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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 1,639 records · Page 91
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

How spin relaxes and dephases in bulk halide perovskites

Abstract Spintronics in halide perovskites has drawn significant attention in recent years, due to their highly tunable spin-orbit fields and intriguing interplay with lattice symmetry. Here, we perform first-principles calculations to determine the spin relaxation time ( T 1 ) and ensemble spin dephasing time ( $${T}_{2}^{*}$$ T 2 * ) in a prototype halide perovskite, CsPbBr 3 . To accurately capture spin dephasing in external magnetic fields we determine the Landé g -factor from first principles and take it into account in our calculations. These allow us to predict intrinsic spin lifetimes as an upper bound for experiments, identify the dominant spin relaxation pathways, and evaluate the dependence on temperature, external fields, carrier density, and impurities. We find that the Fröhlich interaction that dominates carrier relaxation contributes negligibly to spin relaxation, consistent with the spin-conserving nature of this interaction. Our theoretical approach may lead to new strategies to optimize spin and carrier transport properties.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Drastic enhancement of magnetic critical temperature and amorphization in topological magnet EuSn 2 P 2 under pressure

High pressure is an effective tool to induce exotic quantum phenomena in magnetic topological insulators by controlling the interplay of magnetic order and topological state. This work presents a comprehensive high-pressure study of the crystal structure and magnetic ground state up to 62 GPa in an intrinsic topological magnet EuSn 2 P 2 . With a combination of high resolution X-ray diffraction, 151 Eu synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, molecular orbital calculations, and electronic band structure calculations, it has been revealed that pressure drives EuSn 2 P 2 from a rhombohedral crystal to an amorphous phase at 36 GPa accompanied by a fourfold enhancement of magnetic ordering temperature. In the pressure-induced amorphous phase, Eu ions take an intermediate valence state. The drastic enhancement of magnetic ordering temperature from 30 K at ambient pressure to 130 K at 41.2 GPa resulting from Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida (RKKY) interactions likely attributes to the stronger Eu–Sn interaction at high pressure. These rich results demonstrate that EuSn 2 P 2 is an ideal platform to study the correlation of the enhanced RKKY interactions, disordered lattice, intermediate valence, and topological state.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Programmable simulations of molecules and materials with reconfigurable quantum processors

Simulations of quantum chemistry and quantum materials are believed to be among the most important applications of quantum information processors. However, realizing practical quantum advantage for such problems is challenging because of the prohibitive computational cost of programming typical problems into quantum hardware. Here we introduce a simulation framework for strongly correlated quantum systems represented by model spin Hamiltonians that uses reconfigurable qubit architectures to simulate real-time dynamics in a programmable way. Our approach also introduces an algorithm for extracting chemically relevant spectral properties via classical co-processing of quantum measurement results. We develop a digital–analogue simulation toolbox for efficient Hamiltonian time evolution using digital Floquet engineering and hardware-optimized multi-qubit operations to accurately realize complex spin–spin interactions. As an example, we propose an implementation based on Rydberg atom arrays. In addition, we show how detailed spectral information can be extracted from the dynamics through snapshot measurements and single-ancilla control, enabling the evaluation of excitation energies and finite-temperature susceptibilities from a single dataset. To illustrate the approach, we show how to use the method to compute key properties of a polynuclear transition-metal catalyst and two-dimensional magnetic materials.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

A quantum phase transition in a quantum external field: Superposing two magnetic phases

We study an Ising chain undergoing a quantum phase transition in a quantum magnetic field. Such a field can be emulated by coupling the chain to a central spin initially in a superposition state. We show that – by adiabatically driving such a system – one can prepare a quantum superposition of any two ground states of the Ising chain. In particular, one can end up with the Ising chain in a superposition of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases – a scenario with no analogue in prior studies of quantum phase transitions. Remarkably, the resulting magnetization of the chain encodes the position of the critical point and universal critical exponents, as well as the ground state fidelity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Nanodomained Nickel Unite Nanocrystal Strength with Coarse-Grain Ductility

