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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

K 3 SbS 4 as a Potassium Superionic Conductor with Low Activation Energy for K–S Batteries

Abstract Solid‐state K‐ion conducting electrolytes are key elements to address the current problems in K secondary batteries. Here, we report a sulfide‐based K‐ion conductor K 3 SbS 4 with a low‐activation energy of 0.27 eV. W‐doped K 3− x Sb 1− x W x S 4 ( x =0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10 and 0.12) compounds were also explored for increasing vacancy concentrations and improving ionic conductivity. Among them, K 2.92 Sb 0.92 W 0.08 S 4 exhibits the highest conductivity of 1.4×10 −4 S cm −1 at 40 °C, which is among the best reported potassium‐ion conductors at ambient temperature. In addition, K 2.92 Sb 0.92 W 0.08 S 4 is electrochemically stable with long‐chained potassium polysulfide of K 2 S x . A room‐temperature solid potassium–sulfur (K−S) battery system has therefore been successfully demonstrated, which is the first K−S battery prototype using non‐commercial inorganic‐based electrolyte to block the polysulfide shuttle.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

In Situ Alloying Enabled by Active Liquid Metal Filler for Self‐Healing Composite Polymer Electrolytes

Abstract Solid inorganics, known for kinetically inhibiting polymer crystallization and enhancing ionic conductivity, have attracted significant attention in solid polymer electrolytes. However, current composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) are still facing challenges in Li metal batteries, falling short of inhibiting severe dendritic growth and resulting in very limited cycling life. This study introduces Ga 62.5 In 21.5 Sn 16 (Galinstan) liquid metal (LM) as an active liquid alternative to conventional passive solid fillers, aiming at realizing self‐healing protection against dendrite problems. Compared to solid inorganics, for example silica, LM droplets could more significantly reduce polymer crystallinity and enhance Li‐ion conductivity due to their liquid nature, especially at temperatures below the polymer melting point. More importantly, LMs are unraveled as dynamic chemical traps, which are capable of blocking and consuming lithium dendrites upon contact via in situ alloying during battery operation and further inhibiting dendritic growth due to the lower deposition energy barrier of the formed Li‐LM alloy. As a proof of concept, by strategically designing an asymmetric CPE with the active LM filling, a solid‐state Li/LiFePO 4 battery achieves promising full‐cell functionality with notable rate performance and stable cycle life. This active filler‐mediated self‐healing approach could bring new insights into the battery design in versatile solid‐state systems.

Wu, Kai↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modulation of Akt vs Stat3 activity by the focal adhesion kinase in non-neoplastic mouse fibroblasts

Adhesion of cells to each other and to the extracellular matrix (ECM) are both required for cellular functions. Cell-to-cell adhesion is mediated by cadherins and their engagement triggers the activation of Stat3, which offers a potent survival signal. Adhesion to the ECM on the other hand, activates FAK which attracts and activates Src, as well as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the PI3k/Akt and Ras/Erk pathways. However, the effect of cell density upon FAK and Akt activity has not been examined. We now demonstrate that, interestingly, despite being potent Stat3 activators, Src and RTKs are unable to activate Stat3 in sparsely growing (i.e., without cadherin engagement), non-neoplastic cells attached to the ECM. In contrast, cell aggregation (i.e., cadherin engagement in the absence of adhesion to a solid substratum) was found to activate both Stat3 and Akt. Pharmacologic or genetic reduction of FAK activity abolished Akt activity at low densities, indicating that FAK is an important activator of Akt in this setting. Notably, FAK knockout increased cellular sensitivity to the Stat3 inhibitor CPA7, while FAK reintroduction restored resistance to this drug. These findings suggest a complementary role of integrin/FAK/Akt and cadherin/Stat3-mediated pro-survival pathways, which may be of significance during neoplastic transformation and metastasis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2017

Hybrid Direct-Current Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaking system includes a first branch including at least one solid-state snubber; a second branch coupled in parallel to the first branch and including a superconductor and a cryogenic contactor coupled in series; and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one solid-state snubber and the cryogenic contactor and programmed to, when a fault occurs in the load circuit, activate the at least one solid-state snubber for migrating flow of the electrical current from the second branch to the first branch, and, when the fault is cleared in the load circuit, activate the cryogenic contactor for migrating the flow of the electrical current from the first branch to the second branch.

