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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 289 records · Page 16

Assessment of lignite upgrade and hydrogen evolution via electrolysis

Lignite, considered as the lowest-rank coal, accounts for 45% of the total coal resources worldwide, and its low carbon and high ash contents limit its large-scale application. In order to upgrade lignite effectively, a modified coal electrolytic cell (MCEC) was designed, built, and then evaluated for lignite upgrade and hydrogen production through electrolysis, and the operating conditions were optimized. The results show that the performance of the MCEC outperformed the previous coal electrolytic cell (CEC). The operating temperature and iron concentration significantly impact the average current density per milligram of catalyst (ACDMC). The content of dry fixed carbon and heating value increased by 20.9% (wt%) and 8.15%, respectively, in electrolyzed lignite compared with raw lignite. Besides, 71.5% ash and 39.6% mercury were removed from raw lignite after electrolysis, which is the first report. The Faradaic efficiency (FE) for hydrogen evolution reached 99% using MCEC. In addition, the analysis of spectroscopy methods (SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD) revealed that the lignite particles were cracked; the oxygen-containing functional groups increased; the minerals of quartz and hematite formed on the surface of lignite particles after electrolysis. Furthermore, the facts indicate that electrolysis of lignite is a competitive approach for lignite upgrade and hydrogen production.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Microstructural Effects of High Dose Helium Implantation in ErD 2

Metal hydrides can store hydrogen isotopes with high volumetric density. In metal tritides, tritium beta decay can result in accumulation of helium within the solid, in some cases exceeding 10 at.% helium after only 4 years of aging. Helium is insoluble in most materials, but often does not readily escape, and instead coalesces to form nanoscale bubbles when helium concentrations are near 1 at.%. Blistering or spallation often occurs at higher concentrations. Radioactive particles shed during this process present a potential safety hazard. This study investigates the effects of high helium concentrations on erbium deuteride (ErD 2 ), a non-radioactive surrogate material for erbium tritide (ErT 2 ). To simulate tritium decay in the surrogate, high doses of 120 keV helium ions were implanted into ErD 2 films at room temperature. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicated spherical helium bubble formation at a critical concentration of 1.5 at.% and bubble linkage leading to nanoscale crack formation at a concentration of 7.5 at.%. Additionally, crack propagation occurred through the nanocrack region, resulting in spallation extending from the implantation peak to the surface. Electron energy loss spectroscopy was utilized to confirm the presence of high-pressure helium in the nanocracks, suggesting that helium gas plays a predominant role in deformation. This work improves the overall understanding of helium behavior in ErD 2 by using modern characterization techniques to determine: the critical helium concentration required for bubble formation, the material failure mechanism at high concentration, and the nanoscale mechanisms responsible for material failure in helium implanted ErD 2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Exceptional hardness in multiprincipal element alloys via hierarchical oxygen heterogeneities

Refractory multiprincipal element alloys (RMPEAs) are potential successors to incumbent high-temperature structural alloys, although efforts to improve oxidation resistance with large additions of passivating elements have led to embrittlement. RMPEAs containing group IV and V elements have a balance of properties including moderate ductility, low density, and the necessary formability. We find that oxidation of group IV-V RMPEAs induces hierarchical heterogeneities, ranging from nanoscale interstitial complexes to tertiary phases. This microstructural hierarchy considerably enhances hardness without indentation cracking, with values ranging between 12.1 and 22.6 GPa from the oxide-adjacent metal to the surface oxides, a 3.7 to 6.8× increase over the interstitial-free alloy. Our fundamental understanding of the oxygen influence on phase formation informs future alloy design to enhance oxidation resistance and obtain exceptional hardness while preserving plasticity.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Low-temperature failure mechanism of [001] niobium micropillars under uniaxial tension

