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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 847 records · Page 47
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Horn Module Mounting: Kinematic Mount

This research will focus on the kinematic mount that is supporting the horn and horn module in the target hall, LBNF-20, at Fermilab. It will see if the current, ball-in-cup design will be the most optimal for the application as the horn module mount, and the main concerns that were considered were the ball diameter, cup angle, materials, and coating. There were many ways that information was gathered and analyzed such as: hand calculations, a spreadsheet calculator, and various graphs. The results will show if there is an exact cup angle, ball diameter, material, or coating that is the strongest candidate out of all the other options for all of these variables. It was determined that two dissimilar materials should be chosen for the materials, so the materials are 7Al-4Mo Ti and 4340 steel. Alongside those materials, the coating was determined to be tungsten disulfide. The cup angle and ball diameter can have a range of angles and diameters that will work. The ball diameter should be 7.5”, but it can be as small as 6”. Also, the cup angle can be 45° ± 5°. In the future, a Finite Element Analysis on the cup will provide additional confirmation that the assumptions made in the hand-calculations are correct, and there will be a prototype built to determine if the design can take loads under real conditions.

Malovski, Azra [Unlisted, US]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Development and Testing of a new Current-Regulated Arc Modulator for the LINAC

In this study, the performance of a current-regulated arc modulator was investigated with a focus on its role in initiating and sustaining plasma discharge within the Magnetron Body of the LINAC system. The analysis centered on how switching components, circuit topology, and feedback loop architecture influence critical factors such as energy efficiency, discharge stability, and long-term plasma containment. Particular attention was given to variations in pulse termination behavior, as observed through oscilloscope traces, which revealed inconsistencies affecting the duty factor and cathode temperature. These fluctuations have downstream effects on the cesium-coated cathode surface, thereby impacting H⁻ ion production and beam reliability. Simulation-based testing in LTspice was used to evaluate noise suppression techniques and arc current regulation schemes, revealing how optimized snubber networks, improved pulse shaping, and feedback stability can mitigate modulator-induced noise. The results identified hardware level parameters that significantly enhance discharge repeatability and improve overall plasma performance under operational conditions.

Campos, Nathan [Unlisted, US; Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hole-transport layer-dependent degradation mechanisms in perovskite solar modules

It is imperative to understand how the design of perovskite solar modules (PSMs) affects their degradation mechanisms and byproducts under environmental stressors to enable their long-term reliability. This work reports on the impact of the hole-transport layer (HTL) on thermal cyclability and degradation mechanisms of p–i–n PSMs by comparing 3 HTLs: NiO x , MeO-2PACz (a self-assembled monolayer), and a bilayer HTL of MeO-2PACz on NiO x . We observe surprising thermal cyclability from a performance standpoint despite generating clear degradation products. We find that without a fully dense HTL, seemingly insignificant moisture/oxygen ingress through the edge of the PSMs can lead to rapid destabilization of the metal halide perovskite (MHP) layer due to reactions between MHP degradation byproducts and the indium-tin oxide layer. We also show that illumination-induced cation phase segregation is dependent on the illumination of an inactive area (regions of the substrate uncovered by the rear electrode). As such, we find that a dense interface between the MHP and ITO is necessary for chemically robust PSMs and highlight criteria for testing field-relevant configurations in lab-scale architectures.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Osteocalcin binds to a GPRC6A Venus fly trap allosteric site to positively modulate GPRC6A signaling

GPRC6A, a member of the Family C G-protein coupled receptors, regulates energy metabolism and sex hormone production and is activated by diverse ligands, including cations, L-amino acids, the osteocalcin (Ocn) peptide and the steroid hormone testosterone. We sought a structural framework for the ability of multiple distinct classes of ligands to active GPRC6A. We created a structural model of GPRC6A using Alphafold2. Using this model we explored a putative orthosteric ligand binding site in the bilobed Venus fly trap (VFT) domain of GPRC6A and two positive allosteric modulator (PAM) sites, one in the VFT and the other in the 7 transmembrane (7TM) domain. We provide evidence that Ocn peptides act as a PAM for GPRC6A by binding to a site in the VFT that is distinct from the orthosteric site for calcium and L-amino acids. In agreement with this prediction, alternatively spliced GPRC6A isoforms 2 and 3, which lack regions of the VFT, and mutations in the computationally predicted Ocn binding site, K352E and H355P, prevent Ocn activation of GPRC6A. These observations explain how dissimilar ligands activate GPRC6A and set the stage to develop novel molecules to activate and inhibit this previously poorly understood receptor.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Leveling-Up for Big-Format Modules

Like Mario grabbing a super mushroom, PV modules just keep getting bigger! As they grow, so do the challenges of handling, installing, and testing them in the field. At NREL, we've embarked on our own New Hope - adapting to this size revolution across our tools, transportation, ergonomics, and field compatibility. Join us as we navigate this galactic expansion and keep PV testing at the cutting edge.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Redox Gating for Colossal Carrier Modulation and Unique Phase Control

