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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 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Haze processing of atmospheric particles during wintertime in the Indo-Gangetic Plains

The impacts of haze on visibility, air quality, and climate are not well quantified due to a lack of understanding of the evolution of the mixing state and phase state of atmospheric particles during haze processing. The variability of the mixing state of atmospheric particles contributes significantly to uncertainties associated with the estimated aerosol radiative forcing. We collected particle samples in January 2018 from the highly polluted Indo-Gangetic plain during hazy conditions to study haze-processed particles. Single particle analysis using multi-modal micro-spectroscopy techniques revealed an abundance (40–70% by number) of potassium-rich sulfate particles from biomass-burning influenced smoke. Tilted view imaging showed that most of the organic particles that had inorganic potassium and sulfate inclusions were liquid-like while those without inclusions were more semi-solid. High-resolution mass spectrometry analysis revealed a significant presence of organosulfates and nitroxy-organosulfates in the morning samples (24%) compared to the afternoon samples (9%), despite higher relative humidity in the afternoon. Overall, our results highlight the significant contribution of both organic and inorganic sulfate to the total particulate sulfur budget during haze processing in winter, when anthropogenic emissions such as household burning, agricultural burning, and vehicular emissions are major contributors to particle mass.

Mathai, Susan [Pacific Northwest National Laborato↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multi-Omics Reveals Temporal Scales of Carbon Metabolism in Synechococcus Elongatus PCC 7942 Under Light Disturbance

Central carbon metabolism in model cyanobacteria involves multiple pathways to adapt to energy-light limitations across diel cycles. However, the success in mechanistic modeling for phenotypic prediction of the protein regulators in the metabolic state depends on capturing the vast possibilities emerging from multiple regulatory pathways in complex biological processes. Here, we developed a physics-informed machine learning approach based on energy-landscape concepts to predict regulatory proteins responding to cyclic circadian and unforeseen light perturbations in cyanobacterial metabolic networks. Our approach provides interpretable de novo models for inferring gene expression dynamics from Synechococcus elongatus over diel cycles and using redox proteome analysis to distinguish immediate light-responsive elements from circadian-regulated processes in carbon metabolism pathways. We identified distinct temporal signatures with the analysis of the redox proteome: there was an immediate shift in cysteine redox states accompanied by a limited change in protein abundance under constant illumination and after 2 hours of darkness. This discovery indicates that the generation of reductants coordinates photoinduced electron transport with redox metabolic pathways in two discernable molecular mechanisms: fast redox-based protein modifications occur immediately after the light disturbance, followed by slow transcriptional regulations across networks. This temporal regulation reveals how metabolic networks integrate rapid light responses with programmed circadian rhythms to maintain cellular homeostasis under the light-energy limitations over the diel cycle.

Biomolecular & subcellular processes↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integrated low-temperature PVC and polyolefin upgrading

Polyolefins and their chlorinated derivatives such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are among the most prevalent plastics in global production and waste streams. Traditional waste-to-energy methods such as incineration and pyrolysis, as well as most chemical upcycling methods for PVC utilization, require thorough, high-temperature dechlorination to prevent the release of toxic chlorinated compounds. Here, we present here a strategy for upgrading discarded PVC into chlorine-free fuel range hydrocarbons and hydrogen chloride in a single-stage process catalyzed by chloroaluminate ionic liquids. This approach offsets endothermic dechlorination and carbon-carbon bond cleavage with exothermic alkylation and hydrogen transfer by isobutane or isopentane in a low-temperature tandem process. The light isoalkanes are available from refinery processes and partly from recycling of the product stream. This process is suitable for handling real-world mixed and contaminated PVC and polyolefin waste streams.

Zhang, Wei [East China Normal Univ. (ECNU), Shangh↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multi-omics of a model bacterial consortium deciphers details of chitin decomposition in soil

Soil microorganisms interact to carry out decomposition of complex organic carbon and nitrogen compounds, such as chitin, but the high diversity and complexity of the soil microbiome and habitat have posed a challenge to elucidating such interactions. Here, we sought to address this challenge by analysis of a model soil consortium (MSC-2) consisting of eight soil bacterial species. Our aim was to elucidate the specific roles of the member species during chitin metabolism. Samples were collected from MSC-2 incubated in chitin-enriched soil over 3 months. Multi-omics was used to understand how the community composition, transcripts, proteins, and chitin decomposition shifted over time. The data clearly and consistently revealed a temporal shift during chitin decomposition with defined contributions by individual species. A Streptomyces genus member (sp001905665) was a key player in early steps of chitin decomposition, with other MSC-2 members being central in carrying out later steps. These results illustrate how multi-omics applied to a defined consortium untangles the interactions between soil microorganisms.

