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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Extraction of the non-spin- and spin-transfer isovector responses via the 12 C ⁡( 10 Be, 10 B + 𝛾)⁢ 12 B reaction

The isovector response in 12 B was investigated via the 12 C ⁡( 10 Be, 10 B + 𝛾)⁢ 12 B* reaction at 100⁢𝐴MeV. By utilizing the 𝛾-decay properties of the 1.74 MeV 0 + and 0.718 MeV 1 + states in 10 B, the separate extraction of the non-spin-transfer (Δ⁢𝑆 = 0) and spin-transfer (Δ⁢𝑆 = 1) isovector responses up to an excitation energy of 50 MeV in 12 B in a single measurement is demonstrated. The experimental setup employed the S800 spectrometer to detect and analyze the 10 B ejectiles and the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA) for obtaining the Doppler-reconstructed spectrum for 𝛾 rays emitted in flight by 10 B. A 12 C foil was placed at the pivot point of the spectrograph. Here, the 12 B reaction product was not detected. Contributions from transitions associated with the transfer of different units of angular momentum in the non-spin- and spin-transfer responses were analyzed using a multipole decomposition analysis. The extracted non-spin-dipole (Δ⁢𝑆 = 0, Δ⁢𝐿 = 1) and spin-dipole (Δ⁢𝑆 = 1, Δ⁢𝐿 = 1) responses were found to be consistent with available data from other charge-exchange probes, validating the non-spin- and spin-transfer filters used. While statistical uncertainties and experimental resolutions were relatively large due to the modest intensity of the 10 Be secondary beam, the results show that, with the much higher intensities that will be available at new rare-isotope beam facilities, the ( 10 Be, 10 B + 𝛾) reaction and its Δ⁢𝑇 𝑧 = −1 partner, the ( 10 C, 10 B + 𝛾) reaction, are powerful tools for elucidating the isovector non-spin- and spin-transfer responses in nuclei.

Charge-exchange reactions↗
DOE OSTI2025

Janus Superiority of Membranes in Chemical Engineering and Beyond

Janus configurations, characterized by their inherent asymmetry, enable directional mass transfer in membrane materials that drive novel and energy-efficient chemical processes. This Janus superiority spans applications from nanoscale molecular and ionic transport to macro-scale separation systems with asymmetric spatial architectures. This review provides an analysis of the material foundations including design principles, structure regulation, and scalability challenges underlying Janus membranes. Here, we explore the physics that governs their unique behavior and examine their diverse applications across chemical engineering, including phase transfer, and molecular or ionic transport. Through a multiscale perspective, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of Janus superiority in advancing chemical engineering technologies. Finally, we discuss the hurdles in translating theoretical advances into practical applications and propose promising avenues for future research to harness the full potential of Janus membranes and systems in addressing global challenges related to energy, sustainability, and beyond.

Yang, Hao‐Cheng [Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (Ch↗
DOE OSTI2025

SiC Receiver/Reactor by Additive Manufacturing for Concentrated Solar Thermocatalysis with Thermal Energy Storage (Final Technical Report - Public)

