TY - JOUR A1 - Zorn, R. A1 - Yin, Huajie A1 - Lohstroh, W. A1 - Harrison, W. A1 - Budd, P.M. A1 - Pauw, Brian Richard A1 - Böhning, Martin A1 - Schönhals, Andreas T1 - Anomalies in the low frequency vibrational density of states for a polymer with intrinsic microporosity - the Boson peak of PIM-1 N2 - Polymers with intrinsic microporosity are promising candidates for the active separation layer in gas separation membranes. Here, the vibrational density of states (VDOS) for PIM-1, the prototypical polymer with intrinsic microporosity, is investigated by means of inelastic neutron scattering. The results are compared to data measured for a more conventional high-performance polyimide used in gas separation membranes (Matrimid). The measured data show the characteristic low frequency excess contribution to VDOS above the Debye sound wave level, generally known as the Boson peak in glass-forming materials. In comparison to the Boson peak of Matrimid, that of PIM-1 is shifted to lower frequencies. This shift is discussed considering the microporous, sponge-like structure of PIM-1 as providing a higher compressibility at the molecular scale than for conventional polymers. For an annealed PIM-1 sample, the Boson peak shifts to higher frequencies in comparison to the un-annealed sample. These changes in the VDOS of the annealed PIM-1 sample are related to changes in the microporous structure as confirmed by X-ray scattering. KW - Polymers KW - Boson peak KW - Neutron scattering KW - Physical aging KW - Polymer of intrinsic microporosity PY - 2018 DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP07141H SN - 1463-9076 SN - 1463-9084 VL - 20 IS - 3 SP - 1355 EP - 1363 PB - The Royal Society of Chemistry AN - OPUS4-43808 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zorn, R. A1 - Szymoniak, Paulina A1 - Kolmangadi, Mohamed Aejaz A1 - Malpass-Evans, R. A1 - McKeown, N. A1 - Tyagi, M. A1 - Böhning, Martin A1 - Schönhals, Andreas T1 - Low frequency vibrations and diffusion in disordered polymers bearing an intrinsic microporosity as revealed by neutron scattering N2 - The microscopic diffusion and the low frequency density of states (VDOS) of PIM-EATB(CH3) are investigated by inelastic and quasi-elastic neutron scattering where also the demethylated counterpart of PIM-EA-TB(H2) is considered. These intrinsic microporous polymers are characterized by large BET surface area values of several hundred m2/g and pore sizes between 0.5 and 2 nm. Detailed comparison is made to the archetype of polymers of intrinsic microporosity, PIM-1, and polynorbornenes also bearing a microporosity. Due to the wavelength of neutrons, the diffusion and vibrations can be addressed on microscopic length and time scales. From the inelastic neutron scattering experiments the low frequency density of states (VDOS) is estimated which shows excess contributions to the Debye-type VDOS known as Boson peak. It was found that the maximum frequency of the Boson peak decreases with increasing microporosity characterized by the BET surface area. However, besides the BET surface area, additional factors such as the backbone stiffness govern the maximum frequency of the Boson peak. Further the mean squared displacement related to microscopic motions was estimated from elastic fixed window scans. At temperatures above 175 K, the mean squared displacement PIM-EA-TB(CH3) is higher than that for the demethylated counterpart PIM-EA-TB(H2). The additional contribution found for PIM-EATB(CH3) is ascribed to the rotation of the methyl group in this polymer because the only difference between the two structures is that PIM-EA-TB(CH3) has methyl groups where PIM-EA-TB(H2) has none. A detailed comparison of the molecular dynamics is also made to that of PIM-1 and the microporous polynorbornene PTCNSi1. The manuscript focuses on the importance of vibrations and the localized molecular mobility characterized by the microscopic diffusion on the gas Transport in polymeric separation membranes. In the frame of the random gate model localized fluctuations can open or close bottlenecks between pores to enable the diffusion of gas molecules. KW - Polymer of intrisic microporosity KW - Neutron scattering KW - Boson peak KW - Methyl group rotation PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-538490 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11121482 VL - 11 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - MDPI CY - Basel AN - OPUS4-53849 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zinas, Orestis A1 - Papaioannou, Iason A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Cuéllar, Pablo T1 - Multivariate Gaussian Process Regression for 3D site characterization from CPT and categorical borehole data N2 - Accurate prediction of subsurface stratigraphy and geotechnical properties, along with quantification of associated uncertainties, is essential for improving the design and assessment of geotechnical structures. Several