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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 1,243 records · Page 69
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Relativistically Induced Transparency in Plasma (Final Research Report)

The major goal of this project was to study the process of relativistic transparency in plasmas. This process occurs when a very high intensity laser pulse interacts with a plasma. The electric field of the laser oscillates the electron speeds approaching the speed of light, increasing the effective mass of the electrons by the time-averaged Lorentz factor <γ>. The increase in the effective mass alters the critical density, the density at which the plasma becomes opaque to the electromagnetic wave of the laser. This project used experiments and particle-in-cell simulations to study this process in ultra-thin foil interactions. Experiments were performed through the LaserNetUS program on the Ohio State University laser system Scarlet. The transmitted and reflected light was studied as a function of the target thickness, the near-field profiles, the total energy and pulse duration were measured. Particle-in-cell simulations, using the OSIRIS code were used to model the interaction and better understand the dynamics. The results of both show current relativistic transparency theory is insufficient to predict the results, this is likely because the theories do not account for the laser energy absorption into the target and global plasma fields.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Real-Time On-Ramp Merging Control of Connected and Automated Vehicles using Pseudospectral Convex Optimization

Highway on-ramp merging can be a challenging task for human drivers due to the complex vehicle negotiations and interactions in limited time and space. Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) have great potential to address the problem and offer many benefits in terms of safety, traffic efficiency, and fuel economy. However, real-time optimal control of CAVs still faces many challenges, including nonlinear dynamics, complex inter-vehicle interactions, and a highly dynamic and uncertain traffic environment. To address these challenges, we develop a novel control approach that balances the solution optimality and computational efficiency to determine optimal merging speed profiles in real time. Specifically, by employing a pseudospectral method and a sequential convex programming approach, two algorithms are proposed and implemented within the model predictive control (MPC) framework to enable real-time generation of optimal solutions for potential on-vehicle applications. The convergence and optimality of the proposed algorithms are validated by comparing with a general-purpose solver under different traffic scenarios.

Shi, Yang↗
DOE OSTI2024

Green microalga Chromochloris zofingiensis conserves substrate uptake pattern but changes their metabolic uses across trophic transition

The terrestrial green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis is an emerging model species with potential applications including production of triacylglycerol or astaxanthin. How C. zofingiensis interacts with the diverse substrates during trophic transitions is unknown. To characterize its substrate utilization and secretion dynamics, we cultivated the alga in a soil-based defined medium in transition between conditions with and without glucose supplementation. Then, we examined its exometabolite and endometabolite profiles. This analysis revealed that regardless of trophic modes, C. zofingiensis preferentially uptakes exogenous lysine, arginine, and purines, while secreting orotic acid. Here, we obtained metabolomic evidences that C. zofingiensis may use arginine for putrescine synthesis when in transition to heterotrophy, and for the TCA cycle during transition to photoautotrophy. We also report that glucose and fructose most effectively inhibited photosynthesis among thirteen different sugars. The utilized or secreted metabolites identified in this study provide important information to improve C. zofingiensis cultivation, and to expand its potential industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

In-vivo neuronal dysfunction by Aβ and tau overlaps with brain-wide inflammatory mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease

The molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain uncharacterized. Here, we identify genes, molecular pathways and cellular components associated with whole-brain dysregulation caused by amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau deposits in the living human brain. We obtained in-vivo resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), Aβ- and tau-PET for 47 cognitively unimpaired and 16 AD participants from the Translational Biomarkers in Aging and Dementia cohort. Adverse neuronal activity impacts by Aβ and tau were quantified with personalized dynamical models by fitting pathology-mediated computational signals to the participant’s real rs-fMRIs. Then, we detected robust brain-wide associations between the spatial profiles of Aβ-tau impacts and gene expression in the neurotypical transcriptome (Allen Human Brain Atlas). Within the obtained distinctive signature of in-vivo neuronal dysfunction, several genes have prominent roles in microglial activation and in interactions with Aβ and tau. Moreover, cellular vulnerability estimations revealed strong association of microglial expression patterns with Aβ and tau’s synergistic impact on neuronal activity (q < 0.001). These results further support the central role of the immune system and neuroinflammatory pathways in AD pathogenesis. Neuronal dysregulation by AD pathologies also associated with neurotypical synaptic and developmental processes. In addition, we identified drug candidates from the vast LINCS library to halt or reduce the observed Aβ-tau effects on neuronal activity. Top-ranked pharmacological interventions target inflammatory, cancer and cardiovascular pathways, including specific medications undergoing clinical evaluation in AD. Our findings, based on the examination of molecular-pathological-functional interactions in humans, may accelerate the process of bringing effective therapies into clinical practice.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Evaluating the simulated mean soil carbon transit times by Earth system models using observations

One known bias in current Earth system models (ESMs) is the underestimation of global mean soil carbon (C) transit time ( τ soil ), which quantifies the age of the C atoms at the time they leave the soil. However, it remains unclear where such underestimations are located globally. Here, we constructed a global database of measured τ soil across 187 sites to evaluate results from 12 ESMs. The observations showed that the estimated τ soil was dramatically shorter from the soil incubation studies in the laboratory environment (median = 4 years; interquartile range = 1 to 25 years) than that derived from field in situ measurements (31; 5 to 84 years) with shifts in stable isotopic C( 13 C ) or the stock-over-flux approach. In comparison with the field observations, the multi-model ensemble simulated a shorter median (19 years) anda smaller spatial variation (6 to 29 years) of τ soil across the same site locations. We then found a significant and negative linear correlation between the in situ measured τ soil and mean annual air temperature. The underestimations of modeled τ soil are mainly located in cold and dry biomes, especially tundra and desert.Furthermore, we showed that one ESM (i.e., CESM) has improved its τ soil estimate by incorporation of the soil vertical profile. These findings indicate that the spatial variation of τ soil is a useful benchmark for ESMs, and we recommend more observations and modeling efforts on soil C dynamics in regions limited by temperature and moisture.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Development and Clustering of Rate-Oriented Load Metrics for Customer Price-Plan Analysis: Preprint

One of the few methods electric utilities can use to motivate and change customer energy consumption is through their retail rate structures. Utilities are increasingly moving towards more dynamic rate-plans to achieve the objectives of motivating energy conservation, increasing self-consumption from onsite renewable generation, reducing peak demand and to flattening the demand profiles. This paper presents a set of rate-oriented customer load metrics that are the determinants of customers bill under four unique rate-plans. These metrics are not only indicative of which rate structure a customer should choose based on their load profiles, but also convey useful information about load consumption behavior. With these metrics, the utility can analyze their customers and identify customer classes that are rewarded under each rate-plan. This can help inform utilities whether the customer profiles being rewarded under each rate-plans are meeting their original objectives. To develop these customer classes, we calculate these rate-oriented load metrics for each customer and perform k-means clustering. The analysis is conducted on from a set of 300 customer profiles, examining the impact of four different rate-plans, different numbers of clusters and looking at customer bills and cluster load profile characteristics.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2017

Evaluation of the shear rate effect on the interfacial forces acting on a single bubble

Owing to the outstanding characteristics of mass and heat transfer efficiency, two-phase bubbly flows have wide applications in the nuclear engineering fields. However, the physics behind the bubbly flows phenomenon can be very complex due to the various parameters and phenomena involved. Thanks to the increasing computing power and advanced algorithms, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach has emerged as an effective tool for exploring the bubbly flows. In typical laminar channel or pipe flow, the flow field develops a parabolic velocity profile due to the wall friction. Assuming the shear rate across the bubble diameter is constant, the bubble will encounter various shear rates depending on its transverse position. Different shear rates may lead to the acceleration of transverse migration speed and influence the bubble rising velocity. In this summary, we evaluate the effect of shear rate on the interfacial forces (lift and drag) acting on a single bubble with the shear rate ranging from 3.8 to 8.3 s{sup -1} and the Eotvos number ranging from 2.58 to 4.45.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structure and formation of cD galaxies: NGC 6166 in Abell 2199

Hobby–Eberly Telescope (HET) spectroscopy is used to measure the velocity dispersion profile of the nearest prototypical cD galaxy, NGC 6166 in the cluster Abell 2199. We also present composite surface photometry from many telescopes. We confirm the defining feature of a cD galaxy; i.e., (we suggest), a halo of stars that fills the cluster center and that is controlled dynamically by cluster gravity, not by the central galaxy. Our HET spectroscopy shows that the velocity dispersion of NGC 6166 rises from σ≃300 km s{sup −1} in the inner r∼10′′ to σ=865±58 km s{sup −1} at r ∼ 100″ in the cD halo. This extends published observations of an outward σ increase and shows for the first time that σ rises all the way to the cluster velocity dispersion of 819 ± 32 km s{sup −1}. We also observe that the main body of NGC 6166 moves at +206 ± 39 km s{sup −1} with respect to the cluster mean velocity, but the velocity of the inner cD halo is ∼70 km s{sup −1} closer to the cluster velocity. These results support our picture that cD halos consist of stars that were stripped from individual cluster galaxies by fast tidal encounters. However, our photometry does not confirm the widespread view that cD halos are identifiable as an extra, low-surface-brightness component that is photometrically distinct from the inner, steep-Sérsic-function main body of an otherwise-normal giant elliptical galaxy. Instead, all of the brightness profile of NGC 6166 outside its core is described to ±0.037 V mag arcsec{sup −2} by a single Sérsic function with index n≃8.3. The cD halo is not recognizable from photometry alone. This blurs the distinction between cluster-dominated cD halos and the similarly-large-Sérsic-index halos of giant, core-boxy-nonrotating ellipticals. These halos are believed to be accreted onto compact, high-redshift progenitors (“red nuggets”) by large numbers of minor mergers. They belong dynamically to their central galaxies. Still, cDs and core-boxy-nonrotating Es may be more similar than we think: both may have outer halos made largely via minor mergers and the accumulation of tidal debris. We construct a main-body+cD-halo decomposition that fits both the brightness and dispersion profiles. To fit σ(r), we need to force the component Sérsic indices to be smaller than a minimum-χ{sup 2} photometric decomposition would suggest. The main body has M{sub V}≃−22.8≃30% of the total galaxy light. The cD halo has M{sub V}≃−23.7, ∼1/2 mag brighter than the brightest galaxy in the Virgo cluster. A mass model based on published cluster dynamics and X-ray observations fits our observations if the tangential dispersion is larger than the radial dispersion at r≃20′′ –60′′. The cD halo is as enhanced in α element abundances as the main body of NGC 6166. Quenching of star formation in ≲1 Gyr suggests that the center of Abell 2199 has been special for a long time during which dynamical evolution has liberated a large mass of now-intracluster stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Empirical prediction of saline water atomization pressure loss and spray phase change using local flow pressure analysis

A pressure analysis technique was developed to obtain spray spatial evaporation profile in a thermal desalination process. The technique can replace temperature-based evaporation measurement methods that are challenged by liquid-phase interference. It also provides an alternative to optical methods with high cost and complexity. Fundamental analysis was developed to determine local humidity ratios from changes in local static and dynamic pressures. The analysis was applied to data obtained from an external mixing air-assist atomizer. An empirical model was developed for the pressure loss in atomization process and was used in the analysis of humidity ratio. The results were used to develop empirical correlations for local humidity ratio in spray mediums using inlet conditions. Utilizing inlet conditions to predict evaporation profiles is an important contribution as it eliminates the need to take local spray measurements. Obtaining local data is often difficult and expensive; Our method and correlation circumvent the need for that. Finally, the correlations presented in this paper apply to saline water sprays with total dissolved salt of 0-10 wt%. The salinity-specific correlations are accurate to within ±10% of experimental data. The individual models were aggregated into a unified correlation for salinities within 0-10 wt%. The unified correlation is accurate to within ±18% of experimental data.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