Redox gating, a novel approach distinct from conventional electrolyte gating, combines reversible redox functionalities with common ionic electrolyte moieties to engineer charge transport, enabling power-efficient electronic phase control. This study achieves a colossal sheet carrier density modulation beyond 10 16 cm -2 , sustainable over thousands of cycles, all within the sub-volt regime for functional oxide thin films. The key advantage of this method lies in the controlled injection of a large quantity of carriers from the electrolyte into the channel material without the deleterious effects associated with traditional electrolyte gating processes such as the production of ionic defects or intercalated species. The redox gating approach offers a simple and practical means of decoupling electrical and structural phase transitions, enabling the isostructural metal-insulator transition and improved device endurance. The versatility of redox gating extends across multiple materials, irrespective of their crystallinity, crystallographic orientation, or carrier type (n- or p-type). This inclusivity encompasses functional heterostructures and low-dimensional quantum materials composed of sustainable elements, highlighting the broad applicability and potential of the technique in electronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Giant Modulation of Magnetoresistance in a Van Der Waals Magnet by In‐Plane Current Injection

Efficient magnetization control is a central issue in magnetism and spintronics. Particularly, there are increasing demands for manipulation of magnetic states in van der Waals (vdW) magnets with unconventional functionalities. However, the electrically induced phase transition between ferromagnetic-to-antiferromagnetic states without external magnetic field is yet to be demonstrated. Here, the current-induced magnetic phase transition in a vdW ferromagnet Fe 5 GeTe 2 is reported. Based on magneto-transport measurements and theoretical analysis, it is demonstrated that transition in the interlayer magnetic coupling occurs through vertical voltage drop between layers induced by current which is attributed to high anisotropy of the resistivity caused by the vdW gaps. Such magnetic phase transition results in giant modulation of the longitudinal magnetoresistance from 5% to 170%. The electrical tunability of the magnetic phase in Fe 5 GeTe 2 with current-in-plane geometry opens a path for electric control of magnetic properties, expanding the ability to use vdW magnets for spintronic applications.

2D magnet↗
DOE OSTI2023

Modulation of Uptake and Reactivity of Nitrogen Dioxide in Metal-Organic Framework Materials

We report the modulation of reactivity of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) in a charged metal–organic framework (MOF) material, MFM-305-CH 3 in which unbound N-centres are methylated and the cationic charge counter-balanced by Cl - ions in the pores. Uptake of NO 2 into MFM-305-CH 3 leads to reaction between NO 2 and Cl - to give nitrosyl chloride (NOCl) and NO 3 - anions. A high dynamic uptake of 6.58 mmol g -1 at 298 K is observed for MFM-305-CH 3 as measured using a flow of 500 ppm NO 2 in He. In contrast, the analogous neutral material, MFM-305, shows a much lower uptake of 2.38 mmol g -1 . The binding domains and reactivity of adsorbed NO 2 molecules within MFM-305-CH 3 and MFM-305 have been probed using in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering and by electron paramagnetic resonance, high-field solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and UV/Vis spectroscopies. The design of charged porous sorbents provides a new platform to control the reactivity of corrosive air pollutants.

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

Reduced type-A carbohydrate-binding module interactions to cellulose I leads to improved endocellulase activity

Dissociation of nonproductively bound cellulolytic enzymes from cellulose is hypothesized to be a key rate-limiting factor impeding cost-effective biomass conversion to fermentable sugars. However, the role of carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) in enabling nonproductive enzyme binding is not well understood. Here, we examine the subtle interplay of CBM binding and cellulose hydrolysis activity for three models type-A CBMs (Families 1, 3a, and 64) tethered to multifunctional endoglucanase (CelE) on two distinct cellulose allomorphs (i.e., cellulose I and III). We generated a small library of mutant CBMs with varying cellulose affinity, as determined by equilibrium binding assays, followed by monitoring cellulose hydrolysis activity of CelE–CBM fusion constructs. Finally, kinetic binding assays using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation were employed to measure CBM adsorption and desorption rate constants kon and koff, respectively, towards nanocrystalline cellulose derived from both allomorphs. Overall, our results indicate that reduced CBM equilibrium binding affinity towards cellulose I alone, resulting from increased desorption rates (koff) and reduced effective adsorption rates (nkon), is correlated to overall improved endocellulase activity. Future studies could employ similar approaches to unravel the role of CBMs in nonproductive enzyme binding and develop improved cellulolytic enzymes for industrial applications.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Round-robin weathering test of various polymeric back-sheets for PV modules with different ultraviolet irradiation and sample temperatures