Wang, Ruxi↗
NASA NTRS1982

Glass for Solid State Devices

Glass film has low intrinsic compressive stress for isolating active layers of magnetic-bubble and other solid-state devices. Solid-state device structure incorporates low-stress glasses as barrier and spacer layers. Glass layers mechanically isolate substrate, conductor, and nickel/iron layers.

Bailey, R. F.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Composite Ionogel Electrodes for Polymeric Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries

Realizing rechargeable cells with practical energy and power density requires electrodes with high active material loading, a remaining challenge for solid-state batteries. Here, we present a new strategy based on ionogel-derived solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to form composite electrodes that enable high active material loading (>10 mg/cm 2 , ~9 mA/cm 2 at 1C) in a scalable approach for fabricating Li-ion cells. By tuning the precursor and active materials composition incorporated into the composite lithium titanate electrodes, we achieve near-theoretical capacity utilization at C/5 rates and cells capable of stable cycling at 5.85 mA/cm 2 (11.70 A/g) with over 99% average Coulombic efficiency at room temperature. Finally, we demonstrate a complete polymeric solid-state cell with a composite anode and a composite lithium iron phosphate cathode with ionogel SSEs, which is capable of stable cycling at a 1C rate.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Pattern formation and transport for externally driven active matter on periodic substrates (a)

Abstract We investigate the transport of interacting active run-and-tumble particles moving under an external drift force through a periodic array of obstacles for increasing drive amplitudes. For high activity where the system forms a motility-induced phase-separated state, there are several distinct dynamic phases including a low drive pinned cluster phase, an intermediate uniform fluid, and a higher drive stripe crystal state. The transitions between the phases are correlated with signatures in the transport curves, differential mobility, and power spectra of the velocity fluctuations. In contrast, in the low activity regime the transport curves and power spectra undergo little change as a function of drive. We argue that in the high activity limit, the behavior is similar to that of driven solids on periodic substrates, while in the low activity limit the system behaves like a driven fluid.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1975

Space shuttle solid rocket booster processing and recovery operations at Kennedy Space Center

This paper describes the processing and recovery operations at Kennedy Space Center as applied to the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster. The introductory portion covers the overall Space Shuttle launch vehicle with a description of the Solid Rocket Boosters and explanations of their functions. Processing operations begin with the arrival of the new or refurbished Solid Rocket Motor segments by rail cars from the manufacturer. Segment buildup is performed on the Mobile Launch Platform, and the completed major booster elements are functionally tested prior to their integration with other prime elements that comprise a complete Shuttle launch vehicle. The recovery operations following launch include Solid Rocket Booster separation, parachute deployment, splashdown, and the activities associated with retrieval of the reusable components of the Solid Rocket Boosters. Subsequently, the paper describes the processing required to thoroughly clean the retrieved items, the disassembly activities, and refurbishment steps planned for restoration of the hardware components to usable condition.

Dickinson, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS2013

US Rocket Propulsion Industrial Base Health Metrics

The number of active liquid rocket engine and solid rocket motor development programs has severely declined since the "space race" of the 1950s and 1960s center dot This downward trend has been exacerbated by the retirement of the Space Shuttle, transition from the Constellation Program to the Space launch System (SLS) and similar activity in DoD programs center dot In addition with consolidation in the industry, the rocket propulsion industrial base is under stress. To Improve the "health" of the RPIB, we need to understand - The current condition of the RPIB - How this compares to past history - The trend of RPIB health center dot This drives the need for a concise set of "metrics" - Analogous to the basic data a physician uses to determine the state of health of his patients - Easy to measure and collect - The trend is often more useful than the actual data point - Can be used to focus on problem areas and develop preventative measures The nation's capability to conceive, design, develop, manufacture, test, and support missions using liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors that are critical to its national security, economic health and growth, and future scientific needs. center dot The RPIB encompasses US government, academic, and commercial (including industry primes and their supplier base) research, development, test, evaluation, and manufacturing capabilities and facilities. center dot The RPIB includes the skilled workforce, related intellectual property, engineering and support services, and supply chain operations and management. This definition touches the five main segments of the U.S. RPIB as categorized by the USG: defense, intelligence community, civil government, academia, and commercial sector. The nation's capability to conceive, design, develop, manufacture, test, and support missions using liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors that are critical to its national security, economic health and growth, and future scientific needs. center dot The RPIB encompasses US government, academic, and commercial (including industry primes and their supplier base) research, development, test, evaluation, and manufacturing capabilities and facilities. center dot The RPIB includes the skilled workforce, related intellectual property, engineering and support services, and supply chain operations and management. This definition touches the five main segments of the U.S. RPIB as categorized by the USG: defense, intelligence community, civil government, academia, and commercial sector.