TIME-VARYING DYNAMICAL STAR FORMATION RATE

We present numerical evidence of dynamic star formation in which the accreted stellar mass grows superlinearly with time, roughly as t {sup 2}. We perform simulations of star formation in self-gravitating hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence that is continuously driven. By turning the self-gravity of the gas in the simulations on or off, we demonstrate that self-gravity is the dominant physical effect setting the mass accretion rate at early times before feedback effects take over, contrary to theories of turbulence-regulated star formation. We find that gravitational collapse steepens the density profile around stars, generating the power-law tail on what is otherwise a lognormal density probability distribution function. Furthermore, we find turbulent velocity profiles to flatten inside collapsing regions, altering the size-line width relation. This local flattening reflects enhancements of turbulent velocity on small scales, as verified by changes to the velocity power spectra. Our results indicate that gas self-gravity dynamically alters both density and velocity structures in clouds, giving rise to a time-varying star formation rate. We find that a substantial fraction of the gas that forms stars arrives via low-density flows, as opposed to accreting through high-density filaments.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Dynamic compression of [100] MgF 2 single crystals: Shock-induced polymorphism to highly coordinated structures

AX 2 -type compounds exhibit a rich and complex series of phase transitions under compression. The high-pressure polymorphism of rutile-type AX 2 difluorides can be characterized by a typical sequence from rutile type → Ca Cl 2 type → HP – Pd F 2 type → cotunnite type . Relative to dioxides, the reduced valence and ionic radius of the F – anion in rutile-type MgF 2 (sellaite) results in lowered transition pressures, making it a useful analog for SiO 2 and other dioxides. In this work, MgF 2 single crystals were shock-compressed along the [100] direction to 24 to 120 GPa using plate impact techniques, and wave profiles were measured using laser interferometry. At low stresses (24 to 44 GPa), we observe features consistent with an elastic–inelastic response, followed by a phase transformation. Peak stress-density states in this stress range are consistent with those expected for the modified fluorite-type (HP- PdF 2 ) phase or a related structure. At higher stresses (69 to 91 GPa), we observe a two-wave structure with peak stress-density states consistent with transformation to a denser and likely more highly coordinated phase such as the cotunnite-type structure. Furthermore, at 120 GPa, only a single wave structure is observed, indicating that the wave profile features observed at lower stresses are overdriven.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Dynamics of potential vorticity staircase evolution and step mergers in a reduced model of beta-plane turbulence

A two-field model of potential vorticity (PV) staircase structure and dynamics relevant to both beta-plane and drift-wave plasma turbulence is studied numerically and analytically. The model evolves averaged PV whose flux is both driven by and regulates a potential enstrophy field, ε. The model employs a closure using a mixing length model. Its link to bistability, vital to staircase generation, is analyzed and verified by integrating the equations numerically. Long-time staircase evolution consistently manifests a pattern of metastable quasiperiodic configurations, lasting for hundreds of time units, yet interspersed with abrupt ( Δt << 1 ) mergers of adjacent steps in the staircase. The mergers occur at the staircase lattice defects where the pattern has not completely relaxed to a strictly periodic solution that can be obtained analytically. Other types of stationary solutions are solitons and kinks in the PV gradient and ε-profiles. The waiting time between mergers increases strongly as the number of steps in the staircase decreases. This is because of an exponential decrease in interstep coupling strength with growing spacing. The long-time staircase dynamics is shown numerically be determined by local interaction with adjacent steps. In conclusion, mergers reveal themselves through the explosive growth of the turbulent PV flux, which, however, abruptly drops to its global constant value once the merger is completed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Compositional effects on cure kinetics, mechanical properties and printability of dual-cure epoxy/acrylate resins for DIW additive manufacturing

