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At least 19 records

A practical field guide to thermoelectrics: Fundamentals, synthesis, and characterization

The study of thermoelectric materials spans condensed matter physics, materials science and engineering, and solid-state chemistry. The diversity of the participants and the inherent complexity of the topic mean that it is difficult, if not impossible, for a researcher to be fluent in all aspects of the field. This review, which grew out of a one-week summer school for graduate students, aims to provide an introduction and practical guidance for selected conceptual, synthetic, and characterization approaches and to craft a common umbrella of language, theory, and experimental practice for those engaged in the field of thermoelectric materials. This review does not attempt to cover all major aspects of thermoelectric materials research or review state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials. Rather, the topics discussed herein reflect the expertise and experience of the authors. We begin by discussing a universal approach to modeling electronic transport using Landauer theory. The core sections of the review are focused on bulk inorganic materials and include a discussion of effective strategies for powder and single crystal synthesis, the use of national synchrotron sources to characterize crystalline materials, error analysis, and modeling of transport data using an effective mass model, and characterization of phonon behavior using inelastic neutron scattering and ultrasonic speed of sound measurements. The final core section discusses the challenges faced when synthesizing carbon-based samples and the measuring or interpretation of their transport properties. We conclude this review with a brief discussion of some of the grand challenges and opportunities that remain to be addressed in the study of thermoelectrics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Heterolytic Cleavage of Hydrogen by an Iron Hydrogenase Model: An Fe-H - - - H-N Dihydorgen Bond Characterized by Neutron Diffraction

Use of hydrogen as a fuel by [FeFe]-hydrogenase enzymes in nature requires heterolytic cleavage of the H-H bond into a proton (H+) and hydride (H-), a reaction that is also a critical step in homogeneous catalysts for hydrogenation of C=O and C=N bonds. An understanding of the catalytic oxidation of H2 by hydrogenases provides insights into the design of synthetic catalysts that are sought as cost-effective alternatives to the use of the precious metal platinum in fuel cells. Crystallographic studies on the [FeFe]-hydrogenase enzyme were critical to understanding of its reactivity, but the key H-H cleavage step is not readily observed experimentally in natural hydrogenases. Synthetic biomimics have provided evidence for H2 cleavage leading to hydride transfer to the metal and proton transfer to an amine. Limitations on the precise location of hydrogen atoms by x-ray diffraction can be overcome by use of neutron diffraction, though its use is severely limited by the difficulty of obtaining suitable crystals and by the scarcity of neutron sources. Here we show that an iron complex with a pendant amine in the diphosphine ligand cleaves hydrogen heterolytically under mild conditions, leading to [CpC5F4NFeH(PtBu2NtBu2H)]+BArF4-, [PtBu2NtBu2 = 1,5-di(tert-butyl)-3,7-di(tert-butyl)-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane; ArF = 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]. The Fe-H- - - H-N moiety has a strong dihydrogen bond, with a remarkably short H • • • H distance of 1.489(10) Å between the protic N-Hδ+ and hydridic Fe-Hδ-. The structural data for [CpC5F4NFeH(PtBu2NtBu2H)]+ provide a glimpse of how the H-H bond is oxidized or generated in hydrogenase enzymes, with the pendant amine playing a key role as a proton relay. The iron complex [CpC5F4NFeH(PtBu2NtBu2H)]+BArF4- is an electrocatalyst for oxidation of H2 (1 atm) at 22 °C, so the structural data are obtained on a complex that is a functional model for catalysis by [FeFe]-hydrogenase enzymes. This research was supported as part of the Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Hydrogen-Evolving Ni(P2N2)2 Electrocatalyst Covalently Attached to a Glassy Carbon Electrode: Preparation, Characterization, and Catalysis. Comparisons With the Homogeneous Analog

A hydrogen-evolving homogeneous Ni(P2N2)2 electrocatalyst with peripheral ester groups has been covalently attached to a 1,2,3-triazolyllithium-terminated glassy carbon electrode. The surface-confined complex is an electroctalyst for hydrogen evolution, showing onset of catalytic current at the same potential as the soluble parent complex. X-ray photoemission spectra show excellent agreement between the coupled and homogeneous species. Coverage approaches a dense monolayer. This research was supported as part of the Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the US Department of Energy. The XPS measurements were performed at EMSL, a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

electrochemistry↗

ECCI based characterization of dislocation shear in polycrystalline arrays during heterogeneous deformation of commercially pure titanium

