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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 73 records · Page 4

Capture and release of acid gasses using tunable organic solvents with aminopyridine

A class of water lean, organic solvents that can bind with various acid gasses to form acid gas bound molecules having a high degree of intramolecular hydrogen bonding which enables their use as regenerable solvents for acid gas capture. Unlike the other devices described in the prior art, the present invention takes advantage of shortened distances between the portions of the molecule that form hydrogen bonds within the structures when loaded with an acid gas so as to create a molecule with a higher internal bonding affinity and a reduced proclivity for agglomeration with other molecules.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Silver-Loaded Xerogel Nanostructures for Iodine Capture: A Comparison of Thiolated versus Unthiolated Sorbents

Here this paper describes the development and provides comparisons of thiolated (-SH) and unthiolated Ag-Al-Si-O xerogels for iodine gas capture. These xerogels were produced from alkoxides and then heat-treated at 350 °C to provide mechanical strength for subsequent processing steps. Then, a portion of the xerogels was thiolated using (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. Next, thiolated and unthiolated batches were ion-exchanged in AgNO 3 solutions where Ag + replaced Na + in the gel network on a near 1:1 molar basis. Subsamples of the Ag-exchanged xerogels were subjected to a reduction step in H 2 /Ar to convert Ag + to Ag 0 where the rest of the Ag-exchanged (Ag + ) were not reduced. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy revealed nanoscale Ag 0 in the Ag + samples despite no active reduction where actively reduced samples had bimodal Ag 0 distribution of ~2-3 nm hexagonal and ~6-7 nm cubic crystallites. Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to assess the oxidization states of Ag, S, and I within the different xerogel samples. The specific surface areas of the base xerogels decreased as subsequent treatments were performed on the as-made samples, albeit the decreases were smaller than aerogel equivalents of these samples from a previous study. All iodine-loaded Ag-based samples showed a mixture of β-AgI and γ-AgI. Comparisons of iodine-loading results with other Ag-based iodine sorbents show that the thiolated Ag 0 -xerogels in this work have one of the highest iodine-loading capacities (q e ) reported to date in saturated conditions with the thiolated Ag 0 -xerogel showing 522 mg iodine per g of the sorbent.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Integrating crystallographic and computational approaches to carbon-capture materials for the mitigation of climate change

Here, this article presents an overview of the current state of the art in the structure determination of microporous carbon-capture materials, as discussed at the recent NIST workshop “Integrating Crystallographic and Computational Approaches to Carbon-Capture Materials for the Mitigation of Climate Change”. The continual rise in anthropogenic CO 2 concentration and its effect on climate change call for the implementation of carbon capture technologies to reduce the CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere. Porous solids, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are feasible candidates for gas capture and storage applications. However, determining the structure of these materials represents a significant obstacle in their development into advanced sorbents. The existing difficulties can be overcome by integrating crystallographic methods and theoretical modeling. The workshop gathered experimentalists and theorists from academia, government, and industry to review this field and identify approaches, including collaborative opportunities, required to develop tools for rapid determination of the structures of porous solid sorbents and the effect of structure on the carbon capture performance. We highlight the findings of that workshop, especially in the need for reference materials, standardized procedures and reporting of sorbent activation and adsorption measurements, standardized reporting of theoretical calculations, and round-robin structure determination.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Underlying Roles of Polyol Additives in Promoting CO2 Capture in PEI/Silica Adsorbents