chitin↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dysregulation of lung epithelial cell homeostasis and immunity contributes to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease severity

Coronaviruses (CoV) emerge suddenly from animal reservoirs to cause novel diseases in new hosts. Discovered in 2012, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is endemic in camels in the Middle East and is continually causing local outbreaks and epidemics. While all three newly emerging human CoVs from the past 20 years (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV) cause respiratory disease, each CoV has unique host interactions that drive differential pathogeneses. To better understand the virus and host interactions driving lethal MERS-CoV infection, we performed a longitudinal multi-omics analysis of sublethal and lethal MERS-CoV infection in mice. Significant differences were observed in body weight loss, virus titers, and acute lung injury among lethal and sub-lethal virus doses. Virus-induced apoptosis of type I and II alveolar epithelial cells suggests that loss or dysregulation of these key cell populations was a major driver of severe disease. Omics analysis suggested differential pathogenesis was multi-factorial with clear differences among innate and adaptive immune pathways as well as those that regulate lung epithelial homeostasis. Infection of mice lacking functional T and B cells showed that adaptive immunity was important in controlling viral replication but also increased pathogenesis. In summary, we provide a high-resolution host response atlas for MERS-CoV infection and disease severity. Multi-omics studies of viral pathogenesis offer a unique opportunity to not only better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease but also to identify genes and pathways that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention all of which is important for our future pandemic preparedness.

MERS-CoV↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sorted-cell proteomics reveals an AT1-associated epithelial cornification phenotype and suggests endothelial redox imbalance in human bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a neonatal lung disease characterized by inflammation and scarring leading to long-term tissue damage. Previous whole tissue proteomics identified BPD-specific proteome changes and cell type shifts. Little is known about the proteome-level changes within specific cell populations in disease. Here, we sorted epithelial (EPI) and endothelial (ENDO) cell populations based on their differential surface markers from normal and BPD human lungs. Using a low-input compatible sample preparation method (MicroPOT), proteins were extracted and digested into peptides and subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteome analysis. Of the 4,970 proteins detected, 293 were modulated in abundance or detection in the EPI population and 422 were modulated in ENDO cells. Modulation of proteins associated with actin-cytoskeletal function, such as SCEL, LMO7, and TBA1B was observed in the BPD EPIs. Using confocal imaging and analysis, we validated the presence of aberrant multilayer-like structures comprising SCEL and LMO7, known to be associated with epidermal cornification, in the human BPD lung. This is the first report of the accumulation of cornification-associated proteins in BPD. Their localization in the alveolar parenchyma, primarily associated with alveolar type 1 (AT1) cells, suggests a role in the BPD postinjury response. In the ENDOs, redox balance and mitochondrial function pathways were modulated. Alternative mRNA splicing and cell proliferative functions were elevated in both populations, suggesting potential dysregulation of cell progenitor fate. This study characterized the proteome of epithelial and endothelial cells from the BPD lung for the first time, identifying population-specific changes in BPD pathogenesis.

BPD↗
DOE OSTI2025

Aviation Security Screening Optimizer for Risk and ThroughputASSORT

The Aviation Security Screening Optimizer for Risk and Throughput (ASSORT) is designed to assess risk-based approaches for passenger screening and checkpoint operations. Additionally, ASSORT is exploring various traveler categories — general, trusted, and trusted-plus — along with different checkpoint screening Concept of Operations tailored to each traveler type

Brigantic, Robert [Pacific Northwest National Labo↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optimal production of Phanerochaete chrysosporium manganese peroxidases and Trametes sp. C30 laccase hybrid Lac131 in Aspergillus niger for lignin bioconversion

