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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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Co{sup 2+} Substituted ZnCuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) Ferrites: Synthesis, Magneto-structural and Optical Properties for Their Photocatalytic Performance

The cobalt (Co{sup 2+}) has been successively substituted in ZnCuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} to obtain Zn{sub 0.5−x}Co{sub x}Cu{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ferrites by auto-combustion technique. Prior to photocatalytic degradation, all as-synthesized ferrites were characterized to study their structure, composition, morphology, magnetic and optical behavior. The shifting of tetrahedral as well as octahedral stretching peaks towards higher frequencies observed in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that Co{sup 2+} ion is substituted in ZnCuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the formation of single-phase cubic spinel with decrease in average lattice constant from 8.3915 to 8.3224 Å with increase in Co{sup 2+} substitution. The photocatalytic performance of obtained ferrite catalyst was determined using methylene blue (MB) as model dye under visible light and direct sunlight. The degradation of MB with as-obtained photocatalyst under sunlight improves (91%) which proves the effective utilization of visible light active magnetic photocatalyst.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

A fully light-driven approach to separate carbon dioxide from emission streams

Carbon capture from industrial point sources is an essential component of the global effort to mitigate climate risks. However, traditional approaches require significant energy input—often provided, counterproductively, by fossil fuel combustion. Using sunlight directly as the energy source would significantly improve the energy efficiency of carbon capture processes. Herein, we report the first fully visible-light-driven CO 2 separation system, in which carbon capture is achieved via the photoenolization/addition reaction of inexpensive 2-methylbenzophenone with CO 2 , and CO 2 release is realized through an intramolecular photodecarboxylation reaction. Finally, this system operates isothermally, works with natural sunlight, and facilitates CO 2 removal from natural gas flue emissions, providing a blueprint for other non-thermal chemical separations.

Ahmad, Bayu I. Z. [Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (Unit↗
DOE OSTI2020

Transparent window film with embedded nano-shades for thermoregulation

Every year, more than 20% of the energy consumption in the United States and more than 10% of the global consumption is used towards HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning) systems in buildings. Although continued efforts in advancing renewable energy, efficient appliances, and smart building systems are desired, the most critical factors that cause extensive indoor energy consumption are thermal leakage and thermal waste generation. We demonstrate a smart window film that allows natural lighting with a clear view while blocking oblique incident sunlight to make the building interior cooler without using electricity or generating heat. Building upon the concept of, often overlooked, traditional window shades and privacy window films, we emphasize and elevate the application and impact of using magnetically arranged nanoscale material for energy conservation purpose in buildings. By embedding vertically aligned Ni flakes (VANF) in a polymer matrix film, nanoscale mirror array serve as shades to block the high-angled incident sunlight, blocking approximately 73% of total solar irradiance and bringing down the indoor temperature by 1.92 °C during the daytime in a model house while providing nearly 90% transparency. Global application was simulated by applying the respective solar angle and intensity at selected latitudes, indicating their potential. This passively energy-conserving smart film is a low cost, maintenance free, and simple product for users and easy-to-manufacture product for the industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Environmental photosensitizers can exhibit enhanced actinic absorption in microhydrated clusters compared to solution