Interest in 3D printing of thermoset resins has increased significantly in recent years. One approach to additive manufacturing of thermoset resins is printing dual-cure resins with direct ink write (DIW). Dual-cure resins are multi-component resins which employ an in situ curable constituent to enable net-shape fabrication while a second constituent and cure mechanism contribute to the final mechanical properties of the printed materials. In this work, the cure kinetics, green strength, printability, and print fidelity of dual-cure epoxy/acrylate thermoset resins are investigated. Resin properties are evaluated as a function of acrylate concentration and in situ UV exposure conditions. The acrylate cure kinetics are probed using photo-differential scanning calorimetry and the impacts of resin composition and UV cure profile on the acrylate extent of conversion are presented. Continuous and pulsed UV cure profiles are shown to affect total conversion due to variances in radical efficiency at different UV intensities and acrylate concentrations. The effects of acrylate concentration on the kinetics of the epoxy thermal cure and the final mechanical properties are also investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis and three-point bend measurements. The glass transition temperature is dependent on formulation, with increasing acrylate content decreasing the T g . However, the room temperature shear moduli, flexural moduli, strength, strain-to-failure, and toughness values are relatively independent of resin composition. The similarity of the final properties allows for greater flexibility in resin formulation and in situ cure parameters, which can enable the printing of complex parts that require high green strength. We found that the in situ UV print intensities and exposure profiles that are necessary to achieve the best print quality are not, in most cases, the conditions that maximize conversion of the acrylate network. Lastly, this highlights the importance of developing optimized resin compositions which enable complete cure of the acrylate network by promoting acrylate dark cure or thermal cure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

MODEL FOR ALFVEN WAVE TURBULENCE IN SOLAR CORONAL LOOPS: HEATING RATE PROFILES AND TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS

It has been suggested that the solar corona may be heated by dissipation of Alfven waves that propagate up from the solar photosphere. According to this theory, counterpropagating Alfven waves are subject to nonlinear interactions that lead to turbulent decay of the waves and heating of the chromospheric and coronal plasma. To test this theory, better models for the dynamics of Alfven waves in coronal loops are required. In this paper, we consider wave heating in an active region observed with the Solar Dynamics Observatory in 2010 May. First a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic model of the region is constructed, and ten magnetic field lines that match observed coronal loops are selected. For each loop we construct a 3D magnetohydrodynamic model of the Alfven waves near the selected field line. The waves are assumed to be generated by footpoint motions inside the kilogauss magnetic flux elements at the two ends of the loop. Based on such models, we predict the spatial and temporal profiles of the heating along the selected loops. We also estimate the temperature fluctuations resulting from such heating. We find that the Alfven wave turbulence model can reproduce the observed characteristics of the hotter loops in the active region core, but the loops at the periphery of the region have large expansion factors and are predicted to be thermally unstable.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Streptococcus pneumoniae HtrA is a dynamic and monomeric virulence factor capable of forming larger oligomeric complexes

Abstract High‐temperature requirement A (HtrA) proteases are a conserved family of serine proteases central to protein quality control and bacterial virulence. While Gram‐negative and human HtrAs are structurally well studied, Gram‐positive homologs remain essentially uncharacterized. Here, we present the first integrated structural and mechanistic analysis of a Gram‐positive HtrA, from Streptococcus pneumoniae , a virulence factor essential for adhesion and infection in vivo. Proteomic profiling of an htrA knockout and cleavage assays demonstrate that S. pneumoniae HtrA is required for protein quality control, with the PDZ domain mediating substrate recognition. Biochemically, S. pneumoniae HtrA exists exclusively as a monomer in solution, a striking divergence from canonical trimeric HtrAs that we show is shared with other Gram‐positive homologs. NMR analyses reveal that the monomer dynamically samples open and closed conformations, while cryo‐EM of a catalytic mutant identifies a hexamer stabilized by a unique LoopA–PDZ interaction. Together, these findings define S. pneumoniae HtrA as a dynamic monomer with interdomain coupling between its protease and PDZ domains, establishing Gram‐positive HtrAs as a mechanistically divergent subgroup within the HtrA family.

