General Lab Information

Materials for Energy Applications

The mission of the group is to inform design of next-generation materials by generating mechanistic insights via multi-modal studies of materials degradation and structure-property relationships in extreme environments. We utilize high resolution synchrotron-based x-ray scattering and spectroscopy methods complemented by electron microscopy and first principles modeling to understand microstructures of materials in extreme environments such as high temperature, radiation and corrosive environments.

Research

Molten salts projects

Molten Salts in Extreme Environments

The center for Molten Salts in Extreme Environments (MSEE) is building a fundamental and predictive understanding of molten salt bulk and interfacial chemistry, including the effects of solutes and impurities on those properties.

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Innovative Salt System

The goal of this project is to comprehend the interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and molten salt well enough to anticipate NP behavior in practical molten reactor systems.

We utilize dynamic light scattering (DLS) and X-ray scattering methods to characterize NP aggregation / dispersion in relation to NP and salt chemistry, as well as temperature.

Radiation-induced Iodine Behaviors in Molten Salts

We aim to comprehensively grasp the quantitative aspects of iodine speciation, chemistry, and transport, alongside interfacial chemistry in radiation and high-temperature molten salt environments.

Optical Basicity Determination of Molten Fluoride Salts and its Influence on Structural Material

To establish a robust fundamental understanding of fluoro-basicity and explore the connections between optical basicity and molten salt structures, we investigate solute speciation in fluoride-based salt systems across a range of basicity levels.

Gas bubble superlattice projects

The role of anisotropy on the self organization of gas bubble superlattice

We are investigating the fundamental aspects of gas bubble superlattice formation through a combination of experimental and theoretical methods.

We utilize high-resolution synchrotron methods to comprehend the mechanisms behind gas bubble superlattice formation in metallic systems. Additionally, we characterize microstructural, and elemental changes after irradiation, employing nanodiffraction methods and Bragg coherent diffraction imaging methods for strain mapping.

High entropy alloy project

Machine learning-assisted, high-throughput development of high entropy alloys

We employ high-resolution and high-throughput synchrotron methods to comprehend the influence of alloy composition and temperature on controlling the diffusion of alloying elements. This is crucial for forming high-performance solid solution candidates.

Furthermore, we demonstrate and develop a capability for autonomous and combinatorial materials discovery for nuclear applications. This is achieved through a high-throughput thin film of compositionally graded approach.

NA-22 project

Expanding the nuclear forensic toolkit

We are developing synchrotron-based nondestructive methods for conducting high-resolution studies of particulate systems containing actinides, specifically for nuclear forensic applications. These methods aim to offer detailed elemental, chemical, and structural information, demonstrating high sensitivity to minor constituents and trace impurities.

Earth-shot - EERC center

Degradation Reactions in Electrothermal Energy Storage (DegREES)

We aim to provide a fundamental understanding of the degradation mechanisms of phase change materials (PCMs) and thermochemical materials (TCMs) at the atomic and molecular levels. This knowledge will enable us to predict and, ultimately, control their performance under conditions relevant to grid-scale long-duration energy storage (LDES).

28-ID-2-D beamline endstation at NSLS-II

X‐ray Synchrotron Diffraction Tomography for Materials for Nuclear Energy Systems

The Materials For Energy Applications (MEA) group is actively engaged in a Partner User Agreement with 28-ID-2 (XPD) beamline of National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS-II) to provide X-ray synchrotron-based characterization resources (X-ray diffraction, X-ray imaging, X-ray fluorescence, tomography...) for the nuclear science community through NSUF. These resources are available to industry, government, and academic institutions. However, users are requested to submit proposals Rapid Turnaround Experiment (RTE) or Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) proposals in order to request access for available resources. Once the proposals are reviewed and selected by NSUF, beamline work is supported through MEA and NSLS-II staff.