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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 1,009 records · Page 56
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Facile scalable synthesis of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/carbon nanotube hybrids as superior anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Graphical abstract: Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/MWCNT hybrids were synthesized via strong ultra-sonication assisted shaking processes. The resultant samples as anode electrode display enhanced cycling performance and rate capability compared with pure Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} particle. - Highlights: • Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/MWCNT hybrids were synthesized via ultra-sonication assisted shaking process. • The resulting Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles are highly dispersed onto MWCNT network backbone. • Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/MWCNT hybrid displays highly enhanced lithium storage properties. • The present synthetic approach is facile, controllable, and scalable. - Abstract: In this report, Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/multiple-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid materials were synthesized via strong ultrasonication-assisted shaking and magnetic stirring processes. The prepared samples were well characterized by utilizing powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Results indicated that the resulting Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were highly dispersed in the MWCNT network backbone and further form Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/MWCNT hybrid materials. The obtained Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/MWCNT hybrids can be employed as anode electrode in Lithium-ion batteries and deliver as high as discharge capacity of 1250 mA h g{sup −1} at a current density of 0.2 C, additionally, 81% of the discharge capacity for sample 2 with 20 wt.% MWCNT loading could be retained after 70 cycles, which could be associated with the specific hybrid structure of the electrode as well as the addition of MWCNT. Most importantly, the present synthetic approach is facile, controllable, and scalable, which allowing it more easily adapted to prepare other hybrid materials with specific architectures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Investigation of abrasion in Al–MgO metal matrix composites

In this study, the effects of reinforcement volume fractions on abrasive wear behavior were examined in Al–MgO reinforced metal matrix composites of 5%, 10% and 15% reinforcement – volume ratios produced by melt-stirring. Abrasive wear tests were carried out by 60, 80 and 100 mesh sized Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} abrasive papers and pin-on-disc wear test apparatus under 10, 20 and 30 N loads at 0.2 m/s sliding speed. The mechanical properties such as hardness and fracture strength were determined. Subsequent to the wear tests, the microstructures of worn surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscope analyses. While increased MgO reinforcement volume fraction in the composite resulted increased hardness, fracture strength was determined to decrease. Additionally, it was found that increased MgO reinforcement volume fraction in the composite was accompanied with increased wear loss and porosity as well as reinforcement – volume ratio was identified to be significant determinants of abrasive wear behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Facile synthesis of α-MoO{sub 3} nanorods with high sensitivity to CO and intrinsic sensing performance

Highlights: • α-MoO{sub 3} nanorods were synthesized by facile hydrothermal method at 85 °C for 1.5 h. • α-MoO{sub 3} nanorods exhibit the highest sensitivity of 239.6–40 ppm CO at 292 °C. • XPS and PL confirmed that the gas sensing arises from stoichiometric defect of α-MoO{sub 3}. • The sensing mechanism of α-MoO{sub 3} to CO was postulated from bulk defect of material. - Abstract: Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO{sub 3}) nanorods with well-defined morphology and high crystalline have been synthesized by a facile and fast hydrothermal method under 85 °C for 1.5 h without employing surfactants or templates. The controlling of stirring time, thermostatic time and HNO{sub 3} amount is crucial for the growth of α-MoO{sub 3} nanorods. The morphology and structure of α-MoO{sub 3} were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained α-MoO{sub 3} nanorods as a novel sensing material exhibit high sensitivity, the highest response to 40 ppm CO is 239.6 at operating temperature of 292 °C. The intrinsic sensing performance arises from the non-stoichiometry of the α-MoO{sub 3} due to the presence of Mo{sup 5+} in MoO{sub 3} lattice, that is, the molecular formula of MoO{sub 3} should be expressed as MoO{sub 3−x} (x = 0.08), which has been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis and room temperature photoluminescence (PL). The sensing mechanism of α-MoO{sub 3} to CO was also discussed in terms of lattice oxygen in MoO{sub 3}.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Synthesis and control the morphology of Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors by precipitation method