Brown carbon chromophores at environmental air-water interfaces often act as photosensitizers that absorb sunlight and subsequently transfer energy to nearby molecules, initiating a wide variety of chemical reactions. Despite their importance to understanding daytime chemistry at these airwater interfaces, little is known about the role of the solvation environment on the photophysical properties of these photosensitizers. In this work, we present a joint experimental-theoretical study of the vibrational and photophysical properties of microhydrated protonated and deprotonated 4-benzoylbenzoic acid (4-BBA), a key model system for environmental photosensitizers. We find that for protonated 4-BBAH + ∙(H 2 O) 0-1 , representing photosensitizers in very acidic conditions, a single bright state dominates the UV-Vis spectrum between 280 and 400 nm. Comparing the experimental UV-Vis spectra and quantum chemistry-predicted spectra of 4-BBA + ∙(H 2 O) 0-2 , we find that the degree of microhydration has little effect on the UV-Vis spectra or the orbitals of the dominant feature. For deprotonated 4-BBA ‒ , representing photosensitizers in basic conditions, quantum chemistry calculations predict that the UV-Vis spectra are ~3x weaker in intensity than the brightest 4-BBAH + ∙(H 2 O) 0-1 features and were not observed experimentally. Quantum chemistry calculations predict one dominant UV-Vis feature is present in the spectra of 4-BBA ‒ ∙(H 2 O) 0-2 , which exhibit minor shifts with degree of microhydration. While 4-BBA in bulk solution over a range of pH values has relatively weak absorption within the solar actinic region, we show that microhydrated 4-BBA has bright transitions within the actinic region. This indicates that the complex structure of environmental air-water interfaces can shift the absorption maximum of photosensitizers into the actinic region for enhanced absorption of sunlight and subsequent enhancement of photosensitizer-driven reactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Tapioca starch: An efficient fuel in gel-combustion synthesis of photocatalytically and anti-microbially active ZnO nanoparticles

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by gel-combustion method using novel bio-fuel tapioca starch pearls, derived from the tubers of Manihotesculenta. The product is characterized using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction pattern correspond to a hexagonal zincite structure. Fourier transform infrared spectrum showed main absorption peaks at 394 and 508 cm{sup −} {sup 1} due to stretching vibration of Zn–O. Ultravoilet–visible spectrum of zinc oxide nanoparticles showed absorption maximum at 373 nm whereas the maximum of the bulk zinc oxide was 377 nm. The morphology of the product was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopic images showed that the products are agglomerated and porous in nature. The transmission electron microscopic images revealed spherical particles of 40–50 nm in diameter. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was examined using zinc oxide nanoparticles and found more efficient in sunlight than ultra-violet light due to reduced band gap. The antibacterial properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated against four bacterial strains Klebsiella aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aereus, where Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aereus exhibited significant antibacterial activity in agar well diffusion method when compared to positive control. - Highlights: • ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared from a new bio-fuel, tapioca starch by gel combustion method. • XRD pattern revealed hexagonal zincite crystal structure with crystallite size 33 nm. • ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a band gap of 2.70 eV. • The ZnO nanoparticles exhibited superior degradation in sunlight in comparison with UV light. • The product showed a good anti-bacterial activity against two bacterial strains.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Three-dimensional sea-urchin-like hierarchical TiO{sub 2} microspheres synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

Graphical abstract: SEM images of the samples synthesized at different hydrothermal temperatures for 8 h: (a) 75; (b) 100; (c) 120; and (d) 140°C, followed by calcination at 450 °C for 2 h. Highlights: ► Effects of calcination temperature on the phase transformation were studied. ► Effects of hydrothermal temperature and time on the morphology growth were studied. ► A two-stage reaction mechanism for the formation was presented. ► The photocatalytic activity was evaluated under sunlight irradiation. ► Effects of calcination temperature on the photocatalytic activity were studied. - Abstract: Novel three-dimensional sea-urchin-like hierarchical TiO{sub 2} superstructures were synthesized on a Ti plate in a mixture of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and NaOH aqueous solution by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method at a low temperature, followed by protonation and calcination. The results of series of electron microscopy characterizations suggested that the hierarchical TiO{sub 2} superstructures consisted of numerous one-dimensional nanostructures. The microspheres were approximately 2–4 μm in diameter, and the one-dimensional TiO{sub 2} nanostructures were up to 600–700 nm long. A two-stage reaction mechanism, i.e., initial growth and then assembly, was proposed for the formation of these architectures. The three-dimensional sea-urchin-like hierarchical TiO{sub 2} microstructures showed excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B aqueous solution under sunlight irradiation, which was attributed to the special three-dimensional hierarchical superstructure, and increased number of surface active sites. This novel superstructure has promising use in practical aqueous purification.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Light-dependent controlled synthesis and photocatalytic properties of stable Ag{sub 3} nanocrystals

