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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 163 records · Page 9

Nonradiative Recombination via Charge-Transfer-Exciton to Polaron Energy Transfer Limits Photocurrent in Organic Solar Cells

Here, a recombination and exciton loss mechanism is reported in organic solar cells involving energy transfer between charge transfer (CT) excitons and polarons, impacting photocurrent generation, particularly in the near-infrared where polaronic transitions typically reside. This process sets a low-energy cut-off in the external quantum efficiency spectrum of an excitonic donor/acceptor interface, determined by the low-energy polaron absorption peak and the CT state reorganization energy. Furthermore, this process explains the deviation from unity and bias dependence of the CT state's internal quantum efficiency at low photon energies. This process is demonstrated in a variety of systems and it is hypothesized that CT state to polaron energy transfer recombination may be responsible for a share of nonradiative recombination in all organic photovoltaics and can explain numerous experimentally observed device trends regarding photocurrent generation and energy losses. Overall, this work enhances the understanding of photophysical processes in organic materials and allows the design of systems that can avoid this recombination pathway.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Elementary Energy Transfer Pathways in Allochromatium vinosum Photosynthetic Membranes

Allochromatium vinosum (formerly Chromatium vinosum) purple bacteria are known to adapt their light-harvesting strategy during growth according to environmental factors such as temperature and average light intensity. Under low light illumination or low ambient temperature conditions, most of the LH2 complexes in the photosynthetic membranes form a B820 exciton with reduced spectral overlap with LH1. To elucidate the reason for this light and temperature adaptation of the LH2 electronic structure, we performed broadband femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy as a function of excitation wavelength in A. vinosum membranes. A target analysis of the acquired data yielded individual rate constants for all relevant elementary energy transfer (ET) processes. We found that the ET dynamics in high-light-grown membranes was well described by a homogeneous model, with forward and backward rate constants independent of the pump wavelength. Thus, the overall B800→B850→B890→ Reaction Center ET cascade is well described by simple triexponential kinetics. In the low-light-grown membranes, we found that the elementary backward transfer rate constant from B890 to B820 was strongly reduced compared with the corresponding constant from B890 to B850 in high-light-grown samples. The ET dynamics of low-light-grown membranes was strongly dependent on the pump wavelength, clearly showing that the excitation memory is not lost throughout the exciton lifetime. The observed pump energy dependence of the forward and backward ET rate constants suggests exciton diffusion via B850→ B850 transfer steps, making the overall ET dynamics nonexponential. Our results show that disorder plays a crucial role in our understanding of low-light adaptation in A. vinosum.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Effects of soluble flavin on heterogeneous electron transfer between surface-exposed bacterial cytochromes and iron oxides

Dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria can utilize insoluble Fe(Mn)-oxides as a terminal electron acceptor under anaerobic conditions. For Shewanella species specifically, some evidence suggests that iron reduction is associated with the secretion of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and riboflavin that are proposed to mediate electron transfer (Marsili et al., 2008). In this work, we used methyl viologen (MV•+)-encapsulated, porin-cytochrome complex (MtrCAB) embedded liposomes (MELs) as a synthetic model of the Shewanella outer membrane to investigate the proposed mediating behavior of secreted flavins. The reduction kinetics of goethite, hematite and lepidocrocite (200 µM) by MELs ([MV•+] ~ 42 µM and MtrABC ≤ 1 nM) were determined in the presence FMN at pH 7.0 in N2 atmosphere by monitoring the concentrations of MV•+ and FMN through their characteristic UV-visible absorption spectra. Experiments were performed where i) FMN and Fe(III)-oxide were mixed and then reacted with the reduced MELs and ii) FMN was reacted with the reduced MELs followed by addition of Fe(III)-oxide. The redox reactions proceeded in two steps: a fast step that was completed in a few seconds, and a slower one lasting over 400 seconds. For all three Fe(III)-oxides, the initial reaction rate in the presence of a low concentration of FMN (≤ 1 µM) was at least a factor of five faster than those with MELs alone, and orders of magnitude faster than those by FMNH2, suggesting that FMN may serve as a co-factor that enhances electron transfer from outer-membrane c-cytochromes to Fe(III)-oxides. The rate and extent of the initial reaction followed the order of lepidocrocite > hematite > goethite, the same as their reduction potentials, implying thermodynamic control on reaction rate. However, at higher FMN concentrations (> 1 µM), the reaction rates for both steps decreased and varied inversely with FMN concentration, indicating that FMN inhibited the MEL to Fe(III)-oxide electron transfer reaction. The implications of the observed kinetic behaviors to flavin-mediated Fe(III) oxide reduction in natural environments are discussed.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Photoinduced electron transfer from rylenediimide radical anions and dianions to Re(bpy)(CO) 3 using red and near-infrared light

