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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

HyMARC Seedling: Optimized Hydrogen Adsorbents via Machine Learning and Crystal Engineering

This final report is presented in two parts: In Part 1, the H 2 capacities of a diverse set of 918,734 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) sourced from 19 databases is predicted via machine learning (ML). Using only 7 structural features as input, ML identifies 8,282 MOFs with the potential to exceed the capacities of state-of-the-art materials. The identified MOFs are predominantly hypothetical compounds having low densities (<0.31 g/cm3) in combination with high surface areas (>5,300 m2/g), void fractions ($0.90), and pore volumes (>3.3 cm3/g). The relative importance of the input features are characterized, and dependencies on the ML algorithm and training set size are quantified. The most important features for predicting H 2 uptake are pore volume (for gravimetric capacity) and void fraction (for volumetric capacity). The ML models are available on the web, allowing for rapid and accurate predictions of the hydrogen capacities of MOFs from limited structural data; the simplest models require only a single crystallographic feature. In part 2, ways to improve the poor powder packing density of MOFs is discussed. More specifically, a strategy that improves packing efficiency and volumetric hydrogen gas storage density dramatically through engineered morphologies and controlled-crystal size distributions is presented that holds promise for maximizing storage capacity for a given MOF. The packing density improvement, demonstrated for the benchmark sorbent MOF-5, leads to a significant enhancement of volumetric hydrogen storage performance relative to commercial MOF-5. System model projections demonstrate that engineering of crystal morphology/size or use of a bimodal distribution of cubic crystal sizes in tandem with system optimization can surpass the 25 g/L volumetric capacity of a typical 700 bar compressed storage system and exceed the DOE targets 2020 volumetric capacity (30 g/L). Finally, a critical link between improved powder packing density and reduced damage upon compaction is revealed leading to sorbents with both high surface area and high density.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

ORNL Production of Iodine Bearing Wasteforms

As part of the FY22 Material Recovery and Waste Form Development campaign, ORNL has prepared a new set of iodine-bearing sorbents.. Four canisters were machined and loaded with ~30 g each of iodine-bearing silver mordenite at varying degrees of sorbent saturation via hot isostatic pressing (HIP).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advanced Structured Adsorbent Architectures for Transformative Carbon Dioxide Capture Performance (Final Report)

Svante is a world leader at using solid sorbents for low-cost Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) capture, a technology which is recognized as critical in meeting the dual mandates of energy security/reliability and the mitigation of man-made CO 2 emissions. Svante has been developing proprietary adsorbent material compositions, forming them into structured laminates, developing and optimizing process cycles, and system design for efficient capture of CO 2 from post-combustion flue gases of thermal power plants and industrial facilities. The deployment of first-generation CO 2 capture technology has been significantly hampered by high costs and energy penalties, among other barriers. Second generation CO 2 capture technologies (including the Mark I variant of Svante’s Veloxotherm™ adsorption-based technology), utilizing single adsorbent architecture, show promise for reducing the barriers to deploying CO 2 capture plants in commercially meaningful numbers. The objective of this project was to evaluate the Recipient’s transformational (Mark-II) VeloxoTherm™ Technology via the development and bench-scale testing of an advanced structured adsorbent, including novel Bi-layer, laminated adsorbent structures and segmented beds. Svante selected, synthesized, and characterized tailored solid adsorbents for computational modeling, advanced structured adsorbent development, process simulations, and dynamic bench scale (~1-10 kg/day CO 2 captured) testing using an existing single-bed VeloxoTherm™ Station (VTS) coupled with a natural gas-fired boiler. Segmented beds used the in-house, multi-bed Process Demonstration Unit (PDU) to demonstrate key performance indicators (KPIs), such as recovery, product purity, regeneration energy, and the integrated system's productivity in lifetime analysis. Segmented beds were used at a 1 tonne per day (TPD) unit at an industrial site to provide bench-scale validation of performance in an industrial setting. Svante was developing and optimizing the post-combustion CO 2 adsorption technology architectures, including the Bi-layer and segmented laminated adsorbent structure design, integrated rapid cycle temperature swing adsorption (RC-TSA) cycle, flow path architecture, and adsorbent bed construction and packaging (including gas porting) to progress towards achievement of DOE’s Transformational CO 2 Capture goals of 95% CO 2 purity and a cost of electricity at least 30% lower than a supercritical Pulverized Coal (PC) power plant with CO 2 capture, or approximately $30 per tonne of CO 2 captured ready for demonstration by 2030. The main requirements to reach the DOE target cost of carbon capture below $30/MT using Rapid-Cycling Temperature Swing Adsorption (RC-TSA) are as follows: (1) Increased capacity at different CO 2 concentrations, (2) Increased sorbents cycle life, (3) Increased O 2 resistance, and (4) Decreased steam requirement to extract 1 kg of CO 2 .