Background Incorporating the production of related ligninolytic enzymes into industrial filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger will enhance the bioconversion of lignocelluloses to various chemical products. Results In this study, transgenic expression of Phanerochaete chrysosporium manganese peroxidases (mnps) and Trametes sp. C30 laccase hybrid Lac131 (lac131) were examined and optimized in A. niger 11414 prtT∆ strain. Five mnps (mnp1, mnp2, mnp3, mnp4, and mnp5) and lac131 genes were expressed separately or in combination. The transgenic strain containing the entire mnp2 genomic coding sequence (gmnp2) exhibited the highest mnP activity among the five mnp over-expression strains in the modified minimal medium (mMM) with addition of 5 g/L bovine hemoglobin (bHg). We examined the effects of hemin and bHg on mnP production in the gmnp2 strain cultures and found that at least 1 g/L bHg was required, while hemin was not. Culture conditions for mnP production were further optimized for the gmnp2 strain and the highest mnP activities were detected in the cultures grown at 25 °C and 200 rpm with an initial pH of 4.5. Effects of soy protein, skim milk, and bovine serum albumin on mnP production were investigated; 5 g/L of soy proteins or skim milk had comparable effects to 2.5 g/L bHg, while cultures with bovine serum albumin had diminished mnP activity. Disruption of both prtT and vsm1 substantially augmented the mnP production and its activity reached 575 U/L. Trametes sp. C30 laccase hybrid lac131 was strongly expressed in either A. niger gmnp2 (1975 U/L) or 11414prtT∆ (3895 U/L) strain. Both mnP and laccase in the culture supernatants effectively decolorized selected phenolic compounds (dyes) and cleaved tagged model lignin dimers. Conclusion The mnP was successfully produced in A. niger by optimizing the culture conditions and host strain. Co-expression of all four mnp genes in the same expression host by multiplex CRISPR will lead to the mnP production reaching levels comparable to P. chrysosporium, while only requiring 36 h at 25 °C. The Lac131 activity in transgenic A. niger strain is 4- to 7-times higher than that in previous studies. Co-production of mnP and laccase in A. niger will enhance the lignin bioconversion efficiency.

Aspergillus niger↗
DOE OSTI2025

Physical and Hydraulic Properties of RCRA Borehole Samples from the Hanford Site : Final Report, Fiscal Years 2023-2024

Sediment from 44 core samples collected from Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) boreholes drilled in the 200 East and 200 West areas of the Hanford Site were characterized for physical and hydraulic properties (Table S.1). Characterization data included gravimetric water contents and matric potentials, grain-size distributions, saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention characteristics, and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. These properties provide site-specific data and parameters that can be used in subsurface flow and contaminant transport models to assess the transport and fate of contaminants in the vadose zone and underlying aquifer systems. The analyzed core samples come from specific areas and depth intervals at the Hanford Site that were targeted for sampling to address data gaps identified by site contractors (Khaleel 2020). X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was used to evaluate the general textural characteristics of the samples and to determine which samples to use for further physical and hydraulic property characterization. Subsequent sample selection was determined by consensus after review of the XCT images by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Central Plateau Cleanup Company, and INTERA staff.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

EPCAPE Radar b1 Data Processing: Corrections, Calibrations, and Processing Report

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility recently deployed its First ARM Mobile Facility (AMF1) to La Jolla, California as part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE) campaign. Some of the goals behind EPCAPE were to characterize the diurnal and seasonal cycles of stratocumulus clouds and to investigate the cloud-aerosol-radiation interactions and feedbacks in the area. The deployment of the AMF1 for a full year from 15 February 2023 to 14 February 2024 aided in addressing these scientific questions. While AMF1 collected data year-round, enhanced measurements were taken during two intensive operational periods (IOPs). The first IOP occurred from April to June and focused on the chemistry of low clouds (EPCAPE_Chem), while the second IOP occurred from July to September and was focused on the radiation of high clouds (EPCAPE_Radiation). Several cloud radars were deployed with AMF1 to collect valuable data on cloud properties that will help users address key science objectives. As in past ARM campaigns, a1-level radar data is extensively analyzed and calibration techniques are performed to generate b1-level data (Matthews et al. 2023, Feng et al. 2024). Radar data at the b1-level are of the highest quality and thus can be used to examine scientific questions. The status of the a1-level data and the a1-to-b1 process for the EPCAPE radars is subsequently detailed in this document.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Glass Property-Composition Models Update for use in Direct Feed High-Level Waste Flowsheet Development

A set of preliminary glass property models and constraints were developed and augmented by models from literature for use in design of direct-feed high-level waste (DFHLW) glasses for flowsheet evaluation, testing, and design of the Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) high-level waste (HLW) Facility. These models and constraints are meant to be used as a place-holder while glass property-composition data gaps are filled and final plant operating models are developed. This report describes the motivation and intended use of the models, the compilation of data, model fitting and selection, methods to apply the models and constraints in glass design and offers example calculations demonstrating their intended use.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