Conventional metals are routinely hardened by grain refinement or by cold working with the expense of their ductility. Recent nanostructuring strategies have attempted to evade this strength versus ductility trade-off, but the paradox persists. It has never been possible to combine the strength reachable in nanocrystalline metals with the large uniform tensile elongation characteristic of coarse-grained metals. Here a defect engineering strategy on the nanoscale is architected to approach this ultimate combination. For Nickel, spread-out nanoscale domains (average 7 nm in diameter) were produced during electrodeposition, occupying only ~2.4% of the total volume. Yet the resulting Ni achieves a yield strength approaching 1.3 GPa, on par with the strength for nanocrystalline Ni with uniform grains. Simultaneously, the material exhibits a uniform elongation as large as ~30%, at the same level of ductile face-centered-cubic metals. Electron microscopy observations and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the nanoscale domains effectively block dislocations, akin to the role of precipitates for Orowan hardening. In the meantime, the abundant domain boundaries provide dislocation sources and trapping sites of running dislocations for dislocation multiplication and the ample space in the grain interior allows dislocation storage; a pronounced strain-hardening rate is therefore sustained to enable large uniform elongation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Electronic and magnetic properties of substituted BN sheets: A density functional theory study

Using density functional calculations, we investigate the geometries, electronic structures and magnetic properties of hexagonal BN sheets with 3d transition metal (TM) and nonmetal atoms embedded in three types of vacancies: VB, VN, and VB+N. We show that some embedded configurations, except TM atoms in VN vacancy, are stable in BN sheet and yield interesting phenomena. For instance, the band gaps and magnetic moments of BN sheet can be tuned depending on the embedded dopant species and vacancy type. In particular, embedment such as Cr in VB+N, Co in VB, and Ni in VB leads to half-metallic BN sheets interesting for spin filter applications. From the investigation of Mn-chain (CMn) embedments, a regular 1D structure can be formed in BN sheet as an electron waveguide, a metal nanometer wire with a single atom thickness.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Electronic and Optical Properties of Two-dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks

Two-dimensional covalent organic film with macrocyclic network under simple solvothermal conditions was recently synthesized experimentally [Colson, J. W.; et al. Science 2011, 332, 228], which offers immense potentials for optoelectronic applications as in the case of graphene. Here we systematically investigate the electronic and optical properties of such novel covalent organic frameworks (COF-5, TP-COF and NiPc PBBA-COF) as free-standing sheets using density-functional theory. The results shed considerable light on the nature of spatial carrier confinement with band offset. COF-5 exhibits a type-II heterojunction alignment with the significant valence and conduction band offsets, suggesting an effective spatial carrier separation of electrons and holes. In TP-COF, the valence offset is close to zero related to the dispersed distribution of photoexcited holes over the entire structure, while the conduction-band offset is still remarkable, indicating the effective confinement of photoexcited electrons. NiPc PBBACOF presents a type-I heterojunction alignment where the band-edged wave functions are localized in the same region, achieving the effective spatial carrier congregation. The calculated absorption peaks of the optical absorption of TP-COF and NiPc-PBBA COF frameworks are in agreement with experimental measurements, thus providing theoretical insights into experimental observed transmission spectra of these frameworks.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

A combined crossed molecular beam and theoretical investigation of the reaction of the meta-tolyl radical with vinylacetylene – toward the formation of methylnaphthalenes

Crossed molecular beam experiments and electronic structure calculations on the reaction of the meta-tolyl radical with vinylacetylene were conducted to probe the formation of methyl-substituted naphthalene isomers. We present the compelling evidence that under single collision conditions 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene can be formed without an entrance barrier via indirect scattering dynamics through a bimolecular collision of two non-PAH reactants: the meta-tolyl radical and vinylacetylene. The electronic structure calculations, conducted at the UCCSD(T)-F12b/cc-pVDZ//UM06-2x/cc-pVTZ + ZPE(UM06-2x/cc-pVTZ) level of theory, reveal that this reaction is initiated by the barrierless addition of the meta-tolyl radical to the terminal vinyl carbon (C1) of vinylacetylene, via a van-der-Waals complex implying that this mechanism can play a key role in forming methyl-substituted PAHs in low temperature extreme environments such as the low temperature interstellar medium and hydrocarbon-rich atmospheres of planets and their moons in the outer solar system. The reaction mechanism, proposed from the C 11 H 11 potential energy surface, involves a sequence of isomerizations involving hydrogen transfer and ring closure, followed by hydrogen dissociation, which eventually leads to 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene in an overall exoergic process.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Pathways for oxygen-isotope exchange in two model oxide clusters

