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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 OSTI2014

Synthesis and energy band characterization of hybrid molecular materials based on organic–polyoxometalate charge-transfer salts

A cationic amphiphilic molecule was synthesized and employed to encapsulate Lindqvist ([M{sub 6}O{sub 19}]{sup 2−}) and Keggin polyoxometalates ([SiM{sub 12}O{sub 40}]{sup 4−}, M=Mo, W) to form hybrid molecules through electrostatic interaction. The X-ray diffraction results illustrate that the former hybrids possess lamellar nanostructures in their solid states, while the latter hybrids show a cubic Im3m packing model with low intensities and poor long-range order. These hybrids have clear charge-transfer characters as shown in their deeper colors and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. According to the reported reduction potentials of the POM acceptors and the band gaps deduced from their diffuse reflectance spectra, we have calculated the theoretical values of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) position similar to the electron affinity (E{sub A}) of solid materials. Such energy level parameters are comparable to those of electroluminescence and electron-transport materials commonly used in organic electroluminescence devices. These organic–polyoxometalate charge-transfer salts have more advantages, such as higher decomposition temperatures, easier film fabrication and better electron affinities, which presumably would be used for electron-transport materials in the area of the electroluminescence. - Graphical abstract: Hybrid molecular materials with charge-transfer characters formed by a positively charged donor L and acceptors of the Lindqvist-type and Keggin-type POMs have lamellar and cubic structures in their solid state. - Highlights: • Charge-transfer salts are obtained by self-assembling POMs with an anthracene cation. • Their energy parameters are comparable to those of optoelectronic materials in OLEDs. • These POM-based hybrids could be applied in the area of optoelectronic devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

A soft chemical route to the synthesis of BiFeO{sub 3} nanoparticles with enhanced magnetization

Highlights: • Pure BiFeO{sub 3} nanoparticles have been synthesized at relatively low temperature. • Decomposition behavior of BiFeO{sub 3} precursor gel is investigated. • Particle size dependent magnetic properties have been confirmed. • Greatly improved magnetization is observed for BiFeO{sub 3} nanostructure. - Abstract: Utilization of BiFeO{sub 3} (BFO) into modern device applications is restricted by its very low magnetic moments and high leakage current. Enhancement in magnetization is a real challenge for multiferroic BFO in the context of device miniaturization and high density information storage system. In this study a significant improvement in magnetization has been recorded for BFO nanoparticles, exploiting the beneficial effect of size confinement. BFO nanoparticles with different size in the range of 21–68 nm are synthesized via modified Pechini sol–gel approach followed by leaching with acetic acid. X-ray diffraction result confirms pure and well crystallized BFO annealed at temperature lower than 600 °C, compared to more than 800 °C for the traditional solid-state sintering process. A strong size-dependent magnetization which increases with decreasing particle size is confirmed with a value of 1.4 emu/g for 40 nm particles in contrast to 7.5 emu/g for 21 nm particles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Test Temperature and Strain Rate on Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum Alloy 2519A

The dynamic mechanical behavior of aluminum alloy 2519A-T9I6 has been investigated by a split Hopkinson bar at temperature range from 298 to 523 K and at strain rates of from 10{sup 3} to 5 × 10{sup 3} s{sup −1} in this study. The results show that both the strain rate and test temperature have a significant effect on the dynamic behavior and microstructure evolution of aluminum alloy 2519A-T9I6. Under similar strain rate, the strengthening effect of strain rate decreases with the increase in the test temperature. Moreover, the dynamic yield strength at above 423 K drops sharply at the strain rate of about 5000 s{sup −1}, which is attributed to the flow softening caused by decomposition of θ′ precipitates at high strain rate and high temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

TRISO SiC Failure Probability for Reactivity Initiated Accidents in High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors

This work analyzes the failure process of the silicon carbide (SiC) layer in tristructural isotropic (TRISO) during reactivity-initiated accident scenarios for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) with BISON. Two cases are considered—a group control rod withdrawal (CRW) and a control rod ejection (CRE)—reproduced from a previous study. Failure probability is modeled using Weibull statistics, and worst-case scenario Weibull parameters are adopted to simulate the envelopes in BISON with a one-dimensional TRISO model. CRW scenario results are characterized by higher values of maximum energy deposition and final temperature and volumetric strain with respect to the CRE ones, but the latter have remarkably higher SiC failure probability, mainly due to the offset in strain rates between the two cases. This work also confirms the validity and conservatism of the performance envelopes produced in a previous work by replicating the envelope formulation using RELAP5-3D and RAVEN with a different sampling technique and obtaining consistent results. A sensitivity analysis using the Sobol variance decomposition method on SiC failure probability is then performed involving a set of inputs on both CRW and CRE. The two most important parameters are Weibull modulus and characteristic stress, and their relative importance depends on the specific case. The proposed interpretation of the results is that both energy deposition and strain rate influence the relative degree of importance of the failure parameters. Computation of 95% confidence intervals around worst-case scenario SiC failure probability values is also carried out for four different sets of Weibull parameters. Heren a new criterion for SiC TRISO quality classification built upon safety-based ranges of Weibull parameters is proposed to be integrated in future Fuel-Production Quality Assurance Plans.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2018

A keystone microbial enzyme for nitrogen control of soil carbon storage

Agricultural and industrial activities have increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition to ecosystems worldwide. N deposition can stimulate plant growth and soil carbon (C) input, enhancing soil C storage. Changes in microbial decomposition could also influence soil C storage, yet this influence has been difficult to discern, partly because of the variable effects of added N on the microbial enzymes involved. We show, using meta-analysis, that added N reduced the activity of lignin-modifying enzymes (LMEs), and that this N-induced enzyme suppression was associated with increases in soil C. In contrast, N-induced changes in cellulase activity were unrelated to changes in soil C. Moreover, the effects of added soil N on LME activity accounted for more of the variation in responses of soil C than a wide range of other environmental and experimental factors. Our results suggest that, through responses of a single enzyme system to added N, soil microorganisms drive long-term changes in soil C accumulation. Incorporating this microbial influence on ecosystem biogeochemistry into Earth system models could improve predictions of ecosystem C dynamics.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Predicting the effect of angular momentum on the dissociation dynamics of highly rotationally excited radical intermediates

We present a model which accurately predicts the net speed distributions of products resulting from the unimolecular decomposition of rotationally excited radicals. The radicals are produced photolytically from a halogenated precursor under collision-free conditions so they are not in a thermal distribution of rotational states. The accuracy relies on the radical dissociating with negligible energetic barrier beyond the endoergicity. We test the model predictions using previous velocity map imaging and crossed laser-molecular beam scattering experiments that photolytically generated rotationally excited CD{sub 2}CD{sub 2}OH and C{sub 3}H{sub 6}OH radicals from brominated precursors; some of those radicals then undergo further dissociation to CD{sub 2}CD{sub 2} + OH and C{sub 3}H{sub 6} + OH, respectively. We model the rotational trajectories of these radicals, with high vibrational and rotational energy, first near their equilibrium geometry, and then by projecting each point during the rotation to the transition state (continuing the rotational dynamics at that geometry). This allows us to accurately predict the recoil velocity imparted in the subsequent dissociation of the radical by calculating the tangential velocities of the CD{sub 2}CD{sub 2}/C{sub 3}H{sub 6} and OH fragments at the transition state. The model also gives a prediction for the distribution of angles between the dissociation fragments’ velocity vectors and the initial radical’s velocity vector. These results are used to generate fits to the previously measured time-of-flight distributions of the dissociation fragments; the fits are excellent. The results demonstrate the importance of considering the precession of the angular velocity vector for a rotating radical. We also show that if the initial angular momentum of the rotating radical lies nearly parallel to a principal axis, the very narrow range of tangential velocities predicted by this model must be convoluted with a J = 0 recoil velocity distribution to achieve a good result. The model relies on measuring the kinetic energy release when the halogenated precursor is photodissociated via a repulsive excited state but does not include any adjustable parameters. Even when different conformers of the photolytic precursor are populated, weighting the prediction by a thermal conformer population gives an accurate prediction for the relative velocity vectors of the fragments from the highly rotationally excited radical intermediates.