A new electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) based approach for the characterization of heterogeneous plastic deformation across multiple grains in a polycrystal is presented. The nature of the shear accommodation at grain boundaries has been assessed by evaluating the spatial distribution of dislocations and slip system activities near the boundaries and relating these observations to standard slip transfer criteria and the global state of stress. The direction of slip band propagation, and consequently the location of dislocation slip band nucleation, was determined by characterizing the slip band widths across individual grains. This assessment leads to a better understanding of the factors involved in polycrystalline deformation, including the grain boundary shear accommodation associated with both dislocation pile-ups and grain boundary dislocation nucleation. Because ECCI allows study of dislocation structures over large surface areas, and thus larger overall volumes than typically are accessible by other techniques, the overall approach allows the dislocation distribution across individual grains to be understood in terms of the broader polycrystalline constraints.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Binary pseudo-random patterned structures for modulation transfer function calibration and resolution characterization of a full-field transmission soft x-ray microscope

We present a modulation transfer function (MTF) calibration method based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) one-dimensional sequences and two-dimensional arrays as an effective method for spectral characterization in the spatial frequency domain of a broad variety of metrology instrumentation, including interferometric microscopes, scatterometers, phase shifting Fizeau interferometers, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, and at this time, x-ray microscopes. The inherent power spectral density of BPR gratings and arrays, which has a deterministic white-noise-like character, allows a direct determination of the MTF with a uniform sensitivity over the entire spatial frequency range and field of view of an instrument. We demonstrate the MTF calibration and resolution characterization over the full field of a transmission soft x-ray microscope using a BPR multilayer (ML) test sample with 2.8 nm fundamental layer thickness. We show that beyond providing a direct measurement of the microscope’s MTF, tests with the BPRML sample can be used to fine tune the instrument’s focal distance. Our results confirm the universality of the method that makes it applicable to a large variety of metrology instrumentation with spatial wavelength bandwidths from a few nanometers to hundreds of millimeters.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Optical Characterization of the SPT-3G Camera

The third-generation South Pole Telescope camera is designed to measure the cosmic microwave background across three frequency bands (centered at 95, 150 and 220 GHz) with ~ 16,000 transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers. Each multichroic array element on a detector wafer has a broadband sinuous antenna that couples power to six TESs, one for each of the three observing bands and both polarizations, via lumped element filters. Ten detector wafers populate the detector array, which is coupled to the sky via a large-aperture optical system. Here we present the frequency band characterization with Fourier transform spectroscopy, measurements of optical time constants, beam properties, and optical and polarization efficiencies of the detector array. The detectors have frequency bands consistent with our simulations and have high average optical efficiency which is 86, 77 and 66% for the 95, 150 and 220 GHz detectors. The time constants of the detectors are mostly between 0.5 and 5 ms. The beam is round with the correct size, and the polarization efficiency is more than 90% for most of the bolometers.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Bayesian Inversion of Seismic and Electromagnetic Data for Marine Gas Reservoir Characterization Using Multi-chain Markov Chain Monte Carlo Sampling

In this study we developed an efficient Bayesian inversion framework for interpreting marine seismic amplitude versus angle (AVA) and controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) data for marine reservoir characterization. The framework uses a multi-chain Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampler, which is a hybrid of DiffeRential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis (DREAM) and Adaptive Metropolis (AM) samplers. The inversion framework is tested by estimating reservoir-fluid saturations and porosity based on marine seismic and CSEM data. The multi-chain MCMC is scalable in terms of the number of chains, and is useful for computationally demanding Bayesian model calibration in scientific and engineering problems. As a demonstration, the approach is used to efficiently and accurately estimate the porosity and saturations in a representative layered synthetic reservoir. The results indicate that the seismic AVA and CSEM joint inversion provides better estimation of reservoir saturations than the seismic AVA-only inversion, especially for the parameters in deep layers. The performance of the inversion approach for various levels of noise in observational data was evaluated – reasonable estimates can be obtained with noise levels up to 25%. Sampling efficiency due to the use of multiple chains was also checked and was found to have almost linear scalability.