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Abstract for CRADA between NETL and Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GTRC) (AGMT-1276)

Patent-pending chemisorption fiber sorbents (CHEFS) utilizing robust, patented basic immobilized amine sorbents (BIAS) are the newest innovation in carbon capture technology. This suite of fiber materials offers reliable and rapid removal of CO2 from both conventional post-combustion sources, like coal-fired power plants, and dilute air sources like those of newly recognized direct capture from air (DAC, 400 ppm CO2). Through this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), NETL and GTRC aim to improve and refine the fiber formulations and synthesis methods, while pushing towards scaling fiber production and testing in a pilot/semi-pilot scale 1,000-fiber module adsorption system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Investigation of a Hybrid Carbon Capture System at a NGCC Power Plant That Performs Direct Air Capture During Off-Peak Hours

The goal of this project was to investigate the feasibility of coupling NGCC power plants with membrane and solid sorbent carbon capture to achieve net negative carbon emissions. This novel hybrid system has a couple of potential benefits: 1) the carbon capture systems could help the NGCC plant by minimizing its carbon footprint and giving it a new revenue stream from direct air capture, and 2) the NGCC plant could help direct air capture scale up quickly and costeffectively by providing it with electricity, steam and compressed air streams. In order to investigate this hybrid design, we developed a complex, integrated system model consisting of: 1) a NGCC power plant model developed by Dr. Bhattacharyya’s team at WVU, 2) a membrane carbon capture model developed by Dr. Lipscomb’s team at U Toledo, and 3) a solid sorbent carbon capture model developed by Dr. Hornbostel’s team at U Pittsburgh. Mr. Matuszewski’s team at AristoSys LLC integrated these three models into a single, integrated model using FOQUS, an optimization tool developed by the NETL CCSI 2 program. Optimizations were then performed on this integrated model to determine the cost and carbon capture rates under a range of electricity and carbon price scenarios.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Abstract for CRADA between National Energy Technology Laboratory and Nūxsen LLC

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and Nūxsen are embarking on a collaborative project to research a low-cost, high-performance chemical sorbent for the rapidly growing Direct Air Capture (DAC) industry. The expected outcomes of this collaboration include the production and testing of a carbon dioxide sorbent material with improved cost, capacity, cycle time, regeneration, and durability. This project is the result of funding provided to Nūxsen from the Department of Energy’s Direct Air Capture Pre-Commercialization Technology Prize.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modification of CO2/H2O Selectivity of Polymer Through Graphene Coating for Carbon Capture Materials

A harmful issue that needs attention and solution is the rising carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. Carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is at an all time high and has continuously increased since the industrial revolution. It has increased tremendously going from 315 parts per million (ppm) in the 1960s up to 419.3 ppm in 2023 as shown in Figure 1. Moreover, CO2 emissions have increased from 11 billion tons/year in the 1960s to 38.6 billion tons/year in 2023. The increase in CO2 found in our atmosphere has a number of detrimental effects such as increase in global temperatures and an increase in the ocean’s acidity. Human activities are greatly involved in the cause of CO2 emissions. At Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL) the Microencapsulated CO2 sorbents (MECS) division has been doing research and investigating formulations for their microcapsules. MECS are core-shell microcapsules consisted of a highly permeable polymer shell and a fluid (sodium carbonate solution) that reacts and absorbs carbon dioxide. An example of the microcapsules are shown in Figure 2. Equation 1 shows the chemical reaction of the fluid (sodium carbonate) contained in the polymer shell that acts as the carbon dioxide sorbent and becomes sodium bicarbonate. The LLNL MECS team is in the process of scaling up their microcapsules for potential applications in “carbon capture from flue gas streams generated by fossil fuel combustion in industrial plants and operations, carbon capture in breweries and soft drink manufacture, carbon capture directly from indoor air to improve its quality”. The microcapsule’s possibility for commercial applications was discovered in 2017.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Integrated Carbon Capture and Propane Oxidative Dehydrogenation for Olefins Production under Isothermal Conditions over Cr₂O₃-ZSM-5/CaO-CaZrO₃ Reactive Capture Materials

