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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 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Rare-isotope and kinetic studies of Pt/SnO2 catalysts

Closed-cycle pulsed CO2 laser operation requires the use of an efficient CO-O2 recombination catalyst for these dissociation products which otherwise would degrade the laser operation. The catalyst must not only operate at low temperatures but also must operate efficiently for long periods. In the case of the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) laser, an operational lifetime of 3 years is required. Additionally, in order to minimize atmospheric absorption and enhance aerosol scatter of laser radiation, the LAWS system will operate at 9.1 micrometers with an oxygen-18 isotope CO2 lasing medium. Consequently, the catalyst must not only operate at low temperatures but must also preserve the isotopic integrity of the rare-isotope composition in the recombination mode. Several years ago an investigation of commercially available and newly synthesized recombination catalysts for use in closed-cycle pulsed common and rare-isotope CO2 lasers was implemented at the NASA Langley Research Center. Since that time, mechanistic efforts utilizing both common and rare oxygen isotopes have been implemented and continue. Rare-isotope studies utilizing commercially available platinum-tin oxide catalyst have demonstrated that the catalyst contributes oxygen-16 to the product carbon dioxide thus rendering it unusable for rare-isotope applications. A technique has been developed for modification of the surface of the common-isotope catalyst to render it usable. Results of kinetic and isotope label studies using plug flow, recycle plug flow, and closed internal recycle plug flow reactor configuration modes are discussed.

Upchurch, Billy T.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Prediction of Chemical Vapor Deposition Rates on Monofilaments and Its Implications for Fiber Properties

Deposition rates are predicted in a cylindrical upflow reactor designed for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on monofilaments. Deposition of silicon from silane in a hydrogen carrier gas is chosen as a relevant example. The effects of gas and surface chemistry are studied in a two-dimensional axisymmetric flow field for this chemically well-studied system. Model predictions are compared to experimental CVD rate measurements. The differences in some physical and chemical phenomena between such small diameter (about 150 microns) fiber substrates and other typical CVD substrates are highlighted. The influence of the Soret mass transport mechanism is determined to be extraordinarily significant. The difficulties associated with the accurate measurement and control of the fiber temperature are discussed. Model prediction sensitivities are investigated with respect to fiber temperatures, fiber radii, Soret transport, and chemical kinetic parameters. The implications of the predicted instantaneous rates are discussed relative to the desired fiber properties for both the batch and the continuous processes.

Gokoglu, S. A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

SCILLA Secondary Aerosol Volume Concentration Airborne Data

This data set contains secondary aerosol volume concentration in cubic micrometers per cubic centimeter (um^3/cm^3). The aerosol was generated in an oxidation flow reactor (OFR) and its volume concentration measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). Both components were designed and built at the University of California Riverside. Ambient particles were removed with a Teflon filter upstream of the OFR and then pure ammonium sulfate particles were added to create a stable aerosol surface area on which low-volatility oxidation products condense. High concentrations of hydroxyl radical (OH) formed inside the OFR accelerate the oxidative chemistry that would typically occur over a period of several days in the atmosphere, resulting in the production of secondary aerosol from precursor gases present in the ambient air. Concentrations of added ozone and water vapor were controlled to produce the desired and approximately constant level of photochemical aging. The reactor temperature was controlled, while the pressure was not, and was always slightly lower than that of the sampled outside air. Sampled air was pulled from above the Naval Postgraduate School’s (NPS) Twin Otter aircraft through a rear-facing, ¼” OD PFA Teflon tube. The sample stream was split between the OFR and several gas analyzers (NOx, CO, O3, and H2O). Though not contained in these files, data from an aerosol mass spectrometer intermittently operated downstream of the OFR are also available.

{"secondary aerosol concentration",aerosol_concent↗
DOE OSTI2020

The TRANSCEND Consortium - In-situ Identification of Surface Corrosion Products on Spent Nuclear Fuels - 20276

The management of spent nuclear fuel is a major ongoing concern for the UK owing to the cessation of reprocessing operations at Sellafield and the large, complex inventory arising from Magnox, AGR, PWR and prototype reactors. Retrieval and relocation operations for legacy fuels are imminent and therefore, any models that enhance our understanding of fuel evolution will help mitigate the risks associated with fuel storage and disposal. The TRANSCEND Consortium on nuclear waste management comprises four work packages, within this current paper we provide a summary overview of progress to date and illustrative results from Theme 3: Spent Nuclear Fuels. (authors)