Doreswamy, Rajiv↗
DOE OSTI2024

Beyond conventional batteries: a review on semi-solid and redox targeting flow batteries-LiFePO{sub 4} as a case study.

Clean and sustainable energy is becoming increasingly crucial to tackle the current energy crisis. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources presents a challenge for their effective implementation. Redox flow batteries (RFBs) have emerged as a promising solution to this problem, as they can help enhance the stability of grid networks and promote the use of renewable energy sources. RFBs are highly modular and scalable systems that can be customized to meet the power and energy requirements of different renewable energy plants. Moreover, they offer several advantages over conventional battery technologies, including cost and safety concerns. However, conventional RFBs have limited energy densities due to the low solubility of their active species in electrolyte. To overcome this limitation, semi-solid (SSRFBs) and redox targeting (RTFBs) flow batteries have been proposed. These systems feature high concentrations of active species and impressive energy densities, making them highly attractive for renewable energy applications. LiFePO4 (LFP) is a highly promising active material for semi-solid and targeting flow batteries. One of the key advantages of LFP is its low raw materials cost, as it is composed of Earth-abundant elements such as iron and phosphorus. This makes it an attractive option for large-scale battery production. The recent developments in SSRFBs and RTFBs using LFP as catholyte hold great promise for the future of sustainable energy storage. The combination of LFP's low cost, safety, durability, and high energy density with the modularity and scalability of flow battery systems make for a compelling solution to the challenges of intermittent renewable energy sources. Ongoing research and development in this area will likely yield even further improvements in the performance and efficiency of LFP-based flow batteries, opening exciting new possibilities for sustainable energy storage.

El Halya, Nabil↗
DOE OSTI2023

Morphology Evolution in Self-Healing Liquid-Gallium-Based Mg-Ion Battery Anode

Conventional solid battery anodes suffer from dendrite growth and volume changes, resulting in poor cycling performances. Self-healing electrodes made of liquid metals and alloys can overcome these issues by reversibly undergoing liquid–solid phase transformations during (dis)charging. Just recently, we achieved 1000 cycles in Mg-ion battery anodes using liquid Ga as the active material, which reversibly transformed into solid Mg 2 Ga 5 during (de)magnesiation. However, the fundamental mechanism behind this liquid–solid phase transformation remains unclear. In this follow-up work, cryogenic focused ion beam electron microscopy is used to elucidate the morphology evolution when liquid Ga embedded in a carbon-binder matrix transforms into solid Mg 2 Ga 5 during cycling. We found that liquid Ga gradually diffuses into the surrounding matrix, increasing the contact area between active material and electrolyte, facilitating the charge transfer process. These new insights will help understand the performance of alkali- and alkaline-earth-metal batteries based on liquid anodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1980

An industrial application of the JPL ACTS with energy recovery

The JPL Activated Carbon Treatment System (ACTS) uses sewage solids derived from municipal wastewater treatment systems as a source of organic material for powdered activated carbons (PAC). The PAC is used for the COD removal from wastewater and as a filter aid in the recovery of additional sewage solids.

Humphrey, M. F.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Preliminary Investigation of an Active PLZT Lens

The design, analysis and preliminary testing of a prototype Adjustable Focus Optical Correction Lens (AFOCL) is described. The AFOCL is an active optical component composed of solid state lead lanthanum-modified zirconate titanate (PLZT) ferroelectric ceramic with patterned indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent surface electrodes that modulate the refractive index of the PLZT to function as an electro-optic lens. The AFOCL was developed to perform optical re-alignment and wavefront correction to enhance the performance of Ultra-Lightweight Structures and Space Observatories (ULSSO). The AFOCL has potential application as an active optical component within a larger optical system. As such, information from a wavefront sensor would be processed to provide input to the AFOCL to drive the sensed wavefront to the desired shape and location. While offering variable and rapid focussing capability (controlled wavefront manipulation) similar to liquid crystal based spatial light modulators (SLM), the AFOCL offers some potential advantages because it is a solid-state, stationary, low-mass, rugged, and thin optical element that can produce wavefront quality comparable to the solid refractive lens it replaces. The AFOCL acts as a positive or negative lens by producing a parabolic phase-shift in the PLZT material through the application of a controlled voltage potential across the ITO electrodes. To demonstrate the technology, a 4 mm diameter lens was fabricated to produce 5-waves of optical power operating at 2.051 micrometer wavelength. Optical metrology was performed on the device to measure focal length, optical quality, and efficiency for a variety of test configurations. The data was analyzed and compared to theoretical data available from computer-based models of the AFOCL.

