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At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Comparing the Effects of Side Chain Dipole–Dipole Interactions and Hydrogen Bonding on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Poly(3-hexylthiophene)

Poly(3-alkylthiophenes) are simple conjugated polymers with good electrical properties, but tend to be brittle, limiting their application. Here, we investigate how side chain modifications can improve their toughness without compromising their charge transport. Specifically, we compare a weak dipole–dipole interaction of ester groups with a stronger hydrogen-bonding interaction of the hydroxyl groups. Two copolymers with targeted 5 and 10 mol % ester-functionalized side chains were synthesized and hydrolyzed in the solid state to introduce hydroxyl groups. Both hydrolyzed polymers became insoluble in most organic solvents, providing a path to layer-by-layer solution processing. All polymers’ optical, thermal, structural, electrical, and mechanical properties were investigated. Optical spectroscopy revealed that functionalization at these low levels did not significantly affect aggregation or π–π stacking. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated reduced crystallinity in the functionalized copolymers compared to that of P3HT. Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray diffraction data showed that functionalization led to an increase in lamellar spacing without altering molecular orientation or π–π stacking. Mechanical testing highlighted that at the lower functionalization level, both ester and hydroxyl groups similarly enhanced toughness, suggesting that disorder, rather than the specific nature of the functional group, was responsible for these improvements. At the higher functionalization level, hydroxyl groups significantly increased the elastic modulus while also negatively impacting charge carrier mobility. This study suggests that with stronger hydrogen-bonding groups, only very small amounts can improve P3HT’s toughness. For a wider tunable range, it may be a better strategy to use weak interactions such as dipole–dipole interactions of ester groups.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance Validation of a Thermally Integrated 50 kW High Temperature Electrolyzer System

In the proposed project, INL and OxEon seek to improve the value proposition of hydrogen production by integrating reversible fuel cell operations at relatively small scale for distributed energy applications. This goal will be accomplished by converting a 50 kW solid oxide electrolysis cell or SOEC system into a reversible system that operates at 30 kW in electrolysis mode and approximately 10 kW in fuel cell mode. The reversible SOC system will be operated for over 3,000 hours using an improved catalyst in the fuel electrode. Steam for the electrolysis will come from an electric boiler Thermal Energy Distribution System that will be configured to mimic an industrial source of low-grade heat. Thermodynamic analysis will be performed to demonstrate the potential of the system to achieve >85% system efficiency in electrolysis mode. Finally, a technoeconomic analysis will be completed to show potential to produce hydrogen at a cost of $2/kg. The figure at the right indicates a target cost breakdown to achieve that goal.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Model to inform the expansion of hydrogen distribution infrastructure

A growing hydrogen economy requires new hydrogen distribution infrastructure to link geographically distributed hubs of supply and demand. The Hydrogen Optimization with Deployment of Infrastructure (HOwDI) Model helps meet this requirement. The model is a spatially resolved optimization framework that determines location-specific hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure to cost-optimally meet a specified location-based demand. While these results are useful in understanding hydrogen infrastructure development, there is uncertainty in some costs that the model uses for inputs. Thus, the project team took the modeling effort a step further and developed a Monte Carlo methodology to help manage uncertainties. Seven scenarios were run using existing infrastructure and new demand in Texas exploring different policy and tax approaches. The inclusion of tax credits increased the percentage of runs that could deliver hydrogen at <$\$4$ /kg from 31% to 77% and decreased the average dispensed cost from $\$4.35$ /kg to $\$3.55$ /kg. However, even with tax credits there are still some runs where unabated SMR is deployed to meet new demand as the low-carbon production options are not competitive. Every scenario, except for the zero-carbon scenario (without tax credits), resulted in at least 20% of the runs meeting the $\$4$ /kg dispensed fuel cost target. This indicates that multiple pathways exist to deliver $\$4$ /kg hydrogen.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Triplet Photosensitized para -Hydrogen Induced Polarization