The direct use of solar thermal energy provides opportunities for low-cost heating sources for a variety of applications. Ultra-high temperatures around 1000°C are high value and highly useful for energy-demanding industries. Many materials cannot withstand these conditions. In the area of Sustainable Chemicals, further limitations on material stability exist. Combining state-of-the-art materials with new designs provides a promising pathway for harvesting solar thermal energy and performing high temperature chemical processes. However, conventional manufacturing limits the potential for design flexibility. In this project, Additive Manufacturing was combined with advanced materials and new chemical reactor designs. In addition, 24/7 energy is necessary for chemical processing, and designs for ultra-high temperature thermal storage were devised. Specifically, preliminary design of a novel solar thermal receiver was developed in this project and designed to work with thermocatalytic reactors for producing sustainable chemicals and fuels. An ultra-high temperature particle storage system and heat exchangers were proposed to transport ultra-hot air as thermal fluid for the system. On a broader scale, this system could be used to tap solar thermal energy for a centralized facility with capability of transferring that heat to various segments at a full range of temperatures to 1000°C. The project pushed the temperature boundaries past those in current use, and Additive Manufacturing was envisaged for fabricating the receiver to meet requirements of extreme environments. An extensive analysis of silicon carbide additive manufacturing was performed to compare the thermal and mechanical properties of complex geometries compared to conventional material and those manufactured via other methods. The Additive Manufacturing via Binder-Jet printing was optimized and characterized to provide high quality and reproducible components capable of withstanding the proposed extreme environments. The designs for the concentrating solar thermal cavity with ultra-hot air thermal fluid showed high performance in simulations, attributable to the complex optimized geometries of the 3D printed systems. The bright future of Additive Manufacturing with advanced materials developments should provide more options and even higher quality as the technology further develops. Current costs for Additive Manufacturing of advanced ceramics is relatively low, however post-processing of the materials for extreme environments is currently high. There is little industrial-scale infrastructure for these, but it is growing as niche applications become more mainstream. The results of the project can be translated into similar extreme environments for concentrating solar thermal energy as well as its integration with ultra-hot air thermal fluids. A number of industries that require ultra-high temperatures need to electrify or otherwise decarbonize for climate goals, and this project showed that theoretically there is a pathway to do so with direct concentrated solar thermal power.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Computational Investigation of a CO 2 Conversion Strategy via Diels–Alder Reaction in a Carbon Capture Solvent

Molecular-level insights into reactive separations are crucial for the design of new conversion pathways of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). This work explores a postulated pathway that directs CO 2 to undergo inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reactions to produce heterocycles using the CO 2 chemically fixed on water-lean solvent molecules. Density functional theory calculations are applied to evaluate the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies of three types of reactants (1,3-butadiene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene, and 1,2,4,5-tetrazine) with various functional substituents. These calculations also provide a data set (5.8k data) for developing a machine learning model to efficiently predict LUMO energies. A computational screening of LUMO energies for an additional 47k diene and tetrazine candidates is performed, and a list of candidates with lowered LUMO energies by electron-withdrawing substituents is provided. These candidates are further examined by their reaction energy barriers computed from the interatomic potential or density functional theory. Two major energy barriers are identified, one for the proton transfer within the water-lean solvent and the other for the CO 2 transfer from the solvent molecule to the reactant candidate (diene or tetrazine). The functional substituents have a more significant impact on the second barrier but a very slight one on the first barrier. This exploratory work demonstrates a new possibility for guiding experimental efforts toward the chemical conversion of fixated CO 2 to value-added compounds.

Chemical reactions↗
DOE OSTI2025

Direct Evidence for Buffer-Enhanced Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Generation of a High-Valent Metal-Oxo Complex

Here, the oxidation of metal-aquo and -hydroxo complexes to generate the high-valent metal-oxo species used in oxidative catalysis is often kinetically slow due to sluggish proton transfer between ligated −H 2 O/–OH in the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) chemistry. In this research, a ruthenium water oxidation catalyst anchored to a conductive tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) thin film, abbreviated ITO|Ru II –OH 2 , was characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods in acetate or phosphate buffers. The deprotonated intermediate, Ru II –OH, was observed spectroscopically in the PCET half-reaction ITO(e – )|Ru III –OH + H + → ITO|Ru II –OH 2 indicating an underlying stepwise ET-PT mechanism. In contrast, at elevated buffer concentrations, this intermediate was absent, and a 2–4 order of magnitude increase in the proton transfer rate constant was observed. Kinetic data for this PCET reaction measured as a function of the driving force provided the reorganization energy λ = 1.05 eV and was assigned to a concerted electron–proton transfer (EPT) mechanism. In addition, the standard heterogeneous rate constants for two PCET equilibria, Ru III –OH + H + + e – ⇌ Ru II –OH 2 and Ru IV = O + H + + e – ⇌ Ru III –OH were enhanced by these same buffers. Collectively, the data show that the added buffers can enhance the kinetics and thermodynamics for PCET reactions relevant to oxidative catalysis.

Catalysts↗
DOE OSTI2024

Bootstrap Principle for the Spectrum and Scattering of Strings

We show that the Veneziano amplitude of string theory is the unique solution to an analytically solvable bootstrap problem. Uniqueness follows from two assumptions: faster than power-law falloff in high-energy scattering and the existence of some infinite sequence in momentum transfer at which higher-spin exchanges cancel. The string amplitude—including the mass spectrum—is an output of this bootstrap. If the amplitude merely vanishes at high energies, the solution is a three-parameter family containing the Veneziano, Coon, and hypergeometric amplitudes, and more.