Converting captured CO₂ into fuels and marketable chemicals using bifunctional materials (BFMs) represents a promising sustainable solution. In this study, a BFM composed of a Cr₂O₃/ZSM-5 catalyst and a CaO-CaZrO₃ sorbent was developed and tested for the integrated CO₂-oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (CO₂-ODHP) in a fixed bed reactor. The CaO-CaZrO₃ sorbent, prepared using the citrate sol-gel method, demonstrated high CO₂ adsorption capacity and improved cyclic stability compared to pure CaO. The BFM achieved 23.5% propane conversion, 52.5% propylene selectivity, and 68.7% olefin selectivity at isothermal adsorption-reaction conditions (630-630 °C). Overall, this study provides insights into enhancing CO2 adsorption and developing materials for integrated CO2 capture and conversion.

Baamran, Khaled↗
DOE OSTI2025

Informed Critical Mineral Recovery from Fossil Energy Waste Feedstocks

Critical minerals (CM), such as rare earth elements (REE), cobalt, nickel, and lithium, have important uses in modern energy and technologies, yet are vulnerable to potential supply chain disruptions. One potential domestic CM source is fossil energy wastes, such as coal combustion ash, acid mine drainage (AMD) and treatment solids (AMD solids), and Oil and Gas (O&G) drilling wastes (drill cuttings and produced waters). CM recovery from these feedstocks is promising due to their abundant quantity and fast availability as waste products. To develop informed and effective CM recovery, DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) have collected and analyzed CM data for aforementioned fossil energy wastes, and utilized advanced geochemical characterization (e.g., synchrotron microprobe, sequential extraction and geochemical modeling) to identify the CM speciation and binding environments. Novel methods that recover multiple CMs while co-producing other valuable byproducts from these feedstocks have been developed. Successful examples include: (1) the discovery of easily mobile REE phases in Ca-rich coal combustion ash resulted in a patented REE recovery process from the ash feedstock while producing zeolite sorbents from the extraction wastes; (2) the successful identification of REE/Co/Ni/Zn hosting phases in acid mine drainage treatment solids (AMD solids) has informed the sequential CM recovery from AMD solids and has inspired lithium sorbent development from the extraction wastes; (3) the recovery potential of Li and other CMs in O&G produced waters and drill cuttings has been explored while the extraction residuals have been demonstrated to support plant growth as soil supplements. The innovations driven by characterization information have the potential to maximize CM recovery revenue, offset the cost of waste management and wastewater treatments while reducing the cost and environmental footprint of CM extraction.

characterization and extraction of rare earth elem↗
DOE OSTI2025

Methanol from Integrated Direct Air Capture and Ceramic Electrolysis (MIDACE)

The Methanol from Integrated Direct Air Capture and Ceramic Electrolysis (MIDACE) project advanced a novel system concept for integrating pressurized co-electrolysis of steam and crude carbon dioxide captured directly from ambient air using a sorbent technology. The co-electrolysis produced syngas provides feedstock for a gas-to-liquid methanol synthesis reactor. The system recovers waste heat from the reactor and electrolyzer into regenerating the direct air capture sorbent. The purpose of the project was to demonstrate critical integration elements of the design and perform a technical study illustrating how a large-scale installation could achieve the $800/ton program target for green methanol production. The concept addresses the program objective to consolidate operations by combining crude CO 2 cleanup, hydrogen production, and partial CO 2 reduction steps within a carbon tolerant high temperature electrolyzer. The design lowers costs by simplifying the methanol recovery cycle, reducing carbon losses from venting, reducing sensitivity to catalyst selectivity, and avoiding syngas compression.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Preparation of iodine-bearing waste forms for hot isostatic pressing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has prepared a new set of iodine-bearing sorbents. The sorbent materials used for this activity were supplied by IONEX (NexSorb-99) or C&CS (AC6120-7%). Metal canisters were previously prepared by ORNL in 2022. They are 2 in. long by 1.5 in. in diameter and are made of 316 stainless steel.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

Innovations Driven by Advanced Characterization to Strategize Critical Mineral Production and Beneficial Reuse from Fossil Energy Waste