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

Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacture Nb1Zr Development

Next generation fission and fusion nuclear reactors require materials that can withstand operating temperatures greater than 500 °C, neutron irradiation doses of up to 200 displacements per atom (dpa), and potentially corrosive coolants such as the alkali liquid metals sodium, lithium, and NaK (Na33K eutectic alloy). Refractory alloys, such as Nb1Zr (Nb-1wt%Zr) and Molybdenum alloy TZM (Mo-0.5wt%Ti-0.08wt%Zr) have been traditionally considered viable candidates for advanced fission and fusion reactor concepts. However, it is relatively difficult to generate complex geometries of interest from these alloys using traditional manufacturing methods. In addition, there needs to be a concentrated effort to address refractory metal challenges at elevated temperature operation. In order to generate complex geometries of interest, modern manufacturing techniques are considered to increase the technological readiness level (TRL), cost-effectiveness, and schedule savings. This work focused on the continued development of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) to improve both design flexibility, evaluate microstructure and properties, and ultimately accelerate the TRL and qualification of these processes and alloys for components to potentially be put into service. Niobium alloy Nb1Zr was identified through a down-selection process outlined in previous reports as a candidate to develop in L-PBF AM. Historically, Nb1Zr had been explored for high temperature fast spectrum fission reactors for both terrestrial and space applications. Molybdenum alloy TZM has also been considered for these reactor concepts due to exceptional high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and stability under irradiation. L-PBF AM of TZM has previously been investigated at LANL under the Microreactor program, NASA, ORNL, and in academia. However, due to the crack prone nature of TZM, L-PBF AM of TZM resulted in significant microcracking and additional development is required to pursue viable maturation. Other AM methods have been found to be more successful in printing TZM, and those alternatives approaches are discussed in this effort. The efforts detailed in this report focused on continued development of Nb1Zr through L-PBF and development of TZM via L-PBF and electron powder bed fusion (E-PBF). The objective of this work was to further the development of these AM techniques for the chosen refractory alloys, elucidating and addressing associated challenges through characterization of several demonstration builds. At LANL, Nb1Zr builds were completed using an EOS M290 and M400 machines, and a refractory alloy-dedicated L-PBF system, the Xact Metal XM200G, was installed. The XM200G primary purpose was to do the Nb1Zr parameter development process; however, due to difficulties associated with the machine installation and qualification process, it was decided to pivot development to the larger M400 and M290 machines. Although the supply of Nb1Zr powder was limited, it was sufficient to generate sub-scale metallographic specimens for the purpose of parameter development. This was first accomplished on the EOS M400 then the M290 due to machine schedule availability. Further development of TZM has been initiated at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) under contract with LANL to use both a heated build envelope L-PBF machine and E-PBF machine that have been found in the literature to mitigate microcracking. UTEP was provided with TZM powder and build plates to support parallel TZM parameter development across both machines. As part of the contract, UTEP will also be conducting microstructural characterization once optimized process parameters have been identified. The optimized process parameters for each machine will be used to generate a series of metallographic, mechanical, and surface finish specimens for subsequent characterization and testing. In the next section, we provide a detailed discussion of the methodology used for investigating the feasibility of leveraging these alloys for use in advanced reactor applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Interpretation of Ion Irradiation and Neutron Irradiation Damage in Additively Manufactured 316 Stainless Steel using Multiscale Modeling

The accelerated adoption of nuclear energy necessitates advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing, to meet heightened supply chain requirements and support innovative reactor technologies. Due to the unique microstructural characteristics of additively manufactured materials under distinct solidification conditions, comprehensive evaluation of their performance in reactor environments is essential. The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies program under the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy focuses on understanding the irradiation performance and damage evolution of laser powder bed fusion 316 stainless steel, with an emphasis on integrating ion and neutron irradiation data to accelerate the development and qualification of materials for advanced nuclear reactor applications. While ion irradiation is a cost- and time-effective method, modeling and simulation are required to interpret the data for the broader range of irradiation conditions encountered in advanced reactors. In fiscal year 2025, integrated multiscale modeling and simulations were conducted to assess irradiation damage in additively manufactured 316 stainless steel. Key outcomes include predictions of chromium enrichment at grain boundaries, nickel enrichment at dislocation cell walls and void surfaces, and heterogeneous void evolution under ion and neutron irradiation conditions. Cluster dynamics simulations revealed the coarsening of voids at high irradiation temperatures and the suppression of void growth by high network dislocation density, while also demonstrating significant growth and coarsening of voids and self-interstitial atom loops at low dose rates. Machine learning-accelerated atomistic simulations highlighted the impact of the local environment and chromium concentration on vacancy diffusivity, providing key insights on the influence of composition on void swelling and radiation-induced segregation. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the presence of defect production bias and a significant effect of carbon content on defect cluster behavior. These combined efforts aim to predict the performance of additively manufactured materials under various reactor conditions, supporting their qualification for nuclear reactor applications by interpreting ion irradiation data. This report underscores the potential of integrated multiscale modeling to analyze ion irradiation data in the effort to accelerate the qualification of additively manufactured materials for nuclear reactor components.