Studies of oxygen-isotope-exchanges in two classes of polyoxoions have uncovered some similarities in reaction steps that are also consistent with mineral-dissolution studies. Here, the molecules were polyoxocations of Group 13 and polyoxoanions of Group 5, and the work was motivated by a desire to understand the dissolution of oxide minerals at the molecular scale. Experimentally, oxygen-isotope-exchange rates are found to be intensely sensitive to single-atom substitutions in the structures, even at sites that are otherwise inert. Exchange rates for different structural oxygen sites span several orders of magnitude, yet most oxygens within a molecule exhibit similar pH dependencies to isotopic exchange and these seem to reflect an average proton affinity of the ion. Single-atom substitutions have a dramatic affect on both the pH dependences of oxygen-isotope-exchanges and the overall reactivity of oxygen sites. Molecular dynamic and electronic-structure calculations identify similar steps in the pathways for exchange – (i) solvation forces cause a near-surface metal to detach from an underlying overbonded oxygen. (ii) This newly undercoordinated metal adds an isotopically normal oxygen as either a water, a hydronium ion or an hydroxide ion. (iii) Protons transfer from these adducts to more basic oxygens in the metastable structure. (iv) The metastability is longlived but access to the metastable state depends on the composition and symmetry of the starting structure, which is why single-atom substitutions are so important. (v) Within the metastable structure, oxygens shuffle positions and the metastable state collapses back into a more stable form. Pathways to form these metastable structures depend on the symmetry and composition of the starting geometry, which probably can't be adequately constrained for meaningful simulation at mineral surfaces.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Coupling carbon dioxide reduction with water oxidation in nanoscale photocatalytic assemblies

The reduction of carbon dioxide by water with sunlight in an artificial system offers an opportunity for utilizing non-arable land for generating renewable transportation fuels to replace fossil resources. Because of the very large scale required for the impact on fuel consumption, the scalability of artificial photosystems is of key importance. Closing the photosynthetic cycle of carbon dioxide reduction and water oxidation on the nanoscale addresses major barriers for scalability as well as high efficiency, such as resistance losses inherent to ion transport over macroscale distances, loss of charge and other efficiency degrading processes, or excessive need for the balance of system components, to mention a few. For the conversion of carbon dioxide to six-electron or even more highly reduced liquid fuel products, introduction of a proton conducting, gas impermeable separation membrane is critical. This work reviews recent progress in the development of light absorber–catalyst assemblies for the reduction and oxidation half reactions with focus on well defined polynuclear structures, and on novel approaches for optimizing electron transfer among the molecular or nanoparticulate components. Studies by time-resolved optical and infrared spectroscopy for the understanding of charge transfer processes between the chromophore and the catalyst, and of the mechanism of water oxidation at metal oxide nanocatalysts through direct observation of surface reaction intermediates are discussed. All-inorganic polynuclear units for reducing carbon dioxide by water at the nanoscale are introduced, and progress towards core–shell nanotube assemblies for completing the photosynthetic cycle under membrane separation is described.

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

Non-equilibrium adatom thermal state enables rapid additive nanomanufacturing

A new state of radical thermal non-equilibrium in surface adsorbed molecules is discovered that enables rapid surface diffusion of energized adatoms with a negligible effect on the substrate surface temperature. Due to enhanced surface diffusion, growth rates can be achieved that improve the feasibility of many nanofabrication techniques. Since the adatom temperature cannot be directly measured without disturbing its thermodynamic state, the first principle hard-cube model is used to predict both the adatom effective temperature and the surface temperature in response to gaseous particle impingement in a vacuum. The validity of the approach is supported by local, spatially-resolved surface temperature measurements of the thermal response to supersonic microjet gas impingement. The ability to determine and control the adatom effective temperature, and therefore the surface diffusion rate, opens new degrees of freedom in controlling a wide range of nanofabrication processes that critically depend on surface diffusion of precursor molecules. Furthermore, this fundamental understanding has the potential to accelerate research into nanoscale fabrication and to yield the new materials with unique properties that are only accessible with nanoscale features.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Shear-aligned large-area organic semiconductor crystals through extended π–π interaction

Small molecule-based organic semiconductors are of broad interest in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) due to their potential for high crystallinity and electrical performance. The 2D molecule, TIPS-peri-pentacenopentacene (TIPS-PPP), which is the vertical extension of the 1D TIPS-pentacene (TIPS-PEN) molecule, offers a lower bandgap, higher aromaticity, and an enhanced π–π interaction with neighboring molecules in the solid state when compared to TIPS-PEN. However, an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the molecule structure, solid-state molecular packing, and the electronic properties has not been reported due to poor control over the TIPS-PPP crystallite size. In this work, we successfully engineered highly oriented large-area TIPS-PPP crystals through the solution shear coating technique. Additionally, compared with narrow ribbon-like TIPS-PEN crystals, TIPS-PPP crystals can grow centimeters long and over 500 μm wide. TIPS-PPP molecules are less susceptible to forming metastable polymorphs than TIPS-PEN molecules upon fast evaporation. The crystal structure of TIPS-PPP is also thermally stable at 250 °C. Notably, the anisotropic charge carrier mobility of TIPS-PPP crystals is resolved through fabricating bottom-gate top-contact devices, with a hole mobility of 3.1 cm 2 V -1 s -1 along the preferred packing direction. Further device optimization using top-gate bottom-contact devices improved the mobility up to 6.5 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , which is among the highest for pentacene-derivative-based organic semiconductors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Interlayer pillaring influences the octahedral tilting and electrochemical capacity of tungsten oxides