Lightsey, W. D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Operando neutron imaging-guided gradient design of Li-ion solid conductor for high-mass-loading cathodes

High-mass-loading cathodes are crucial for achieving high energy density in all-solid-state batteries from the lab scale to industry. However, as mass-loading increases, electrochemical performance is significantly compromised due to sluggish kinetics. In this work, operando neutron imaging is deployed on a high-mass-loading NMC 811 cathode of 33 mg/cm 2 (5.0 mAh/cm 2 ) and directly visualizes the lithiation prioritization of the cathode active material (CAM) from the solid electrolyte membrane side to the current collector side. In addition to the tortuosity, another key limitation on ion transfer in the cathode arises from the mismatch between the uniform distribution of the solid electrolyte (catholyte) in the conventional composite cathode and the non-uniform Li + flux generated by the faradaic reaction of CAMs. Therefore, we engineer a gradient in the catholyte concentration to match the Li + flux distribution as a means of eliminating the ion transfer obstacle. This approach demonstrates enhanced rate performance, even with high-mass-loading cathodes. A LiCoO 2 composite cathode with 100 mg/cm 2 high-mass-loading exhibits an areal capacity of 10.4 mAh/cm 2 at a current density of 2.25 mA/cm 2 . This work provides insight into the ion-transport limitation in thick cathodes and demonstrates an effective gradient design to overcome the kinetic barrier and achieve high battery performance.

Batteries↗
NASA NTRS1990

Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) project. VI - Spacecraft, scientific instruments, and launching rocket. Part 4 - TRMM rain radar

The basic system parameters for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) radar system are frequency, beamwidth, scan angle, resolution, number of independent samples, pulse repetition frequency, data rate, and so on. These parameters were chosen to satisfy NASA's mission requirements. Six candidates for the TRMM rain radar were studied. The study considered three major competitive items: (1) a pulse-compression radar vs. a conventional radar; (2) an active-array radar with a solid state power amplifier vs. a passive-array radar with a traveling-wave-tube amplifier; and (3) antenna types (planar-array antenna vs. cylindrical parabolic antenna). Basic system parameters such as radar sensitivities, power consumption, weight, and size of these six types are described. Trade-off studies of these cases show that the non-pulse-compression active-array radar with a planar array is considered to be the most suitable candidate for the TRMM rain radar at 13.8 GHz.

Meneghini, Robert↗
DOE OSTI2025

Control of Two Solid Electrolyte Interphases at the Negative Electrode of an Anode‐Free All Solid‐State Battery based on Argyrodite Electrolyte

Abstract Anode‐free all solid‐state batteries (AF‐ASSBs) employ “empty” current collector with three active interfaces that determine electrochemical stability; lithium metal – Solid electrolyte (SE) interphase (SEI‐1), lithium – current collector interface, and collector – SE interphase (SEI‐2). Argyrodite Li 6 PS 5 Cl (LPSCl) solid electrolyte (SE) displays SEI‐2 containing copper sulfides, formed even at open circuit. Bilayer of 140 nm magnesium/30 nm tungsten (Mg/W‐Cu) controls the three interfaces and allows for state‐of‐the‐art electrochemical performance in half‐cells and fullcells. AF‐ASSB with NMC811 cathode achieves 150 cycles with Coulombic efficiency (CE) above 99.8%. With high mass‐loading cathode (8.6 mAh cm −2 ), AF‐ASSB retains 86.5% capacity after 45 cycles at 0.2C. During electrodeposition of Li, gradient Li‐Mg solid solution is formed, which reverses upon electrodissolution. This promotes conformal wetting/dewetting by Li and stabilizes SEI‐1 by lowering thermodynamic driving force for SE reduction. Inert refractory W underlayer is required to prevent ongoing formation of SEI‐2 that also drives electrochemical degradation. Inert Mo and Nb layers likewise protect Cu from corroding, while Li‐alloying layers (Mg, Sn) are less effective due to ongoing volume changes and associated pulverization. Mechanistic explanation for observed Li segregation within alloying Li x Mg layer is provided through mesoscale modelling, considering opposing roles of diffusivity differences and interfacial stresses.

Wang, Yixian [Materials Science and Engineering Pr↗