Critical minerals (CM), such as rare earth elements (REE), cobalt, nickel, and lithium, have important uses in modern electronics and advanced manufacturing, yet are vulnerable to potential supply chain disruptions. Relatively abundant and readily available fossil energy (FE) wastes, such as coal combustion ash, acid mine drainage (AMD) and treatment solids (AMD solids), and Oil and Gas (O&G) drilling wastes (drill cuttings and produced waters) are under consideration as CM feedstocks. The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has studied CM resources for various FE wastes as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission of bolstering the domestic CM supply, and makes the data available to the public on EDX at sites such as the NEWTS group. Advanced characterization utilizing synchrotron x-ray techniques coupled with laboratory extractions has been performed to identify CM hosting phases in these FE wastes to inform CM recoverability mechanisms. Novel methods to selectively recover CMs while co-producing other valuable byproducts have been developed. Successful examples discussed here include: (1) The identification of REE/Co/Ni/Sc binding and hosting phases in select FE waste (coal combustion ash and AMD solids), resulting in the development of a patented CM step-extraction process, (2) coupled production of functional sorbents from these extraction wastes and for CM recovery. A pilot-scale testing to evaluate the patent’s technical feasibility for extracting REE from coal ash on a barrel scale has been successfully performed. Additionally, (3) evaluation and measurements of brine geochemistry from U.S. O&G produced waters has informed a high Li recovery potential from Marcellus Shale produced water. NETL researchers have been developing tailored pre-treatment processes, an innovative and highly durable lithium sorbent, and geochemical model guided precipitation to accelerate Li production from the Marcellus Shale produced waters. These innovations driven by characterization are integral for maximizing and advancing the potential for CM recovery while offsetting the cost and environmental footprint for FE waste management.

critical mineral processing↗
DOE OSTI2023

Direct air capture of CO2: from insights into the current and emerging approaches to future opportunities

The rapid development of direct air capture (DAC) technologies has become critical in order to remove CO 2 from the atmosphere and limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C. In this perspective, we provide a mini review of the current research on the emerging liquid- and solid-based sorbent materials to capture CO 2 , summarize the existing challenges of DAC technologies, and suggest future research directions to accelerate the development of DAC systems. In particular, the desired properties for a breakthrough sorbent that efficiently captures CO 2 from the air and releases it for sequestration are described.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Technology for the Recovery of Lithium from Geothermal Brines

Lithium is the principal component of high-energy-density batteries and is a critical material necessary for the economy and security of the United States. Brines from geothermal power production have been identified as a potential domestic source of lithium; however, lithium-rich geothermal brines are characterized by complex chemistry, high salinity, and high temperatures, which pose unique challenges for economic lithium extraction. The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze direct lithium extraction technology in the context of developing sustainable lithium production from geothermal brines. In this paper, we are focused on the challenges of applying direct lithium extraction technology to geothermal brines; however, applications to other brines (such as coproduced brines from oil wells) are considered. The most technologically advanced approach for direct lithium extraction from geothermal brines is adsorption of lithium using inorganic sorbents. Other separation processes include extraction using solvents, sorption on organic resin and polymer materials, chemical precipitation, and membrane-dependent processes. The Salton Sea geothermal field in California has been identified as the most significant lithium brine resource in the US and past and present efforts to extract lithium and other minerals from Salton Sea brines were evaluated. Extraction of lithium with inorganic molecular sieve ion-exchange sorbents appears to offer the most immediate pathway for the development of economic lithium extraction and recovery from Salton Sea brines. Other promising technologies are still in early development, but may one day offer a second generation of methods for direct, selective lithium extraction. Initial studies have demonstrated that lithium extraction and recovery from geothermal brines are technically feasible, but challenges still remain in developing an economically and environmentally sustainable process at scale.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Retrospective on Recent DOE-Funded Studies Concerning the Extraction of Rare Earth Elements & Lithium from Geothermal Brines (Final Report)