Ren, Huiying↗

Development and characterization of monolithic multilayer Laue lens nanofocusing optics

We have developed an experimental approach to bond two independent linear Multilayer Laue Lenses (MLLs) together. A monolithic MLL structure was characterized using ptychography at 12 keV photon energy, and we demonstrated 12 nm and 24 nm focusing in horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. Fabrication of 2D MLL optics allows installation of these focusing elements in more conventional microscopes suitable for x-ray imaging using zone plates, and opens easier access to 2D imaging with high spatial resolution in the hard x-ray regime.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Synthesis and Characterization of 5- and 6- Coordinated Alkali Pertechnetates

The local chemistry of technetium-99 ( 99 Tc) in oxide glasses is important for understanding the incorporation and long-term release of Tc from nuclear waste glasses, both those for legacy defense wastes and fuel reprocessing wastes. Tc preferably forms Tc(VII), Tc(IV), or Tc(0) in glass, depending on the level of reduction of the melt. Tc(VII) in oxide glasses is normally assumed to be isolated pertechnetate TcO 4 - anions surrounded by alkali, but can occasionally precipitate as alkali pertechnetate salts such as KTcO 4 and NaTcO 4 when Tc concentration is high. In these cases, Tc(VII) is 4-coordinated by oxygen. A reinvestigation of the chemistry of alkali-technetium-oxides formed under oxidizing conditions and at temperatures used to prepare nuclear waste glasses showed that higher coordinated alkali Tc(VII) oxide species had been reported, including those with the TcO 5 - and TcO 6 - anions. The chemistry of alkali Tc(VII) and other alkali-Tc-oxides is reviewed, along with relevant synthesis conditions. Additionally, we report attempts to make 5- and 6-coordinate pertechnetate compounds of K, Na, and Li, i.e. TcO 5 - and TcO 6 -. It was found that higher coordinated species are very sensitive to water, and easily decompose into their respective pertechnetates. It was difficult to obtain pure compounds, but mixtures of the pertechnetate and other phase(s) were frequently found, as evidenced by x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), neutron diffraction (ND), and Raman spectroscopy. Low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements showed the possibility of Tc(IV) and Tc(VI) in Na 3 TcO 5 and Na 5 TcO 6 compounds. Here, it was hypothesized that the smaller counter cation would result in more stable pertechnetates. To confirm the synthesis method, LiReO 4 and Li 5 ReO 6 were prepared, and their Raman spectra match those in the literature. Subsequently, the Tc versions LiTcO 4 and Li 5 TcO 6 were synthesized and characterized by ND, Raman spectroscopy, XANES, and EXAFS. The Li 5 TcO 6 was a marginally stable compound that appears to have the same structure as that known for Li 5 ReO 6 . Implications of the experimental work on stability of alkali technetate compounds and possible role in the volatilization of Tc are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Ni(II) Bis(diphosphine)-Hydride Complex Containing Proton Relays - Structural Characterization and Electrocatalytic Studies

The syntheses of the new 1,5-diphenyl-3,7-di(isopropyl)-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane ligand, PiPr2NPh2, is reported. The two equivalents of the ligand react with [Ni(CH3CN)6](BF4)2 to form the bis-diphosphine Ni(II)-complex [Ni(PiPr2NPh2)2](BF4)2, which acts as a proton reduction electrocatalyst. In addition to [Ni(PiPr2NPh2)2]2+, we report the syntheses and structural characterization of the Ni(0)-complex Ni(PiPr2NPh2)2, and the Ni(II)-hydride complex [HNi(PiPr2NPh2)2]BF4. The [HNi(PiPr2NPh2)2]BF4 complex represents the first Ni(II)-hydride in the [Ni(PR2NR'2)2]2+ family of compounds to be isolated and structurally characterized. In addition to the experimental data, the mechanism of electrocatalysis facilitated by [Ni(PiPr2NPh2)2]2+ is analyzed using linear free energy relationships recently established for the [Ni(PR2NR'2)2]2+ family. We thank Dr. Aaron Appel, Dr. Simone Raugei and Dr. Eric Wiedner for helpful discussions. This research was supported as part of the Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Mass spectrometry was provided at W. R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy’s office of Biological and Environmental Research located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.

diphosphine↗

A stochastic wind turbine wake model based on new metrics for wake characterization