Field & string theory models & techniques↗
DOE OSTI2025

Shell effects in quasi-fission for calcium induced reactions forming thorium isotopes

Quantum shell effects induce an asymmetric fission mode in actinides, which disappears in neutron deficient isotopes. Quasi-fission, characterized by a significant mass transfer in heavy ion collisions at low-energies, is expected to be affected by similar shell effects. This is studied in 40−56 Ca+176 reactions with the time-dependent Hartree-Fock approach. All reactions exhibit a mass equilibration process that stops when a heavy fragment with 𝑍 ≃ 54 protons is formed. Unlike the fission of thorium compound nuclei, quasi-fission does not exhibit a transition to symmetric modes in neutron deficient systems. This observation is interpreted in terms of potential energy surfaces that show a persistence of an asymmetric valley with an increasing barrier preventing its population in fission of the most neutron deficient thorium isotopes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Recent Advances in Probing Electron Delocalization in Conjugated Molecules by Attached Infrared Reporter Groups for Energy Conversion and Storage

This review article reports an overview of the recent developments in the field of electron delocalization study in organic conjugated molecules by utilizing the vibration frequencies exhibited by the attached functional groups such as nitrile (–C≡N), alkyne (–C≡C–), or carbonyl (–C=O). A brief introduction to electron delocalization, methods for study, and their importance is given first, followed by the application of infrared spectroscopy in organic molecules. Details of molecules with various infrared reporter groups have been explained in respective subsections based on the functional groups. All the reported organic molecules have been structured and presented with the electron delocalization properties studied using an infrared reporter group. Finally, an outlook on this recently promising, exciting, and interesting field of probing electron delocalization using infrared reporter groups is provided.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Plasma gradient effect on direct laser acceleration

The transfer of a high-intensity laser pulse energy to a high-energy electron beam via the direct laser acceleration mechanism is shown to be significantly enhanced through control of the plasma density gradient. Experiments performed using the OMEGA EP facility's high-intensity beams altered the plasma density and gradients by changing the Mach number and the angle of the gas-jet nozzle to the laser axis. When a long density gradient at the rear of the target is used, the total high-energy electron number measured was enhanced by 4.5 times compared to a shorter rear gradient. Complementary two-dimensional simulations, which follow the laser field evolution and the corresponding electron dynamics, strongly support the key trends observed in the experiment. The effect is twofold, the long density gradient provides the longest acceleration distance while it minimizes the formation of the sheath field as the electron beam exits into the vacuum. This study shows the importance of tailoring the plasma density.

Laser plasma interactions↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of 𝑑 2⁢ 𝜎/𝑑⁢|$\vec{q}$|⁢𝑑⁢𝐸 avail in charged current 𝜈 𝜇 -nucleus interactions at ⟨𝐸 𝜈 ⟩=1.86 GeV using the NOvA Near Detector

Double- and single-differential cross sections for inclusive charged-current 𝜈 𝜇 -nucleus scattering are reported for the kinematic domain 0 to 2 GeV/𝑐 in three-momentum transfer and 0 to 2 GeV in available energy, at a mean 𝜈 𝜇 energy of 1.86 GeV. The measurements are based on an estimated 995,760 𝜈 𝜇 charged-current (CC) interactions in the scintillator medium of the NOvA Near Detector. The subdomain populated by 2-particle-2-hole (2p2h) reactions is identified by the cross section excess relative to predictions for 𝜈 𝜇 -nucleus scattering that are constrained by a data control sample. Models for 2-particle-2-hole processes are rated by 𝜒 2 comparisons of the predicted-versus-measured 𝜈 𝜇 CC inclusive cross section over the full phase space and in the restricted subdomain. Shortfalls are observed in neutrino generator predictions obtained using the theory-based València and SuSAv2 2p2h models.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Time-of-Flight energy measurements with BPMs

The energy of a bunched non-relativistic ion beam can be deduced from measuring the beam phases in neighboring Beam Position Monitors (BPMs). This report presents estimations on implementation of such a procedure at PIP-II H- linac being constructed at Fermilab. In part, the case when the flight time between BPMs is larger than the period of BPM frequency is considered in detail. When the absolute BPM phase calibration is not available, the BPM phase information can be used to trace deviations of the beam energy from the desired value. Such “energy deviation” parameter is operationally implemented at the transfer line between 400 MeV Linac and the Booster, and its analog is expected to be used in the transfer line from PIP-II as well.