Despite its enormous utility in structural characterization, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is inherently limited by low spin polarization. One method to address the low polarization is para-hydrogen (p-H 2 ) induced polarization (PHIP) which uses the singlet spin isomer of H 2 to generate disparate nuclear spin populations to amplify the associated NMR signals. PHIP often relies on thermal catalysis or, more infrequently, UV-activated catalytic hydrogenation. Light-activated hydrogenation enables direct and timed control over the hyperpolarization of target substrates, critical for identifying short-lived intermediates. Here, we use an established Ir(III) triplet photosensitizer (PS) to visible light sensitize the triplet ligand-field states in the d6-transition metal dihydride Ru(CO)(PPh 3 ) 3 (H) 2 (1). Excitation inside a 9.4 T NMR spectrometer with the PS and a 420 nm blue LED, under 3 atm of p-H 2 , successfully photosensitized hyperpolarization in 1 and in a range of unsaturated substrates at and below room temperature, up to 1630-fold. In otherwise identical experimental conditions without light activation, no polarization was realized in 1 or the substrates evaluated. We believe triplet-sensitized PHIP (Trip- PHIP) represents a facile experimental means for probing triplet sensitized light activation in transition metal catalysts possessing low-lying triplet ligand-field states, providing mechanistic insight of potentially tremendous value in chemical catalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Biomimetic Metal-Free Hydride Donor Catalysts for CO 2 Reduction

The catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to fuels and value-added chemicals is of significance for the development of carbon recycling technologies. One of the main challenges associated with catalytic CO 2 reduction is product selectivity: the formation of carbon monoxide, molecular hydrogen, formate, methanol, and other products occurs with similar thermodynamic driving forces, making it difficult to selectively reduce CO 2 to the target product. Significant scientific effort has been aimed at the development of catalysts that can suppress the undesired hydrogen evolution reaction and direct the reaction toward the selective formation of the desired products, which are easy to handle and store. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, where the CO 2 reduction is achieved using NADPH cofactors in the Calvin cycle, in this study we explore biomimetic metal-free hydride donors as catalysts for the selective reduction of CO 2 to formate. Here, we outline our recent findings on the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters that control the hydride transfer from metal-free hydrides to CO 2 . By experimentally measuring and theoretically calculating the thermodynamic hydricities of a range of metal-free hydride donors, we derive structural and electronic factors that affect their hydride-donating abilities. Two dominant factors that contribute to the stronger hydride donors are identified to be (i) the stabilization of the positive charge formed upon HT via aromatization or by the presence of electron-donating groups and (ii) the destabilization of hydride donors through the anomeric effect or in the presence of significant structural constrains in the hydride molecule. Hydride donors with appropriate thermodynamic hydricities were reacted with CO 2 , and the formation of the formate ion (the first reduction step in CO 2 reduction to methanol) was confirmed experimentally, providing an important proof of principle that organocatalytic CO 2 reduction is feasible. The kinetics of hydride transfer to CO 2 were found to be slow, and the sluggish kinetics were assigned in part to the large self-exchange reorganization energy associated with the organic hydrides in the DMSO solvent. Finally, we outline our approaches to the closure of the catalytic cycle via the electrochemical and photochemical regeneration of the hydride (R–H) from the conjugate hydride acceptors (R + ). We illustrate how proton-coupled electron transfer can be efficiently utilized not only to lower the electrochemical potential at which the hydride regeneration takes place but also to suppress the unwanted dimerization that neutral radical intermediates tend to undergo. Overall, this account provides a summary of important milestones achieved in organocatalytic CO 2 reduction and provides insights into the future research directions needed for the discovery of inexpensive catalysts for carbon recycling.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Experimental Comparison of Hydrogen Refueling with Directly Pressurized vs. Cascade Method

This paper presents a comparative analysis of two hydrogen station configurations during the refueling process: the conventional “directly pressurized refueling process” and the innovative “cascade refueling process.” The objective of the cascade process is to refuel vehicles without the need for booster compressors. The experiments were conducted at the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility located at California State University, Los Angeles. In the cascade refueling process, the facility buffer tanks were utilized as high-pressure storage, enabling the refueling operation. Three different scenarios were tested: one involving the cascade refueling process and two involving compressor-driven refueling processes. On average, each refueling event delivered 1.6 kg of hydrogen. Although the cascade refueling process using the high-pressure buffer tanks did not achieve the pressure target, it resulted in a notable improvement in the nozzle outlet temperature trend, reducing it by approximately 8 °C. Moreover, the overall hydrogen chiller load for the two directly pressurized refuelings was 66 Wh/kg and 62 Wh/kg, respectively, whereas the cascading process only required 55 Wh/kg. This represents a 20% and 12% reduction in energy consumption compared to the scenarios involving booster compressors during fueling. The observed refueling range of 150–350 bar showed that the cascade process consistently required 12–20% less energy for hydrogen chilling. Additionally, the nozzle outlet temperature demonstrated an approximate 8 °C improvement within this pressure range. These findings indicate that further improvements can be expected in the high-pressure region, specifically above 350 bar. This research suggests the potential for significant improvements in the high-pressure range, emphasizing the viability of the cascade refueling process as a promising alternative to the direct compression approach.