Abstract Understanding the detailed dynamics of wind turbine wakes is critical to predicting the performance and maximizing the efficiency of wind farms. This knowledge requires atmospheric data at a high spatial and temporal resolution, which are not easily obtained from direct measurements. Therefore, research is often based on numerical models, which vary in fidelity and computational cost. The simplest models produce axisymmetric wakes and are only valid beyond the near wake. Higher‐fidelity results can be obtained by solving the filtered Navier–Stokes equations at a resolution that is sufficient to resolve the relevant turbulence scales. This work addresses the gap between these two extremes by proposing a stochastic model that produces an unsteady asymmetric wake. The model is developed based on a large‐eddy simulation (LES) of an offshore wind farm. Because there are several ways of characterizing wakes, the first part of this work explores different approaches to defining global wake characteristics. From these, a model is developed that captures essential features of a LES‐generated wake at a small fraction of the cost. The synthetic wake successfully reproduces the mean characteristics of the original LES wake, including its area and stretching patterns, and statistics of the mean azimuthal radius. The mean and standard deviation of the wake width and height are also reproduced. This preliminary study focuses on reproducing the wake shape, while future work will incorporate velocity deficit and meandering, as well as different stability scenarios. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Doubrawa, Paula↗

Solid-state syntheses and single-crystal characterizations of three tetravalent thorium and uranium silicates

Colorless crystals of ThSiO{sub 4} (huttonite) (1) and (Ca{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5}){sub 2}NaThSi{sub 8}O{sub 20} (2) have been synthesized by the solid-state reactions of ThO{sub 2}, CaSiO{sub 3}, and Na{sub 2}WO{sub 4} at 1073 K. Green crystals of (Ca{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5}){sub 2}NaUSi{sub 8}O{sub 20} (3) have been synthesized by the solid-state reactions of UO{sub 2}, CaSiO{sub 3}, and Na{sub 2}WO{sub 4} at 1003 K. All three compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 adopts a monazite-type three-dimensional condensed structure, which is built from edge- and corner-shared ThO{sub 9} polyhedra and SiO{sub 4} tetrahedra. Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural and they crystallize in a steacyite-type structure. The structure consists of discrete pseudocubic [Si{sub 8}O{sub 20}]{sup 8−} polyanions, which are connected by An{sup 4+} cations into a three-dimensional framework. Each An atom coordinates to eight monodentate [Si{sub 8}O{sub 20}]{sup 8−} moieties in a square antiprismatic geometry. Na{sup +} and Ca{sup 2+} ions reside in the void within the framework. Raman spectra of 1, 2, and 3 were collected on single crystal samples. 1 displays more complex vibrational bands than thorite. Raman spectra of 2 and 3 are analogous with most of vibrational bands located at almost the same regions. - Graphical abstract: A Raman spectrum and crystal structures of (Ca{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5}){sub 2}NaAnSi{sub 8}O{sub 20} (An=Th, U), which contain pseudocubic [Si{sub 8}O{sub 20}]{sup 8−} polyanions and eight-coordinate An{sup 4+} cations. - Highlights: • Single crystal growth of three tetravalent actinide silicates from melts. • Single-crystal structures and Raman spectra of (Ca{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5}){sub 2}NaAnSi{sub 8}O{sub 20} (An=Th, U). • First report of Raman spectrum of huttonite on single crystal samples.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis and characterization of hollow mesoporous BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} spheres

A facile method is reported to synthesize hollow mesoporous BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} spheres using a template-free chemical etching process. Hollow BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} spheres were synthesized by conventional spray pyrolysis. The mesoporous structure is achieved by alkaline ethylene glycol etching at 185 °C, with the porosity controlled by the heating time. The hollow porous structure is confirmed by SEM, TEM, and FIB-FESEM characterization. The crystal structure and magnetic properties are not significantly affected after the chemical etching process. The formation mechanism of the porous structure is explained by grain boundary etching. - Graphical abstract: Hollow spherical BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} particles are polycrystalline with both grains and grain boundaries. Grain boundaries have less ordered structure and lower stability. When the particles are exposed to high temperature alkaline ethylene glycol, the grain boundaries are etched, leaving small grooves between grains. These grooves allow ethylene glycol to diffuse inside to further etch the grains. As the grain size decreases, gaps appear on the particle surfaces, and a porous structure is finally formed. - Highlights: • Two-step synthesis method for hollow mesoporous BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} spheres is proposed. • Porosity of the product can be regulated by controlling the second step of chemical etching. • The crystal structure and magnetic properties are examined to be little affected during the chemical etching. • The mesoporous structure formation mechanism is explained by grain boundary etching.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