The silver phosphate (Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}) is applied in organic matter photodegradation as a novel catalyst materials, however, its instability reduces the photocatalytic life and limits its further applications. In this work, a series of Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} crystalline nanoparticle clusters have been synthesized by a photocontrol method. By comparing their sunlight photocatalytic properties, the Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} nanoparticles with dominant (2 2 0) facets have a lower surface energy (1.05 J m{sup −2}) than existing Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} crystals which can offer a longer catalyst service life. The photodegradation rate of the Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} nanoparticles is about 3 times that of common Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} bulk materials and the sunlight is used as the power source instead of high cost artificial visible light sources in this catalytic system. An effective continuous photodegradation reactor using Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} nanoparticles is successfully fabricated to degrade rhodamine B solution. At the same time, this work provides an example for how oxidation photocatalyst works without extra adding sacrificial reagent.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Facile sonochemical synthesis of Ag modified Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Highlights: • Ag doped/dispersed Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} nanoparticles synthesized sonochemically. • Undoped Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} exhibited 100% RhB degradation in 45 min under UV light. • Under visible light 100% RhB degradation occured with Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} in 150 min. • Improved photodegradation of RhB by Ag doped Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} in visible light. • The Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12}:Ag(5%) sample photodegrades RhB from wastewater under sunlight. - Abstract: Unmodified and Ag modified Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12}:Ag(x%) (x = 2 and 5) nanoparticles have been synthesized sonochemically and characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion X-ray spectrum (EDS) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In the presence of unmodified Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} nanoparticles, complete photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) was observed under UV light within 45 min. However, the response of this material for photodegradation of RhB under visible light was poor and could be greatly enhanced with Ag modification. A possible mechanism for this observation has been discussed in detail. The reusability of the material has also been tested and it has been found to have favorable recycling capability. Moreover, the Ag- modified Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} has been tested for RhB degradation from a wastewater sample under sunlight and promising results have been obtained.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Photosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Durio zibethinus aqueous extract and its application in catalytic reduction of nitroaromatics, degradation of hazardous dyes and selective colorimetric sensing of mercury ions

Highlights: • Sunlight mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles. • dAgNPs serves as an excellent catalyst to degrade organic dyes. • The degraded organic dyes are nontoxic. • dAgNPs colorimetrically detects mercury ions at micromolar concentration. - Abstract: A simple green route was reported to prepare highly stable silver nanoparticles. The aqueous leaf extract of Durio zibethinus reduces Ag+ to Ag0 in the presence of natural sunlight. The capping and stabilization of dAgNPs by the phytoconstituents of Durio zibethinus was confirmed by FTIR. TEM confirms that the dAgNPs are spherical in shape with a size range between 10–25 nm. XRD pattern confirmed that the dAgNPs are arranged in the face-centred cubic structure. The catalytic activity of the dAgNPs was proved by sodium borohydride mediated reduction of nitro aromatic compounds and degradation hazardous organic dyes. The reaction kinetics was analysed by pseudo-first order equation. Regardless of the efficacy of degrading organic dyes, we showed by zebrafish mortality assay that the toxicity of the dye degraded water reduced drastically. Besides catalysis, the dAgNPs has the potential to selective colorimetric sensing of hazardous mercury ion in aqueous solution.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication, mechanism, formic acid−tuned degradation and photocatalytic hydrogen production of novel modified ZnO spheres by L−TA−DMF assisted hydrothermal method