Solid-supported amines having low molecular weight branched poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) physically impregnated into porous solid supports are promising adsorbents for CO2 capture. Co-impregnating short-chain poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) together with PEI alters the performance of the adsorbent, delivering improved amine efficiency (AE, mol CO2 sorbed / mol N) and faster CO2 uptake rates. To uncover the physical basis for this improved gas capture performance, we probed the distribution and mobility of the polymers in the pores via small angle neutron scattering (SANS), solid-state NMR, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation studies. SANS and MD simulations reveal that PEG displaces wall-bound PEI, making amines more accessible for CO2 sorption. Solid-state NMR and MD simulation suggest intercalation of PEG into PEI domains, separating PEI domains and reducing amine-amine interactions, providing potential PEG-rich and amine-poor interfacial domains that bind CO2 weakly via physisorption while providing facile pathways for CO2 diffusion. Contrary to a prior literature hypothesis, no evidence is obtained for PEG facilitating PEI mobility in solid supports. Instead, the data suggest that PEG chains coordinate to PEI, form larger bodies with reduced mobility compared to PEI alone. We also demonstrate promising CO2 uptake and desorption kinetics at varied temperatures, given by favorable amine distribution.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Fine-Tuning Microporosity of Crystalline Vanadomolybdate Frameworks for Selective Adsorptive Separation of Kr from Xe

Selective adsorptive capture and separation of chemically inert krypton (Kr) and xenon (Xe) noble gases with very low ppmv concentrations in air and industrial off-gases constitute an important technological challenge. Here, using a synergistic combination of experiment and theory, the microporous crystalline vanadomolybdates (MoVO x ) as highly selective Kr sorbents are studied in detail. By varying the Mo/V ratios, we show for the first time that their one-dimensional (1D) pores can be fine-tuned for the size-selective adsorption of Kr over the larger Xe with selectivities reaching >100. Using extensive electronic structure calculations and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations, the competition between Kr uptake with CO 2 and N 2 was also investigated. As most materials reported so far are selective toward the larger, more polarizable Xe than Kr, this work constitutes an important step toward robust Kr-selective sorbent materials. Furthermore this work highlights the potential use of porous crystalline transition metal oxides as energy-efficient and selective noble gas capture sorbents for industrial applications.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Comparison of Select Food Waste Utilization Options

This document provides a comparison of several food waste utilization options: landfill gas capture, anaerobic digestion, and composting, across various metrics. These options are the most prevalent pathways for energy and resource recovery. Other options, not considered here, include food donation, animal feed, incineration, and gasification. The table below describes the differences or similarities between these processes and provides information about products, the number of current projects in the United States, capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, job development potential, emissions, and incentives associated with each pathway, as well as other parameters, such as level of complexity, land requirement, and revenue type. Sources for the data in the table are listed in the references at the end of the document.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

An International Laboratory Comparison Study on Approximating the Enthalpy of Adsorption via the Clausius‐Clapeyron Approach

Materials-based gas capture and storage is an increasingly important area of research. Robust and accurate determination of material properties is required for judicial selection of materials for specific applications and for engineering materials–based systems at scale. One key property is the strength of the adsorbate–adsorbent interaction often quantified via the isosteric enthalpy of adsorption. The heat of adsorption can be measured directly through calorimetry; however, a more widely used approach is to apply the Clausius-Clapeyron (CC) equation to adsorption isotherms collected at different temperatures. While this approach appears to be straightforward, there exist multiple variants in the application of the methodologies employed. This raises the question on how these variations may or may not affect the determined results. Presented here is a discussion of the most common methodologies and a comparison of indirect determinations (via CC) of the isosteric enthalpy of adsorption by different laboratories on identical material. Included in that comparison are discussions on the measurement and analysis reproducibility. Importantly, details of the methodologies are shown to be critical when comparing enthalpies among laboratories, and different methodologies contribute to significant discrepancies and artifacts in the results. Recommendations are provided to promote robust determination and the reporting thereof.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Interfacial Nanostructure and Hydrogen Bond Networks of Choline Chloride and Glycerol Mixtures Probed with X-ray and Vibrational Spectroscopies

