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At least 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

A systems engineering framework for the optimization of food supply chains under circular economy considerations

The current linear “take-make-waste-extractive” model leads to the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. Circular Economy (CE) aims to address these impacts by building supply chains that are restorative, regenerative, and environmentally benign. This can be achieved through the re-utilization of products and materials, the extensive usage of renewable energy sources, and ultimately by closing any open material loops. Such a transition towards environmental, economic and social advancements requires analytical tools for quantitative evaluation of the alternative pathways. Here, in this work, we present a novel CE system engineering framework and decision-making tool for the modeling and optimization of food supply chains. First, the alternative pathways for the production of the desired product and the valorization of wastes and by-products are identified. Then, a Resource-Task-Network representation that captures all these pathways is utilized, based on which a mixed-integer linear programming model is developed. This approach allows the holistic modeling and optimization of the entire food supply chain, taking into account any of its special characteristics, potential constraints as well as different objectives. Considering that typically CE introduces multiple, often conflicting objectives, we deploy here a multi-objective optimization strategy for trade-off analysis. A representative case study for the supply chain of coffee is discussed, illustrating the steps and the applicability of the framework. Single and multi-objective optimization formulations under five different coffee-product demand scenarios are presented. The production of instant coffee as the only final product is shown to be the least energy and environmental efficient scenario. On the contrary, the production solely of whole beans sets a hypothetical upper bound on the optimal energy and environmental utilization. In both problems presented, the amount of energy generated is significant due to the utilization of waste generated for the production of excess energy.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Linear and Nonlinear X-ray Spectra of Chiral Molecules: X-ray Circular Dichroism, Sum- and Difference-Frequency Generation of Fenchone and Cysteine

Recent advancements in X-ray light sources enable element-sensitive nonlinear spectroscopies for probing molecular chirality. We simulate X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray circular dichroism (XCD), and nonlinear optical/X-ray SFG and DFG (OX SFG/DFG) signals for two prototypical chiral molecules, fenchone and cysteine. Furthermore, our multireference simulations reproduce experimental data and reveal how novel X-ray spectroscopies exploit the site- and element-sensitivity of X-rays to uncover molecular asymmetry. The XCD spectra show strong asymmetries at chiral centers, while distant atoms contribute weaker signals. The OX SFG/DFG signals, under fixed resonant optical excitation, strongly depend on the core and valence excitations. This allows us to introduce two-dimensional (2D) chirality-sensitive valence-core spectroscopy, which provides insight into the overlap between valence orbitals and local molecular asymmetry. Finally, our estimates using realistic laser and X-ray pulse parameters demonstrate that such nonlinear experiments are feasible at XFELs, offering a promising tool for investigating chiral molecules.

Circular dichroism spectroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2023

Integrated Circular Economy Model System for Direct Lithium Extraction: From Minerals to Batteries Utilizing Aluminum Hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide, an abundant mineral found in nature, exists in four polymorphs: gibbsite, bayerite, nordstrandite, and doyleite. Among these polymorphs gibbsite, bayerite, and commercially synthesized amorphous aluminum hydroxide have been investigated as sorbent materials for lithium extraction from sulfate solutions. The amorphous form of Al(OH) 3 exhibits a reactivity higher than that of the naturally occurring crystalline polymorphs in terms of extracting Li + ions. This study employed high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry to explore the energetics of the sorbent polymorphs. The enthalpic stability order was measured to be gibbsite > bayerite > amorphous Al(OH) 3 . The least stable form, amorphous Al(OH) 3 , undergoes a spontaneous reaction with lithium, resulting in the formation of a stable layered double hydroxide phase. Consequently, amorphous Al(OH) 3 shows promise as a sorbent material for selectively extracting lithium from clay mineral leachate solutions. Further, this research demonstrates the selective direct extraction of Li + ions using amorphous aluminum hydroxide through a liquid–solid lithiation reaction, followed by acid-free delithiation and relithiation processes, achieving an extraction efficiency of 86%, and the maximum capacity was 37.86 mg·g –1 in a single step during lithiation. With high selectivity during lithiation and nearly complete recoverability of the sorbent material during delithiation, this method presents a circular economy model. Furthermore, a life cycle analysis was conducted to illustrate the environmental advantages of replacing the conventional soda ash-based precipitation process with this method, along with a simple operational cost analysis to evaluate reagent and fuel expenses.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Control over Banded Morphologies and Circular Dichroism in Chiral Halide Perovskites