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

Pyrolysis of high-density polyethylene: Degradation behaviors, kinetics, and product characteristics

Pyrolysis is a promising technology for converting plastic waste into valuable raw materials while offering a potential solution to the global plastic pollution crisis. In this study, the thermal pyrolysis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is investigated in a drop tube reactor under nearly isothermal conditions. The impact of reaction temperature and gas/volatile residence time on carbon conversion and product distribution is examined across a range of 500–900°C and 3.6–32.2s, respectively. Non-condensable gas products detected by online mass spectrometry are H 2 , CH 4 , C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 6 , C 3 H 6 , and C 3 H 8 . At elevated temperatures and prolonged residence time, H 2 yield reaches as high as 8.6 wt% of the initial HDPE mass due to intensified cracking reactions of C 2 –C 3 hydrocarbons and long-chain aliphatic compounds. Consequently, pyrolysis tars consist mainly of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with 5–7 rings, accompanied by visible coke deposition within the reactor. HDPE decomposition to volatiles is an endothermic process and it is complete at a temperature between 492°C and 525°C, depending on the heating rate employed, from non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC) measurements. The thermal degradation of HDPE pellets follows the two-dimensional nucleation growth model for conversion levels up to 0.8 with an apparent activation energy of 259–270 kJ/mol and a pre-exponential factor of 4.83 × 10 17 –1.37 × 10 19 min -1 , determined from various isoconversional methods such as Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), and Starink, along with Criado's master plots. Further, these findings provide valuable insights into optimizing process parameters and refining reactor design for pyrolysis, which can be integrated with gasification and reforming processes to enhance hydrogen production on a larger scale.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Current Status and Future Directions of All-Solid-State Batteries with Lithium Metal Anodes, Sulfide Electrolytes, and Layered Ternary Oxide Cathodes

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) offer great promise as a next-generation energy storage technology with higher energy density, wider operating temperature range, and improved safety for electric vehicles. ASSBs employing lithium metal anodes (Li), sulfide-based solid-state electrolytes (SSE), and Ni-rich layered transition metal oxide cathodes (LiMO 2 , M = Ni, Mn, Co, Al) are particularly promising due to its superior electrochemical performance compared to other solid-electrolyte systems. However, the battery cycle life at high cathode mass loading and high current is still limited because the failure mechanism is not fully understood. Lithium dendrite growth at the anode or inside a solid electrolyte still represents as a serious risk of cell failure. Interfacial resistance increases attributed to electrolyte decomposition and interfacial void formation at both cathode–electrolyte and anode–electrolyte interfaces lead to gradual capacity fading. In this Review, we present the fundamental challenges and recent scientific understandings of each component in ASSBs. The novel diagnostic tools for these components, especially the interfaces buried under the surface that are often hard for characterization are mainly examined. Lastly, we offer a perspective for future research directions. We hope this Review will provide a timely snapshot of state-of-the-art research progress in ASSBs to accelerate the development of ASSBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Thermophysical properties of low cost lithium nitrate salts produced in northern Chile for thermal energy storage