Real-Time Xenon Sensor Analysis Report

Radiotracer release experiments were performed at the Nevada National Security Site in October 2022. The overall experiment was called the RElease ACTivity (REACT) experiment. Twenty-two real-time xenon sensors were deployed for each of four releases. Initial, quick-look analysis results were reported in December 2022. This report reviews the more comprehensive offline analysis effort that was conducted during the remainder of fiscal year 2023 by the Dynamic Networks venture. Improved energy stabilization routines were implemented along with an improved background subtraction routine compared to the original quicklook calculations. The relative detection efficiencies of all real-time sensors were examined. Finally, simulated detector response functions were coupled to two different meteorological models using the measured conditions for the final release (REACT-04) to compare simulated detections with measurements. While there is some agreement between the models and measured data on the detection locations and timing, there is less agreement on the magnitude of those detections. Future sensor and meteorological modeling work will be needed to improve the agreement and to examine the additional releases (REACT-01 through REACT-03).

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nine Canyon Long-Duration Energy Storage: A Feasibility Study

The Nine Canyon Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Feasibility Study explores the technical and economic viability of deploying advanced energy storage technologies at Energy Northwest's (EN) Nine Canyon (9C) Wind Project site in Benton County, Washington. Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity under its LDES Voucher Program, the study represents a collaborative effort between EN, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and ARES North America. At the core of this effort is the development of a generalized techno-economic modeling framework and evaluation tool designed to assess the value proposition of LDES projects across a variety of contexts. The modeling tool is technology-agnostic and accommodates user-defined parameters such as rated power, energy duration, round-trip efficiency, capital and operational costs, and dispatch constraints. It also integrates economic inputs, including market prices, energy revenue structures, and financing parameters to evaluate performance through key metrics. The tool provides utilities with a transparent, adaptable platform to support decision-making, investment prioritization, and portfolio planning for various storage technologies. To guide scenario design and interpretation, the study first surveyed the LDES technology landscape, including lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, non-hydro gravity storage, and thermo-mechanical systems, comparing cost trajectories, technical performance, safety and hazards, materials sourcing and recyclability, and spatial/siting considerations. This literature-grounded review highlights technology trade-offs and reinforces the need to align technology choice with site characteristics, use cases, and project objectives. A companion chapter examines ownership structures (EN ownership, third-party ownership, shared models) and offtake options (energy marketing, capacity/energy PPAs, time-of-use PPAs, block-delivery PPAs, and tolling), where PPAs (power purchase agreements) represent contractual arrangements for buying and selling electricity. The chapter also highlights implications for risk allocation, capital access, operational control, and revenue certainty. The study also evaluates supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and transmission interconnection pathways, options include upgrading the existing SCADA or deploying a dedicated LDES controller, with attention to protection schemes, data telemetry, cybersecurity, and regulatory coordination with BPA. In addition, an ARES-specific geotechnical and hydrology assessment presented in the appendix screens multiple corridors for slope stability, bearing capacity, cut-and-fill magnitude, and stormwater behavior.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

VISIONARY: Virtual Intelligence System for Optimizing Novel Analytical Research Yields

VISIONARY is an AI system that accelerates energy materials discovery by automatically generating hypotheses about structure-property relationships. It analyzes patterns in materials data, identifies promising correlations, and proposes testable scientific hypotheses without human intervention. By streamlining this reasoning process, VISIONARY helps researchers efficiently identify candidate materials with desired properties, significantly speeding up the materials development pipeline for energy applications. During the project, we developed a standalone application. The application uses a combination of papers provided by the user and data collected from FutureHouse’s dataset to build an understanding of the background that the user wants to explore for the hypothesis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Assessment of Benefits of Solid-State Advanced Manufacturing Processes for Nuclear Energy Products