A major goal of artificial photosynthesis research is photosensitizing highly reducing metal centers using as much as possible of the solar spectrum reaching Earth's surface. The radical anions and dianions of rylenediimide (RDI) dyes, which absorb at wavelengths as long as 950 nm, are powerful photoreductants with excited state oxidation potentials that rival or exceed those of organometallic chromophores. These dyes have been previously incorporated into all-organic donor–acceptor systems, but have not yet been shown to reduce organometallic centers. This study describes a set of dyads in which perylenediimide (PDI) or naphthalenediimide (NDI) chromophores are attached to Re(bpy)(CO) 3 through either the bipyridine ligand or more directly to the Re center via a pyridine ligand. The chromophores are reduced with a mild reducing agent, after which excitation with long-wavelength red or near-infrared light leads to reduction of the Re complex. The kinetics of electron transfer from the photoexcited anions to the Re complex are monitored using transient visible/near-IR and mid-IR spectroscopy, complemented by theoretical spectroscopic assignments. The photo-driven charge shift from the reduced PDI or NDI to the complex occurs in picoseconds regardless of whether PDI or NDI is attached to the bipyridine or to the Re center, but back electron transfer is found to be three orders of magnitude slower with the chromophore attached to the Re center. These results will inform the design of future catalytic systems that incorporate RDI anions as chromophores.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Probing charge transfer characteristics in a donor–acceptor metal–organic framework by Raman spectroelectrochemistry and pressure-dependence studies

The stimuli responsive behaviour of charge transfer donor–acceptor metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) remains an understudied phenomenon which may have applications in tuneable electronic materials. We now report the modification of donor–acceptor charge transfer characteristics in a semiconducting tetrathiafulvalene–naphthalene diimide-based MOF under applied electrochemical bias and pressure. Here, we employ a facile solid state in situ Raman spectroelectrochemical technique, applied for the first time in the characterisation of electroactive MOFs, to monitor the formation of a new complex TTFTC˙+–DPNI from a largely neutral system, upon electrochemical oxidation of the framework. In situ pressure-dependent Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction experiments performed in a diamond anvil cell revealed blue shifts in the donor and acceptor vibrational modes in addition to contractions in the unit cell which are indicative of bond shortening. This study demonstrates the utility of in situ Raman spectroscopic techniques in the characterisation of redox-active MOFs and the elucidation of their electronic behaviours.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Research update: Spin transfer torques in permalloy on monolayer MoS 2

We observe current induced spin transfertorque resonance in permalloy (Py) grown on monolayer MoS 2 . By passing rf current through the Py/MoS 2 bilayer, field-like and damping-like torques are induced which excite the ferromagnetic resonance of Py. The signals are detected via a homodyne voltage from anisotropic magnetoresistance of Py. In comparison to other bilayer systems with strong spin-orbit torques, the monolayer MoS 2 cannot provide bulk spin Hall effects and thus indicates the purely interfacial nature of the spin transfer torques. Furthermore, our results indicate the potential of two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenide for the use of interfacial spin-orbitronics applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Heat-flux control and solid-state cooling by regulating chemical potential of photons in near-field electromagnetic heat transfer

We consider near-field heat transfer with nonzero chemical potential for photons, as can occur between two semiconductor bodies, held at different temperatures with at least one of the bodies under external bias.We show that the dependence of radiative heat flux on chemical potential enables electronic control of both the direction and magnitude of near-field heat transfer between the two bodies. Moreover such a configuration can operate as a solid-state cooling device whose efficiency can approach the Carnot limit in the ideal case. Furthermore, significant cooling can also be achieved in the presence of inherent nonidealities including Auger recombination and parasitic phonon-polariton heat transfer.

42 ENGINEERING↗

An experimental estimate of the O/+/-O resonant charge transfer cross section, collision frequency, and energy transfer rate

The resonant-charge-transfer cross section dominates the interaction between neutral and ionized atomic oxygen at temperatures greater than several hundred degrees Kelvin. This cross section is of direct importance to F-region studies of ion diffusion, ion thermal balance, and neutral atmospheric winds and pressure gradients, since it determines collision frequencies and energy and momentum transfer rates. However, the uncertainty in this cross section is roughly 25-40%. Incoherent-scatter measurements allow determination of the product of the atomic oxygen concentration multiplied by the cross section. If present-day atmospheric models are accepted as statistically representative of F-region atomic oxygen concentrations experimental (aeronomical) data presented indicate that the resonant-charge-transfer cross section is about 1.3 times greater than the value presently in general use, though in excellent agreement with the only other available (laboratory) experimental value. This revised cross section has obvious implications for thermospheric studies.