In recent years, lithium containing salts have been studied for thermal energy storage (TES) applications because of their excellent thermophysical properties. In solar power plants, lithium is seen as a way to improve the properties of state-of-the art molten salts used today. Lithium nitrate is a good candidate for sensible heat storage, because of its ability to increase the salt mixture's working temperature range. In the present research, thermophysical properties characterization of lithium nitrate containing salts, produced in Chile, have been carried out. Corrosion evaluations at 390° and 565 °C for 1000 h were performed for low chromium steel T22 and stainless steels (AISI 430 and AISI 316), respectively. Chemical composition of the salts including identification of corrosion products and impurities was determined and an estimation of the Chilean production costs is reported. The study shows a loss of thermal properties after the corrosion tests. The heat capacity was reduced, possibly caused by the formation of oxides at high temperatures. As a result, the partial thermal decomposition of the salt was probably produced by the incorporation of corrosion products from the steel.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Signal Decomposition for Intrusion Detection in Reliability Assessment in Cyber Resilience (Summary Report)

The complexity of assuring cyber resilience for physical process interactions in connected systems such as energy grids increases dramatically as the coupling between processes becomes more direct and responsive. An example of this growing complexity is provided by Integrated Energy Systems (IES), in which various processes such as nuclear heat generation and commodity production are being directly coupled for increased responsiveness to highly variable signals such as market pricing or electricity demand. As such, the potential attack surface of the coupled processes is larger than the two processes independently. Securing these complex systems requires two-fold monitoring: cybersecure monitoring for potential malicious incursion, and physics monitoring for system tampering. Physics monitoring includes analyzing the behavior of the signals within the system for anomalous behavior. This analysis has been shown to be insufficient if approached by only data-driven machine learning and artificial intelligence (MLAI) techniques or only low-level model comparison. Previous efforts at Purdue University suggested combining high-fidelity models with MLAI algorithms as a basis for a software tool for detecting anomalies in physical processes. This work built on that suggestion, developing an advanced library for signal decomposition and analysis using both MLAI and high-fidelity physics algorithms for greatly improved anomaly detection, especially false data injection. This software can be used as part of a secure imbedded intelligence (SEI) system designed under Consequence-driven Cyber-informed Engineering (CCE) for complex coupled systems. This library established a foundation for online and posteriori analysis of digital signals for the purpose of detecting potential malicious tampering in digital signals representing physical processes. Demonstrations carried out throughout the development highlight the effective use of characterization algorithms to detect signal perturbations, particularly triangle attack-style perturbations, in three wide-ranging applications: seismic monitoring, nuclear thermal hydraulics system simulation, and custom manufacturing.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Influence of solution deposition rate on properties of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis technique

Vanadium oxide (V{sub 2}O{sub 5}) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by using a cost-efficient spray pyrolysis technique. The films were grown at 350° through thermal decomposition of VCl{sub 3} in deionized water with different solution spray rates. The high resolution X-ray diffraction results revealed the formation of nanocrystalline films having orthorhombic structures with preferential orientation along (101) direction. The spray rate influenced the surface morphology and crystallite size of the films. The crystallite size was found to increase whereas the micro-strain was decreased by increasing the spray deposition rates. The increase in crystallite size and decrease in the macrostrain resulted in an improvement in the films’ crystallinity. The UV-Visible spectroscopy analysis indicated that the average transmittance of all films lies in the range 75-80 %. The band gap of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} film was decreased from 2.65 to 2.46 eV with increase of the spray deposition rate from 5 ml/min to 10 ml/min. first, second, and third level headings (first level heading).

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Influence of the double bond position in combustion chemistry of methyl butene isomers: A shock tube and laser absorption study