The plasticity of body-centered cubic (bcc) metals is dependent of temperature as well as sample dimension at the micrometer scale, but the effects of cryogenic temperature on the plasticity and the related failure process in micron-sized bcc metals have not been studied under uniaxial tension. In this work, we utilized in situ cryogenic micro-tensile tests, transmission electron microscopy, and dislocation dynamic simulations to examine the plasticity and failure processes of [001]-oriented bcc niobium micropillars. Our study reveals that a strong suppression of cross-slip at low temperatures prevents dislocation multiplication and leads to a dislocation starvation state, at which no mobile dislocation exists due to the rapid annihilation of dislocations at free surfaces. New dislocations are then nucleated until stress concentration at a slip step creates a micro-crack, the propagation of which leads to catastrophic failure. As a result, this unique failure process results from the combined effects of sample dimension and temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Investigation of Debonding Effect in Internal Replacement Pipe System Under Lateral Loading

The aging pipeline infrastructure around the world necessitates immediate rehabilitation. Internal replacement pipe (IRP) is a trenchless system offering a versatile and cost-effective solution across a variety of industries, including oil, natural gas, water, and wastewater. As a structural pipeline repair system, IRPs are subject to lateral deformation because of surface traffic loading. The present study evaluates the impact of adhesion between the host pipe and the IRP, with a focus on assessing the debonding effect on the behavior of the repair system under lateral deformation and bending. This was achieved using a comprehensive approach, including experimental, numerical, and analytical techniques. Varying levels of adhesive strength resulting from different methods of surface preparation were considered. The effectiveness of the IRP system on both discontinuous host pipes with various crack widths and continuous host pipes was also investigated. The results demonstrate that adhesive strength exerts a significant influence on the repair system, especially in the case of narrow circumferential cracks, while its impact on the continuous system is minimal. For optimal performance, it is essential to choose adhesives that possess sufficient shear strength while also accounting for the required debonding length. This approach ensures that minor discontinuities are effectively controlled, thereby enhancing the system′s fatigue life. The reliable determination of the maximum allowable shear strength for the adhesive or the debonding length can ensure that it does not negatively affect fatigue life. The findings presented in this study offer new insights into the development of trenchless repair techniques that can enhance system performance and extend service life.

Tien, Tri C. M.↗

Development of pebble-based extruded carbon rods for extreme plasma heat flux environments

This work presents first experiments toward the development of continuously renewable (extrudable) pebble-based carbon rods for use as plasma-facing components in extreme steady-state plasma flux environments. The primary envisioned application of this work is a first wall that can survive long-term in future magnetic fusion power reactors while also improving recovery of the reactor fuel (tritium and deuterium atoms). Bench tests applying extreme steady-state front-surface heat loads of up to 50 MW/m 2 are presented. Continuous pebble rod front-surface recession and intact pebble recovery are successfully demonstrated, at a rate of order 0.2 cm/s. Numerical simulations of the pebble rod front-surface recession are able to match observations reasonably well, indicating that the recession mechanism can be understood as occurring due to pebble thermal expansion and resulting shock and cracking of the inter-pebble binder. Tests of the pebble rod extrusion demonstrate that friction between the rods and the stainless-steel extrusion channel is tolerably low (<50 N for the expected channel length) over a wide range of temperatures. Front-surface outgassing rates below 1000 Torr L/s/m 2 are achieved, believed to be sufficiently low for use in magnetic fusion reactors. In conclusion, initial parametric scans over pebble rod size and binder fraction to vary front-surface recession rates are presented.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Corrosion-Resistant Coatings for Mitigation and Repair of Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Canisters

This report summarizes the results of a literature survey on coatings and surface treatments that are used to provide corrosion protection for exposed metal surfaces. The coatings are discussed in the context of being used on stainless steel spent nuclear fuel (SNF) dry storage canisters for potential prevention or repair of corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. The report summarizes the properties of different coating classes, including the mechanisms of protection, their physical properties, and modes of degradation (thermal, chemical, radiological). Also discussed are the current standard technologies for application of the coatings, including necessary surface pretreatments (degreasing, rust removal, grinding) and their effects on coating adhesion and performance. The coatings are also classified according their possible use for in situ repair; ex situ repair, requiring removal from the overpack; and ex situ prevention, or application prior to fuel loading to provide corrosion protection over the lifetime of the canister.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of a Pressurized Water Treatment on Internal Gelation Sol-Gel Microspheres