One strategy to tune the electrochemical properties of layered inorganic materials for energy storage and conversion is to introduce molecular organic pillars. We investigated how pillaring tungsten oxides with alkylammonium cations influences their physical and electrochemical properties relative to the non-pillared host. While the presence of alkylammonium increased the interlayer spacing, we found that the electrochemical capacity of the materials decreased in non-aqueous electrolytes. In aqueous acidic electrolytes, replacement of the interlayer alkylammonium pillars with water molecules led to the recovery of the electrochemical capacity. We rationalize these results based on the influence of interlayer pillars on the degree of octahedral tilting within the inorganic tungsten oxide layers. The presence of alkylammonium in the interlayer leads to an increase in octahedral tilting relative to interlayer water. In turn, this leads to an increase in the band gap and corresponding decrease in the electrochemical capacity. Our findings emphasize the correlation between the chemical nature of the interlayer molecular pillars and the electronic structure, which in turn affects the electrochemical capacity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

First-principles study of the noble metal-doped BN layer

Intriguing electronic and magnetic properties of BN layer with noble metal (Pd, Pt, Ag and Au) doping are obtained by first-principles calculations. Adsorbed Pd (or Pt) reduces the band gap of BN sheet owing to the induction of impurity states. The unpaired electrons in the Ag (or Au)-adsorbed and the Pd (or Pt)-substituted BN layers are polarized, and thus exhibit a magnetic moment of 1.0 µB, leading to these BN configurations to be magnetic semiconductors. The half-metallic feature of the Ag-substituted BN layer, along with the delocalization of spin states, renders this configuration an excellent spin filter material. Thus, these findings offer a unique opportunity for developing BN-based nanoscale devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2011

Photoelectron spectroscopy of higher bromine and iodine oxide anions: Electron affinities and electronic structures of BrO2,3 and IO2-4 radicals.

This report details a photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) investigation on electron affinities (EAs) and electronic structures of several atmospherically relevant higher bromine and iodine oxide molecules in the gas phase. PES spectra of BrO{sub 2}{sup -} and IO{sub 2}{sup -} were recorded at 12 K and four photon energies--355 nm/3.496 eV, 266 nm/4.661 eV, 193 nm/6.424 eV, and 157 nm/7.867 eV--while BrO{sub 3}{sup -}, IO{sub 3}{sup -}, and IO{sub 4}{sup -} were studied at 193 and 157 nm only due to their expected high electron binding energies. Spectral features corresponding to transitions from the anion ground state to the ground and excited states of the neutral are unraveled and resolved for each species. For the first time, EAs of these bromine and iodine oxides are experimentally determined (except for IO{sub 2}) to be 2.515 {+-} 0.010 (BrO{sub 2}), 2.575 {+-} 0.010 (IO{sub 2}), 4.60 {+-} 0.05 (BrO{sub 3}), 4.70 {+-} 0.05 (IO{sub 3}), and 6.05 {+-} 0.05 eV (IO{sub 4}). Three low-lying excited states with their respective excitation energies are obtained for BrO{sub 2} [1.69 (A {sup 2}B2), 1.79 (B {sup 2}A{sub 1}), 1.99 eV (C {sup 2}A{sub 2})], BrO{sub 3} [0.7 (A {sup 2}A{sub 2}), 1.6 (B {sup 2}E), 3.1 eV (C {sup 2}E)], and IO{sub 3} [0.60 (A {sup 2}A{sub 2}), 1.20 (B {sup 2}E), {approx}3.0 eV (C {sup 2}E)], whereas six excited states of IO{sub 2} are determined with the respective excitation energies of 1.63 (A {sup 2}B{sub 2}), 1.73 (B {sup 2}A{sub 1}), 1.83 (C {sup 2}A{sub 2}), 4.23 (D {sup 2}A{sub 1}), 4.63 (E {sup 2}B{sub 2}), and 5.23 eV (F {sup 2}B{sub 1}). Periodate possesses a very high electron binding energy. Only one excited state feature with 0.95 eV excitation energy is shown in the 157 nm spectrum. The obtained EAs and low-lying excited state information are compared with available theoretical calculations and discussed with their atmospheric implications.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