FRG: Structural Phase Transformations in Polymorphic Nanostructures

FRG：多晶型纳米结构中的结构相变

• 批准号: 1206960
• 负责人: Yi Gu
• 金额: $ 61万
• 依托单位: Washington State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2012-09-01 至 2016-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1206960&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: FRG; Structural; Phase; Transformations; Polymorphic

Technical Description: This project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of crystalline-amorphous and polymorphic crystalline-crystalline phase transformations in phase-change nanostructure materials, particularly In2Se3 nanowires, and to understand the multi-level phase-change memory switching process. Specific tasks include (1) understanding the thermodynamics of phase transformations by constructing the temperature-pressure phase diagram; (2) investigating the phase transformation kinetics; (3) establishing the structure-property relation; and (4) elucidating the multiphysics process that underlies the multi-level memory switching. The approach combines experimental and theoretical investigations. The experimental approach utilizes a combination of transmission electron microscopy, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and multi-functional scanning probe microscopy techniques, with the capability to adjust the temperature and pressure in situ. Complementing the experimental aspect, the theory component based on first-principles calculations investigates the phase stability and its dependence on temperature and pressure, kinetic pathways of the phase transformation, and phase-specific electronic structures and physical properties.Non-technical Description: This project provides a fundamental insight into the structural phase transformation in a technologically important phase-change material. Compared to current mainstream non-volatile memory technologies, such as the Flash memory, phase-change memory offers faster random access time, higher endurance and scalability to the 10-nm range. The knowledge acquired in this study establishes a fundamental basis for developing next-generation non-volatile phase-change memory with multi-level storage capabilities in a single material system. This project provides training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, including those who are members of underrepresented groups. A new seminar course focusing on providing a coherent understanding of phase-change nanomaterials is developed and is team-taught by the PIs. The outreach to the general public is facilitated by developing visual materials, including images and movies, which are posted on YouTube. These materials are a part of the Explore Nano! exhibit in a local science museum.

技术说明：该项目旨在了解相变纳米结构材料，特别是In 2Se 3纳米线中晶体-非晶和多晶-晶体相变的潜在机制，并了解多级相变存储器切换过程。具体任务包括：（1）通过构建温度-压力相图来理解相变的热力学;（2）研究相变动力学;（3）建立结构-性质关系;（4）阐明多级存储器切换背后的多物理过程。该方法结合了实验和理论研究。实验方法利用透射电子显微镜，拉曼和红外光谱，X射线衍射和多功能扫描探针显微镜技术的组合，具有原位调节温度和压力的能力。作为对实验的补充，基于第一性原理计算的理论部分研究了相稳定性及其对温度和压力的依赖性，相变的动力学途径，以及特定于相的电子结构和物理性质。非技术描述：该项目提供了对技术上重要的相变材料的结构相变的基本见解。与当前主流的非易失性存储器技术（如闪存）相比，相变存储器提供更快的随机访问时间、更高的耐久性和可扩展性（可扩展至10 nm范围）。在这项研究中获得的知识建立了一个基本的基础，开发下一代的非易失性相变存储器与多级存储能力在一个单一的材料系统。该项目为本科生和研究生，包括代表性不足群体的成员提供培训机会。一个新的研讨会课程，重点是提供一个连贯的理解相变纳米材料的开发和小组授课的PI。通过制作视频材料，包括在YouTube上发布的图像和电影，促进了对公众的宣传。这些材料是Explore Nano的一部分！在当地科学博物馆展出。