The molecular distribution at the liquid-vapor interface and evolution of the hydrogen bond interactions in mixtures of glycerol and choline chloride are investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Nanoscale depth profiles of supersaturated deep eutectic solvent (DES) mixtures up to ~2 nm measured by ambient-pressure XPS show the enhancement of choline cation (Ch + ) concentration by a factor of 2 at the liquid-vapor interface compared to the bulk. In addition, Raman spectral analysis of a wide range of DES mixtures reveals the conversion of gauche-conformer Ch + into the anti-conformer in relatively lower ChCl concentrations. Finally, the depletion of Ch + from the interface (probing depth = 0.4 nm) is demonstrated by aerosol-based velocity map imaging XPS measurements of glyceline and water mixtures. The nanostructure of liquid-vapor interfaces and structural rearrangement by hydration can provide critical insight into the molecular origin of the deep eutectic behavior and gas-capturing application of DESs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Atomic resolution tracking of nerve-agent simulant decomposition and host metal–organic framework response in real space

Gas capture and sequestration are valuable properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) driving tremendous interest in their use as filtration materials for chemical warfare agents. Recently, the Zr-based MOF UiO-67 was shown to effectively adsorb and decompose the nerve-agent simulant, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). Understanding mechanisms of MOF-agent interaction is challenging due to the need to distinguish between the roles of the MOF framework and its particular sites for the activation and sequestration process. Here, we demonstrate the quantitative tracking of both framework and binding component structures using in situ X-ray total scattering measurements of UiO-67 under DMMP exposure, pair distribution function analysis, and theoretical calculations. The sorption and desorption of DMMP within the pores, association with linker-deficient Zr6 cores, and decomposition to irreversibly bound methyl methylphosphonate were directly observed and analyzed with atomic resolution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Rational design of stable functional metal–organic frameworks

Functional porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been explored for a number of potential applications in catalysis, chemical sensing, water capture, gas storage, and separation. MOFs are among the most promising candidates to address challenges facing our society related to energy and environment, but the successful implementation of functional porous MOF materials are contingent on their stability; therefore, the rational design of stable MOFs plays an important role towards the development of functional porous MOFs. In this Focus article, we summarize progress in the rational design and synthesis of stable MOFs with controllable pores and functionalities. The implementation of reticular chemistry allows for the rational top-down design of stable porous MOFs with targeted topological networks and pore structures from the pre-selected building blocks. We highlight the reticular synthesis and applications of stable MOFs: (1) MOFs based on high valent metal ions (e.g., Al 3+ , Cr 3+ , Fe 3+ , Ti 4+ and Zr 4+ ) and carboxylate ligands; (2) MOFs based on low valent metal ions (e.g., Ni 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Zn 2+ ) and azolate linkers. We envision that the synthetic strategies, including modulated synthesis and post-synthetic modification, can potentially be extended to other more complex systems like metal-phosphonate framework materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Analytical capabilities for iodine detection: Review of possibilities for different applications

This Review summarizes a range of analytical techniques that can be used to detect, quantify, and/or distinguish between isotopes of iodine (e.g., long-lived 129 I, short-lived 131 I, stable 127 I). One reason this is of interest is that understanding potential radioiodine release from nuclear processes is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and to protect human health as it can incorporate into the thyroid leading to cancer. It is also of interest for evaluating iodine retention performances of next-generation iodine off-gas capture materials and long-term waste forms for immobilizing radioiodine for disposal in geologic repositories. Depending upon the form of iodine (e.g., molecules, elemental, and ionic) and the matter state (i.e., solid, liquid, and gaseous), the available options can vary. In addition, several other key parameters vary between the methods discussed herein, including the destructive vs nondestructive nature of the measurement process (including in situ vs ex situ measurement options), the analytical data collection times, and the amount of sample required for analysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Extensive Attention Mechanisms in Graph Neural Networks for Materials Discovery

We present our research where attention mechanism is extensively applied to various aspects of graph neural net- works for predicting materials properties. As a result, surrogate models can not only replace costly simulations for materials screening but also formulate hypotheses and insights to guide further design exploration. We predict formation energy of the Materials Project and gas adsorption of crystalline adsorbents, and demonstrate the superior performance of our graph neural networks. Moreover, attention reveals important substructures that the machine learning models deem important for a material to achieve desired target properties. Our model is based solely on standard structural input files containing atomistic descriptions of the adsorbent material candidates. We construct novel methodological extensions to match the prediction accuracy of state-of-the-art models some of which were built with hundreds of features at much higher computational cost. We show that sophisticated neural networks can obviate the need for elaborate feature engineering. Our approach can be more broadly applied to optimize gas capture processes at industrial scale.