Highlights: • Many novel ZnO microspheres and building blocks were obtained. • It is first time that DMF and TA were used to fabricate ZnO simultaneously. • Five visible emissions are generated simultaneously and their PL intensities are tunable. • Formic acid induced photocatalytic efficiency was obtained. The H{sub 2} generation rate of S6 is 4.15 mL h{sup −1} g{sup −1} under simulated sunlight irradiation. • Photocatalytic mechanism and self-assembly modes were proposed. - Abstract: Many ZnO microspheres were fabricated by hydrothermal method using l−TA and DMF as double capping agents. These spheres possess many novel nanostructures and exhibit unique and flexible self−assemblies and building units. For example, diverse pattern−like spheres, core/shell spheres, and semispheres were obtained. FTIR spectra of S1−S9 show TA and HCOOH modified ZnO spheres, which agree with those of XPS analysis. PL spectra show that violet, blue, green, yellow and orange emissions generated simultaneously can be tuned. E{sub g} and ε are influenced by c. TA and DMF lead to diverse and novel ZnO growth, while DMF can tune the number of surface active sites of exposed (002) facet of ZnO, which determines final photocatalytic efficiency. TOC results show most of MB are mineralized rather than being partially degraded. The photocatalytic H{sub 2} generation rate is 4.15 ml h{sup −1}g{sup −1} under simulated sunlight irradiation. In addition, DMF−induced photocatalytic mechanisms and two self−assemblies were proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Warm white light emission of apatite-type compound Ca4Y6O(SiO4)6 doped with Dy3+

Highlights: • Single-phase phosphor Ca{sub 4}Y{sub 6}O(SiO{sub 4}){sub 6}: Dy{sup 3+} for WLEDs were synthesized. • The CIE coordinates are (0.330, 0.339) for the optimal doping sample. • The CCT (5600 K) is close to that of the midday sunlight. • The emission intensity at 400 K keeps 82% with respect to that at RT. • The CIE coordinates maintain in the white light area in the range of RT-300 °C. - Abstract: A series of Ca{sub 4}Y{sub 6}O(SiO{sub 4}){sub 6}: x%Dy{sup 3+} (x = 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) phosphors were synthesized successfully via a conventional solid-state method at high temperature. The X-ray diffraction results show that all obtained samples are the pure hexagonal crystal structure of the space group P6{sub 3}/m (No.176). The blue ({sup 4}F{sub 9/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 15/2}) and yellow ({sup 4}F{sub 9/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 13/2}) emissions of Ca{sub 4}Y{sub 6}O(SiO{sub 4}){sub 6}:7% Dy{sup 3+} phosphors are of such a ratio to produce almost perfect white light with CIE coordinates of (0.330, 0.339). The correlated color temperature is about 5600 K, close to that of the midday sunlight (5500 K). In addition, both the emission intensity and the CIE coordinates exhibit an excellent thermal stability in the temperature range of RT ∼ 300 °C. Our study illustrates that Ca{sub 4}Y{sub 6}O(SiO{sub 4}){sub 6}:7%Dy{sup 3+} may serve as potential warm white lighting phosphors in NUV-based solid state lighting and optical display applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Highly efficient and stable p-type ZnO nanowires with piezotronic effect for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Unremitting efforts have been made to develop high-performance photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting system to produce clean hydrogen fuel using sunlight. In this research, a novel way, combining highly-ordered nanowires (NWs) structure and piezotronic effect of p-type ZnO has been demonstrated to dramatically enhance PEC hydrogen evolution performance. Systematic characterizations indicate that the Sb atoms uniformly dope into ZnO NWs and substitute Zn sites with the introduction of two zinc vacancies to form the shallow acceptor Sb Zn –2V Zn complex. Detailed synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) experiments in O K-edge and Zn L-edge further confirm the formation of the complex, and theoretical calculation verifies the Sb 5+ state dominating the complex. The optimal photocurrent density of the 0.2Sb/ZnO-anneal NWs can reach –0.85 mA/cm 2 (0 V RHE ) which is 17.2 times larger than that of the n-ZnO NWs under sunlight illumination (100 mW/cm 2 ). Furthermore, the piezotronic effect can be introduced to regulate the charge separation and transfer in the ZnO NWs through modulating the band structure near the interface. The photocurrent density can further increase to –1.08 mA/cm 2 (0 V RHE ) under a 0.6% tensile strain, which is 27.4% enhancement with respect to the ZnO sample without strain. These conclusions provide an efficient way to design and develop high-performance photoelectrodes toward PEC hydrogen evolution.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Optimal planning of the joint placement of photovoltaic panels and green roofs under climate change uncertainty

