Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Iron Oxide”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,045 records · Page 58
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Detection of H2O and Evidence for TiO VO in an Ultra Hot Exoplanet Atmosphere.

We present a primary transit observation for the ultra-hot (Teq approx. 2400 K) gas giant expolanet WASP-121b, made using the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 in spectroscopic mode across the 1.12-1.64 micron wavelength range. The 1.4 microns water absorption band is detected at high confidence (5.4(sigma)) in the planetary atmosphere. We also reanalyze ground-based photometric light curves taken in the B, r′, and z′ filters. Significantly deeper transits are measured in these optical bandpasses relative to the near-infrared wavelengths. We conclude that scattering by high-altitude haze alone is unlikely to account for this difference and instead interpret it as evidence for titanium oxide and vanadium oxide absorption. Enhanced opacity is also inferred across the 1.12-1.3 micron wavelength range, possibly due to iron hydride absorption. If confirmed, WASP-121b will be the first exoplanet with titanium oxide, vanadium oxide, and iron hydride detected in transmission. The latter are important species in M/L dwarfs and their presence is likely to have a significant effect on the overall physics and chemistry of the atmosphere, including the production of a strong thermal inversion.

Spectroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2026

The influence of iron incorporation on the microstructure and crystal chemistry of UO 2 fuel

The incorporation of dopants into UO 2 is of interest for both doped advanced fuel and nuclear forensics research. Suitable forensics dopants, or taggants, for nuclear fuels are ones that do not adversely affect the performance of the parent material while still being traceable during key stages of the fuel’s life cycle. In this paper, we present our efforts to understand the effects of doping UO 2 with Fe 2 O 3 under multiple parameters, such as Fe concentration (0–3000 wppm), sintering temperature (1673 K, 1773 K, and 1973 K), sintering time (2–12 h), and atmosphere (reducing and inert). Here, we investigated densification behavior, microstructure evolution, and lattice defects based on the geometric densities, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractograms, and Raman spectra. The effect of Fe on the microstructure and crystal chemistry of UO 2 is very complex, especially at the intermediate temperature (1773 K), where we found that densification kinetics are enhanced and that lattice contraction occurs for doping concentrations greater than 1000 wppm Fe.

Crystallography↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hydrogen Adsorption, Reactivity, and Catalysis on Colloidal Iron Carbide Nanoparticles

Supported iron carbide particles have long served as catalysts for CO hydrogenation (the Fischer Tropsch synthesis, FTS) and continue to be attractive. Despite this, little is known about their chemistry. Reported here is a colloidal Fe x C nanoparticle (NP) model system that allows direct observation of surface hydrogen and CO, as well as quantification of the surface H. Dodecylamine-capped Fe x C NPs (DDA-Fe x C NPs) were synthesized through solution-phase carburization of Fe NPs and form stable colloids in low-polarity organic solvents. Treatment of these colloids with H 2 or D 2 produced highly hydrogenated materials, and FTIR spectra of DDA-Fe x C-D n showed that most of the D binds to carbides, with at least four distinct v(C-D) modes. The surface C-H(D) bonds were all reactive, transferring hydrogen to alkenes and other reagents in solution. Titration and ICP measurements showed a 0.17:1 ratio of added H:total Fe, or roughly. 40 H per 1.8 nm DDA-Fe x C NP. Conversely, CO was preferentially bound to surface Fe sites, with FTIR spectra showing a single broad v(CO) that shifted with CO coverage or co-adsorption of H 2 . The DDA-Fe x C NPs were active catalysts for both olefin hydrogenation and the FTS, under mild conditions and without catalyst pre-treatment. The CO hydrogenation reactions yielded a broad distribution of long-chain linear paraffins and olefins. Though quantitative comparisons with typical FTS results are not possible because of our use of sealed batch reactors and other factors, the observations of high catalytic reactivity demonstrate the relevance of this model system to iron-carbide catalysis. DFT calculations on model slab surfaces with varying iron carbide stoichiometries revealed that the thermodynamically preferred surface adsorption sites are C for H ads and Fe for CO ads . A variety of binding sites and binding energies were found for each adsorbate. We are unaware of previous studies indicating that a diverse array of C-H bonds is the primary source of reactive H on iron carbides. Experimentally, the diversity of *C-H sites was evident in reactions with H-atom donors and abstractors of different strengths, from both the reaction stoichiometries and IR spectra. The different surface–H binding energies correlate with the v(C-D) stretching frequencies. Furthermore, these insights into complex iron carbide surfaces and catalysis could assist catalyst design, and they showcase the importance of stoichiometric studies of reaction intermediates.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Revealing the role of redox reaction selectivity and mass transfer in current–voltage predictions for ensembles of photocatalysts