316 stainless steel↗
DOE OSTI2023

Novel pyrolytic boron nitride coating to reduce graphite interactions in molten fluoride salt

Future salt reactors like the Fluoride-salt-cooled-High Temperature Reactor require varying material flavors. Graphite is required for neutron moderation and potential fuel forms, while structural metals are required for containment. Studies show graphite/metal interactions exist when both materials share a salt medium. These interactions may accelerate the corrosion of the metal and change the surface of graphite materials. A novel pyrolytic boron nitride coating on graphite is investigated for reducing graphite/metal interactions. Finally, this is the first known application of such a coating, and salt exposure tests reveal the pyrolytic boron nitride coating reduces the interactions between stainless steel and uncoated graphite.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Multifaceted Considerations for Fission Surface Power Radiation Shielding Design

The purpose of the Fission Surface Power (FSP) nuclear system is to provide energy on the Moon and Mars for supporting their exploration and colonization. The FSP design and deployment can leverage the past research and development work in areas, such as reactor design, but such crucial components as radiation shielding and instrumentation still need material and manufacturing studies, modeling, and testing. The shielding components are needed for the protection of humans, electronics, and sensitive components. They are essential system components, but they are often the heaviest components of the system for which each kilogram matters. Different material combinations and layouts are possible. The studies presented were focused on the evaluation of several options. The initial analysis included their performance assessment, initial temperature distribution evaluation and manufacturability considerations. Several feasible shield design options were identified and discussed in this paper, as well.

Fission Surface Power↗
DOE OSTI2025

Low-temperature oxidation of methane and methanol on iridium oxides

Iridium oxides (IrO 2 ) are of significant interest for low-temperature oxidation of small molecules such as CH 4 and CH 3 OH, although the physical origin of their high activity remains under debate. Here, we demonstrate that the enhanced activity of IrO 2 arises from the formation of coordinatively unsaturated (CUS) oxygen species. By combining ambient-pressure X-ray spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, we present evidence for the formation of CUS oxygen during CH 4 and CH 3 OH oxidation. Such surface speciation correlates with the conversion of methane to carbon dioxide and methanol to methyl formate on rutile IrO 2 and hydrous IrO 2 powder catalysts in a plug-flow reactor at room temperature. These findings extend the understanding of the physical origin of the higher activity of iridium oxide thin-film catalysts to powder catalysts and provide insights into the tuneability of iridium-oxide-containing catalysts for low-temperature C–H and O–H bond activation.

AP-XPS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Coil optimization for quasi-helically symmetric stellarator configurations

Filament-based coil optimizations are performed for several quasi-helical stellarator configurations, beginning with the one from Landreman & Paul ( Phys. Rev. Lett. , vol. 128, 2022, 035001), demonstrating that precise quasi-helical symmetry can be achieved with realistic coils. Several constraints are placed on the shape and spacing of the coils, such as low curvature and sufficient plasma–coil distance for neutron shielding. The coils resulting from this optimization have a maximum curvature 0.8 times that of the coils of the Helically Symmetric eXperiment (HSX) and a mean squared curvature 0.4 times that of the HSX coils when scaled to the same plasma minor radius. When scaled up to reactor size and magnetic field strength, no fast particle losses were found in the free-boundary configuration when simulating 5000 alpha particles launched at $3.5\,\mathrm {MeV}$ on the flux surface with a normalized toroidal flux of $s=0.5$ . An analysis of the tolerance of the coils to manufacturing errors is performed using a Gaussian process model, and the coils are found to maintain low particle losses for smooth, large-scale errors up to amplitudes of approximately $0.15\,\mathrm {m}$ . Another coil optimization is performed for the Landreman–Paul configuration with the additional constraint that the coils are purely planar. Visual inspection of the Poincaré plot of the resulting magnetic field-lines reveal that the planar modular coils alone do a poor job of reproducing the target equilibrium. Additional non-planar coil optimizations are performed for the quasi-helical configuration with $5\,\%$ volume-averaged plasma beta from Landreman et al. ( Phys. Plasma , vol. 29, issue 8, 2022, 082501), and a similar configuration also optimized to satisfy the Mercier criterion. The finite beta configurations had larger fast-particle losses, with the free-boundary Mercier-optimized configuration performing the worst, losing approximately $5.5\,\%$ of alpha particles launched at $s=0.5$ .