The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology (AMMT) program develops cross cutting technologies in support of a broad range of nuclear reactor technologies and maintains U.S. leadership in materials and manufacturing technologies for nuclear energy applications. This overall project provides the U.S. Department of Energy a critical feasibility study comparison of three solid-state processes to other AM processes, thereby providing the feasibility of the solid-state processes examined to manufacture 316H SS and ODS steel components: • Fused-filament fabrication (FFF): This work provides an initial evaluation of the impact of powder morphology and sizes on the FFF process, and the feasibility and adaptability for different material systems, to use FFF for ODS steels and 316 SS. • Shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE): Specifically for this portion of the project on ShAPE tube forming, the objectives will be to determine the feasibility to direct tube forming of high tensile strength steel tubing, specifically for ODS steel to determine the effect of the patented extrusion process on the dispersoids of the ODS material. Additionally, as often ODS powders are mechanically alloyed and therefore more platelike or angular, this feasibility was to explore the impact on the optimization process and initial feasibility of direct tube forming. • Cold spray and friction stir additive manufacturing as a stretch goal: Bulk and near net shape manufacturing processes for high-temperature, high-strength alloys are needed. Additionally, cold spray techniques can be applied in-situ at the operational level for repair and can provide multiple benefits to the nuclear industry. These tasks aim to provide information to show benefits of cold spray during the full life cycle, namely research and development, product manufacturing, and repair to mention a few key points.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

CarbStor: Development, Analysis and Modification of Carbon Storing Model Soil Communities

Soil microbial communities carry out a number of key processes including plant growth promotion, bioremediation and cycling of nutrients. Carbon cycling is among the most important of these nutrients that are metabolized and processed by the soil microbial community. Many of the carbon inputs are converted to alternative organic forms of carbon that can be used by plants or act as biomass for microbial growth. However, inorganic forms of carbon can also be produced by soil microbial communities including calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ). Production of calcium carbonate is beneficial for the ecosystem in several ways: it can stabilize soils and improve soil health, especially denser soils with high clay content, it can act as a method of bioremediation, it can serve as an alternative carbon source for plants and it can be a way to store carbon in soil in a stable, inorganic manner for the long term. While the chemistry surrounding individual species carrying out this process is well known what is lacking is an understanding of how species interact in a community to drive carbonate production. As all microbial species in soil exist in a community setting gaining this knowledge is critical to our predicting and controlling this microbial phenotype to greatly improve soil health. The CarbStor project is focused on developing, analyzing and modifying defined microbial soil consortia that express phenotypes at both the species and community level to convert carbon into recalcitrant stable sources such as precipitated carbonate or microbial necromass. To take full advantage of the soil community for this process we will need to fill several key knowledge gaps (KG), three of which are the focus of CarbStor. KG1: Whether and to what degree microbial communities can be developed that produce precipitated carbon via microbial metabolism. KG2: What interspecies interactions drive the individual member phenotypes in defined communities that lead to carbon precipitation. KG3: How can these interactions be modified to enhance carbon sequestration beyond what native communities are capable of. We hypothesize that in a carbon sequestering community only a subset of species will express phenotypes related to carbon storage processes. We also hypothesize that these phenotypes are expressed as a result of interactions with other species in the community that are not involved in carbon storage processes and that these interactions can be harnessed to enhance community carbon sequestration.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Novel Method for Domestic Stable Isotope Production

This report presents the progress achieved on our chlorine isotope separation efforts in the CRADA #667 agreement. We used a microchannel distillation (MCD) packing structure to enrich HCl isotopes (H35Cl, H37Cl) and an isotachophoresis (ITP) separation to enrich ionic chloride species ( 35 Cl- and 37 Cl-). A 2 m tall MCD column was constructed and achieved 264 separation stages over several days, which is well above the goal of 50 stages outlined in the CRADA. The resulting height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) was 0.76 cm. ITP tests were run ~ 24 hours and achieved a single-stage separation factor of 1.559.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Irrigation Infrastructure and Modernization – Setting a Baseline: Estimates of Irrigation Water Conveyance Infrastructure Extents and Composition and the Potential Water, Energy, and Economic Benefits of Modernization in the Western U.S.

In the Western United States (U.S.), water delivery for irrigation is still largely managed using century-old equipment and designs. Modernization of this vital water conveyance infrastructure, such as piping of earthen canals, is known to improve water availability and water quality for farmers, while saving energy and enabling new hydropower. However, there is sparse information about the extent of irrigation water delivery infrastructure, which makes it challenging to estimate the cost of upgrades at scale and the potential benefits of accelerating modernization work. This report estimates a variety of previously unquantified data points related to irrigation water delivery infrastructure in the Western U.S. to support stakeholders interested in nationwide modernization planning. The findings should be considered approximations, useful for understanding the scale, range, or variability of these indicators. Taken together, the findings of this report illustrate some of the challenges and opportunities involved in modernizing the agricultural water delivery infrastructure in the Western U.S. Accelerating the pace of modernization could strengthen the long-term resilience of U.S. food systems while providing significant economic, energy, water, and environmental benefits.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