Directed Mesoscale Synthesis of Tunnel Structured Materials for Energy Applications
EMSL Project ID
47710
Abstract
Many materials for energy applications function by reversibly absorbing and releasing charge carriers. Conventional synthesis of these materials typically results in complex aggregates of nano-scale crystallites with inconsistent properties and unpredictable performance. Further, these complex morphologies and aggregate structures render it difficult to distinguish the effects of intrinsic structure/composition on a targeted property such as the diffusion of charge carriers. In this regard, we propose to develop a novel synthesis capability and expertise for extended single crystal epitaxial films of tunnel-structured manganese oxides, an important class of energy materials, to enable fundamental experimental studies that probe intrinsic structure-property relationships. This has never been successfully implemented before and will lay the ground work for studying other energy materials with complex structures. An immediate scientific issue of interest, and one of the primary goals of this work, is to understand the influence of tunnel size and composition on coupled electron/(H+)ion diffusion and charge storage. We will take advantage of EMSL’s unique combination of capabilities in epitaxial synthesis, computational chemistry (including ab initio thermodynamics), and characterization methods as outlined schematically in the Figure. The outcome can then be leveraged for anticipated funding opportunities in mesoscale science through BES. As discussed in a following section “Mesoscale Science” includes epitaxial films which span a monolayer to 100’s of nanometers. In this sense, we intend to probe “intra-crystalline” mesoscale processes. This fundamental advance is necessary to eventually tackle the full range of mesoscale phenomena in nano-crystalline aggregates, and is aligned with BES programmatic growth targets.
Project Details
Start Date
2012-10-15
End Date
2013-10-27
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members