studies have utilized indirect data from Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs) and employed statistical and Machine Learning methods to quantify the geological and geotechnical uncertainty. Incorporating direct borehole data can reduce uncertainties. This study proposes a computationally efficient multivariate Gaussian Process model that utilizes site-specific data and: (i) jointly models multiple categorical (USCS labels) and continuous CPT variables, (ii) learns a non-separable covariance structure leveraging the Linear Model of Coregionalization, and (iii) predicts a USCS based stratigraphy and CPT parameters at any location within the 3D domain. The results demonstrate that integrating geotechnical and geological data into a unified model yields more reliable predictions of subsurface stratification, enabling the parallel interpretation of both USCS classification and CPT profiles. Importantly, the model demonstrates its potential to integrate multiple variables from different sources and data types, contributing to the advancement of methodologies for the joint modeling of geotechnical, geological, and geophysical data. KW - Geotechnical site-characterization KW - Cone Penetration Tests KW - Stratigraphy prediction KW - Multivariate Gaussian process KW - Variational inference KW - Linear Model of Coregionalization PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-629456 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2025.108052 SN - 1872-6917 VL - 352 SP - 1 EP - 19 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-62945 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ziesche, R.F. A1 - Hack, J. A1 - Rasha, L. A1 - Maier, M. A1 - Tan, C. A1 - Heenan, T.M.M. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Kockelmann, W. A1 - Brett, D.J.L. A1 - Shearing, P.R. T1 - High-speed 4D neutron computed tomography for quantifying water dynamics in polymer electrolyte fuel cells N2 - In recent years, low-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells have become an increasingly important pillar in a zero-carbon strategy for curbing climate change, with their potential to power multiscale stationary and mobile applications. The performance improvement is a particular focus of research and engineering roadmaps, with water management being one of the major areas of interest for development. Appropriate characterisation tools for mapping the evolution, motion and removal of water are of high importance to tackle shortcomings. This article demonstrates the development of a 4D high-speed neutron imaging technique, which enables a quantitative analysis of the local water evolution. 4D visualisation allows the time-resolved studies of droplet formation in the flow fields and water quantification in various cell parts. Performance parameters for water management are identified that offer a method of cell classification, which will, in turn, support computer modelling and the engineering of next-generation flow field designs. KW - Neutron imaging KW - Tomography KW - Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-545978 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29313-5 VL - 13 IS - 1 SP - 1616 PB - Nature Publishing Group UK CY - London AN - OPUS4-54597 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ziesche, R. A1 - Robinson, J. A1 - Kok, M. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Kockelmann, W. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Brett, D. A1 - Shearing, P. T1 - Editors’ Choice—4D Neutron and X-ray Tomography Studies of High Energy Density Primary Batteries: Part I. Dynamic Studies of LiSOCl2 during Discharge N2 - The understanding of dynamic processes in Li-metal batteries is an important consideration to enable the full capacity of cells to be utilised. These processes, however, are generally not directly observable using X-ray techniques due to the low attenuation of Li; and are challenging to visualise using neutron imaging due to the low temporal resolution of the technique. In this work, complementary X-ray and neutron imaging are combined to track the dynamics of Li within a primary Li/SOCl2 cell. The temporal challenges posed by neutron imaging are overcome using the golden ratio imaging method which enables the identification of Li diffusion in operando. This combination of techniques has enabled an improved understanding of the processes which limit rate performance in Li/SOCl2 cells and may be applied beyond this chemistry to other Li-metal cells. KW - Nneutron imaging KW - X-ray imaging KW - Tomography KW - Primary Battery PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-515802 DO - https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/abbbbc SN - 1945-7111 VL - 13 IS - 167 SP - 130545 PB - IOP Publishing AN - OPUS4-51580 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zheng, Y. A1 - Zhang, S. A1 - Ma, J. A1 - Sun, F. A1 - Osenberg, M. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Wilde, F. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Hu, Z. A1 - Cui, G. T1 - Codependent failure mechanisms between cathode and anode in solid state lithium metal batteries: mediated by uneven ion flux N2 - An in-depth understanding of the degradation mechanisms is a prerequisite for developing the nextgeneration all solid-state lithium metal battery (ASSLMB) technology. Herein, synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) together with other probing tools and simulation method were employed to rediscover the decaying mechanisms of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM)|Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl)|Li ASSLMB. It reveals that the detachment and isolation of NCM particles cause the current focusing on the remaining active regions of cathode. The extent of Li stripping and the likelihood of Li+ plating into LPSCl facing the active NCM particles becomes higher. Besides, the homogeneity of Li stripping/plating is improved by homogenizing the electrochemical reactions at the cathode side by LiZr2(PO4)3 (LZP) coating. These results suggest a codependent failure mechanism between cathode and anode that is mediated by uneven Li ion flux. This work contributes to establish a holistic understanding of the degradation mechanisms in ASSLMBs and opens new opportunities for their further optimization and evelopment. KW - Current density distribution KW - Lithium ion flux KW - Solid-state lithium metal batteries KW - Codependent failure mechanism KW - Cathode deactivation PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2023.03.021 SN - 2095-9273 VL - 68 IS - 8 SP - 813 EP - 825 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-57309 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhao, H. A1 - Chakraborty, Poulami A1 - Ponge, D. A1 - Hickel, Tilmann A1 - Sun, B. A1 - Wu, C.-H. A1 - Gault, B. A1 - Raabe, D. T1 - Hydrogen trapping and embrittlement in high-strength Al alloys N2 - Ever more stringent regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from transportation motivate efforts to revisit materials used for vehicles. High-strength aluminium alloys often used in aircrafts could help reduce the weight of automobiles, but are susceptible to environmental degradation. Hydrogen ‘embrittlement’ is often indicated as the main culprit; however, the exact mechanisms underpinning failure are not precisely known: atomic-scale analysis of H inside an alloy remains a challenge, and this prevents deploying alloy design strategies to enhance the durability of the materials. Here we performed near-atomic-scale analysis of H trapped in second-phase particles and at grain boundaries in a high-strength 7xxx Al alloy. We used these observations to guide atomistic ab initio calculations, which show that the co-segregation of alloying elements and H favours grain boundary decohesion, and the strong partitioning of H into the second-phase particles removes solute H from the matrix, hence preventing H embrittlement. Our insights further advance the mechanistic understanding of H-assisted embrittlement in Al alloys, emphasizing the role of H traps in minimizing cracking and guiding new alloy design. KW - Atomistic models KW - Hydrogen KW - Metals and alloys KW - Mechanical properties PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-543631 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04343-z SN - 1476-4687 VL - 602 IS - 7897 SP - 437 EP - 441 PB - Nature Publ. Group CY - London AN - OPUS4-54363 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhang, Z. A1 - Dong, K. A1 - Mazzio, K. A. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Wilde, F. A1 - Heinemann, T. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Adelhelm, P. T1 - Phase transformation and microstructural evolution of CuS electrodes in solid-state batteries probed by in situ 3D X-ray tomography N2 - Copper sulfide shows some unique physico-chemical properties that make it appealing as a cathode active material (CAM) for solid-state batteries (SSBs). The most peculiar feature of the electrode reaction is the reversible formation of μm-sized Cu crystals during cycling, despite its large theoretical volume change (75%). Here, the dynamic microstructural evolution of CuS cathodes in SSBs is studied using in situ synchrotron X-ray tomography. The formation of μm-sized Cu within the CAM particles can be clearly followed. This process is accompanied by crack formation that can be prevented by increasing the stack pressure from 26 to 40 MPa. Both the Cu inclusions and cracks show a preferential orientation perpendicular to the cell stack pressure, which can be a result of a z-oriented expansion of the CAM particles during lithiation. In addition, cycling leads to a z-oriented reversible displacement of the cathode pellet, which is linked to the plating/stripping of the Li counter electrode. The pronounced structural changes cause pressure changes of up to 6 MPa within the cell, as determined by operando stack pressure measurements. Reasons for the reversibility of the electrode reaction are discussed and are attributed to the favorable combination of soft materials. KW - Copper sulfide KW - Crack evolution KW - Digital volume correlation KW - Phase transformation KW - Solid-state batteries PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-564577 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202203143 IS - 2203143 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Wiley VHC-Verlag AN - OPUS4-56457 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhang, X. A1 - Zhang, S. A1 - Lu, J. A1 - Tang, F. A1 - Dong, K. A1 - Yu, Z. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Osenberg, M. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Wilde, F. A1 - Zhang, S. A1 - Zhao, J. A1 - Xu, G. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Sun, F. A1 - Cui, G. T1 - Unveiling the Electro-Chemo-Mechanical Failure Mechanism of Sodium Metal Anodes in Sodium–Oxygen Batteries by Synchrotron X-Ray Computed Tomography N2 - Rechargeable sodium–oxygen batteries (NaOBs) are receiving extensive research interests because of their advantages such as ultrahigh energy density and cost efficiency. However, the severe failure of Na metal anodes has impeded the commercial development of NaOBs. Herein, combining in situ synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) and other complementary characterizations, a novel electro-chemo-mechanical failure mechanism of sodium metal anode in NaOBs is elucidated. It is visually showcased that the Na metal anodes involve a three-stage decay evolution of a porous Na reactive interphase layer (NRIL): from the initially dot-shaped voids evolved into the spindle-shaped voids and the eventually-developed ruptured cracks. The initiation of this three-stage evolution begins with chemical-resting and is exacerbated by further electrochemical cycling. From corrosion science and fracture mechanics, theoretical simulations suggest that the evolution of porous NRIL is driven by the concentrated stress at crack tips. The findings illustrate the importance of preventing electro-chemo-mechanical degradation of Na anodes in practically rechargeable NaOBs. KW - Synchrotron radiation KW - X-ray imaging KW - NaO-battery PY - 2024 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202402253 SN - 1616-301X SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Wiley VHC-Verlag AN - OPUS4-59820 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhang, Wuyi A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - Ali, Ghulam A1 - Liu, Hui A1 - Chai, Liyuan A1 - Wu, Jun A1 - Liu, Min T1 - Nickel Nanocluster-Stabilized Unsaturated Ni–N3 Atomic Sites for Efficient CO2-to-CO Electrolysis at Industrial-Level Current N2 - Unsaturated Ni single-atom catalysts (SACs), Ni-Nx (x=1,2,3), have been investigated to break the conventional Ni-N4 structural limitation and provide more unoccupied 3d orbitals for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) intermediates adsorption, but their intrinsically low structural stability has seriously hindered their applications. Here, we developed a strategy by integrating Ni nanoclusters to stabilize unsaturated Ni-N3 atomic sites for efficient CO2 electroreduction to CO at industrial-level current. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the incorporation of Ni nanocluster effectively stabilizes the unsaturated Ni-N3 atomic sites and modulates their electronic structure to enhance the adsorption of the key intermediate *COOH during CO2RR. Guided by these insights, we prepared an optimal composite catalyst, Ni6@Ni-N3, which features a Ni6N6 nanocluster surrounded by six Ni-N3 single atoms sites, through low-temperature pyrolysis. The morphology and coordinative structure of Ni6@Ni-N3 were confirmed by an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope (AC-TEM) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). As a result, Ni6@Ni-N3 demonstrated a remarkably high CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 99.7 % and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 83984.2 h−1 at 500 mA cm−2 under −1.15 VRHE, much better than those of Ni-N4 with a lower FECO of 86 % at 100 mA cm−2 and a TOF of 39309.9 h−1under identical potential. XAS analyses of Ni6@Ni-N3 before and after long-term CO2RR testing confirmed the excellent stability of its coordinative environment. This work highlights a generalizable approach for stabilizing unsaturated single-atom catalysts, paving the way for their application in high-performance CO2RR. KW - Electrochemical CO2 conversion KW - Single atom catalysts KW - CO2 electrolysis PY - 2025 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202424552 SN - 1521-3773 VL - 64 IS - 13 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-62926 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -