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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 883 records · Page 49
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Activity and Durability of Iridium Nanoparticles in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Unsupported iridium (Ir) nanoparticles, that serve as standard oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts in acidic electrolyzers, were investigated for electrochemical performance and durability in rotating disk electrode (RDE) half-cells. Fixed potential holds and potential cycling were applied to probe the durability of Ir nanoparticles, and performance losses were found to be driven by particle growth (coarsening) at moderate potential (1.4 to 1.6 V) and Ir dissolution at higher potential (>/=1.8 V). Several different commercially available samples were evaluated and standardized conditions for performance comparison are reported. In conclusion, the electrocatalyst RDE results have also been compared to results obtained for performance and durability in electrolysis cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Hydroxide based Benzyltrimethylammonium degradation: Quantification of rates and degradation technique development

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are of interest as hydroxide conducting polymer electrolytes in electrochemical devices like fuel cells and electrolyzers. AEMs require hydroxide stable covalently tetherable cations to ensure required conductivity. Benzyltrimethylammonium (BTMA) has been the covalently tetherable cation that has been most often employed in anion exchange membranes because it is reasonably basic, compact (limited number of atoms per charge), and easily/cheaply synthesized. Several reports exist that have investigated hydroxide stability of BTMA under specific conditions, but consistency within these reports and comparisons between them have not yet been made. While the hydroxide stability of BTMA has been believed to be a limitation for AEMs, this stability has not been thoroughly reported. In this paper, we have found that several methods reported have inherent flaws in their findings due to the difficulty of performing degradation experiments at high temperature and high pH. In order to address these shortcomings, we have developed a reliable, standardized method of determining cation degradation under conditions similar/relevant to those expected in electrochemical devices. The experimental method has been employed to determine BTMA stabilities at varying cation concentrations and elevated temperatures, and has resulted in improved experimental accuracy and reproducibility. Finally and most notably, these results have shown that BTMA is quite stable at 80°C (half-life of ~4 years), a significant increase in stability over what had been reported previously.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Roles of Oxide Growth and Sub-Surface Facets in Oxygen Evolution Activity of Iridium and Its Impact on Electrolysis

This paper combines density functional theory calculations and electrochemical testing to study activity differences among iridium (Ir) surfaces in the oxygen evolution reaction. Ir metal/hydroxide is significantly more active than Ir oxide, which may be due to oxide skins at the surface weakening O-binding relative to pure metal or oxide surfaces. Here we report a disparity in activity between Ir and Ir oxide in half-cells not observed in single-cells. Extended operation at elevated temperature and potential were found to result in oxide growth, limiting how surface differences affect electrolyzer performance. Comparisons of half- and single-cell testing were used to assess how well rotating disk electrode testing predicts membrane electrode assembly performance and durability. Although oxygen evolution activities in half-cells can translate to single-cells, standard rotating disk electrode test procedures can exaggerate the activity benefit of a metal/hydroxide surface relative to membrane electrode assembly performance under typical operating conditions; it also appears that a half-cell test cannot reasonably accelerate activity loss from continual operation. While a variety of novel catalyst approaches, including alloying, faceting, morphology, and supports can improve oxygen evolution kinetics, these results suggest that Ir surfaces at different oxide states may struggle to improve performance at the device level.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Reports From The Frontier: Overcoming Limitations for Pure-water Anion-exchange-membrane Electrolysis

Anion-exchange-membrane electrolysis is positioned to play a key role in the predicted exponential growth of green hydrogen technology with essential R&D advances. We reveal key design parameters essential to commercialization. First, stable alkaline oxygen-evolution reaction catalysts with high electronic conductivity and minimal surface reconstruction during operation must be designed. Alkaline catalyst layers must also be applied to the membrane electrode assembly with scalable, industrially relevant techniques. Second, ionomer oxidation mitigation strategies must be developed. Furthermore, this approach could also target other creative catalyst layer design, such as phase-separation control to protect oxidation-prone organic components or catalyst engineering to direct selectivity for hydroxide over polymer oxidation. If competitive efficiency and durability can be achieved in pure water, AEM electrolysis has the potential to become a dominant electrolyzer technology.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

(Invited) Continuum Mathematical Modeling of Water Electrolysis: A Tutorial

Widespread use of hydrogen energy is contingent on the development of reliable and economical sources of hydrogen. Electrolysis from renewably-derived low-carbon electricity is a potentially viable method of hydrogen generation. Prime among the electrolysis technologies are those utilizing ion-conducting polymers (ionomers) including proton-exchange-membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE). However, these technologies need to exhibit increased efficiency, performance, and durability to become commercially viable. Like most electrochemical devices, PEMWEs involve multiple components (e.g., catalyst, ionomer, transport layers, membrane, plates) and multiple phases, with phenomena occurring across different time and length scales. Furthermore, it is difficult to experimentally probe many of the species and phenomena during operation. Thus, mathematical modeling at the continuum level has been an invaluable aid in exploring, understanding, and optimizing PEMWE cell and components. Furthermore, this is especially true in the highly coupled and complex physics and chemistries that occur with the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA). The physics in a typical volume-averaged non-isothermal model include multiphase transport in porous media, concentrated-solution theory, Ohm's Law, and Butler-Volmer kinetics, and ion, gas, and water transport in the ionomer.

Dizon, Arthur↗
DOE OSTI2020

Caltalyst Layer Crack Detector, or CLCD ("clicked") [SWR-20-60]

The Caltalyst Layer Crack Detector, or CLCD ("clicked") is a program that takes in optical micrographs of catalyst coatings for PEM fuel cells or electrolyzers and calculates the percent area that consist of cracks. It does so using a custom algorithm that searches for dark features larger than the background graininess of the catalyst layer.

Pfeilsticker, Jason↗
DOE OSTI2020

RODeO (Revenue Operation and Device Optimization Model) [SWR 20-67]

The Revenue, Operation, and Device Optimization (RODeO) model explores optimal system design and operation considering different levels of grid integration, equipment cost, operating limitations, financing, and credits and incentives. RODeO is a price-taker model formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model in the GAMS modeling platform. The objective is to maximizes the net revenue for a collection of equipment at a given site. The equipment includes generators (e.g., gas turbine, steam turbine, solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, etc.), storage systems (batteries, pumped hydro, gas-fired compressed air energy storage, long-duration systems, hydrogen), and flexible loads (e.g., electric vehicles, electrolyzers, flexible building loads). The input data required by RODeO can be classified into three bins: 1) utility service data, which refers to retail utility rate information (meter cost, energy and demand charges), 2) electricity market data, which include energy and reserve prices, 3) other inputs, which refer to additional electrical demand, product output demand, technological assumptions, financial properties, and operational parameters.

Guerra Fernandez, Omar Jose↗
DOE OSTI2022

HOMP (Hybrid Operation and Maintenance Platform) [SWR-22-81]

The HOMP software module is contained within NREL's Hybrid Optimization and Performance Platform (HOPP) at this URL: https://github.com/NREL/HOPP/tree/feature/HOMP. HOMP is a python-based software module which can be used concurrently with the Hybrid Optimization and Performance Platform (HOPP) to model, simulate, and optimize degradation, reliability, and operations and maintenance of hybrid power plant components. The program currently models lithium ion battery, PEM electrolyzer, wind turbine, and solar PV array components, which enables users to understand the design and operation tradeoffs of hybrid power plants. For instance, HOMP enables users to answer questions like: how large does a battery bank need to be to achieve optimal charge/discharge rates for performance and reliability? How does plant design change for different objectives (e.g., profit versus resilience)? Under what conditions is it better to produce electricity versus hydrogen? How do we optimally control hybrid power plants to reduce downtime and increase performance?