Photovoltaic (PV) panels directly convert sunlight into electricity; but, sunlight also heats the panels, negatively impacting their efficiency. Green roofs are vegetative layers grown on rooftops, mainly to provide added insulation on the roof to save energy. Green roofs also cool near-surface air temperature. Hence, the joint installation of PV panels and green roofs may potentially lead to higher efficiency of PV panels in certain climates. We develop a two-stage stochastic programming model to optimally place PV panels and green roofs under climate change uncertainty to maximize the overall profit from energy generated and saved. We calibrate the model using the literature, industry reports, and the data from different, at times conflicting, climate projections. We then conduct a case study for a mid-size city in the U.S., perform extensive sensitivity and robustness analyses and provide insights.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2013

Exceeding the solar cell Shockley–Queisser limit via thermal up-conversion of low-energy photons

Maximum efficiency of ideal single-junction photovoltaic (PV) cells is limited to 33% (for 1 sun illumination) by intrinsic losses such as band edge thermalization, radiative recombination, and inability to absorb below-bandgap photons. This intrinsic thermodynamic limit, named after Shockley and Queisser (S–Q), can be exceeded by utilizing low-energy photons either via their electronic up-conversion or via the thermophotovoltaic (TPV) conversion process. However, electronic up-conversion systems have extremely low efficiencies, and practical temperature considerations limit the operation of TPV converters to the narrow-gap PV cells. We develop a conceptual design of a hybrid TPV platform, which exploits thermal up-conversion of low-energy photons and is compatible with conventional silicon PV cells by using spectral and directional selectivity of the up-converter. The hybrid platform offers sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency exceeding that imposed by the S–Q limit on the corresponding PV cells across a broad range of bandgap energies, under low optical concentration (1–300 suns), operating temperatures in the range 900–1700 K, and in simple flat panel designs. We demonstrate maximum conversion efficiency of 73% under illumination by non-concentrated sunlight. A detailed analysis of non-ideal hybrid platforms that allows for up to 15% of absorption/re-emission losses yields limiting efficiency value of 45% for Si PV cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Multiscale modeling and cinematic visualization of photosynthetic energy conversion processes from electronic to cell scales

We report conversion of sunlight into chemical energy, namely photosynthesis, is the primary energy source of life on Earth. A visualization depicting this process, based on multiscale computational models from electronic to cell scales, is presented in the form of an excerpt from the fulldome show Birth of Planet Earth. This accessible visual narrative shows a lay audience, including children, how the energy of sunlight is captured, converted, and stored through a chain of proteins to power living cells. The visualization is the result of a multi-year collaboration among biophysicists, visualization scientists, and artists, which, in turn, is based on a decade-long experimental-computational collaboration on structural and functional modeling that produced an atomic detail description of a bacterial bioenergetic organelle, the chromatophore. Software advancements necessitated by this project have led to significant performance and feature advances, including hardware-accelerated cinematic ray tracing and instanced visualizations for efficient cell-scale modeling. The energy conversion steps depicted feature an integration of function from electronic to cell levels, spanning nearly 12 orders of magnitude in time scales. This atomic detail description uniquely enables a modern retelling of one of humanity’s earliest stories—the interplay between light and life.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Performance Assessment of a Photonic Radiative Cooling System for Office Buildings