08 HYDROGEN↗
NASA NTRS2012

Requirements for a Hydrogen Powered All-Electric Manned Helicopter

The objective of this paper is to set propulsion system targets for an all-electric manned helicopter of ultra-light utility class to achieve performance comparable to combustion engines. The approach is to begin with a current two-seat helicopter (Robinson R 22 Beta II-like), design an all-electric power plant as replacement for its existing piston engine, and study performance of the new all-electric aircraft. The new power plant consists of high-pressure Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells, hydrogen stored in 700 bar type-4 tanks, lithium-ion batteries, and an AC synchronous permanent magnet motor. The aircraft and the transmission are assumed to remain the same. The paper surveys the state of the art in each of these areas, synthesizes a power plant using best available technologies in each, examines the performance achievable by such a power plant, identifies key barriers, and sets future technology targets to achieve performance at par with current internal combustion engines.

Datta, Anubhav↗
DOE OSTI2021

Slot-die-coating operability windows for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell cathode catalyst layers

Roll-to-roll (R2R) slot-die coating of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalyst layers represents a scalable deposition method for producing 10–20 m 2 ·min -1 of catalyst-coated gas diffusion layers (GDLs). This high-throughput production technique will help lower the cost of PEMFC catalyst layers. The uniformity of the wet layer applied by slot die deposition is affected by process parameters such as substrate speed, vacuum pressure applied at the upstream meniscus, gap between the slot die lips and substrate, ink rheology, and other ink and substrate properties. The set of conditions for producing a defect-free coating with a dilute ink typically requires little to no upstream vacuum pressure, so suitable operating conditions can be found easily through trial and error and operator intuition. However, the higher viscosity of more concentrated inks dramatically shifts the range of settings that result in a homogeneous coating to higher vacuum levels, which are harder to find through hit or miss. A predictive model showing the range of operable conditions decreases material wastage inherent in experimentally searching for suitable parameters. In this study, the defect-free coating parameter window is explored experimentally and theoretically for two concentrations of PEFC cathode inks. Both a full capillary hydrodynamic model and a computationally cheaper viscocapillary model successfully predict the experimentally determined coating window within the experimental and model uncertainty limits for inks with 5.3 wt% and 12.0 wt% solids ink while maintaining the 0.1 mg Pt ·cm -2 Pt areal loading target. Here, this paper demonstrates a viable pathway for meeting the $30/kW net ultimate cost target of the United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Hydrogen Fuel Cells Technologies Office (HFTO). The concentrated ink lowers the thermal energy and capital expenditure (CapEx) budget of the coating process by decreasing the amount of time, energy, and floorspace required for drying the coating.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

A study on texture stability and the biaxial creep behavior of as-hydrided CWSR Zircaloy-4 cladding at the effective stresses from 55 MPa to 65 MPa and temperatures from 300°C to 400°C

The creep rupture of high burnup used nuclear fuel (> 45 GWD/MTU) cladding is regarded as one of the failure mechanisms during long-term dry storage. A high amount of zirconium hydride in the cladding matrix would degrade the mechanical properties of the cladding especially leading to delayed hydride cracking. To better understand the influence of zirconium hydride on the biaxial thermal creep performance and the crystalline texture stability of Zircaloy-4 cladding, the pressurized tube technique is applied to test the durability of the as-hydrided material. Tests were performed on as-received Zircaloy-4 tubular specimens as well as-hydrided ones with targeted 300 wt parts per million (wppm) or 750 wppm hydrogen. The biaxial creep experiments were conducted at temperatures from 300 degrees C to 400 degrees C and at equivalent stresses at mid-wall from 55 MPa to 65 MPa. The hydridation process prior to creep tests induces the formation of FCC delta-hydride platelets along the circumferential direction of the tube. This alignment and phase structure of hydride show no significant change after biaxial creep tests. The creep strain-rate negatively depends on the hydrogen content. The synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) technique and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis were applied for the study of the crystallographic orientation relationship. zirconium-to-hydride grain orientation follows Shoji-Nishiyama crystallographic relationship. This relationship is stable before and after creep deformation. These results of creep performance and texture stability of Zircaloy-4 claddings can help support the design basis of interim and long-term dry storage facilities.