Cong, Guojing↗

Molecular Scale Tuning of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Properties

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a type of porous, extended structure material which has demonstrated utility in numerous applications, including sensing and separations. Judicious choice of the linker and node not only fine tune the size of the framework, but also the functionality. We seek to tailor COF materials for applications in gas capture and electrochemical sensing. Herein, we demonstrate the material properties of COFs can be fine-tuned via post-synthetic metal cation doping of the parent structures. We have synthesized several COF structures with varying linkers which allow for the incorporation of metal cations. Structures incorporating Zn 2+ , Mn 2+ , and Cu 2+ have demonstrated utility in improving the CO 2 uptake properties of the COFs, while Ag + doped structures show potential as electrochemical sensors for chloride anions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Solid Sorbent Cost Sensitivity Analysis: A Framework for UNF Reprocessing Sorbent Cost Comparison

Solid sorbents have been the subject of research and development across the U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory complex for many years. They are generally accepted as a safer alternative to cryogenic distillation for noble gas capture, and they present an easier pathway in development of long-term waste forms after iodine capture. As more types of sorbents have been proposed for capture of volatile radionuclides, it has become necessary to compare them based on performance and cost criteria. This report details cost and performance information for three promising sorbents and provides a cost sensitivity analysis. The goal of this analysis is to establish a framework which can be utilized to directly compare future sorbents, with differing properties, to the sorbents discussed in this report. Direct comparison is instrumental to making informed decisions to efficiently guide research and minimize laborious detours. In all cases, sorbent capacity is a major cost driver as it influences the mass of sorbent, operational footprint, and disposal cost requirements., However, sorbent price can greatly increase the cost of a capture technology. For sorbents used in krypton capture, the purity of krypton released to storage is the highest cost driver.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Transformational Nano-confined Ionic Liquid Membrane for Greater than or Equal to 97 Percent Carbon Dioxide Capture from Natural Gas Combined Cycle Flue Gas

A transformational process based on nano-confined ionic liquid (NCIL) membranes was developed for capturing ≥97% CO 2 from natural gas combined cycle (NCCC) flue gas. The NCIL membranes were prepared by loading amino acid ionic liquid into a framework composed of single-walled carbon nanotube mesh filled with graphene oxide quantum dots. The membranes exhibited CO 2 permeance as high as 2,000 GPU with a CO 2 /N2 selectivity of 2,300 for a typical NGCC flue gas composition. When H 2 O vapor sweep was applied in the permeate side, 96.6% CO2 dry-basis purity and 97.6% CO 2 capture rate were achieved for a simulated NGCC flue gas with single stage. In the process design, a highly H 2 O-selective membrane would be needed to recover majority of the H 2 O vapor, and the recovered H 2 O vapor could be recycled to the permeate side of the NCIL membrane. Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membranes were successfully developed for this purpose. These membranes exhibited H 2 O permeance great than 11,000 GPU and H 2 O/CO 2 selectivity greater than 1,000 at 70ºC for a feed mixture consisting of 14.5 vol% H2O and balanced CO 2 . A standalone membrane model using MATLAB platform was developed for process simulation. The model was validated with experimental data. Techno-economic analysis based on the testing data collected during the current program suggests this transformational membrane process can achieve 97% CO 2 capture efficiency with a cost of $47.8/tonne of CO 2 , which is a 21% reduction versus DOE’s reference case B31B.97.

03 NATURAL GAS↗