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Catalytic Upgrading of Ethanol to C8+ Distillate Range Ethers via Guerbet Coupling and Etherification

Guerbet coupling followed by etherification is a two step process for conversion of ethanol into distillate range molecules. This involves first alcohol oligomerization, followed by acid-catalyzed dehydration. As we will show in this presentation, ethanol can be converted to higher linear and α-branched alcohols by C-C coupling reactions (ethanol oligomerization) as well as to high molecular weight esters by C-O coupling reactions with Cu/MgxAlOy (CuHT) catalysts. Alcohols may be converted to ethers via bimolecular dehydration in a subsequent step. We have identified more than 160 number of species in the products including alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketonces, and olefins. Alcohols range from C4 to C10. Both alcohols and esters follow a Schulz-Flory chain growth model. We show the relationship between the catalyst properties (BET surface area, acid and base site count and Cu loading and synthesis method) and the performance in the reactions. We also show that physical mixtures of CuHT and HT can have similar product selectivity of low loading CuHT catalysts. The selectivity towards diesel fuel precursor compounds (hereafter ‘DFPC’) increased with conversion until reaching a plateau at high ethanol conversion (~70%). Alcohol selectivity follows a Schultz-Flory distribution at all studied conversions, and that adsorbed ethanol-derived species may undergo surface oligomerization into 1-butanol and higher alcohols before desorbing in a chain-growth mechanism. Zeolite catalysts convert the C4+ alcohols into C8+ ethers in both batch and continuous flow reactors. Selectivities of up to 80% to C8+ ethers at around 70% conversion using a single pass continuous flow system are able to be achieved. The final product feedstocks obtained from etherification have been used in technoeconomic (TEA) and lifecycle analysis (LCA), which indicate a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 50% relative to conventional diesel. These final feedstocks are undergoing engine testing to elucidate the physiochemical properties and will be compared to diesel #2 ASTM standards as a reference and will serve as a basis to improve the final bio-diesel blendstocks from etherification.

Huber, George↗
DOE OSTI2023

Catalytic upgrading of ethanol to C8+ distillate range ethers via Guerbet coupling and etherification

In this presentation we describe the catalytic approaches for conversion of ethanol into diesel fuel ethers. This involves first alcohol oligomerization, followed by acid-catalyzed dehydration. As we will show in this presentation, ethanol can be converted to higher linear and α-branched alcohols by C-C coupling reactions (ethanol oligomerization) as well as to high molecular weight esters by C-O coupling reactions with Cu/MgxAlOy (CuHT) catalysts. Alcohols may be converted to ethers via bimolecular dehydration in a subsequent step. We have identified more than 160 number of species in the products including alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, and olefins. Alcohols range from C4 to C10. Both alcohols and esters follow a Schulz-Flory chain growth model. We show the relationship between the catalyst properties (BET surface area, acid and base site count and Cu loading and synthesis method) and the performance in the reactions. We also show that physical mixtures of CuHT and HT can have similar product selectivity of low loading CuHT catalysts. The selectivity towards diesel fuel precursor compounds (hereafter ‘DFPC’) increased with conversion until reaching a plateau at high ethanol conversion (~70%). Alcohol selectivity follows a Schultz-Flory distribution at all studied conversions, and that adsorbed ethanol-derived species may undergo surface oligomerization into 1-butanol and higher alcohols before desorbing in a chain-growth mechanism. Zeolite catalysts convert the C4+ alcohols into C8+ ethers in both batch and continuous flow reactors. Selectivities of up to 80% to C8+ ethers at around 70% conversion using a single pass continuous flow system are achieved. The final product feedstocks obtained from etherification have been used in technoeconomic (TEA) and lifecycle analysis (LCA), which indicate a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 50% relative to conventional diesel and diesel fuel prices that are lower than biodiesel. These final feedstocks are undergoing engine testing to elucidate the physiochemical properties and compare well to diesel #2 ASTM standards.