Highlights: • Use facile and mild precipitation method obtained Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors. • Through controlling the morphology to tune the photoluminescence properties. • The columnar structure Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor shows better emission intensity. • Self-assembled phenomenon appears by changing the Mn{sup 2+} concentration of the Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphor. - Abstract: Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors have been synthesized by the facile and mild precipitation method and they are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectra. The SEM results indicate the obtained Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphors have the columnar structure and the Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors is the sphere like. The effects of the stirring and sintering temperature on the morphology of Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+}/Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors have been investigated. The photoluminescence spectra of Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} and Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors showed that the Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphors can be excited by 345 nm and exhibit blue emission around 421 nm and the Sr{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+},Mn{sup 2+} phosphors can be excited by 355 nm and exhibited the emission around 420 nm and 578 nm showing the white light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effect of temperature on the fatigue cracking mechanisms in A356 Al alloy

This work builds on our previous investigation of the room temperature fatigue cracking mechanisms of an A356 Al alloy. Here, we analyze the elevated temperature fatigue cracking mechanisms in cast and friction stir processed (FSP) A356, and contrast them with the room temperature behavior. Two sets of FSP parameters were used to modify the microstructure of the cast alloy. After heat treatment, both the FSPed microstructures exhibited severe abnormal grain growth (AGG) leading to a very wide grain size distribution (from a few microns to a few millimeters). During room temperature fatigue tests, the FSP conditions exhibited significant improvements in fatigue lives, even up to an order of magnitude. However, with increasing temperature, the difference in the performance of the FSPed and Cast microstructures decreased until, at 200 °C, all three microstructural conditions exhibited similar fatigue response. Detailed electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) imaging of failed fatigue specimens was used to study crack behavior. At room temperature, cracks initiated at defect sites or along persistent slip bands (PSBs) and propagated transgranularly. The grain boundaries acted as barriers to crack growth. At elevated temperatures, there was a complete role reversal of the grain boundaries. Cracks initiated along grain boundaries and propagated intergranularly in all microstructures. Below, we explore this transition of the cracking mechanism in detail.

Nelaturu, Plalgun↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evolution of microstructure and strength of a high entropy alloy undergoing the strain-induced martensitic transformation

In a recent work, we have reported outstanding strength and work hardening exhibited by a metastable high entropy alloy (HEA), Fe 42 Mn 28 Co 10 Cr 15 Si 5 (in at. %), undergoing the strain-induced martensitic transformation from metastable gamma austenite (γ) to stable epsilon martensite (ε). However, the alloy exhibited poor ductility, which was attributed to the presence of the brittle sigma (σ) phase in its microstructure. The present work reports the evolution of microstructure, strength, and ductility of a similar HEA, Fe 38.5 Mn 20 Co 20 Cr 15 Si 5 Cu 1.5 (in at. %), designed to suppress the formation of σ phase. A cast and then rolled plate of the alloy was processed into four conditions by annealing for 10 and 30 min at 1100 °C and by friction stir processing (FSP) at tool rotation rates of 150 and 400 revolutions per minute (RPM) to facilitate detailed examinations of variable initial grain structures. Neutron diffraction and electron microscopy were employed to characterize the microstructure and texture evolution. The initial materials had variable grain size but nearly 100% γ structure. Diffusionless strain induced γ→ε phase transformation took place under compression with higher rate initially and slower rate at the later stages of deformation, independent on the initial grain size. The transformation facilitated part of plastic strain accommodation and rapid strain hardening owing to a transformation-induced dynamic Hall-Petch-type barrier effect, increase in dislocation density, and texture. Here, the peak strength of nearly 2 GPa was achieved under compression using the structure created by double pass FSP (150 RPM followed by 150 RPM). Remarkably, the tensile elongation exhibited by the alloy was nearly 20% with fracture surfaces featuring a combination of ductile dimples and cleavage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Combustion chemistry of alkenes and alkadienes

Alkenes formed, during the refining of crude oil, by cracking the heavier fractions are present in transportation fuels in significant amounts, up to as much as 15–20% in gasoline. Moreover, alkenes are also the major intermediate products of the oxidation of alkanes, which play a significant role in autoignition chemistry. This review has assessed the recent progress in gas-phase detailed kinetic model development for species with C=C double bond, mostly C2–C10 alkenes and 1,3-butadiene. The compiled knowledge on alkene combustion chemistry enabled a better understanding of the influence of the number and the position of the C=C double bond on the chemical kinetics and hence combustion behavior of alkenes in engines. At first, the article gives an extensive overview of fundamental combustion experiments by considering studies of C2–C10 alkenes and 1,3-butadiene in shock tubes, rapid compression machines, laminar flames, and jet-stirred and flow reactors. The value of the data from such experiments is critically discussed. Secondly, this article highlights the important reaction classes involved in alkene oxidation over low-, intermediate- and high-temperature ranges. Combustion chemistry covering C2 to C10 alkenes, with a special emphasis on C2 to C7 isomers is discussed by presenting a large body of experimental and modeling investigations. Detailed chemistry differences between alkene isomers and also between alkenes and alkanes are also addressed. Thirdly, the article presents important reaction pathways for PAH precursor formation in different alkenes. Finally, a summary of the distinguishing features of alkene combustion chemistry and an outlook towards future research in this area are presented. In conclusion, this review is focused on linear and branched chain alkenes, and the chemistry of cyclo-alkenes is not included.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

New insights into the low-temperature oxidation of 2-methylhexane

The low-temperature oxidation of a stoichiometric 2-methylhexane/O 2 /Ar mixture was examined in a jet-stirred reactor coupled with synchrotron vacuum UV photoionization molecular-beam MS. The initial gas mixture was composed of 2% 2-methyhexane, 22% O 2 and 76% Ar and the pressure of the reactor was kept at 780 Torr. Low-temperature oxidation intermediates with two to five oxygen atoms were observed. The detection of C 7 H 14 O 5 and C 7 H 12 O 4 species suggests that a third O 2 addition process occurs in 2-methylhexane low-temperature oxidation. A detailed kinetic model was developed that describes the third O 2 addition and subsequent reactions leading to C 7 H 14 O 5 (keto-dihydroperoxide and dihydroperoxy cyclic ether) and C 7 H 12 O 4 (diketo-hydroperoxide and keto-hydroperoxy cyclic ether) species. The kinetics of the third O 2 addition reactions are discussed and model calculations were performed that reveal that third O 2 addition reactions promote 2-methylhexane auto-ignition at low temperatures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Kinetic modeling study of surrogate components for gasoline, jet and diesel fuels: C7-C11 methylated aromatics

Kinetic mechanisms for aromatics are needed to successfully simulate the autoignition of transportation fuels using the surrogate fuel approach. An aromatic detailed kinetic mechanism that describes kinetics of C7-C11 methylated aromatics, including toluene, o-xylene, p-xylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5, trimethyl-benzene and alpha-methylnaphthalene has been developed in the current study. The kinetic mechanism was built hierarchically using similar set of reaction pathways and reaction rate rules. In the mechanism developed, special emphasis is put on describing the detailed low-temperature ignition chemistry of o-xylene and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene and, to our knowledge, this is the first attempt to do so in a detailed kinetic mechanism. In addition to kinetic modeling, new experimental data were acquired for toluene, o-xylene, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene using a rapid compression machine at low-to-intermediate temperatures and engine relevant pressures. In addition, the mechanism has been compared against data sets from the literature covering ignition delay times, flame speeds, and speciation profiles measured in a jet-stirred reactor and flow reactor. Good agreement is observed between the mechanism predictions and the experimental data. Kinetic analysis demonstrated the importance of including the low temperature chemistry of the benzylperoxy radicals to accurately capture the ignition propensity of o-xylene and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene at low-to-intermediate temperatures and high pressures. The kinetic mechanism developed in the current study can be used for surrogate modeling of gasoline, jet and diesel fuels. (C) 2018 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2022

Probing O 2 dependence of hydroperoxy-butyl reactions via isomer-resolved speciation