Spectrally selective materials show high technical potential for use as radiative cooling heat exchangers for buildings. Recent work by Stanford University has applied a photonic approach to tailor the optical properties of a coating material. In a prototype test, a radiative cooler based on that photonic material has demonstrated the ability to maintain radiator surfaces at below-ambient temperatures in the presence of intense, direct sunlight. This paper presents the simulation and parametric analysis of photonic radiative cooling system that integrates the use of the photonic radiative cooler and radiant floor cooling via the whole energy simulation program EnergyPlus. The simulation was made for a medium office building with three floors and a total floor area of 5,000 m2. Three key design parameters including the storage tank size, the radiator area, and the number of floors are expected to have a large impact on system performance were investigated in this paper. The results show that the percentage of cooling electricity savings from the photonic radiative cooling system relative to a reference variable-air-volume system has a linear relationship with the radiator area, and a quadratic correlation with both tank size and the number of floors. The findings from this parametric analysis are valuable to understand how component sizing affects system performance.

Wang, Weimin↗
DOE OSTI2013

Optofluidic solar concentrators using electrowetting tracking: Concept, design, and characterization

We introduce a novel optofluidic solar concentration system based on electrowetting tracking. With two immiscible fluids in a transparent cell, we can actively control the orientation of fluid fluid interface via electrowetting. The naturally-formed meniscus between the two liquids can function as a dynamic optical prism for solar tracking and sunlight steering. An integrated optofluidic solar concentrator can be constructed from the liquid prism tracker in combination with a fixed and static optical condenser (Fresnel lens). Therefore, the liquid prisms can adaptively focus sunlight on a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) cell sitting on the focus of the Fresnel lens as the sun moves. Because of the unique design, electrowetting tracking allows the concentrator to adaptively track both the daily and seasonal changes of the sun's orbit (dual-axis tracking) without bulky, expensive and inefficient mechanical moving parts. This approach can potentially reduce capital costs for CPV and increases operational efficiency by eliminating the power consumption of mechanical tracking. Importantly, the elimination of bulky tracking hardware and quiet operation will allow extensive residential deployment of concentrated solar power. In comparison with traditional silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, the electrowetting-based self-tracking technology will generate,similar to 70% more green energy with a 50% cost reduction. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cheng, JT↗
DOE OSTI2014

Soiling of building envelope surfaces and its effect on solar reflectance – Part II: Development of an accelerated aging method for roofing materials

Highly reflective roofs can decrease the energy required for building air conditioning, help mitigate the urban heat island effect, and slow global warming. However, these benefits are diminished by soiling and weathering processes that reduce the solar reflectance of most roofing materials. Soiling results from the deposition of atmospheric particulate matter and the growth of microorganisms, each of which absorb sunlight. Weathering of materials occurs with exposure to water, sunlight, and high temperatures. This study developed an accelerated aging method that incorporates features of soiling and weathering. The method sprays a calibrated aqueous soiling mixture of dust minerals, black carbon, humic acid, and salts onto preconditioned coupons of roofing materials, then subjects the soiled coupons to cycles of ultraviolet radiation, heat and water in a commercial weatherometer. Three soiling mixtures were optimized to reproduce the site-specific solar spectral reflectance features of roofing products exposed for 3 years in a hot and humid climate (Miami, Florida); a hot and dry climate (Phoenix, Arizona); and a polluted atmosphere in a temperate climate (Cleveland, Ohio). A fourth mixture was designed to reproduce the three-site average values of solar reflectance and thermal emittance attained after 3 years of natural exposure, which the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) uses to rate roofing products sold in the US. This accelerated aging method was applied to 25 products₋single ply membranes, factory and field applied coatings, tiles, modified bitumen cap sheets, and asphalt shingles₋and reproduced in 3 days the CRRC's 3-year aged values of solar reflectance. In conclusion, this accelerated aging method can be used to speed the evaluation and rating of new cool roofing materials.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