Based on previous observations that a pressurized water treatment (PWT) prevented cracking of sol-gel microspheres, we investigated the effects of a PWT on microsphere crystallinity, density, and specific surface area (SSA). Results were used to determine how a PWT alters the properties of microspheres upon drying and heating. Microspheres with diameters near 100-200 µm were prepared with and without a PWT and measured using x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption (BET), and pycnometry. Properties of air-dried microspheres processed with and without a PWT are compared. Additionally, the properties of microspheres processed using a PWT are reported after heating to 150 °C, 450 °C, 750 °C, 1050 °C, and 1350 °C. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the PWT step improves the crystallinity of air-dried microspheres. XRD data was also used to calculate crystallite size, which increases with higher heat treatment temperatures. TEM images support crystallite size calculations from XRD data and provide an indication of the range of crystallite sizes, particularly for samples processed at higher temperatures where crystallite sizes are too large for estimation using the Scherrer formula. Density and SSA measurements performed as a function of heat treatment temperature indicate that a PWT increases the density of air-dried microspheres, creates a pore network, and that significant densification occurs between 450 - 750 °C. These results may be used to inform decisions on internal gelation flowsheet parameters to optimize the microsphere formation and gelation step, prevent microsphere cracking, and produce microspheres suitable for subsequent coating operations or pressing into pellets.

cerium oxide, TRISO, internal gelation, nuclear fu↗

Highly dispersed Co deposited on Al 2 O 3 particles via CoCp 2 + H 2 ALD

Highly dispersed cobalt atoms were deposited on porous alumina particles using atomic layer deposition (ALD) with a CoCp 2 /H 2 chemistry at approximately 7 wt%. H 2 did not completely reduce the cyclopentadienyl organic ligands bound to deposited Co atoms at ALD reaction conditions. A sharp decline in Co deposited per cycle for two or more ALD cycles indicates that much of the Al 2 O 3 surface is sterically blocked from further CoCp 2 deposition after the first CoCp 2 exposure. Temperature programmed reduction confirmed that the adsorbed precursor organic ligands persist after H 2 exposures during ALD and temperatures as high as 500 °C are required to fully reduce the organic ligands to CH 4 . High resolution, element sensitive imaging showed that Co atoms were dispersed on the Al 2 O 3 surface and could deposit in previously unobserved multiple growth morphologies, specifically layers that were continuous over several angstroms or discrete nanoparticles. Density functional theory calculations were used to examine Co atom adsorption, show the altered haptic binding of cracked Cp ligands, and to calculate the thermodynamics of Cp ligand decomposition. The lateral steric hindrance between organic ligands bound to deposited Co atoms, Cp ligand decomposition mechanism, and local Al 2 O 3 surface termination all likely determine the observed Co growth morphology during initial ALD cycles.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Engineering metal-oxide interface by depositing ZrO 2 overcoating on Ni/Al 2 O 3 for dry reforming of methane

Zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ) was deposited onto Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst as overcoating by atomic layer deposition (ALD) for dry reforming of methane (DRM). High-temperature heating during H-2-reduction could transform the ALD-prepared ZrO 2 thin film to tetragonal phase and crack the encapsulating layer on Ni sites, which constructed a beneficial Ni-ZrO x interface. Here, interfacial surface oxygen vacancies on ZrO 2 overcoating were induced by the partial reduction of ZrO 2 surface during high-temperature H 2 reduction, with the assistance of Ni. During DRM, the interfacial oxygen vacancies enhanced CO 2 activation by dissociating CO 2 and releasing active O, thereby limiting carbon formation. For DRM at 700 °C and 800 °C, Ni/Al 2 O 3 with 5 cycles of ZrO 2 ALD overcoating enhanced both activity and stability significantly. For a 100-h DRM test at 600 °C, no deactivation was observed for the Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst with 10 cycles of ZrO 2 ALD overcoating, as compared to 59% relative activity loss of Ni/Al 2 O 3 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Two Strengths of Ordinary Chondritic Meteoroids as Derived from Their Atmospheric Fragmentation Modeling