creep↗
DOE OSTI2025

Generation of radioisotopes for medical applications using high-repetition, high-intensity lasers

We used the PW high-repetition laser facility VEGA-3 at Centro de Láseres Pulsados in Salamanca, with the goal of studying the generation of radioisotopes using laser-driven proton beams. Various types of targets have been irradiated, including in particular several targets containing boron to generate α-particles through the hydrogen–boron fusion reaction. We have successfully identified γ-ray lines from several radioisotopes created by irradiation using laser-generated α-particles or protons including 43 Sc, 44 Sc, 48 Sc, 7 Be, 11 C and 18 F. We show that radioisotope generation can be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate α-particle generation in laser-driven proton–boron fusion experiments. We also show the production of 11 C radioisotopes, ≈ 6 × 10 6 , and of 44 Sc radioisotopes, ≈ 5 × 10 4 per laser shot. This result can open the way to develop laser-driven radiation sources of radioisotopes for medical applications.

gamma ray spectroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2020

Global Network Analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Identifies Coordination between Pathways, Processes, and Regulators Expressed during Human Infection

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative diplococcus that is responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, a high-morbidity disease in the United States and worldwide. Over the past several years, N. gonorrhoeae strains resistant to antibiotics used to treat this infection have begun to emerge across the globe. Thus, new treatment strategies are needed to combat this organism. Here, we utilized N. gonorrhoeae transcriptomic data sets, including those obtained from natural infection of the human genital tract, to infer the first global gene coexpression network of this pathogen. Interrogation of this network revealed genes central to the network that are likely critical for gonococcal growth, metabolism, and virulence, including genes encoding hypothetical proteins expressed during mucosal infection. In addition, network analysis revealed overlap in the response of N. gonorrhoeae to incubation with neutrophils and exposure to hydrogen peroxide stress in vitro. Network analysis also identified new targets of the gonococcal global regulatory protein Fur, while examination of the network neighborhood of genes allowed us to assign additional putative categories to several proteins. Collectively, the characterization of the first gene coexpression network for N. gonorrhoeae described here has revealed new regulatory pathways and new categories for proteins and has shown how processes important to gonococcal infection in both men and women are linked. This information fills a critical gap in our understanding of virulence strategies of this obligate human pathogen and will aid in the development of new treatment strategies for gonorrhea.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1985

Diamondlike carbon protective coatings for IR materials

Diamondlike carbon (DLC) films have the potential to protect optical windows in applications where it is important to maintain the integrity of the specular transmittance of these films on ZnS and ZnSe infrared transmitting windows. The films must be adherent and durable such that they protect the windows from rain and particle erosion as well as chemical attack. In order to optimize the performance of these films, 0.1 micro m thick diamondlike carbon films were deposited on fused silica and silicon wafers, using three different methods of ion beam deposition. One method was sputter deposition from a carbon target using an 8 cm ion source. The merits of hydrogen addition were experimentally evaluated in conjunction with this method. The second method used a 30 cm hollow cathode ion source with hydrocarbon/Argon gases to deposit diamondlike carbon films from the primary beam at 90 to 250 eV. The third method used a dual beam system employing a hydrocarbon/Argon 30 cm ion source and an 8 cm ion source. Films were evaluated for adherence, intrinsic stress, infrared transmittance between 2.5 and 50 micro m, and protection from particle erosion. An erosion test using a sandblaster was used to give quantitative values of the protection afforded to the fused silica by the diamondlike carbon films. The fused silica surfaces protected by diamondlike carbon films were exposed to 100 micro m diameter SiO particles at 60 mi/hr (26.8/sec) in the sandblaster.