Degenerate chain-branching mechanisms of n-alkanes are centered on the formation of hydroperoxy-alkyl radicals ($\dot{Q}$OOH), formed via $\dot{R}$ + O 2 reactions, and the ensuing competition between unimolecular decomposition and second-O 2 -addition. Quantitative measurements of partially oxidized intermediates formed via reactions of $\dot{Q}$OOH provide critical constraints that are required for accurate modeling of combustion chemistry. To examine the influence of temperature and oxygen concentration on intermediates from unimolecular decomposition of $\dot{Q}$OOH, isomer-resolved speciation measurements were conducted on n-butane oxidation at 835 Torr in a jet-stirred reactor (JSR) from 500 – 900 K. Resulting from negative-temperature coefficient behavior, cyclic ether formation peaked at two temperatures, 650 K and 800 K, which were selected for separate experiments to quantify the O 2 -dependence of species profiles using O 2 concentrations of 4.2 · 10 17 – 1.1 · 10 19 molecules cm –3 . Utilizing vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy and electron-impact mass spectrometry, cyclic ether isomers were quantified separately, including explicit resolution of cis– and trans– isomers of 2,3-dimethyloxirane. Stereoisomers of 2-butene were also quantified explicitly. For all cyclic ethers, a common trend in O 2 -dependence emerged: species concentrations reach a maximum near 3.0 · 10 18 molecules cm –3 (equivalence ratio of 0.5). Although quantitative disparities are evident, chemical kinetics modeling qualitatively reproduces the O 2 dependence of species at 650 K. However, at 800 K, weak dependence on O 2 is predicted, which is in contrast with the measurements. Two carbonyls, diacetyl and methyl vinyl ketone, were also quantified and follow similar dependence on [O 2 ] and temperature as the cyclic ethers, which indicates some fraction forms via $\dot{Q}$OOH-mediated reactions. The discrepancies between the measured and model-predicted species profiles indicate that sub-mechanisms for important intermediates may require additional elementary reactions, including stereochemical-specific reactions, to improve the fidelity of n-alkane combustion modeling.

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

Regenerable solvents mediate accelerated low temperature CO 2 capture and carbon mineralization of ash and nano-scale calcium carbonate formation

The dual need to remove CO 2 from our emissions and treat alkaline industrial residues such as ash materials motivate the design of innovative pathways to simultaneously capture and convert CO 2 into mineralized carbonates. Direct carbon mineralization is one approach that addresses the need to simultaneously treat alkaline industrial residues and mineralize CO 2 emissions. Low CO 2 solubility in water and slow kinetics at ambient temperature have challenged the direct carbon mineralization of alkaline industrial residues. Here, to address these challenges, the use of CO 2 capture solvents that enhance CO 2 solubility and facilitate accelerated carbon mineralization of fly ash at temperatures below 90 °C is investigated. Calcium carbonate formation results in the inherent regeneration of the solvent. The carbon mineralization extents of non-calcium carbonate content in fly ash were 50% and 51% and in waste ash were 58% and 62% in 2.5 M sodium glycinate and 30 wt% MEA solutions, respectively. The experiments were performed at 50 °C for 3 hours with CO 2 partial pressure of 1 atm in a continuously stirred slurry environment with 15 wt.% solid. Furthermore, nanoscale CaCO 3 is successfully synthesized from dissolved calcium using CO 2 -loaded sodium glycinate and surfactants such as CTAB (Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide). Surfactants such as CTAB bind to the calcium carbonate surface and regulate the growth of calcium carbonate particles. These innovative approaches demonstrate the feasibility of directly storing CO 2 in fly ash and waste ash as calcium carbonate and producing nanoscale calcium carbonate using regenerable CO 2 capture solvents.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Laser-driven ionization mechanisms of aluminum for single particle aerosol mass spectrometry

Single particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS), an analytical technique for measuring the size and composition of individual micron-scale particles, is capable of analyzing atmospheric pollutants and bioaerosols much more efficiently and with more detail than conventional methods which require the collection of particles onto filters for analysis in the laboratory. Despite SPAMS’ demonstrated capabilities, the primary mechanisms of ionization are not fully understood, which creates challenges in optimizing and interpreting SPAMS signals. In this paper, we present a well-stirred reactor model for the reactions involved with the laser-induced vaporization and ionization of an individual particle. The SPAMS conditions modeled in this paper include a 248 nm laser which is pulsed for 8 ns to vaporize and ionize each particle in vacuum. The ionization of 1 μm, spherical Al particles was studied by approximating them with a 0-dimensional plasma chemistry model. The primary mechanism of absorption of the 248 nm photons was pressure-broadened direct photoexcitation to Al(y 2 D). Atoms in this highly excited state then undergo superelastic collisions with electrons, heating the electrons and populating the lower energy excited states. We found that the primary ionization mechanism is electron impact ionization of various excited state Al atoms, especially Al(y 2 D). Because the gas expands rapidly into vacuum, its temperature decreases rapidly. The rate of three-body recombination (e - + e - + Al + → Al + e - ) increases at low temperature, and most of the electrons and ions produced recombine within several μs of the laser pulse. The importance of the direct photoexcitation indicates that the relative peak heights of different elements in SPAMS mass spectra may be sensitive to the available photoexcitation transitions. We also discuss the effects of laser intensity, particle diameter, and expansion dynamics.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Analytical approach for describing the collapse of surface asperities under compressive stress during rapid solid state bonding