Durability assessment of materials exposed to natural weathering with expected service lifetimes of more than 20 years requires accelerated testing of the UV stability, especially for polymeric materials. Fraunhofer ISE organized an interlaboratory comparison for testing different back-sheets in various test laboratories using different UV sources. The five participating test laboratories used three different types of UV sources. The interaction of the UV radiation with the polymers used in PV modules is main subject of this round-robin. Laminates were produced by using solar glass and a suitable EVA encapsulant combined with 10 different back-sheets. The simultaneous usage of different optical filters allowed to investigate roughly the spectral sensitivity and the intensity impact. The degradation was followed by spectral reflectance and transmittance measurements and calculation of the yellowness index as degradation indicator. Clear differences in the degradation behavior of the different products were found.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advances in Carbon Electrode Integration for Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules

Carbon-electrode-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have emerged as a cost-effective and scalable alternative to noble-metal-based PSCs, addressing critical challenges related to device stability, fabrication complexity, and commercialization potential. This review explores the recent progress in C-PSC development, focusing on the benefits of carbon electrodes (CEs), including their hydrophobicity, chemical inertness to halide corrosion, and compatibility with low-temperature cost-effective solution-based deposition methods. Despite relatively lower power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) than their metal (e.g., Au/Ag) counterparts, recent advances in carbon paste formulation, interfacial contact engineering, and work function modification have elevated C-PSC efficiencies above 22%. This review further examines strategies to enhance electrode conductivity, interfacial properties, and charge selectivity to further increase C-PSC performance. Progress in carbon-electrode-based perovskite solar modules (C-PSMs), particularly within mesoporous and planar architectures, is also analyzed, revealing significant developments in active area scaling and long-term stability. Notably, the limited research in inverted (PIN) C-PSCs is also highlighted as a compelling opportunity for innovation, given the architecture's inherent advantages in flexibility, tandem integration, and low-temperature processing. Collectively, these insights affirm the potential of C-PSCs and C-PSMs to deliver affordable, stable, and high-performance photovoltaics suitable for scalable deployment.

Carbon Electrodes↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optimizing feed modulation for coupled methane and NO x conversion over Pd-Pt/Mn 0.5 Fe 2.5 O 4 /Al 2 O 3 monolith catalyst

Here the impacts of feed modulation (frequency, amplitude) and catalyst design (composition and architecture) parameters are reported for the conversion of methane and NO x over a dual-layer Pt+Pd/Al 2 O 3 + Mn 0.5 Fe 2.5 O 4 /Al 2 O 3 monolith. CH 4 and NO x conversion data show that the dual-layer catalyst outperforms single-layer samples having the same catalyst loadings, with and without spinel. Close proximity of the PGM and MFO functions in the mixed-layer catalyst lowers the CH 4 conversion at high temperature while separating the PGM and spinel layers with an intermediate Al 2 O 3 layer does not. Methane conversion enhancement is linked to its nonmonotonic dependence on O 2 . The performance gains are tied to a transient activity spike that occurs during the lean-to-rich feed transition when water is present in the feed. The transient spike is attributed to the removal of CO and H 2 products via reactions with stored O 2 in the spinel, eliminating inhibition of methane steam reforming.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2024

In-situ polarization modulation IRRAS investigation of ammonia electrooxidation on Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru nanoparticles prepared on engineered catalyst supports

The catalytic activity and surface reactivity of monometallic Pt and bimetallic Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru nanoparticles, supported on two distinct Engineered Catalyst Supports (ECSs), were investigated for the Ammonia Electrooxidation Reaction (AmER) in alkaline media. XRD measurements confirmed alloy formation between Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru nanoparticles, as indicated by the shift of the (111) reflection to higher 2θ values. Cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and chronoamperometry experiments were conducted to assess the catalytic activity of the Pt, Pt-Ir, and Pt-Ru electrocatalysts. All bimetallic catalysts exhibited lower onset potentials compared to Pt. The differing Tafel slopes between Pt (74 mV dec⁻¹), Pt-Ir (152 mV dec⁻¹), and Pt-Ru (118–197 mV dec⁻¹) suggest that alloying Pt with Ir or Ru alters the reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, the bimetallic Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru catalysts demonstrated greater tolerance for concentrated ammonia solutions relative to Pt. In-situ Polarization Modulation Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) provided insights into the formation of N-H species, azide anions (N₃⁻), and N-O compounds. For the Pt-Ru catalyst, an additional peak around ~3600 cm⁻¹ was observed, corresponding to OH⁻ species. The PM-IRRAS results align with the Gerischer–Mauerer mechanism, indicating that partially dehydrogenated ammonia adsorbates act as active intermediates in the oxidation of ammonia over Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru catalysts.