Photocatalysts are conceptually simple reaction units where nanoscale semiconductors integrated with catalysts drive a pair of redox reactions on illumination. However, the proximity of reaction sites performing cathodic and anodic reactions poses dire challenges to realize large light-to-fuel conversion efficiencies. In this study, a powerful, yet straightforward, equivalent-circuit detail-balance modeling framework is developed and applied to evaluate the performance of photocatalytic systems featuring multiple light absorbers. Specifically, low bandgap iridium-doped strontium titanate is modeled as a Z-scheme photocatalyst to achieve desirable hydrogen evolution and iron-based redox shuttle oxidation reactions. Our model has unique capabilities to simulate competing redox reactions and address mass-transfer limitations. In a significant departure from state-of-the-art circuit models, our study develops tools to perform load-line analyses by incorporating a net electrochemical load curve that includes both desired and competing redox reactions. Consequently, reaction selectivity is predicted from equivalent circuit models for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical systems. Our investigation into ensembles comprised of multiple, semi-transparent light absorbers reveals their potential to outperform a single, optically thick light absorber, particularly when operated under mass-transfer-limited conditions. However, this outcome hinges on minimizing mass-transfer rates of select redox species to prevent undesired reactions of hydrogen oxidation and/or redox shuttle reduction. Our findings demonstrate that reaction selectivity can be achieved by tuning asymmetry in redox species mass-transfer even with perfectly symmetric electrocatalytic charge-transfer coefficients. The influences of various kinetic, mass-transfer, and thermodynamic parameters are explored to offer crucial insights for synthesis of the next-generation of photocatalysts and selective coatings, and reactor designs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of Fe-βGa 2 O 3 for Photoconductive Semiconductor Switching

We present iron-doped beta gallium oxide (Fe- β Ga2O3) as a candidate for photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) with sub-bandgap light. From a commercially available Fe- β Ga2O3 wafer, we first did material characterization. This included measurements of absorption coefficient and dopant composition, carrier activation energy up to 200 °C, break down field of planar electrodes (limited from material passivation), and free carrier recombination lifetime, and thermal effects up to 203 °C on photocurrent with a 447 nm light emitting diode (LED) source. Here, we then demonstrated pulsed operation of a Fe- β Ga2O3 PCSS under different sub-bandgap wavelengths (355, 532, and 1064 nm) and sub-ns pulses. Fe- β Ga2O3 is a candidate for high temperature PCSS with 355 nm responsivity of 7×10 -7 A-cm/W-kV at room temperature and up to 5.5×10 -4 A-cm/W-kV at 200 °C. From these investigations, we discuss a simple trap model to describe the illumination process of the PCSS. Fe- β Ga2O3 has a high breakdown field and has moderate responsivity characteristics, but the dark current at high temperature leads to low photo-to-dark current ratio (PDCR). Regardless, we verify its potential as a PCSS material for harsh environment applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Biogenic-to-lithogenic handoff of particulate Zn affects the Zn cycle in the Southern Ocean

Zinc (Zn) is vital to marine organisms. Its active uptake by phytoplankton results in a substantial depletion of dissolved Zn, and Zn bound to particulate organic matter replenishes dissolved Zn in the ocean through remineralization. However, we found that particulate Zn changes from Zn bound to phosphoryls in cells to recalcitrant inorganic pools that include biogenic silica, clays, and iron, manganese, and aluminum oxides in the Southern Ocean water column. The abundances of inorganic pools increase with depth and are the only phases preserved in sediments. Changes in the particulate-Zn speciation influence Zn bioavailability and explain the decoupling of Zn and phosphorus and the correlation of Zn and silicon in the water column. Here, these findings reveal a new dimension to the ocean Zn cycle, implicating an underappreciated role of inorganic Zn particles and their impact on biological productivity.

Duan, J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

The key role of the ferroptosis mechanism in neurological diseases and prospects for targeted therapy

Neurological disorders represent a major global health concern owing to their intricate pathological processes. Ferroptosis, defined as a form of cell death that is reliant on iron, has been closely linked to various neurological conditions. The fundamental process underlying ferroptosis is defined by the excessive buildup of iron ions, which initiates lipid peroxidation processes leading to cellular demise. Neurons, as highly metabolically active cells, are susceptible to oxidative stress, and imbalances in iron metabolism can directly initiate the ferroptosis process. In neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, ferroptosis driven by iron accumulation represents a fundamental pathological connection. Although the connection between ferroptosis and neurological diseases is clear, clinical application still faces challenges, such as precise regulation of iron metabolism, development of specific drugs, and assessment of efficacy. The limited comprehension of the ferroptosis mechanism hinders the development of personalized treatment approaches. Consequently, subsequent investigations must tackle these obstacles to facilitate the clinical application of ferroptosis-associated therapies in neurological disorders. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent advancements regarding the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis. Subsequently, the study investigates the mechanistic contributions of ferroptosis within the nervous system. In conclusion, we evaluate and deliberate on targeted therapeutic strategies associated with ferroptosis and neurological disorders.

Xie, Chenyu↗
NASA NTRS1975

Modified ferritic iron alloys with improved high-temperature mechanical properties and oxidation resistance

An alloy modification program was conducted in which the compositions of two existing Fe-Cr-Al alloys (Armco 18SR and GE-1541) were changed to achieve either improved high-temperature strength or improved fabricability. Only modifications of Armco 18SR were successful in achieving increased strength without loss of fabricability or oxidation resistance. The best modified alloy, designated NASA-18T, had twice the rupture strength of Armco 18SR at 800 and 1000 C. The NASA-18T alloy also had better oxidation resistance than Armco 18SR and comparable fabricability. The nominal composition of NASA-18T is Fe-18Cr-2Al-1Si-1.25Ta. All attempted modifications of the GE-1541 alloy were unsuccessful in terms of achieving better fabricability without sacrificing high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance.

Oldrieve, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Antarctic ozone - Meteoric control of HNO3

Atmospheric circulation leads to an accumulation of debris from meteors in the Antarctic stratosphere at the beginning of austral spring. The major component of meteoric material is alkaline, comprised predominantly of the oxides of magnesium and iron. These metals may neutralize the natural acidity of stratospheric aerosols, remove nitric acid from the gas phase, and bond it as metal nitrates in the aerosol phase. Removal of nitric acid vapor has been previously shown to be a critical link in the photochemical depletion of ozone in the Antarctic spring, by allowing for increased catalytic loss from chlorine and bromine.

Prather, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Moessbauer mineralogy of calcined Murchison meteorite

The three Antarctic meteorites B7904, Y82162, and Y86720 are unusual because they have characteristics in common with both CI and CM groups and because they apparently underwent thermal alteration after hydrous alteration on their parent body. They are also spectrally similar (visible and near-IR) to C, G, B, and F asteroids, which may imply that the surface materials on those asteroids may have undergone thermal alteration. Based on the reflectance spectra of samples of Murchison (CM2 carbonaceous chondrite) that were thermally altered in the laboratory (cryopumped and initial 10(exp -5) atm H2), Hiroi et al. concluded that putative thermal alteration occurred at temperatures of 600 to 1000 C. Similar experiments have been done on Murchison and reported mineralogical changes based on data from transmission electron diffraction microscopy, electron diffraction, and analytical electron microscopy. We report here the Mossbauer mineralogy of the same samples of thermally-altered Murchison. Mossbauer mineralogy gives the molar distribution of Fe among its oxidation states and iron-bearing mineralogies.

Morris, Richard V.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Redesign of the Human Metabolic Simulator

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently building a Human Metabolic Simulator (HMS) at the Johnson Space Center as part of the Advanced Life Support Air Revitalization Technology Evaluation Facility (ARTEF). The purpose of ARTEF is to evaluate Environmental Control and Life Support System Technologies for Advanced Missions. The HMS is needed to reproduce the primary metabolic effects of human respiration on an enclosed atmosphere when humans cannot be present and the impact of human presence on the system is required. A HMS was designed, built and successfully operated in 2000 but larger crew size requirements and the expense of upgrade of the current system necessitate redesign. This paper addresses the redesign. Several concepts were considered, ranging from chemical oxidation of a hydrocarbon like ethanol or ethyl acetate to carbon dioxide and water, oxidation of an iron-containing compound, or by using a fuel cell. For reasons of cost, simplicity, safety and other factors, the concept chosen includes: a molecular sieve packaged as an industrial oxygen concentrator to remove oxygen from the atmosphere, with direct carbon dioxide, water and heat injection. The water injection is done via heating water to steam with a heat exchanger and thermal effects are handled by directly adding heat to the air stream with a second heat exchanger. Both heat exchangers are supplied by a hot oil loop. The amount of oxygen removal, carbon dioxide addition, water addition and heat addition were calculated using metabolic profiles for respiration and heat, calculated using a series of empirical equations developed for International Space Station (ISS). Sketches of the Human Metabolic Simulator and the hot oil bath loop used to supply heat to the heat exchangers are included

Duffield, Bruce↗
NASA NTRS1980

Cell sorting apparatus

Polymeric functional microspheres containing metal or metal compounds are formed by addition polymerization of a covalently bondable olefinic monomer such as hydroxyethylmethacrylate in the presence of finely divided metal or metal oxide particles, such as iron, gold, platinum or magnetite, which are embedded in the resulting microspheres. The microspheres can be covalently bonded to chemotherapeutic agents, antibodies, or other proteins providing a means for labeling or separating labeled cells. Labeled cells or microspheres can be concentrated at a specific body location such as in the vicinity of a malignant tumor by applying a magnetic field to the location and then introducing the magnetically attractable microspheres or cells into the circulatory system of the subject. Labeled cells can be separated from a cell mixture by applying a predetermined magnetic field to a tube in which the mixture is flowing. After collection of the labeled cells, the magnetic field is discontinued and the labeled sub-cell population recovered.

Yen, Shiao-Ping S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Method for producing a biological reagent

Polymeric functional microspheres containing metal or metal compounds are formed by addition polymerization of a covalently bondable olefinic monomer such as hydroxyethylmethacrylate in the presence of finely divided metal or metal oxide particles, such as iron, gold, platinum or magnetite, which are embedded in the resulting microspheres. The microspheres can be covalently bonded to chemotherapeutic agents, antibodies, or other proteins providing a means for labeling or separating labeled cells. Labeled cells or microspheres can be concentrated at a specific body location such as in the vicinity of a malignant tumor by applying a magnetic field to the location and then introducing the magnetically attractable microspheres or cells into the circulatory system of the subject. Labeled cells can be separated from a cell mixture by applying a predetermined magnetic field to a tube in which the mixture is flowing. After collection of the labeled cells, the magnetic field is discontinued and the labeled sub-cell population recovered.

Yen, Shiao-Ping S.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Metal containing polymeric functional microspheres

Polymeric functional microspheres containing metal or metal compounds are formed by addition polymerization of a covalently bondable olefinic monomer such as hydroxyethylmethacrylate in the presence of finely divided metal or metal oxide particles, such as iron, gold, platinum or magnetite, which are embedded in the resulting microspheres. The microspheres can be covalently bonded to chemotherapeutic agents, antibodies, or other proteins providing a means for labeling or separating labeled cells. Labeled cells or microspheres can be concentrated at a specific body location such as in the vicinity of a malignant tumor by applying a magnetic field to the location and then introducing the magnetically attractable microspheres or cells into the circulatory system of the subject. Labeled cells can be separated from a cell mixture by applying a predetermined magnetic field to a tube in which the mixture is flowing. After collection of the labeled cells, the magnetic field is discontinued and the labeled sub-cell population recovered.