Many material manufacturing technologies, such as friction stir welding, rely on rapid solid state bonding to join metal surfaces. In this letter, a differential equation is developed to formulate the growing of the interfacial bonded area owing to the collapse of surface asperities under compressive stress during rapid solid state bonding of metal surfaces. The effect of pressure, temperature and bonding time on the growing of bonded area is discussed. The proposed approach is verified by experimental data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electrochemical leaching of spent LIBs: Kinetics, novel reactor, and modeling

The use of electrons as main reagent for the recovery and recycling of critical metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a process electrification strategy that can be used to close the life-cycle loop of LIBs through more sustainable methods. Electrochemical leaching, a process that uses a reductant that is constantly regenerated electrochemically for the leaching of lithium-ion battery black mass (LIBBM), has shown high extraction efficiencies and sustainable scores. However, slow kinetics, reactor design challenges and lack of deeper understanding of the underlying processes are barriers to the optimization, scale-up, and market adoption of this technology. In this paper, a kinetic study and mathematical model for dissolving LIBBM is presented to better understand the underlying mechanisms aiming to reduce the processing time and make predictions for future design and scale-up. The effect of acid and electrochemically mediated reductant concentrations, LIBBM loading, and cathode/reactor designs were explored. As a result, the leaching time was reduced from 7h to under 1h at a pulp density of 73 g/L, without external heating. A novel reactor with parallel baffle electrodes (PBE) was developed, which significantly reduced the leaching time by improving convection in a stirred slurry electrochemical reactor. Dimensionless numbers were deduced from an unsteady state model, which can be used in dimensional analysis for future process design and scale-up.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Pyrolysis of plastic packaging waste: A comparison of plastic residuals from material recovery facilities with simulated plastic waste

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pyrolysis of plastic waste. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Comparison of different samples: real waste, simulated and real waste + catalyst. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Study of the effects of inorganic components in the pyrolysis products. - Abstract: Pyrolysis may be an alternative for the reclamation of rejected streams of waste from sorting plants where packing and packaging plastic waste is separated and classified. These rejected streams consist of many different materials (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), aluminum, tetra-brik, and film) for which an attempt at complete separation is not technically possible or economically viable, and they are typically sent to landfills or incinerators. For this study, a simulated plastic mixture and a real waste sample from a sorting plant were pyrolyzed using a non-stirred semi-batch reactor. Red mud, a byproduct of the aluminum industry, was used as a catalyst. Despite the fact that the samples had a similar volume of material, there were noteworthy differences in the pyrolysis yields. The real waste sample resulted, after pyrolysis, in higher gas and solid yields and consequently produced less liquid. There were also significant differences noted in the compositions of the compared pyrolysis products.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2012

Hydrogen production from food wastes and gas post-treatment by CO{sub 2} adsorption

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The dark fermentation process of food wastes was studied over an extended period. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Decreasing the HRT of the process negatively affected the specific gas production. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Adsorption of CO{sub 2} was successfully attained using a biomass type activated carbon. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer H{sub 2} concentration in the range of 85-95% was obtained for the treated gas-stream. - Abstract: The production of H{sub 2} by biological means, although still far from being a commercially viable proposition, offers great promise for the future. Purification of the biogas obtained may lead to the production of highly concentrated H{sub 2} streams appropriate for industrial application. This research work evaluates the dark fermentation of food wastes and assesses the possibility of adsorbing CO{sub 2} from the gas stream by means of a low cost biomass-based adsorbent. The reactor used was a completely stirred tank reactor run at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) while the concentration of solids of the feeding stream was kept constant. The results obtained demonstrate that the H{sub 2} yields from the fermentation of food wastes were affected by modifications in the hydraulic retention time (HRT) due to incomplete hydrolysis. The decrease in the duration of fermentation had a negative effect on the conversion of the substrate into soluble products. This resulted in a lower amount of soluble substrate being available for metabolisation by H{sub 2} producing microflora leading to a reduction in specific H{sub 2} production. Adsorption of CO{sub 2} from a gas stream generated from the dark fermentation process was successfully carried out. The data obtained demonstrate that the column filled with biomass-derived activated carbon resulted in a high degree of hydrogen purification. Co-adsorption of H{sub 2}S onto the activated carbon also took place, there being no evidence of H{sub 2}S present in the bio-H{sub 2} exiting the column. Nevertheless, the concentration of H{sub 2}S was very low, and this co-adsorption did not affect the CO{sub 2} capture capacity of the activated carbon.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2012