Rare earth elements (REE) and lithium are non-toxic metals that are considered critical materials due to their use in electronics, magnets, batteries, and a wide variety of industrial processes important for the economy and military preparedness. Demand for REE and lithium is increasing and these critical materials are imported, so identifying and exploiting domestic sources of REE and lithium is a national priority. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) has been in the forefront of sponsoring research investigating the potential recovery of REE, lithium, and other critical minerals from geothermal brines. It has been proposed that the future of geothermal energy should include “hybrid systems” that combine electricity generation with other revenue-generating activities, such as recovery of valuable and critical minerals, including REE and lithium. Two recent GTO funding opportunities have focused on the recovery of REE and other valuable minerals from geothermal brines. The research supported by the GTO’s mineral recovery program is focused on three areas: resource characterization, technology for the extraction of REE, and technology for the extraction of lithium (Tables 1 and 2). This report is a retrospective study examining the outcome of GTO’s two recent mineral recovery programs (DE-FOA-0001016 in FY 2014 and DE-FOA-0001376 in FY 2016). In this report, the knowledge, technology, and techniques that were developed by researchers funded by GTO are summarized and discussed. Four projects were funded to assess the concentrations and amounts of REE found in geothermal brines and oil field produced waters. The GTO-funded studies compiled publically available data on REE concentrations from brines and produced water from all over the USA. In addition, new samples were collected and characterized from major geothermal and hydrocarbon basins in the Western USA. The studies examined the relationship between lithology and REE concentrations and developed models examining the influence of geology on REE concentrations in produced brines. It was determined that REE are frequently found at higher concentrations in oil field produced water than geothermal brines, but that some geothermal areas had significant REE resources. Significant reservoirs of REE were identified in the Western USA. In some cases, concentrations of REE were more than 1000 times the concentrations found in seawater. Collectively, these studies represent a comprehensive picture of REE resources associated with geothermal and hydrocarbon systems in the USA. The studies did not examine lithium resources, but in some cases, lithium concentration data was collected. Data from these studies are housed in the Geothermal Data Repository (GDR) and represent a significant information resource and it is recommended that these data be further analyzed in a future study. Eight projects were funded to develop new technology for REE extraction from geothermal fluids. These projects investigated sorption as an approach for removal and recovery of REE from geothermal brines. The projects investigated cutting-edge technology for selective sorption of ions from complex solutions, including the application of metal-organic frameworks and biosorbent proteins. The REE sorption studies tested different combinations of metal-binding ligands and solid supports. The most promising metal-binding ligands for REE included phosphonic acid, thiol, and carboxylic acid functional groups. Ligands were attached or incorporated into a wide variety of solid supports. In most cases, attachment was via covalent bonding to organic resins, polymers, or silica-based supports. Most of the REE projects were conducted at a low technology readiness level (TRL) and showed promise, but direct comparison between technologies was not possible based on the available information. It is recommended that testing and reporting be standardized to the extent possible to facilitate comparisons between technologies. Two projects were directed at novel lithium extraction technology. Both projects investigated the use of inorganic sorbents, including manganese oxides. One study also examined the use of metal- ion imprinted polymers as selective ion-exchange resins for the separation of lithium and manganese from brines. Both approaches showed promise for the selective extraction of lithium from brines, including potentially geothermal brines. Results from these GTO studies indicated that selective REE and lithium extraction is possible, but interference from co-occurring solutes, such as calcium, magnesium, or heavy metals, will interfere with process efficiency and negatively impact process economics. Techno-economic analysis conducted as part of the resource and technology studies suggest extraction of REE from geothermal brines is unlikely to be economically viable, especially since non-geothermal produced waters frequently have higher REE concentrations. It is recommended that benchmarks for techno-economic analysis be established to the extent possible for future studies, to facilitate direct comparison of various technologies. Based on the collective results of this program, it appears that hybrid geothermal power would benefit more from recovery of lithium and other metals, rather than REE. It is recommended that future studies be conducted at a higher- TRL and that sorbents be tested against actual geothermal fluid samples. Prior higher-TRL efforts to extract metals from geothermal brines should be further evaluated for lessons learned.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1967

A study of a sorption process.

Sorption process for determining sticking probability of molecules on surface of sorbents, diffusion coefficient of molecules through sorbents and adsorption isotherms

DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT↗
NASA NTRS1973

Development of design information for molecular-sieve type regenerative CO2-removal systems

Experimental and analytic studies were conducted with molecular sieve sorbents to provide basic design information, and to develop a system design technique for regenerable CO2-removal systems for manned spacecraft. Single sorbate equilibrium data were obtained over a wide range of conditions for CO2, water, nitrogen, and oxygen on several molecular sieve and silica gel sorbents. The coadsorption of CO2 with water preloads, and with oxygen and nitrogen was experimentally evaluated. Mass-transfer, and some limited heat-transfer performance evaluations were accomplished under representative operating conditions, including the coadsorption of CO2 and water. CO2-removal system performance prediction capability was derived.

Wright, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Desiccant humidity control system

A regenerable sorbent system was investigated for controlling the humidity and carbon dioxide concentration of the space shuttle cabin atmosphere. The sorbents considered for water and carbon dioxide removal were silica gel and molecular sieves. Bed optimization and preliminary system design are discussed along with system optimization studies and weight penalites.

Amazeen, J.↗