Shock tube experiments have been carried out on 2–methyl–1–butene (2M1B), 2–methyl–2–butene (2M2B), and 3–methyl–1–butene (3M1B)—the three isomers of methyl butene compound. Here, carbon monoxide (CO) time–histories and ignition delay times are obtained behind reflected shockwaves over the temperature range of 1350–1630 K and pressures of 8.3–10.5 atm with stoichiometric mixtures of 0.075% fuel in O 2 /Ar. Comparative ignition study reveals that 3M1B ignites significantly faster than the other two isomers, while 2M1B dissociates earlier but ignites later than 2M2B. Possible mechanisms for this behavior are discussed with ignition delay time sensitivity and reaction path analysis. In addition, time–resolved CO measurements are compared with three different reaction mechanisms from the literature. Sensitivity analyses have been carried out to identify important reactions that need attention to accurately predict the chemistry of these isomers. Further investigation into the rates of unimolecular fuel decomposition reactions and C 3 H 3 + O 2 = CH 2 CO + HCO reaction are suggested based on the current investigation.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Novel Fluorescent Nanoparticle for Sensitive Detection of Cry1Ab Protein In Vitro and In Vivo

Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} doping Ag{sub 2}S dendrimer-modified nanoparticles (CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}-Ag{sub 2}S DMNs) in Cry1Ab protein detection and imaging. The near-infrared Ag{sub 2}S quantum dots were first prepared by using the thermal decomposition method, followed by modification of the water-soluble quantum dots using the method of solvent evaporation and ligand exchange, and finally the fluorescent magnetic bifunctional nanoparticles were obtained by binding with CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. As-prepared CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}-Ag{sub 2}S DMNs were characterized by fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results showed that Ag{sub 2}S DMNs could sensitively detect Cry1Ab both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the enhanced FL intensity as a function of the concentration is notably consistent with the Langmuir binding isotherm equation in the range of 0–200 ng/mL of Cry1Ab proteins. The detection limit of this method was found to be 0.2 ng/mL. Meanwhile, the fluorescence wavelength was extended to the second near-infrared range (NIR-II, 1.0~1.4 μm), which enables in vivo imaging. This study highlights the importance of NIR QDs doping magnetic materials as a new method to trace Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in insects and their potential applications in in vivo NIR tissue imaging.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Very low Schottky barrier height at carbon nanotube and silicon carbide interface

Electrical contacts to silicon carbide with low contact resistivity and high current durability are crucial for future SiC power devices, especially miniaturized vertical-type devices. A carbon nanotube (CNT) forest formed by silicon carbide (SiC) decomposition is a densely packed forest, and is ideal for use as a heat-dissipative ohmic contact in SiC power transistors. The contact resistivity and Schottky barrier height in a Ti/CNT/SiC system with various SiC dopant concentrations were evaluated in this study. Contact resistivity was evaluated in relation to contact area. The Schottky barrier height was calculated from the contact resistivity. As a result, the Ti/CNT/SiC contact resistivity at a dopant concentration of 3 × 10{sup 18 }cm{sup −3} was estimated to be ∼1.3 × 10{sup −4} Ω cm{sup 2} and the Schottky barrier height of the CNT/SiC contact was in the range of 0.40–0.45 eV. The resistivity is relatively low for SiC contacts, showing that CNTs have the potential to be a good ohmic contact material for SiC power electronic devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Combined modeling and experiments to predict corrosion and embrittlement in dual-phase stainless steels within the MARMOT framework

Extending service of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to beyond 60 years will demand high integrity of materials and components in the reactors. The accurate evaluation and prediction of materials performance under anticipated operating conditions are of particular importance for ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants over their extended lifetime. Stainless steels are extensively used as structural alloys in light water reactor (LWR) systems because of their excellent combination of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Austenitic stainless steel welds and cast austenitic stainless steels (CASS) contain significant amounts of ferrite ~5-30% and are ubiquitous in LWR piping (elbows, pump casings, valves) and internal structural components. During their lifetime, these components are subjected to thermal aging at the temperature range of 288-327°C for pressurized water reactors (PWR). A phase transformation within the ferrite phase of these materials leads to embrittlement and degradation in corrosion resistance, which undermines the materials selection criteria.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Magnox Reprocessing TDN Reactors: Utilising 3D Printing and X-Ray Imaging to Re-Design and Test Fluidising Air Nozzles - 16402