Benefits of supplementing an industrial waste anaerobic digester with energy crops for increased biogas production

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This study demonstrates the feasibility of co-digestion food industrial waste with energy crops. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Laboratory batch co-digestion led to improved methane yield and carbon to nitrogen ratio as compared to mono-digestion of industrial waste. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Co-digestion was also seen as a means of degrading energy crops with nutrients addition as crops are poor in nutrients. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Batch co-digestion methane yields were used to predict co-digestion methane yield in full scale operation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It was concluded that co-digestion led an over all economically viable process and ensured a constant supply of feedstock. - Abstract: Currently, there is increasing competition for waste as feedstock for the growing number of biogas plants. This has led to fluctuation in feedstock supply and biogas plants being operated below maximum capacity. The feasibility of supplementing a protein/lipid-rich industrial waste (pig manure, slaughterhouse waste, food processing and poultry waste) mesophilic anaerobic digester with carbohydrate-rich energy crops (hemp, maize and triticale) was therefore studied in laboratory scale batch and continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) with a view to scale-up to a commercial biogas process. Co-digesting industrial waste and crops led to significant improvement in methane yield per ton of feedstock and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio as compared to digestion of the industrial waste alone. Biogas production from crops in combination with industrial waste also avoids the need for micronutrients normally required in crop digestion. The batch co-digestion methane yields were used to predict co-digestion methane yield in full scale operation. This was done based on the ratio of methane yields observed for laboratory batch and CSTR experiments compared to full scale CSTR digestion of industrial waste. The economy of crop-based biogas production is limited under Swedish conditions; therefore, adding crops to existing industrial waste digestion could be a viable alternative to ensure a constant/reliable supply of feedstock to the anaerobic digester.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Dry-thermophilic anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste: Methane production modeling

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Methane generation may be modeled by means of modified product generation model of Romero Garcia (1991). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Organic matter content and particle size influence the kinetic parameters. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Higher organic matter content and lower particle size enhance the biomethanization. - Abstract: The influence of particle size and organic matter content of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) in the overall kinetics of dry (30% total solids) thermophilic (55 Degree-Sign C) anaerobic digestion have been studied in a semi-continuous stirred tank reactor (SSTR). Two types of wastes were used: synthetic OFMSW (average particle size of 1 mm; 0.71 g Volatile Solids/g waste), and OFMSW coming from a composting full scale plant (average particle size of 30 mm; 0.16 g Volatile Solids/g waste). A modification of a widely-validated product-generation kinetic model has been proposed. Results obtained from the modified-model parameterization at steady-state (that include new kinetic parameters as K, Y{sub pMAX} and {theta}{sub MIN}) indicate that the features of the feedstock strongly influence the kinetics of the process. The overall specific growth rate of microorganisms ({mu}{sub max}) with synthetic OFMSW is 43% higher compared to OFMSW coming from a composting full scale plant: 0.238 d{sup -1} (K = 1.391 d{sup -1}; Y{sub pMAX} = 1.167 L CH{sub 4}/gDOC{sub c}; {theta}{sub MIN} = 7.924 days) vs. 0.135 d{sup -1} (K = 1.282 d{sup -1}; Y{sub pMAX} = 1.150 L CH{sub 4}/gDOC{sub c}; {theta}{sub MIN} = 9.997 days) respectively. Finally, it could be emphasized that the validation of proposed modified-model has been performed successfully by means of the simulation of non-steady state data for the different SRTs tested with each waste.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