Yen, Shiao-Ping S.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Performance of "Waterless Concrete"

Waterless concrete consists of molten elementary sulfur and aggregate. The aggregates in a lunar environment will be lunar rocks and soil. Sulfur is present on the Moon in Troilite soil (FeS) and, by oxidation of the soil, iron and sulfur can be produced. Sulfur concrete specimens were cycled between liquid nitrogen (approx.]91 C) and room temperature (^21 C) to simulate exposure to a lunar environment. Cycled and control specimens were subsequently tested in compression at room temperatures (^21 C) and ^-101 C. Test results showed that due to temperature cycling, the compressive strength of cycled specimens was 20% of those non-cycled. This reduction in strength can be attributed to the large differences in thermal coefficients of expansion of the materials constituting the concrete which promoted cracking. Similar sulfur concrete mixtures were strengthened with short and long glass fibres. The lunar regolith simulant was melted in a 25 cc Pt- Rh crucible in a Sybron Thermoline high temperature MoSi2 furnace at melting temperatures of 1450 to 1600 C for times of 30 min to i hour. Glass fibres and small rods were pulled from the melt. The glass fibres were used to reinforce sulfur concrete plated to improve the flexural strength of the sulfur concrete. Beams strengthened with glass fibres showed to exhibit an increase in the flexural strength by as much as 45%.

Toutanji, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS2007

The Use of Tribocharging in the Electrostatic Beneficiation of Lunar Simulant

Any future lunar base and habitat must be constructed from strong dense materials in order to provide for thermal and radiation protection. Lunar soil may meet this need. Lunar regolith has high concentrations of aluminum, silicon, calcium, iron, sodium, and titanium oxides. Refinement or enrichment of specific minerals in the soil before it is chemically processed may be more desirable as it would reduce the size and energy requirements required to produce the virgin material and it may significantly reduce the process' complexity. Also, investigations into the potential production of breathable oxygen from oxidized mineral components are a major research initiative by NASA. In this study. the objective was to investigate the use of tribocharging to charge lunar simulants and pass them through a parallel plate separator to enrich different mineral fractions. This technique takes advantage of the high Lunar vacuum in which much higher voltages can be used on the separation plates than in air. Additionally, the Lunar g1avity, only being 1/6 that of Earth, allows the particles more separation time between the plates and therefore enhances separation. For the separation studies, two lunar stimulants were used. The first simulant was created in-house, labeled KSC-1. using commercially supplied (sieved to 325 mesh) materials, and was composed of 40 wt. % feldspar ((Na,K,Ca)AlSi3O8;SiO2), 40 wt. % olivine ((Mg,Fe)2SiO4), 10 wt. % ilmenite (FeTiO3). and 10 wt. % spodumene (LiAlSi2O6) (pyroxene). The advantage of the in-house mixture is that the composition can he varied to simulate different soil compositions from different areas on the moon. This simulant was used to show proof-of-concept using the designed separator in air. The second stimulant was JSC-1. used for the vacuum experiments. JSC-1 is principally basalts, containing phases of plagioclase. pyroxene. olivine, and ilmenite. The JSC-1 was sieved to provide a 50-75 micron size range to correlate with the mean grain size found on the moon's surface [1]. Four different materials were investigated for the triboelectrification process; aluminum, copper. stainless steel, and PTFE. These materials were selected because they offer a wide variation in work functions (aluminum 4.28 eV, copper 4.65 eV. stainless steel 5.04 eV, and PTFE 5.75 eV). The difference between the work function of each material and the simulant influences the charge obtained by the grains. Each simulant was analyzed before and after separation using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to determine mineral surface composition. In addition. Raman spectroscopy was performed on the JSC-1 before and after separation in vacuum to determine the mineral composition. Charge-to-mass (Q/M) measurements were performed using a fluidizing bed in air and passing the simulant through a static mixer of a particular material and collecting it in a Faraday pail grounded through an electrometer. To measure the Q/M in vacuum, a special device was constructed consisting of a heater/shaker cup that fed into a solid block of material (either PTFE, copper, or aluminum) in which a channel composed of a "zig-zag" series of inclines greater than 50 degrees has been cut. The voltage to the vibrating motor can be varied to control the amount of simulant passing through the channel. Figure I shows the Q/M measurements for JSC-1 tribocharged using the static mixers and the incline plane chargers in air, and the incline plane chargers in vacuum.

Trigwell, S.↗