a double paddle‐wheel mechanism, leading to fast sodium ion conduction in the antiperovskite Na 3− x O 1− x (NH 2 ) x (BH 4 ), is shown. As the concentration of amide (NH 2 − ) cluster anions is increased, large positive deviations in ionic conductivity above that predicted from a vacancy diffusion model are observed. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, and NMR, the cluster anion rotational dynamics are characterized and it is found that cation mobility is influenced by the rotation of both NH 2 − and BH 4 − species, resulting in sodium ion conductivity a factor of 10 2 higher at x = 1 than expected for the vacancy mechanism alone. Generalization of this phenomenon to other compounds could accelerate fast ion conductor exploration and design.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

One‐Step Synthesis of Hybrid Core–Shell Metal–Organic Frameworks

Abstract Epitaxial growth of MOF‐on‐MOF composite is an evolving research topic in the quest for multifunctional materials. In previously reported methods, the core–shell MOFs were synthesized via a stepwise strategy that involved growing the shell‐MOFs on top of the preformed core‐MOFs with matched lattice parameters. However, the inconvenient stepwise synthesis and the strict lattice‐matching requirement have limited the preparation of core–shell MOFs. Herein, we demonstrate that hybrid core–shell MOFs with mismatching lattices can be synthesized under the guidance of nucleation kinetic analysis. A series of MOF composites with mesoporous core and microporous shell were constructed and characterized by optical microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, gas sorption measurement, and scanning electron microscopy. Isoreticular expansion of microporous shells and orthogonal modification of the core was realized to produce multifunctional MOF composites, which acted as size selective catalysts for olefin epoxidation with high activity and selectivity.

Yang, Xinyu↗
DOE OSTI2019

Computationally Driven Discovery of a Family of Layered LiNiB Polymorphs

Abstract Two novel lithium nickel boride polymorphs, RT ‐LiNiB and HT ‐LiNiB, with layered crystal structures are reported. This family of compounds was theoretically predicted by using the adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) and subsequently synthesized by a hydride route with LiH as the lithium source. Unique among the known ternary transition‐metal borides, the LiNiB structures feature Li layers alternating with nearly planar [NiB] layers composed of Ni hexagonal rings with a B–B pair at the center. A comprehensive study using a combination of single crystal/synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state 7 Li and 11 B NMR spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, quantum‐chemical calculations, and magnetism has shed light on the intrinsic features of these polymorphic compounds. The unique layered structures of LiNiB compounds make them ultimate precursors for exfoliation studies, thus paving a way toward two‐dimensional transition‐metal borides, MBenes.

Gvozdetskyi, Volodymyr↗
DOE OSTI2020

An Atomic View of Cation Diffusion Pathways from Single‐Crystal Topochemical Transformations

Abstract The diffusion pathways of Li‐ions as they traverse cathode structures in the course of insertion reactions underpin many questions fundamental to the functionality of Li‐ion batteries. Much current knowledge derives from computational models or the imaging of lithiation behavior at larger length scales; however, it remains difficult to experimentally image Li‐ion diffusion at the atomistic level. Here, by using topochemical Li‐ion insertion and extraction to induce single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformations in a tunnel‐structured V 2 O 5 polymorph, coupled with operando powder X‐ray diffraction, we leverage single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction to identify the sequence of lattice interstitial sites preferred by Li‐ions to high depths of discharge, and use electron density maps to create a snapshot of ion diffusion in a metastable phase. Our methods enable the atomistic imaging of Li‐ions in this cathode material in kinetic states and provide an experimentally validated angstrom‐level 3D picture of atomic pathways thus far only conjectured through DFT calculations.