Shemyakin, Alexander [Fermilab] (ORCID:00000001501↗
DOE OSTI2024

Marine Energy Commercialization Review: Evaluation of the Transition From Public to Private Capital

The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is to advance marine energy technologies through research, testing, and commercialization. This paper explores the barriers and potential solutions for marine energy commercialization by evaluating publicly available literature, feedback from public and private actors, and historical WPTO actions. A key finding is the absence of standardized metrics to measure marine energy commercialization progress and the lack of targeted success goals. This paper aims to define those metrics, informed by public and private goals and the challenges developers experience, and to further evaluate targets offered by public funders and private capital providers. Recommendations to address barriers in marine energy commercialization include enhancing public-private communication, refining commercialization requirements, leveraging technology transfer programs, and exploring novel funding mechanisms like green bonds and contracts for difference. Addressing these challenges through proposed adjustments could facilitate the transition of marine energy technologies from public funding to sustainable private investment, ultimately advancing their commercialization.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Final Technical Report for DE-SC0021049: Manipulating interfacial reactivity with atomically layered heterostructures

This final technical report summarizes the work accomplished in this DOE Early Career Research Program project that has established moiré superlattice materials and two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures as a highly tunable platform for controlling heterogeneous charge transfer (ET) kinetics at solid-liquid interfaces. By precisely engineering van der Waals heterostructures of atomically thin 2D materials, particularly bilayer and trilayer graphene with controlled twist angles, this project demonstrated systematic control of interfacial charge transfer rates spanning three orders of magnitude. This research addresses fundamental questions about how electronic structure, charge localization, and atomic layer-dependent properties govern charge transfer at electrochemical interfaces, with broad implications for energy conversion, electrocatalysis, and next-generation electrochemical devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Time-of-Flight Energy Measurements With BPMs

The energy of a bunched non-relativistic ion beam can be deduced from measuring the beam phases in neighbouring Beam Position Monitors (BPMs). This report discusses implementation of such a procedure at the PIP-II H- linac being constructed at Fermilab. The case when the flight time between BPMs is longer than the period of BPM frequency is considered in more detail. When absolute BPM phase calibration is not available, the BPM phase information can be used to track deviations of the beam energy from the de-sired value. Such energy deviation parameter is operationally implemented at the transfer line between 400 MeV Linac and the Booster, and its analog is expected to be used in the transfer line from PIP-II as well.

Shemyakin, Alexander V. [Fermilab] (ORCID:00000001↗
DOE OSTI2026

X-ray characterization of fully-depleted p-channel Skipper-CCDs for the DarkNESS mission

The Dark matter Nanosatellite Equipped with Skipper Sensors (DarkNESS) mission is a 6U CubeSat designed to search for X-ray lines from decaying dark matter using Skipper-CCDs. Thick, fully-depleted p-channel Skipper-CCDs provide low readout noise and high quantum efficiency for 1-10 keV X-rays, but their X-ray performance has not yet been demonstrated in the space environment. DarkNESS will operate in low-Earth orbit, where trapped protons induce displacement damage in the sensor that increases charge-transfer inefficiency and degrades the X-ray energy resolution. This work measures the X-ray line response of Skipper-CCDs before and after proton irradiation and quantifies the associated degradation. A sensor was exposed to 217 MeV protons at a fluence of 8.4 x 10^10 protons cm^-2, corresponding to a displacement-damage dose more than an order of magnitude above the three-year expectation for representative mid-inclination and Sun-synchronous low-Earth orbits. A 55Fe source was used to compare the energy resolution of the beam-exposed quadrant to adjacent unexposed quadrants and a non-irradiated reference sensor. These measurements provide a quantitative assessment of radiation-induced spectral degradation in Skipper-CCDs and enable an estimate of the end-of-life X-ray energy resolution expected for DarkNESS operation in low-Earth orbit.