Chiral halide perovskites (c-HPs) merge the chirality of organic cations with the semiconducting properties of metal halide frameworks, creating a family of chiral semiconductors with tunable chiroptoelectronic behavior. Here, we describe the impact of periodic banded morphologies of textured c-HP ( R/S -NEA) 2 PbBr 4 films (NEA = 1- (1-naphthyl)ethylammonium) on their chiroptical behavior. Due to the interplay between the crystalline and glassy phases, the c-HP film growth is driven by rhythmic precipitation, producing a distinctive controllable radial banded pattern with the ( R/S -NEA) 2 PbBr 4 inorganic planes oriented parallel to the substrate. The banded morphology can be controlled, as evidenced by the growth temperature dictating the ridge-to-ridge spacing as well as the density of banded regions. The resulting circular dichroism (CD) spectral shape, intensity, and polarity vary in a seemingly random manner across processing conditions. However, these spectral features can be explained by considering key features of the banded morphology, such as refraction of the incident light due to surface morphology, birefringence, and stacked, rotated crystallites. These effects cannot be canceled by averaging front and back CD spectra of c-HP films, and our model incorporating these effects reproduces all observed CD spectra remarkably well. The control over the c-HP morphology and prediction capabilities of our CD modeling leads to further understanding of this class of semiconductors and the possibility of exploiting structural features for light polarization control akin to enhanced metamaterials.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Emergence of a Low-Energy Peak in the Smoothed Absolute Value Circular Dichroism Spectra of Small Helical Gold Nanorods

We calculate, using time-dependent density functional theory, absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra for a series of small helical gold nanorod structures with a width of 0.6 nm and length increasing from 0.7 nm for Au 24 to 1.9 nm for Au 56 . For a low-energy window, ranging from 1.7 to 4.1 eV, broadening the lines in the absorption spectra results in a low energy peak which previous studies have identified as the (localized) plasmon resonance. As expected, the absorption peak position of the plasmon resonance systematically redshifts as the length of the nanorod increases. However, trends in the CD and straightforwardly broadened CD spectra are more difficult to discern. We introduce the idea of an absolute value CD spectrum and show that broadening the lines results in a low energy peak that has not previously been reported. The peak position systematically redshifts as the length of the nanorod increases but over a significantly smaller range than that for the absorption spectrum.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2025

Coupling Waste Feedstocks to Microbial Protein Production in a Circular Food System

Global food production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land use. As an alternative to conventional agriculture, the production of waste-derived microbial protein (MP) holds promise for reducing environmental impacts. MP can be mass-produced in volumetrically scalable fermentation processes on short time scales, enabling facile scale-up with lower greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water impacts than animal and, in some cases, plant protein. MP can also be produced from waste feedstocks, diverting waste from landfills or the natural environment. This Perspective explores the availability and suitability of waste feedstocks for MP production, suggesting that MP generated from waste feedstocks in the United States could fulfill twice the current national protein demand. Here, we also discuss the biotechnological and separations processes required to produce food-grade MP for human consumption from waste. Key challenges include MP consistency, consumer and regulatory acceptance, and the process utilities (electricity, heat, and nutrients) that account for up to 85% of MP costs and most environmental impacts, all of which present opportunities for innovation in the microbiology and process design spaces. Overall, this work highlights the potential of MP to contribute to a more circular, resilient, and sustainable food system.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Toward a Circular Bioeconomy: Designing Microbes and Polymers for Biodegradation

Polymer production is rapidly increasing, but there are no large-scale technologies available to effectively mitigate the massive accumulation of these recalcitrant materials. One potential solution is the development of a carbon-neutral polymer life cycle, where microorganisms convert plant biomass to chemicals, which are used to synthesize biodegradable materials that ultimately contribute to the growth of new plants. Realizing a circular carbon life cycle requires the integration of knowledge across microbiology, bioengineering, materials science, and organic chemistry, which itself has hindered large-scale industrial advances. This review addresses the biodegradation status of common synthetic polymers, identifying novel microbes and enzymes capable of metabolizing these recalcitrant materials and engineering approaches to enhance their biodegradation pathways. Design considerations for the next generation of biodegradable polymers are also reviewed, and finally, opportunities to apply findings from lignocellulosic biodegradation to the design and biodegradation of similarly recalcitrant synthetic polymers are discussed.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Theory predicts 2D chiral polaritons based on achiral Fabry–Pérot cavities using apparent circular dichroism