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

Ameliorating the sodium storage performance of hard carbon anode through rational modulation of binder

Hard carbon anodes have emerged as promising candidates for sodium-ion batteries due to their inherent advantages. Nevertheless, the surface imperfections in these materials often culminate in irreversible electrolyte consumption, fostering the development of a heterogeneous and fragile solid electrolyte interface (SEI), thereby compromising the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Here, drawing inspiration from the catalytic potential of C=O (carbonyl) bonds in directing preferential salt reduction, we introduce a novel strategy that leverages the modulation of the binder, a long-term overlooked pivotal components in the electrode process. Specifically, Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), abundant in C=O groups, is partially substituted for PVDF, ensuring robust adhesion of the electrode material to the current collector while preserving superior mechanical properties. The accurate combination of two binders with delightful compatibility in the state-of-art electrode process, can promote a uniform formation of the SEI on the hard carbon surface enriched in inorganic components, which can ensure long-term interfacial stability and suppresses excessive solvent decomposition and facilitates Na + transfer at the interface. Consequently, the initial Coulombic efficiency of the hard carbon anode with 70 %PMMA binder achieves 86 %, with prominent cycling stability (88 % capacity retention over 500 cycles) at a high current density of 1.2 A g −1 . When paired with high loading cathodes to assemble the pouch cell, it also demonstrates stable operational scenarios.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Thermal conductivity measurement using modulated photothermal radiometry for nitrate and chloride molten salts

Molten salts are being used or explored for thermal energy storage and conversion systems in concentrating solar power and nuclear power plants. Thermal conductivity of molten salts is an important thermophysical property dictating the performance and cost of these systems, but its accurate measurement has been challenging, as evidenced by wide scattering of existing data in literature. The corrosive and conducting nature of these fluids also leads to time consuming sample preparation processes of many contact-based measurements. Here, in this work, we report the measurement of thermal conductivity of molten salts using a modulated photothermal radiometry (MPR) technique, which is a laser-based, non-contact, frequency-domain method adopted for molten salts for the first time. By unitizing the advantages of front side sensing of frequency-domain measurements and the vertical holder orientation, the technique can minimize the natural convection and salt creeping effects, thus yielding accurate molten salt thermal conductivity . The MPR technique is first calibrated using standard molten materials including paraffin wax and sulfur. It is then applied on measuring pure nitrate salts (NaNO 3 and KNO 3 ), solar salt (NaNO 3 –KNO 3 mixture), and chloride salt (NaCl–KCl–MgCl 2 ). The measurement results are compared with data from literature, especially those obtained from laser flash analysis (LFA). Our results demonstrate that the MPR is a convenient and reliable technique of measuring thermal conductivity of molten salts. Accurate thermal conductivity data of molten salts will be valuable in developing the next-generation high-temperature thermal energy storage and conversion systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Supramolecular design principles in pseudohalides for high-performance perovskite solar mini modules

In this work, we reveal the role of non-covalent interactions, which are known to play important roles in supramolecular phenomena, in achieving efficient perovskite surface and grain boundary passivation. By using a series of pseudohalides, we find that trifluoroacetate (TFA - ) provides the strongest binding to iodide vacancies by means of non-covalent hydrogen bonding and dispersion interactions. By exploiting additional non-covalent dispersion and hydrophobic interactions in aromatic 3,3-diphenylpropylammonium (DPA + ), we present a dual-ion passivation strategy that not only minimizes the non-radiative recombination center and local chemical inhomogeneities but also induces preferentially oriented growth of α-FAPbI 3 lattice. Further, this leads to an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.63% with an exceptional open-circuit voltage of 1.191 V in a perovskite solar cell with a small area, while perovskite solar mini modules with aperture areas of 25 and 64cm 2 achieved PCE of 22.47% (quasi-steady-state [QSS]-certified 20.50%) and 20.88%, respectively, with outstanding stability under high-humidity conditions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advances and perspectives of hard carbon anode modulated by defect/hetero elemental engineering for sodium ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) serve as a promising complement to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage, leveraging the abundance of sodium resources and notable safety advantages. The key advancement in SIB industrialization hinges on identifying a cost-effective and high-performance anode material, similar to the graphite anode in lithium-ion batteries. Hard carbon emerges as prime anode materials for SIBs, boasting high specific capacity, low sodium storage potential, and wide availability. However, practical applications of hard carbon encounters challenges such as low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), inadequate long-term cycling stability, and poor rate performance. Recent research has focused on the optimization of hard carbon electrodes through functional design. In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously examined the progress in enhancing sodium storage performance through microstructural modulation within hard carbon, encompassing four pivotal aspects: heteroatom doping, incorporation of oxygen functional groups, surface coating, and intrinsic defect engineering. Progress in implementing these strategies is scrutinized, while the merits and challenges of each defect engineering approach are discussed. In conclusion, this review also looks into forthcoming opportunities and challenges in the practical application process of hard carbon electrodes in SIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