Mirtich, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Inertial Confinement fusion targets

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets are made as simple flat discs, as hollow shells or as complicated multilayer structures. Many techniques were devised for producing the targets. Glass and metal shells are made by using drop and bubble techniques. Solid hydrogen shells are also produced by adapting old methods to the solution of modern problems. Some of these techniques, problems, and solutions are discussed. In addition, the applications of many of the techniques to fabrication of ICF targets is presented.

Hendricks, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Reduction of gaseous pollutant emissions from gas turbine combustors using hydrogen-enriched jet fuel

Recent progress in an evaluation of the applicability of the hydrogen enrichment concept to achieve ultralow gaseous pollutant emission from gas turbine combustion systems is described. The target emission indexes for the program are 1.0 for oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide, and 0.5 for unburned hydrocarbons. The basic concept utilizes premixed molecular hydrogen, conventional jet fuel, and air to depress the lean flammability limit of the mixed fuel. This is shown to permit very lean combustion with its low NOx production while simulataneously providing an increased flame stability margin with which to maintain low CO and HC emission. Experimental emission characteristics and selected analytical results are presented for a cylindrical research combustor designed for operation with inlet-air state conditions typical for a 30:1 compression ratio, high bypass ratio, turbofan commercial engine.

Clayton, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS2001

MEMS-Based Satellite Micropropulsion Via Catalyzed Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition

Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques offer great potential in satisfying the mission requirements for the next generation of "micro-scale" satellites being designed by NASA and Department of Defense agencies. More commonly referred to as "nanosats", these miniature satellites feature masses in the range of 10-100 kg and therefore have unique propulsion requirements. The propulsion systems must be capable of providing extremely low levels of thrust and impulse while also satisfying stringent demands on size, mass, power consumption and cost. We begin with an overview of micropropulsion requirements and some current MEMS-based strategies being developed to meet these needs. The remainder of the article focuses the progress being made at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center towards the development of a prototype monopropellant MEMS thruster which uses the catalyzed chemical decomposition of high concentration hydrogen peroxide as a propulsion mechanism. The products of decomposition are delivered to a micro-scale converging/diverging supersonic nozzle which produces the thrust vector; the targeted thrust level approximately 500 N with a specific impulse of 140-180 seconds. Macro-scale hydrogen peroxide thrusters have been used for satellite propulsion for decades; however, the implementation of traditional thruster designs on a MEMS scale has uncovered new challenges in fabrication, materials compatibility, and combustion and hydrodynamic modeling. A summary of the achievements of the project to date is given, as is a discussion of remaining challenges and future prospects.

Hitt, Darren L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Total Born approximation cross sections for single electron loss by atoms and ions colliding with atoms

The first born approximation (FBA) is applied to the calculation of single electron loss cross sections for various ions and atoms containing from one to seven electrons. Screened hydrogenic wave functions were used for the states of the electron ejected from the projectile, and Hartree-Fock elastic and incoherent scattering factors were used to describe the target. The effect of the target atom on the scaling of projectile ionization cross sections with respect to the projectile nuclear charge was explored in the case of hydrogen-like ions. Scaling of the cross section with respect to the target nuclear charge for electron loss by Fe (+25) in collision with neutral atoms ranging from H to Fe is also examined. These results were compared to those of the binary encounter approximation and to the FBA for the case of ionization by completely stripped target ions.

Rule, D. W.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hydrogen Detection Strategies to Support H2@SCALE - The NREL Sensor Laboratory