One of the key final steps in reprocessing spent nuclear fuel is the conversion of highly concentrated uranyl nitrate hexahydrate liquor [> 1000 gU/litre] into uranium trioxide (UO{sub 3}) powder by thermal decomposition using Thermal Denitration (TDN) reactors. The TDN reactors in the Magnesium non-oxidising (Magnox) fuel reprocessing plant are high aspect ratio fluidising beds, which suffer from poor fluidization and UO{sub 3} powder blockages. It is widely understood that these issues arise from the inadequate design of the fluidising air distributors (nozzles), which are located around the base of the TDN reactors. A non-active test rig was constructed at the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) experimental facility in Workington, Cumbria (UK) which used compressed air at ambient temperature to assess the performance of the current fluidising air nozzle designs (datum) against a range of new nozzle designs. Full-scale nozzle designs were manufactured using a 3-Dimensional (3D) printer and tested to obtain data of both quantitative and qualitative nature. NNL then collaborated with the Chemical Engineering Department at University College London (UCL) to further assess the fluidising potential of the new nozzle designs. Images of inside the fluidized bed were taken utilising a unique X-Ray facility. The results from this study will allow new nozzle designs to be recommended, manufactured and installed, which will ensure improved fluidization of the TDN reactor bed and prevent blockages with UO{sub 3} powder. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

Age and chemistry of dissolved organic carbon reveal enhanced leaching of ancient labile carbon at the permafrost thaw zone

Abstract. Climate change will alter the balance between frozen and thawed conditions in Arctic systems. Increased temperatures will make the extensive northern permafrost carbon stock vulnerable to decomposition and translocation. Production, cycling, and transport of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) are crucial processes for high-latitude ecosystem carbon loss that result in considerable export off the Arctic landscape. To identify where and under what conditions permafrost DOC is mobilized in an Arctic headwater catchment, we measured radiocarbon (14C) of DOC and assessed DOC composition with ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) of surface waters and shallow and deep subsurface porewaters from 17 drainages in the Barrow Environmental Observatory in Alaska. Samples were collected in July and September 2013 to assess changes in age and chemistry of DOC over time. DOC age was highly variable ranging from modern (19 ‰ Δ14C) to approximately 7000 BP (−583 ‰ Δ14C). DOC age increased with depth, over the summer as the active layer deepened, and with increasing drainage size. DOC quality indicators reflected a DOC source rich in high molecular-weight and aromatic compounds, characteristics consistent with vegetation-derived organic matter that had undergone little microbial processing, throughout the summer and a weak relationship with DOC age. In deep porewaters, DOC age was also correlated with several biogeochemical indicators (including dissolved methane concentration, δ13C, and the apparent fractionation factor), suggesting a coupling between carbon and redox biogeochemistry influencing methane production. In the drained thawed lake basins included in this study, DOC concentrations and contributions of vegetation-derived organic matter declined with increasing basin age. The weak relationship between DOC age and chemistry and consistency in DOC chemical indicators over the summer suggest a high lability of old DOC released by thawing permafrost.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1984

The spark discharge synthesis of amino acids from various hydrocarbons

The spark discharge synthesis of amino acids using an atmosphere of CH4+N2+H2O+NH3 has been investigated with variable pNH3. The amino acids produced using higher hydrocarbons (ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, butane, and isobutane) instead of CH4 were also investigated. There was considerable range in the absolute yields of amino acids, but the yields relative to glycine (or alpha-amino-n-butyric acid) were more uniform. The relative yields of the C3 to C6 aliphatic alpha-amino acids are nearly the same (with a few exceptions) with all the hydrocarbons. The glycine yields are more variable. The precursors to the C3-C6 aliphatic amino acids seem to be produced in the same process, which is separate from the synthesis of glycine precursors. It may be possible to use these relative yields as a signature for a spark discharge synthesis provided corrections can be made for subsequent decomposition events (e.g. in the Murchison meteorite).

Ring, D.↗