Clark, Caitlyn↗
DOE OSTI2025

Platinum Group Metals Global Economics Market Supply

Due to uncertainty in the transition away from internal combustion engines (and more importantly, the catalytic convertors these automobiles use), there is large uncertainty in the future of the PGM market. However, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers could be a new demand application for PGMs. Therefore, a model was developed which utilizes the system dynamics approach to predict supply and prices for specific demand scenarios. Results indicated that the total PGM market value sees a decline in the late 2020s due to changing automotive application demand. Market decline was due to decreasing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle demand resulting in less PGMs supplied for automotive applications. Compounding market decline was an increase in secondary supply of PGMs as more ICE automotives reach their EOL pushing PGM prices down as secondary supply increases while demand simultaneously decreases. Following the market decline, an increase in market value in the early 2030s was observed due to deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technologies and subsequent increase in PGM demand

Kulkarni, Sameer (0000000227573592)↗
DOE OSTI2026

H2gen.jl

SAND2026-22943O H2Gen.jl is a Julia software package for hydrogen conversion modeling. It provides lightweight static and dynamic calculations for electrolyzer operation from electricity to hydrogen and fuel-cell operation from hydrogen to electricity. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Michelen Strofer, Carlos [Sandia National Lab. (SN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Catalyst-Vision (PEM Catalyst Layer Image Analysis Tool) [SWR-25-100]

Catalyst-Vision (PEM Catalyst Layer Image Analysis Tool) provides an advanced Python-based tool, primarily designed for use in a Jupyter/Colab notebook, for the quantitative morphological analysis of pre-segmented shapes. While developed for analyzing PEM catalyst layers from microscopy, its methodology is suitable for characterizing any grayscale object provided on a uniform white background. The tool uses a robust computer vision pipeline based on the Euclidean Distance Transform and skeletonization to accurately measure local thickness and tortuosity, providing a comprehensive characterization of an object's geometry and internal texture. If you find this code useful, please cite our preprint as: Chan, Ai-Lin and Hayden, Steven and Harvey, Steven P. and Smeaton, Michelle and Okrucky, Caleb and Watt, John and Ulična, Soňa and Spurgeon, Steven and Jungjohann, Katherine and Alia, Shaun, Mechanism-informed breakdown: understanding degradation by controlling voltage hold patterns in PEM water electrolyzers. Preprint (2025).

Spurgeon, Steven [National Laboratory of the Rocki↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hydrogen in energy and information sciences

Beyond its fascinating chemistry as the first element in the Periodic Table, hydrogen is of high societal importance in energy technologies and of growing importance in energy-efficient computing. In energy, hydrogen has reemerged as a potential solution to long-term energy storage and as a carbon-free input for materials manufacturing. Its utilization and production rely on the availability of proton-conducting electrolytes and mixed proton–electron conductors for the components in fuel cells and electrolyzers. In computing, proton mediation of electronic properties has garnered attention for electrochemically controlled energy-efficient neuromorphic computing. Incorporation of substitutional and interstitial hydride ions in oxides, though only recently established, enables tuning of electronic and magnetic properties, inviting a range of possible exotic applications. This article addresses common themes in the fundamental science of hydrogen incorporation and transport in oxides as relevant to pressing technological needs. The content covers (1) lattice (or bulk) mechanisms of hydrogen transport, primarily addressing proton transport, but also touching on hydride ion transport; (2) interfacial transport; (3) exploitation of extreme external drivers to achieve unusual response; and (4) advances in methods to probe the hydrogen environment and transport pathway. The snapshot of research activities in the field of hydrogen-laden materials described here underscores exciting recent breakthroughs, remaining open questions, and breathtaking experimental tools now available for unveiling the nature of hydrogen in solid-state matter.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2013

Low Cost PEM Fuel Cell Metal Bipolar Plates

Bipolar plate is an important component in fuel cell stacks and accounts for more than 75% of stack weight and volume. The technology development of metal bipolar plates can effectively reduce the fuel cells stack weight and volume over 50%. The challenge is the metal plate corrosion protection at low cost for the broad commercial applications. This project is aimed to develop innovative technological solutions to overcome the corrosion barrier of low cost metal plates. The feasibility of has been demonstrated and patented (US Patent 7,309,540). The plan is to further reduce the cost, and scale up the technology. The project is built on three pillars: 1) robust experimental evidence demonstrating the feasibility of our technology, 2) a team that consists of industrial leaders in fuel cell stack application, design, and manufactures; 3) a low-risk, significant-milestone driven program that proves the feasibility of meeting program objectives The implementation of this project will reduce the fuel cell stack metal bipolar separator plate cost which accounts 15-21% of the overall stack cost. It will contribute to the market adoption of fuel cell technologies. In addition, this corrosion protection technology can be used similar energy devices, such as batteries and electrolyzers. Therefore, the success of the project will be benefit in broad markets.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2013