Hydrogen represents a major pathway to decarbonize and stabilize the national and international energy industry and select manufacturing markets. To facilitate the development of hydrogen markets, the US Department of Energy initiated H2@Scale to bring together stakeholders to advance affordable hydrogen production, transport, storage, and utilization to increase revenue opportunities in multiple energy sectors. One major impediment to hydrogen implementation is cost. To expedite the use of hydrogen in energy and other markets, the United States announced in 2021 the Hydrogen Shot, which seeks to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% to $1 per 1 kilogram in 1 decade ("1 1 1"). As the cost of hydrogen drops, new applications will emerge that will require unique configurations of existing equipment and infrastructure, and eventually lead to advances in the generation and utilization of hydrogen. As the hydrogen economy expands, sensors and detection methods will need to adapt to changing infrastructure demands to address the primary targets of health & safety, emissions monitoring, and process control. The NREL Sensor Laboratory is playing a pivotal role in advancing the use of hydrogen sensors and detection methodologies in each of these categories to support DOE's mission for safe and efficient utilization in emerging markets. Health & safety monitors are required to ensure that operators and facilities can react to unintended hydrogen releases, either as GH2, LH2, or as a constituent of blends (e.g., natural gas or ammonia). Current detection methodologies focus on safety applications to detect near its lower flammable limit (4 vol %), and typically include point sensors in applications such as fixed or mobile detectors (e.g., personal gas monitors). Methodologies amenable for area detection include acoustic, emerging optical imaging methods, and flame detectors. Comparable detection strategies can be utilized for emissions monitoring and quantization, however few methods can simultaneously cover both low (emissions) and high (health & safety) levels. Deployment of emission level detectors will be required to 1) reduce product loss through small but potentially significant leaks from an environmental or cost perspective, 2) reduce downtime of high demand systems by early identification of eminent system failures (leaks through pump or compressor seals indicative of impending failure), and 3) address potential emission monitoring requirements that may be set by regulating bodies. The first two points should be adopted by industry to reduce the cost-of-goods-sold. The third main category for hydrogen detection relates to process control and may be advantageous for many existing applications. Two main applications are emerging. For example, the purity requirements for hydrogen that is dispensed from refueling systems for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) is rigorously regulated by the Standard SAE J2719, which prescribes maximum allowable levels of multiple impurities in the hydrogen fuel and must be verified by a regulatory body. Hydrogen contaminant detectors (HCD) integrated to the fueling station can assure this compliance. HCDs must be able operate in 100% H2 backgrounds and be able to distinguish between multiple contaminants at low ppm to low ppb levels. Secondly, as a strategy to decarbonize the natural gas grid, there are proposals to blend hydrogen with natural gas. This blending will affect transport applications (pipeline infrastructure), stationary combustion systems (turbines), and consumer and commercial appliances. In the short-term, hydrogen levels up to 20% are proposed. Variations in the hydrogen level can have dramatic impact on the combustion process and on the potential response of safety sensors. These mixtures may be regulated so that the concentration at a delivery point must be monitored with high precision. However, routine maintenance may introduce background gases such as ambient air (with water) or maintenance gases (introduced with welding processes or adhesive outgassing.) Therefore, the detection methodology must be robust enough to recover or respond to various contaminants. Several reviews can be found in literature addressing sensing and detection technologies, including their limitations and applications. However, for most applications, limitations can be alleviated by combining various detection techniques either through system integration or implementation of machine learning methods (artificial intelligence). In this presentation, we will discuss several applications, highlight their current approach for hydrogen detection, and suggest detection strategies to supplement their limitations.

ENERGY STORAGE,HYDROGEN↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hydrogen Sensor via Plasma Techniques Development

Currently, NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) uses liquid hydrogen (LH 2 ) as fuel for launches and ensures hydrogen is no longer in the fill lines by sampling gas into a controlled environment. Then they use a catalytic sensor that detects when hydrogen interacts with oxygen. However, this procedure requires repeatedly backfilling and flushing with helium, which can be wasteful during a global helium shortage and expensive for each sampling port. Therefore, the team at KSC set out to establish proof-of-concept of a plasma-based hydrogen sensor that is anaerobic – and can in fact detect in most environments and below atmospheric pressures – and with a small footprint and more sensitive than other hydrogen sensors currently on the market. The technology development was done by testing known concentrations of hydrogen in argon gas fed through a vacuum cube containing an electrode feedthrough at varying pressures. The resultant emission spectra were recorded with a fiber optic spectrometer and analyzed to determine the instrument's accuracy. Throughout testing, efforts were made to prove the off-the-shelf capabilities of the setup. The traditional high voltage AC-power source was switched to an affordable, handheld plasma lighter. Additionally, the spectrometer was supplemented with a double photodiode circuit to take targeted measurements of the Balmer-α and - β lines in the hydrogen spectrum. From this, we established a proof of concept sensor. SLS required it to detect as low as 100 ppm whereas we detected hydrogen in concentrations as low as 50 ppm and in an anaerobic environment. * Work supported by NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Science Mission Directorate Innovative Research and Development Fund.

Plasma↗