Abstract Realizing polariton states with high levels of chirality offers exciting prospects for quantum information, sensing, and lasing applications. Such chirality must emanate from either the involved optical resonators or the quantum emitters. Here, we theoretically demonstrate a rare opportunity for realizing polaritons with so-called 2D chirality by strong coupling of the optical modes of (high finesse) achiral Fabry–Pérot cavities with samples exhibiting “apparent circular dichroism” (ACD). ACD is a phenomenon resulting from an interference between linear birefringence and dichroic interactions. By introducing a quantum electrodynamical theory of ACD, we identify the design rules based on which 2D chiral polaritons can be produced, and their chirality can be optimized.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Research and Development Priorities for Silicon Photovoltaic Module Recycling to Support a Circular Economy

Large-scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules has considerably increased in recent decades. Given an estimated lifetime of 30 years, the challenge of how to handle large volumes of end-of-life PV modules is starting to emerge. In this Perspective, we assess the global status of practice and knowledge for end-of-life management for crystalline silicon PV modules. We focus in particular on module recycling, a key aspect in the circular economy of photovoltaic panels. We recommend research and development to reduce recycling costs and environmental impacts compared to disposal while maximizing material recovery. We suggest that the recovery of high-value silicon is more advantageous than the recovery of intact silicon wafers. This approach requires the identification of contaminants and the design of purification processes for recovered silicon. The environmental and economic impacts of recycling practices should be explored with techno–economic analyses and life-cycle assessments to optimize solutions and minimize trade-offs. As photovoltaic technology advances rapidly, it is important for the recycling industry to plan adaptable recycling infrastructure.

c-Si↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tough and circular glass fiber composites via a tailored dynamic boronic ester interface

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites are valued for their strength and cost-effectiveness. However, traditional GFRPs often face challenges for end-of-life recycling due to their non-depolymerizable thermoset matrices, and long-term performance due to inadequate interfacial adhesion, which can lead to fiber–matrix delamination. Here, in this work, we have designed dynamic fiber–matrix interfaces to allow tough and closed-loop recyclable GFRPs by utilizing a vitrimer, derived from upcycled polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS) with boronic ester (S-Bpin) and amine-based diol crosslinker. The boronic ester groups in S-Bpin form dynamic covalent bonds with the naturally present hydroxyl groups on the unsized GF surface, which eliminates the need for fiber sizing and enables facile closed-loop recyclability of both the fibers and the vitrimer matrix. The resulting strong fiber–matrix interface, depicted by the Raman mapping, leads to a 552% increase in-plane shear toughness (6.2 ± 0.3 MJ m -3 ) and 27% ultimate tensile strength (361 ± 89.2 MPa) compared to those of the conventional epoxy-based matrix (0.95 ± 0.05 MJ m -3 and 264 ± 59.7 MPa, respectively). The network rearrangement through dynamic boronic ester exchange enables fast thermoformability and repairability of micro-cracks at elevated temperatures. Additionally, both the matrix and composite demonstrate strong adhesion to various surfaces including steel and glasses exhibiting ≥6 MPa lap shear strength, which expands their suitability for diverse industrial applications. The readily created dynamic interface between boronic ester functionalized vitrimer and neat GFs presents a promising strategy for developing closed-loop recyclable, multifunctional structural materials, offering a sustainable alternative to non-recyclable thermoset GFRPs and contributes to a circular economy in composite materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mapping the end-of-life of chemicals for circular economy opportunities

Material flow analysis of chemicals in the United States highlights low recycling rates, substantial climate change and human health impacts, and the potential for a circular economy to reduce waste and drive sustainability in the chemical industry.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

X-ray absorption spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism studies of L1{sub 0}-Mn-Ga thin films

Tetragonally distorted Mn{sub 3−x}Ga{sub x} thin films with 0.1<x<2 show a strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and low magnetization and thus have the potential to serve as electrodes in spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory. Because a direct capping of these films with MgO is problematic due to oxide formation, we examined the influence of a CoFeB interlayer and of two different deposition methods for the MgO barrier on the formation of interfacial Mn-O for Mn{sub 62}Ga{sub 38} by element specific X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). A highly textured L1{sub 0} crystal structure of the Mn-Ga films was verified by X-ray diffraction measurements. For samples with e-beam evaporated MgO barrier no evidence for Mn-O was found whereas in samples with magnetron sputtered MgO, Mn-O was detected, even for the thickest interlayer thickness. Both XAS and XMCD measurements showed an increasing interfacial Mn-O amount with decreasing CoFeB interlayer thickness. Additional element specific full hysteresis loops determined an out-of-plane magnetization axis for the Mn and Co, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electronic structure of Fe/MgO/Fe multilayer stack by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism

The interface properties of Fe/MgO/Fe multilayer stack were investigated by using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). The magnetic multilayers were deposited by electron beam evaporation method, which exhibits the attributes of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). XAS analysis shows that Fe-layer forms a Fe-O-rich interface region with MgO-layer and a sum-rule analysis of the XMCD estimates the average magnetic moment of 2.31 ± 0.1 μ{sub B} per Fe-atom. XAS and XMCD studies indicate the formation of a heterostructure (Fe/FeO/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) on the interface. A phase transition in Fe-O stoichiometry at interface is also observed at low temperature (90 K), which may be useful in magnetic storage technology.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism for Co{sub x}Fe{sub 4−x}N (x = 0, 3, 4) films grown by molecular beam epitaxy

We evaluated orbital (m{sub orb}) and spin magnetic moments (m{sub spin}) of Co{sub x}Fe{sub 4−x}N (x = 0, 3, 4) epitaxial thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, and discussed the dependence of these values on x. Site-averaged m{sub spin} value of Fe atoms was deduced to be 1.91 μ{sub B} per atom, and that of Co atoms to be 1.47 μ{sub B} per atom in Co{sub 3}FeN at 300 K. These values are close to 1.87 μ{sub B} per Fe atom in Fe{sub 4}N and 1.43 μ{sub B} per Co atom in Co{sub 4}N, respectively. This result implies that the Fe and Co atoms in the Co{sub 3}FeN films were located both at corner and face-centered sites in the anti-perovskite lattice. Spin magnetic moments per unit cell were decreased linearly with increasing x in Co{sub x}Fe{sub 4−x}N. This tendency is in good agreement with theory predicted by the first-principle calculation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Measurement of the transmission magnetic circular dichroism of Ga{sub 1−x}Mn{sub x}As epilayers using a built-in p-i-n photodiode

By constructing a GaMnAs epilayer/semi-insulating In{sub 0.2}Ga{sub 0.8}As/(001) n{sup +}-GaAs substrate layer structure as a built-in p-i-n photodiode, we developed a scheme for on-chip measurements of transmission magnetic circular dichroism (T-MCD). Both the hysteresis loops in the magnetic field sweeps and the wavelength scans at saturated magnetic fields measured using the new T-MCD scheme, illustrated the same features as those previously measured on the freestanding GaMnAs thin films by conventional T-MCD. Because a large group of epitaxially grown magnetic film/semiconductor heterostructures, such as Fe, NiFe, CoFeAl, and MnGa films on semiconductor substrates, are becoming important new building blocks for semiconductor-based spin field-effect transistor, perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (p-MTJ) and lateral MTJ devices, the new T-MCD scheme can be applied to tests of their magnetic properties by forming either p-i-n or Schottky photodiodes.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Magnetic structures of FeTiO{sub 3}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} solid solution thin films studied by soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and ab initio multiplet calculations

The solid solutions between ilmenite (FeTiO{sub 3}) and hematite (α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) have recently attracted considerable attention as a spintronic material due to their interesting magnetic and electrical properties. In this study, the electronic and magnetic structures of epitaxially grown 0.6FeTiO{sub 3}·0.4Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} solid solution thin films were investigated by combining x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) for two different crystallographic projections, and first-principles theoretical calculations. The Fe L-edge XANES and XMCD spectra reveal that Fe is in the mixed-valent Fe{sup 2+}–Fe{sup 3+} states while Fe{sup 2+} ions are mainly responsible for the magnetization. Moreover, the experimental Fe L-edge XANES and XMCD spectra change depending on the incident x-ray directions, and the theoretical spectra explain such spectral features. We also find a large orbital magnetic moment, which can originate the magnetic anisotropy of this system. On the other hand, although the valence state of Ti was interpreted to be 4+ from the Ti L-edge XANES, XMCD signals indicate that some electrons are present in the Ti-3d orbital, which are coupled antiparallel to the magnetic moment of Fe{sup 2+} ions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Orbital and spin moments of 5 to 11 nm Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles measured via x-ray magnetic circular dichroism

The orbital and spin contributions to the magnetic moment of Fe in Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were measured using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). Nanoparticles of different sizes, ranging from 5 to 11 nm, were fabricated via organic methods and their magnetic behavior was characterized by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). An XMCD signal was measured for three different samples at 300 K and 80 K. The extracted values for the orbital and spin contributions to the magnetic moment showed a quenching of the orbital moment and a large spin moment. The calculated spin moments appear somewhat reduced compared to the value expected for bulk Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}. The spin moments measured at 80 K are larger than at 300 K for all the samples, revealing significant thermal fluctuations effects in the nanoparticle assemblies. The measured spin moment is reduced for the smallest nanoparticles, suggesting that the magnetic properties of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles could be altered when their size reaches a few nanometers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