Huber, George↗
NASA NTRS2009

Determination of Chemical Kinetic Rate Constants of a Model for Carbothermal Processing of Lunar Regolith Simulant Using Methane

We have previously developed a chemical conversion model of the carbothermal processing of lunar regolith using methane to predict the rate of production of carbon monoxide. In this carbothermal process, gaseous methane is pyrolyzed as it flows over the hot surface of a molten zone of lunar regolith and is converted to carbon and hydrogen. Hydrogen is carried away by the exiting stream of gases and carbon is deposited on the melt surface. The deposited carbon mixes with the melt and reacts with the metal oxides in it to produce carbon monoxide that bubbles out of the melt. In our model, we assume that the flux of carbon deposited is equal to the product of the surface reaction rate constant gamma and the concentration of methane adjacent to the melt surface. Similarly, the rate of consumption of carbon per unit volume in the melt is equal to the product of the melt reaction rate constant k and the concentrations of carbon and metal oxide in the melt. In this paper, we describe our effort to determine gamma and k by comparison of the predictions from our model with test data obtained by ORBITEC (Orbital Technologies Corporation). The concentration of methane adjacent to the melt surface is a necessary input to the model. It is inferred from the test data by a mass balance of methane, adopting the usual assumptions of the continuously-stirred-tank-reactor model, whereby the average concentration of a given gaseous species equals its exit concentration. The reaction rates gamma and k have been determined by a non-linear least-squares fit to the test data for the production of carbon monoxide and the fraction of the incoming methane that is converted. The comparison of test data with our model predictions using the determined chemical kinetic rate constants provides a consistent interpretation of the process over the full range of temperatures, pressures, and methane flow rates used in the tests, thereby increasing our confidence to use the model for scale-up purposes.

Balasubramaniam, R↗
NASA NTRS2014

Alteration of Basaltic Glass to Mg/Fe-Smectite under Acidic Conditions: A Potential Smectite Formation Mechanism on Mars

Phyllosilicates of the smectite group including Mg- and Fe-saponite and Fe(III)-rich nontronite have been identified on Mars. Smectites are believed to be formed under neutral to alkaline conditions that prevailed on early Mars. This hypothesis is supported by the observation of smectite and carbonate deposits in Noachian terrain on Mars. However, smectite may have formed under mildly acidic conditions. Abundant smectite formations have been detected as layered deposits hundreds of meters thick in intracrater depositional fans and plains sediments, while no large deposits of carbonates are found. Development of mildly acidic conditions at early Mars might allow formation of smectite but inhibit widespread carbonate precipitation. Little is known regarding the mechanisms of smectite formation from basaltic glass under acidic conditions. The objective of this study was to test a hypothesis that Mars-analogue basaltic glass alters to smectite minerals under acidic conditions (pH 4). The effects of Mg and Fe concentrations and temperature on smectite formation from basaltic glass were evaluated. Phyllosilicate synthesis was performed in batch reactors (Parr acid digestion vessel) under reducing hydrothermal conditions at 200 C and 100 C. Synthetic basaltic glass with a composition similar to that of the Gusev crater rock Adirondack (Ground surface APXS measurement) was used in these experiments. Basaltic glass was prepared by melting and quenching procedures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the synthesized glass was composed of olivine, magnetite and X-ray amorphous phase. Samples were prepared by mixing 250 mg Adirondack with 0.1 M acetic acid (final pH 4). In order to study influence of Mg concentration on smectite formation, experiments were performed with addition of 0, 1 and 10 mM MgCl2. After 1, 7 and 14 day incubations the solution composition was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the altered glass and formed phyllosilicates were examined by XRD analysis. Mineralogical changes were significant in Adirondack incubated with 10 mM MgCl2 at pH 4 and heated at 200 C. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed formation of phyllosilicate during 14 day incubation (Figure 1). Smectite was confirmed as the phyllosilicate after treatments with glycerol and KCl and heating to 550 C. The position of 02l (4.60 A) and 060 (1.54 A) diffraction bands were indicative of trioctahedral smectite such as saponite. Analysis of solution composition demonstrated that aqueous concentration of Mg decreased from 10 mM to approx.4 mM after 7 day incubation likely due to saponite formation. Smectite also formed in Adirondack incubated with 0 mM MgCl2 at pH 4 and heated at 200 C. However, diffraction peak positions of 02l (4.52 A) and 060 (1.51 A) suggested formation of dioctahedral nontronite. The 100degC Mg and Fe(II) treated basaltic glass experiments are ongoing and results will be presented.