Carlson, H. C.↗

Cryogenic fluid transfer - orbital transfer vehicle

Fluid transfer requirements are presented for the orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) issues such as OTV configuration, hardware design and size are taken into consideration. Tank chilldown, tank fill and thermodynamic properties are all evaluated in relationship to fluid transfer needs.

Hastings, L. J.↗

Turbine Vane External Heat Transfer. Volume 2. Numerical Solutions of the Navier-stokes Equations for Two- and Three-dimensional Turbine Cascades with Heat Transfer

The application of the time-dependent ensemble-averaged Navier-Stokes equations to transonic turbine cascade flow fields was examined. In particular, efforts focused on an assessment of the procedure in conjunction with a suitable turbulence model to calculate steady turbine flow fields using an O-type coordinate system. Three cascade configurations were considered. Comparisons were made between the predicted and measured surface pressures and heat transfer distributions wherever available. In general, the pressure predictions were in good agreement with the data. Heat transfer calculations also showed good agreement when an empirical transition model was used. However, further work in the development of laminar-turbulent transitional models is indicated. The calculations showed most of the known features associated with turbine cascade flow fields. These results indicate the ability of the Navier-Stokes analysis to predict, in reasonable amounts of computation time, the surface pressure distribution, heat transfer rates, and viscous flow development for turbine cascades operating at realistic conditions.

Yang, R. J.↗

Optimal trajectories for aeroassisted, noncoplanar orbital transfer. II - LEO-to-LEO transfer

Both classical and minimax problems of optimal control arising in the study of noncoplanar, aeroassisted orbital transfer are considered and are illustrated with the example of LEO-to-LEO transfer. Trajectory control is achieved by modulation of the lift coefficient and the angle of bank. Problems considered include the minimization of the energy required for orbital transfer, maximization of the flight time during the atmospheric portion of the trajectory, and minimization of the peak heating rate. The near-grazing solution is found to be a good compromise between energy and heating requirements.

Miele, A.↗

Analysis of dewar and transfer line cooldown in Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer Flight Experiment (SHOOT)

The Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer Flight Experiment (SHOOT) is designed to demonstrate the techniques and components required for orbital superfluid (He II) replenishment of observatories and satellites. One of the tasks planned in the experiment is to cool a warm cryogen tank and a warm transfer line to liquid helium temperature. A math model, based on single-phase vapor flow heat transfer, has been developed to predict the cooldown time, component temperature histories, and helium consumption rate, for various initial conditions of the components and for the thermomechanical pump heater powers of 2 W and 0.5 W. This paper discusses the model and the analytical results, which can be used for planning the experiment operations and determining the pump heater power required for the cooldown operation.

Ng, Y. S.↗

Heat Transfer in the Turbulent Incompressible Boundary Layer: Effect of Location of Transition and Prediction of Heat Transfer in a Known Transition Region - IV

The effect of the location of transition on the heat transfer to the turbulent incompressible boundary layer is analyzed. The analysis indicates that considerably higher heat-transfer rates may occur for some distance downstream if the transition is very late. The results of a limited experimental investigation are in substantial agreement with the results of the analysis. If the extent of the transition region is known, the analysis also allows adequate prediction of heat-transfer coefficients within the transition region. The nature of this analysis is such that it should predict local shear coefficients in the transition region equally well.

Reynolds, W. C.↗

Distinct Optoelectronic Signatures for Charge Transfer and Energy Transfer in Quantum Dot-MoS 2 Hybrid Photodetectors Revealed by Photocurrent Imaging Microscopy

Atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have intriguing nanoscale properties like high charge mobility, photosensitivity, layer-thickness-dependent bandgap, and mechanical flexibility, which are all appealing for the development of next generation optoelectronic, catalytic, and sensory devices. Their atomically thin thickness, however, renders TMDCs poor absorptivity. For this study, bilayer MoS 2 is combined with core-only CdSe QDs and core/shell CdSe/ZnS QDs to obtain hybrids with increased light harvesting and exhibiting interfacial charge transfer (CT) and nonradiative energy transfer (NET), respectively. Field-effect transistors based on these hybrids and their responses to varying laser power and applied gate voltage are investigated with scanning photocurrent microscopy (SPCM) in view of their potential utilization in light harvesting and photodetector applications. CdSe–MoS 2 hybrids are found to exhibit encouraging properties for photodetectors, like high responsivity and fast on/off response under low light exposure while CdSe/ZnS–MoS 2 hybrids show enhanced charge carrier generation with increased light exposure, thus suitable for photovoltaics. While distinguishing optically between CT and NET in QD–TMDCs is nontrivial, it is found that they can be differentiated by SPCM as these two processes exhibit distinctive light-intensity dependencies: CT causes a photogating effect, decreasing the photocurrent response with increasing light power while NET increases the photocurrent response with increasing light power, opposite to CT case.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