The internal structure and strength of small asteroids and large meteoroids is poorly known. Observation of bright fireballs in the Earth’s atmosphere can explore meteoroid structure by studying meteoroid fragmentation during the flight. Earlier evaluations showed that the meteoroid’s strength is significantly lower than that of the recovered meteorites. We present a detailed study of atmospheric fragmentation of seven meteorite falls, all ordinary chondrites, and 14 other fireballs, where meteorite fall was predicted but the meteorites, probably also ordinary chondrites, were not recovered. All observations were made by the autonomous observatories of the European Fireball Network and include detailed radiometric light curves. A model, called the semiempirical fragmentation model, was developed to fit the light curves and decelerations. Videos showing individual fragments were available in some cases. The results demonstrated that meteoroids do not fragment randomly but in two distinct phases. The first phase typically corresponds to low strengths of 0.04–0.12 MPa. In two-thirds of cases, the first phase was catastrophic or nearly catastrophic with at least 40% of mass lost. The second phase corresponds to 0.9–5 MPa for confirmed meteorite falls and somewhat lower strengths, from about 0.5 MPa, for smaller meteoroids. All of these strengths are lower than the tensile strengths of ordinary chondritic meteorites cited in the literature, 20–40 MPa. We interpret the second phase as being due to cracks in meteoroids and the first phase as a separation of weakly cemented fragments, which reaccumulated at the surfaces of asteroids after asteroid collisions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Towards Commercialization of Low-Cost, Crack-Tolerant, Screen-Printable Metallization by Full-Size Module Testing and Field Characterization

This project is motivated by the need to develop a materials engineering solution to reduce solar module degradation caused by cell cracks. The cell-crack-induced power loss is a long-term degradation mechanism and one of the main causes of solar panel field failures. Cell cracks can occur during module fabrication, transportation, installation, and long-term operation due to thermomechanical stressors. Our team’s internal estimation – based on the national weather pattern, frequency of severe weather, and 39- GW asset survey by Heliolytics – reveals that the cell-crack-induced module degradation translates to lost revenues >$17B over an average 5-year period for solar farm owners and to reduced reliability (<25 years panel lifetime) for solar energy consumers. In response to this challenge, the prime recipient offers a metal matrix composite (MMC) silver paste that is tailor-engineered for screen-printing gridlines and busbars, which serve as the electrical contacts on solar cells. We formulate our MMC paste by adding low-cost (∼0.02¢/WDC for research grade), surface-engineered carbon nanotubes to commercially available silver paste. The MMC paste offers a drop-in, cost-effective solution to cell cracks for solar cell and module manufacturers. The main goal of this project was to conduct field-relevant, module-level analysis and qualification of MMC metallization.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Investigation of ion irradiation effects on mineral analogues of concrete aggregates