Handy, Joseph V.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Crystals of Benzamide, the First Polymorphous Molecular Compound, Are Helicoidal

Abstract The growth of spontaneously twisted crystals is a common but poorly understood phenomenon. An analysis of the formation of twisted crystals of a metastable benzamide polymorph (form II ) crystallizing from highly supersaturated aqueous and ethanol solutions is given here. Benzamide, the first polymorphic molecular crystal reported (1832), would have been the first helicoidal crystal observed had the original authors undertaken an analysis by light microscopy. Polymorphism and twisting frequently concur as they are both associated with high thermodynamic driving forces for crystallization. Optical and electron microscopies as well as electron and powder X‐ray diffraction reveal a complex lamellar structure of benzamide form II needle‐like crystals. The internal stress produced by the overgrowth of lamellae is shown to be able to create a twist moment that is responsible for the observed non‐classical morphologies.

Shtukenberg, Alexander G.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Overcoming Fundamental Limitations in Adsorbent Design: Alkene Adsorption by Non‐porous Copper(I) Complexes

Abstract Purifying alkenes from alkanes requires cryogenic distillation. This consumes energy equivalent to countries of ca. 5 million people. Replacing distillation with adsorption processes would significantly increase energy efficiency. Trade‐offs between kinetics, selectivity, capacity, and heat of adsorption have prevented production of an optimal adsorbent. We report adsorbents that overcome these trade‐offs. [Cu‐Br] 3 and [Cu‐H] 3 are air‐stable trinuclear complexes that undergo reversible solid‐state inter‐molecular rearrangements to produce dinuclear [Cu‐Br⋅(alkene)] 2 and [Cu‐H⋅(alkene)] 2 . The reversible solid‐state rearrangement, confirmed in situ using powder X‐ray diffraction, allows adsorbent design trade‐offs to be overcome, coupling low heat of adsorption (−10 to −17 kJ mol −1 alkene ), high alkene:alkane selectivity (47; 29), and uptake capacity (>2.5 mol alkene mol −1 Cu3 ). Most remarkably, [Cu‐H] 3 displays fast uptake and regenerates capacity within 10 minutes.

Parasar, Devaborniny↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evidence of a Uranium‐Paddlewheel Node in a Catecholate‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

Abstract The interactions between uranium and non‐innocent organic species are an essential component of fundamental uranium redox chemistry. However, they have seldom been explored in the context of multidimensional, porous materials. Uranium‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a new angle to study these interactions, as these self‐assembled species stabilize uranium species through immobilization by organic linkers within a crystalline framework, while potentially providing a method for adjusting metal oxidation state through coordination of non‐innocent linkers. We report the synthesis of the MOF NU‐1700 , assembled from U 4+ ‐paddlewheel nodes and catecholate‐based linkers. We propose this highly unusual structure, which contains two U 4+ ions in a paddlewheel built from four linkers—a first among uranium materials—as a result of extensive characterization via powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), sorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), in addition to density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Knapp, Julia G.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Multidimensional Functional Materials from Sequence‐Defined Peptoids

Abstract Hierarchical self‐assembly represents a powerful strategy for the fabrication of functional materials across various length scales. However, achieving precise formation of functional hierarchical assemblies remains a significant challenge and requires a profound understanding of molecular assembly interactions. In this study, we present a molecular‐level understanding of the hierarchical assembly of sequence‐defined peptoids into multidimensional functional materials, including twisted nanotube bundles serving as a highly efficient artificial light harvesting system. By employing synchrotron‐based powder X‐ray diffraction and analyzing single crystal structures of model compounds, we elucidated the molecular packing and mechanisms underlying the assembly of peptoids into multidimensional nanostructures. Our findings demonstrate that incorporating aromatic functional groups, such as tetraphenyl ethylene (TPE), at the termini of assembling peptoid sequences promotes the formation of twisted bundles of nanotubes and nanosheets, thus enabling the creation of a highly efficient artificial light harvesting system. This research exemplifies the potential of leveraging sequence‐defined synthetic polymers to translate microscopic molecular structures into macroscopic assemblies. It holds promise for the development of functional materials with precisely controlled hierarchical structures and designed functions.