Low Noble Metal Content Catalysts/Electrodes for Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis

Commercial proton exchange membrane (PEM)-based electrolyzers require highly expensive catalyst materials such as platinum group metals due to the acidic environment of the membrane. However, by optimizing the catalyst electrode structure for high utilization and activity, the amount of catalyst required can be reduced to an acceptable amount for both lifecycle and capital cost. In this project, we aim to reduce the Pt content by two orders of magnitude in the cathode catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and significantly reduce the Ir content in the anode catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Proton has developed a collaboration over the past year and a half with the BNL electrocatalysis group, which will provide key expertise in design and synthesis of core-shell nanocatalysts and innovative structure integration of catalyst synthesis and electrode fabrication. The Phase 1 STTR will focus on optimization of the cathode catalyst and electrode for the hydrogen evolution reaction, and identifying an effective approach for significantly improving anode performance for the OER with reduced noble metal content. The catalyst design will combine the most active, durable components with atomic-level control of core-shell structure and narrow particle size distribution to maximize specific surface area. The synthesis methods will be developed to produce high quality catalysts at low cost for large scale production. GDEs will be fabricated to maximize the catalyst utilization at the cathode. Proton will conduct performance and durability tests, evaluate the results against current state-of-the-art catalysts/electrodes, and will estimate the production costs including lifecycle costs using the H2A model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Sustainable Hydrogen Fueling Station, California State University, Los Angeles

The College of Engineering, Computer Science, & Technology at California State University, Los Angeles as part of its alternative and renewable energy leadership efforts has built a sustainable hydrogen station to teach and demonstrate the production and application of hydrogen as the next generation of fully renewable fuel for transportation. The requested funding was applied toward the acquisition of the core hydrogen station equipment: electrolyzer, compressors and hydrogen storage.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2013

PEM Electrolysis H2A Production Case Study Documentation

This report documents the development of four DOE Hydrogen Analysis (H2A) case studies for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis. The four cases characterize PEM electrolyzer technology for two hydrogen production plant sizes (Forecourt and Central) and for two technology development time horizons (Current and Future).

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2015

Development Of A Centrifugal Hydrogen Pipeline Gas Compressor

Concepts NREC (CN) has completed a Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored project to analyze, design, and fabricate a pipeline capacity hydrogen compressor. The pipeline compressor is a critical component in the DOE strategy to provide sufficient quantities of hydrogen to support the expected shift in transportation fuels from liquid and natural gas to hydrogen. The hydrogen would be generated by renewable energy (solar, wind, and perhaps even tidal or ocean), and would be electrolyzed from water. The hydrogen would then be transported to the population centers in the U.S., where fuel-cell vehicles are expected to become popular and necessary to relieve dependency on fossil fuels. The specifications for the required pipeline hydrogen compressor indicates a need for a small package that is efficient, less costly, and more reliable than what is available in the form of a multi-cylinder, reciprocating (positive displacement) compressor for compressing hydrogen in the gas industry.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2016

“Conversion of Waste CO 2 and Shale Gas to High Value Chemicals”

The ultimate objective of the project was to develop, build, operate and validate a laboratory scale continuous process to make carbon dioxide (CO 2 )-based chemical intermediates with significantly lower energy content, carbon footprint, and cost than today’s petrochemical versions. Novomer’s catalyst allows carbon monoxide (CO) – an output of Praxair’s solid oxide electrolyzer (SOE) CO 2 to CO conversion technology – to be combined with an ethane-derivative (ethylene oxide, (EO)) to form a versatile intermediate called beta-propiolactone (BPL) via carbonylation chemistry. The BPL can be converted to acrylic acid using known technologies previously demonstrated at commercial scale, or further reacted in the presence of Novomer’s catalyst to form four-carbon chemical intermediates. The team has collected engineering data required to build a pilot plant (out of scope project scope) with the assistance of an industrial chemical partner.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