Irradiation can cause prominent damage to reactor concrete aggregates leading to amorphization, strength and modulus decrease, radiation induced volume expansion (RIVE) and micro-cracking, which limits their long-term performance. Here, to develop an improved understanding of irradiation effects in concrete, three mineral analogues of concrete aggregates (limestone, marble and quartzite) were irradiated by 5.5 MeV He ions and 13 MeV Ni ions to surface doses of 0.011 displacements per atom (dpa) and 0.23 dpa, respectively, at room temperature. The two different ion species allow irradiation spectrum effects (ionizing and displacive) to be examined. Irradiation induced cracks were observed in He irradiated limestone and marble, and Ni irradiated quartzite. Full amorphization was observed in Ni irradiated quartzite with 14.3 % RIVE, and ∼25 % hardness and modulus decrease, while almost no change was observed in He irradiated quartzite except 4.35 % RIVE, revealing a possible ionization enhanced diffusion effect for high energy light ions. Furthermore, partial amorphization was observed in Ni irradiated marble and limestone matrix with a 12 % hardness decrease in marble while no amorphization was observed for He irradiation with a 20 % hardness increase in limestone matrix. The role of knock-on damage and irradiation spectrum on amorphization, volumetric expansion and mechanical property changes are discussed. Moreover, the onset and critical doses for amorphization and RIVE in quartz are obtained for ion irradiations at room temperature. The dose dependence of RIVE exhibits a delay compared to the amorphization behavior. The superior irradiation resistance of calcite phase compared to quartz phase implies there could be advantages to using calcareous aggregates and lowering the usage of siliceous aggregates for concrete in nuclear power plants for extended operation beyond 60 years. However, other effects such as corrosion, aging and reactions during severe accidents should also be considered, and further investigations are needed.

Amorphous↗

Multi-scale boron penetration toward stabilizing nickel-rich cathode

Nickel-rich layered oxides LiNi x Co y Mn 1-x-y O 2 (x≥0.8) have been recognized as the preferred cathode materials to develop lithium-ion batteries with high energy density (>300Wh kg -1 ). However, the poor cycling stability and rate capability stemming from intergranular cracks and sluggish kinetics hinder their commercialization. To address such issues, a multi-scale boron penetration strategy is designed and applied on the polycrystalline LiNi 0.83 Co 0.11 Mn 0.06 O 2 particles that are pre-treated with pore construction. The lithium-ion conductive lithium borate in grain gaps functions as the grain binder that can bear the strain/stress from anisotropic contraction/expansion, and provides more pathways for lithium-ion diffusion. As a result, the intergranular cracks are ameliorated and the lithium-ion diffusion kinetics is improved. Moreover, the coating layer separates the sensitive cathode surface and electrolyte, helping to suppress the parasitic reactions and related gas evolution. In addition, the enhanced structural stability is acquired by strong B-O bonds with trace boron doping. As a result, the boron-modified sample with an optimized boron content of 0.5% (B5-NCM) exhibits a higher initial discharge capacity of 205.5mAh g -1 at 0.1C (1C=200mA g -1 ) and improved capacity retention of 81.7% after 100 cycles at 1C. Furthermore, the rate performance is distinctly enhanced by high lithium-ion conductive LBO (175.6mAh g -1 for B5-NCM and 154.6mAh g -1 for B0-NCM at 5C).

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Interpretable Deep Learning for Advancing Field-Enhanced Catalysis

This DOE Early Career project developed a physics-informed, interpretable AI-and-modeling framework to understand and exploit electric-field effects in heterogeneous catalysis, with ammonia cracking and synthesis as a representative pathway. The team built and validated methods to map local electric fields on metal surfaces and nanoparticles, showing that low-coordination features (tips/edges/corners) can concentrate fields by several-fold relative to flat facets. Using DFT-generated datasets, the project created physics-guided machine learning models that rapidly predict local electric fields and field-dependent adsorption energetics with near-DFT accuracy while reducing computational cost by orders of magnitude. These predictions were integrated with microkinetic modeling to quantify how field-dipole interactions reshape reaction energetics and mechanisms, enabling large increases in predicted catalytic rates and substantial reductions in operating temperature under favorable field conditions. To accelerate discovery of earth-abundant catalysts, the project combined interpretable ML screening (with electronic-structure descriptors identified as key drivers) with a generative inverse-design workflow based on diffusion models and physics constraints. The resulting closed-loop approach, linking simulation, mechanistic modeling, and AI, provides reusable tools and datasets for designing catalysts and operating conditions in field-enhanced catalysis, with broad relevance to electrostatic catalysis, plasma catalysis, electrocatalysis, and other energy-related chemical transformations.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Chemo-Mechanical Instabilities in Lithium Cobalt Oxide at Higher State-Of-Charge in Li-Ion Batteries