Peretyazhko, Tanya↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Fuel and Moderator Development Strategy for NEP Systems

Nuclear electric propulsion (NEP)-powered vehicles have been contemplated for human Mars missions. The nuclear power system contemplates using a high temperature light-weight nuclear reactor for the production of electrical power in the range of 2-5 MWe with a 3-10 year service life. There are several reactor and moderator options that exist for an NEP reactor with these operational needs. One option under consideration is a hydride moderated reactor using a fuel comprised of high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) compounds. The NEP fuel-moderator mixtures share development challenges with NASA’s Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and Fission Surface Power (FSP) projects. The operational requirements also align well with development and investments in commercial microreactorsolutions. This paper will describe a structured approach for developing a multi-year strategy for maturing NEP fuel and moderator materials. Touchpoints where NASA could benefit from and be of benefit to the ongoing commercial investments are also described and discussed.

Dasari V Rao↗
NASA NTRS2024

A new spectrally-invariant approach to the remote sensing of inhomogeneous clouds

Current operational satellite retrievals of cloud optical and microphysical properties go back to the Nakajima-King technique developed at the end of the 1980s. This technique is based on library calculations for plane-parallel homogeneous clouds. It often works well for overcast skies but leads to substantial errors for inhomogeneous and broken cloud fields where the plane-parallel-geometry assumption is no longer valid. The basic concept of a new technique was first introduced in nuclear physics to quantify the critical conditions of reactors. Based on the eigenvalues of the radiative transfer equation, their approach provides a powerful means to parameterize the structure of 3D media. This parameterization was later successfully applied to relate surface reflectance spectra to 3D canopy structure and is known as the spectrally-invariant approximation. The proposed approach adapts this technique to the remote sensing of cloud properties such as droplet single scattering albedo and the average number of scatterings (which are the fundamental parameters in radiative transfer theory), with an emphasis on quantifying the associated errors and uncertainties. This retrieval is free from the plane-parallel homogeneous cloud assumption.

clouds↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effects of cation stoichiometry on surface morphology and crystallinity of ZnGeN 2 films grown on GaN by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

ZnGeN 2 films were grown on GaN-on-sapphire templates via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to estimate the Zn/(Zn+Ge) composition ratio in the films. This ratio decreased with increase in growth temperature but increased with increase in total reactor pressure or Zn/Ge precursor flow rate ratio. Systematic mapping of these key growth parameters has allowed us to identify the growth window to achieve ZnGeN 2 with stoichiometric cation composition. Compositional and statistical analyses performed on data acquired from atom probe tomography provided insight into the local compositional homogeneity. The cations Zn and Ge did not demonstrate segregation or clustering at the sub-nanometer level. Based on X-ray diffraction 2θ-ω scan profiles and transmission electron microscope nano-diffraction patterns, the films with near-stoichiometric cation ratios were single crystalline with planar surfaces, whereas zinc-rich or zinc-poor films were polycrystalline with nonplanar surfaces. The growth direction of the single crystalline ZnGeN 2 films on GaN templates was along the c-axis. Room temperature Raman spectra showed features associated with the phonon density of states, indicating the presence of cation disorder in the lattice. A cathodoluminescence peak associated with transitions involving deep level defects was observed around 640 nm. The intensity of this peak increased by almost 2.5 times as the temperature was reduced to 77 K from room temperature. A similar peak was observed in photoluminescence spectra collected at 80 K.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of a Chlorine Cathode and Anode Basket Assembly for Production of Uranium Chloride

A chlorine cathode has been developed for in situ chlorination of metals, oxides, and oxychlorides in molten chloride electrolytes that could be used to support synthesis of chloride fuel salts for molten salt reactors. The chlorine cathode is designed to electrochemically reduce chlorine gas to generate chloride ions that, when paired with a metal anode, chlorinate that metal as it is oxidized into the salt. The designed porous carbon electrode effectively distributes Cl 2 to the electrode surface and efficiently generates Clions in the molten chloride electrolyte. This report highlights recent improvements made to the electrode assembly, with a focus on operational control of the anode basket stability. Synthesis tests demonstrated the successful chlorination of uranium metal, resulting in 3.6 wt% uranium generated in the LiCl-KCl base salt in 45 minutes, performed in a bench-scale chlorination apparatus. Higher concentrations could be achieved by applying longer chlorination times or increasing the amount of uranium loaded in the anode basket. Overall, the chlorine cathode can be used with an appropriately designed anode to chlorinate uranium in situ for synthesis of molten salt reactor fuel salts.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