Alpine, Phoenix [Illinois U., Urbana] (ORCID:00090↗
DOE OSTI2024

Matched Guiding and Controlled Injection in Dark-Current-Free, 10-GeV-Class, Channel-Guided Laser-Plasma Accelerators

Here we measure the high-intensity laser propagation throughout meter-scale, channel-guided laser-plasma accelerators by adjusting the length of the plasma channel on a shot-by-shot basis, showing high-quality guiding of 500 TW laser pulses over 30 cm in a hydrogen plasma of density n 0 ≈ 1 X 10 17 cm -3 . We observed transverse energy transport of higher-order modes in the first ≈ 12 cm of the plasma channel, followed by quasimatched propagation, and the gradual, dark-current-free depletion of laser energy to the wake. We quantify the laser-to-wake transfer efficiency limitations of currently available petawatt-class lasers and demonstrate via simulation how control over the laser mode can significantly improve beam parameters. Using 21.3 J of laser energy, and triggering localized electron injection, we observed electron bunches with single, quasimonoenergetic peaks up to 9.2 GeV with charge extending beyond 10 GeV.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multi-Analytical Investigation of Arsenical Transfer and Remediation on Nineteenth-Century Green Books

Books containing heavy metals, specifically nineteenth-century green arsenical books, have been identified at Northwestern University Libraries, raising health and safety concerns related to handling. Copper acetoarsenite pigments, such as emerald green, were detected on book covers, decorative page edges, labels, and other components using noninvasive analytical techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Further examination of selected volumes using synchrotron radiation (SR) techniques revealed pigment migration, degradation, and arsenic transfer to adjacent books. This paper expands on initial findings through two related experiments. The first explored the transfer of arsenic using mechanical friction; Staedtler Mars® white vinyl erasers rubbed on arsenical books generated crumbs which were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Results confirmed the transfer of arsenic, copper, and lead, with decorative page edges being particularly prone to shedding arsenic onto other materials. The second experiment tested remediation methods on a book contaminated by prolonged exposure to an arsenical neighbor. Surface cleaning using erasers and a vacuum removed flecks of pigment but did not eliminate non-chromophoric arsenic as confirmed by SR analyses, which highlights its presence either as a degradation product embedded within the paper or present in the paper as part of its production process. Findings demonstrate the acute toxicity risk posed by arsenical books and support the need for safe handling protocols. However, materials with only trace levels of arsenic embedded during production may pose a lower risk of transfer. Cross contamination beyond prolonged direct contact appears limited. These results highlight critical considerations for library preservation practices and future research on arsenic in historical materials.

arsenic↗
DOE OSTI2026

Novel thermal energy storage component: Development, performance, and phase transition diagnosis

Thermal energy storage (TES) using phase change materials (PCMs) is a promising technology for capturing and storing excess thermal energy for later use. However, challenges such as poor heat transfer efficiency and a lack of modular, scalable designs have limited widespread adoption of TES in real-world applications. This study developed and evaluated modular brick-type and blade-type TES prototypes featuring an aluminum housing, an embedded serpentine coil for active or passive thermal exchange, and a cost-effective metal mesh to enhance PCM thermal conductivity. The blade-type TES achieved notable geometric efficiency, with a thickness-to-length ratio of 0.03 and a thickness-to-width ratio of 0.08, enabling highly compact and modular thermal storage suitable for space-constrained applications. The paper presents a detailed evaluation of the TES prototypes’ performance. The comparative analysis indicated that the TES prototypes provide a highly cost-effective, thermally optimized alternative for compact energy storage and load shifting. A novel diagnostic technique was also introduced: using a portable endoscope to capture real-time visualizations of PCM phase transitions inside the TES. This method provides critical insights into internal heat transfer mechanisms, identifies potential issues, and offers valuable support for optimizing the TES design and developing the control algorithm. Overall, the modular brick-type and blade-type TES designs demonstrated in this work provide a scalable, efficient, and economically viable solution for advancing TES across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The designs’ compact structure, enhanced thermal performance, and integrated diagnostic capabilities make them strong candidates for future deployment in energy-efficient systems.

Gao, Zhiming [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000271397995)↗