Transition metal oxide cathodes are widely used in commercial Li-ion batteries. However, their practical charge capacity is limited due to severe chemo-mechanical instabilities at higher charge voltage, and state-of-charge condition. Here, in situ stress and strain measurements were synchronized to probe mechanical deformations in the lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathode via a multi-beam stress sensor and digital image correlation, respectively. In situ mechanical measurements revealed how Li removal from the electrode structure induces deformations on the LCO composite cathodes during cycling. The structure and morphology of the LCO cathodes were further investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. Two distinct electrochemical and mechanical behaviors were identified when the LCO was charged up to 4.65 V. The LCO undergoes a compressive stress generation when charged up to 4.2 V and surface fractures on the LCO particles were detected by SEM. LCO cathode experienced significantly large contractions (negative strains) when charged up to 4.65 V, where intergranular crack formation and phase transformation were detected on the LCO particles via SEM and XRD, respectively. Overall, the study bridges complicated structural deformations with in situ analysis of mechanical degradations in LCO cathodes charged at higher voltages. The correlation is vital to understanding instability mechanisms in transition metal oxides at high voltages for alkali metal ion batteries.

higher state-of-charge↗

Challenges and Strategies to Advance High-Energy Nickel-Rich Layered Lithium Transition Metal Oxide Cathodes for Harsh Operation

Nickel-rich layered lithium transition metal oxides (LiNi 1–x–y Co x Mn y O 2 and LiNi 1–x–y Co x Al y O 2 , x + y ≤ 0.2) are the most attractive cathode materials for the next generation lithium-ion batteries for automotive application. However, they suffer from structural/interfacial instability during repeated charge/discharge, resulting in severe performance degradation and serious safety concerns. Here we provide a comprehensive review about challenges and strategies to advance nickel-rich layered cathodes specifically for harsh (high-voltage, high-temperature, and fast charging) operations. Firstly, the degradation pathways of nickel-rich cathodes including surface/interface degradation, undesired cathode–electrolytes parasitic reactions, gas evolution, inter/intragranular cracking, and electrical/ionic isolation are discussed. Then, recent achievements in stabilizing the structure/interface of nickel-rich cathodes via surface coating, cation/anion doping, composition tailoring, morphology engineering, and electrolytes optimization are summarized. Moreover, challenges and strategies to improve the performance of Ni-rich cathodes at the electrode level are discussed. Outlook and perspectives to promote the practical application of nickel-rich layered cathodes toward automotive application are provided as well.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Burst characteristics of advanced accident-tolerant FeCrAl cladding under temperature transient testing

Here assessment of burst characteristics of accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) claddings is essential to evaluate the safety margins of nuclear reactors, and better understanding can enable accelerated licensing for reactor concepts that include the new materials. Therefore, this study investigated the burst behavior of an ATF candidate of C26M, which is an iron–chromium–aluminum alloy (FeCrAl) under transient testing like the simulated loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) conditions, except the water-quenching phase, in light-water reactors (LWRs). The effect of LOCA specimen length was assessed in terms of post-burst tube parameters. No critical length effect was determined on the burst pressure, burst location, and burst size measurements. Burst temperature showed larger variation likely due to its measurement approach used in this study. The post-test diametral strain was identified as the critical parameter to reduce the specimen length as compared to tube burst length or width. Postmortem optical metrology and digital image correlation were employed to determine the local strain-state during the simulated LOCA, which showed the loading path was close to equibiaxial conditions in regions away from the burst location, rather than internally pressurized conditions (or “plane-strain” tension). Pst-test microstructural characterizations of the FeCrAl revealed that ductile damage was present at the edge of the outer radial surface while the rest of the material was ruptured via cleavage at LOCA burst temperatures. Furthermore, internal grain boundary cracks were observed at locations away from the tube burst region. This behavior was considered to occur during the cooling down period of the simulated LOCA test. Overall, this study aimed to provide essential data for fuel performance code development by considering micromechanics of the deformation and failure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