Shao, Li↗
DOE OSTI2019

Computationally Driven Discovery of a Family of Layered LiNiB Polymorphs

Abstract Two novel lithium nickel boride polymorphs, RT ‐LiNiB and HT ‐LiNiB, with layered crystal structures are reported. This family of compounds was theoretically predicted by using the adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) and subsequently synthesized by a hydride route with LiH as the lithium source. Unique among the known ternary transition‐metal borides, the LiNiB structures feature Li layers alternating with nearly planar [NiB] layers composed of Ni hexagonal rings with a B–B pair at the center. A comprehensive study using a combination of single crystal/synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state 7 Li and 11 B NMR spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, quantum‐chemical calculations, and magnetism has shed light on the intrinsic features of these polymorphic compounds. The unique layered structures of LiNiB compounds make them ultimate precursors for exfoliation studies, thus paving a way toward two‐dimensional transition‐metal borides, MBenes.

Gvozdetskyi, Volodymyr↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evidence of a Uranium‐Paddlewheel Node in a Catecholate‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

Abstract The interactions between uranium and non‐innocent organic species are an essential component of fundamental uranium redox chemistry. However, they have seldom been explored in the context of multidimensional, porous materials. Uranium‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a new angle to study these interactions, as these self‐assembled species stabilize uranium species through immobilization by organic linkers within a crystalline framework, while potentially providing a method for adjusting metal oxidation state through coordination of non‐innocent linkers. We report the synthesis of the MOF NU‐1700 , assembled from U 4+ ‐paddlewheel nodes and catecholate‐based linkers. We propose this highly unusual structure, which contains two U 4+ ions in a paddlewheel built from four linkers—a first among uranium materials—as a result of extensive characterization via powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), sorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), in addition to density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Multidimensional Functional Materials from Sequence‐Defined Peptoids

Abstract Hierarchical self‐assembly represents a powerful strategy for the fabrication of functional materials across various length scales. However, achieving precise formation of functional hierarchical assemblies remains a significant challenge and requires a profound understanding of molecular assembly interactions. In this study, we present a molecular‐level understanding of the hierarchical assembly of sequence‐defined peptoids into multidimensional functional materials, including twisted nanotube bundles serving as a highly efficient artificial light harvesting system. By employing synchrotron‐based powder X‐ray diffraction and analyzing single crystal structures of model compounds, we elucidated the molecular packing and mechanisms underlying the assembly of peptoids into multidimensional nanostructures. Our findings demonstrate that incorporating aromatic functional groups, such as tetraphenyl ethylene (TPE), at the termini of assembling peptoid sequences promotes the formation of twisted bundles of nanotubes and nanosheets, thus enabling the creation of a highly efficient artificial light harvesting system. This research exemplifies the potential of leveraging sequence‐defined synthetic polymers to translate microscopic molecular structures into macroscopic assemblies. It holds promise for the development of functional materials with precisely controlled hierarchical structures and designed functions.

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

Chemical and Electrochemical Lithiation of van der Waals Tetrel-Arsenides

Lithiation of van der Waals tetrel–arsenides, GeAs and SiAs, has been researched. Electrochemical lithiation demonstrated large initial capacities of over 950 mAh g -1 accompanied by rapid fading over successive cycling in the voltage range 0.01–2 V. Limiting the voltage range to 0.5–2 V achieved more stable cycling, which was attributed to the intercalation process with lower capacities. Ex situ powder X–ray diffraction confirmed complete amorphization of the samples after lithiation, as well as recrystallization of the binary tetrel–arsenide phases after full delithiation in the voltage range 0.5–2 V. Solid–state synthetic methods produce layered phases, in which Si–As or Ge–As layers are separated by Li cations. The first layered compounds in the corresponding ternary systems were discovered, Li 0.9 Ge 2.9 As 3.1 and Li 3 Si 7 As 8 , which crystallize in the Pbam (No. 55) and P2/m (No. 10) space groups, respectively. Semiconducting layered GeAs and SiAs accommodate the extra charge from Li cations through structural rearrangement in the Si–As or Ge–As layers and eventually by replacement of the tetrel dumbbells with sets of Li atoms. Ge and Si monoarsenides reflected high structural flexibility and a mild ability for reversible lithiation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