Lee, Eunjeong [Department of Biochemistry and Mole↗
DOE OSTI2018

Microbiome characterization by high-throughput transfer RNA sequencing and modification analysis

Advances in high-throughput sequencing have facilitated remarkable insights into the diversity and functioning of naturally occurring microbes; however, current sequencing strategies are insufficient to reveal physiological states of microbial communities associated with protein translation dynamics. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are core components of protein synthesis machinery, present in all living cells, and are phylogenetically tractable, which make them ideal targets to gain physiological insights into environmental microbes. Here we report a direct sequencing approach, tRNA-seq, and a software suite, tRNA-seq-tools, to recover sequences, abundance profiles, and post-transcriptional modifications of microbial tRNA transcripts. Our analysis of cecal samples using tRNA-seq distinguishes high-fat-and low-fat-fed mice in a comparable fashion to 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons, and reveals taxon- and diet-dependent variations in tRNA modifications. Our results provide taxon-specific in situ insights into the dynamics of tRNA gene expression and post-transcriptional modifications within complex environmental microbiomes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Disentangling the long-term effects of disturbance on soil biogeochemistry in a wet tropical forest ecosystem

Climate change is increasing the intensity of severe tropical storms and cyclones (also referred to as hurricanes or typhoons), with major implications for tropical forest structure and function. These changes in disturbance regime are likely to play an important role in regulating ecosystem carbon (C) and nutrient dynamics in tropical and subtropical forests. Canopy opening and debris deposition resulting from severe storms have complex and interacting effects on ecosystem biogeochemistry. Disentangling these complex effects will be critical to better understand the long-term implications of climate change on ecosystem C and nutrient dynamics. In this paper, we used a well-replicated, long-term (10 years) canopy and debris manipulation experiment in a wet tropical forest to determine the separate and combined effects of canopy opening and debris deposition on soil C and nutrients throughout the soil profile (1 m). Debris deposition alone resulted in higher soil C and N concentrations, both at the surface (0–10 cm) and at depth (50–80 cm). Concentrations of NaOH-organic P also increased significantly in the debris deposition only treatment (20–90 cm depth), as did NaOH-total P (20–50 cm depth). Canopy opening, both with and without debris deposition, significantly increased NaOH-inorganic P concentrations from 70 to 90 cm depth. Soil iron concentrations were a strong predictor of both C and P patterns throughout the soil profile. Our results demonstrate that both surface- and subsoils have the potential to significantly increase C and nutrient storage a decade after the sudden deposition of disturbance-related organic debris. Our results also show that these effects may be partially offset by rapid decomposition and decreases in litterfall associated with canopy opening. Finally, the significant effects of debris deposition on soil C and nutrient concentrations at depth (>50 cm), suggest that deep soils are more dynamic than previously believed, and can serve as sinks of C and nutrients derived from disturbance-induced pulses of organic matter inputs.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Formation of Multilayer Graphene Domains with Strong Sulfur-Carbon Interaction and Enhanced Sulfur Reduction Zones for Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathodes

A newly designed sulfur/graphene computational model emulates the electrochemical behavior of a Li–S battery cathode, promoting the S–C interaction through the edges of graphene sheets. A random mixture of eight-membered sulfur rings mixed with small graphene sheets is simulated at 64 wt%sulfur loading. Structural stabilization and sulfur reduction calculations are performed with classical reactive molecular dynamics. This methodology allowed the collective behavior of the sulfur and graphene structures to be accounted for. The sulfur encapsulation induces ring opening and the sulfur phase evolves into a distribution of small chain-like structures interacting with C through the graphene edges. This new arrangement of the sulfur phase not only leads to a less pronounced volume expansion during sulfur reduction but also to a different discharge voltage profile, in qualitative agreement with earlier reports on sulfur encapsulation in microporous carbon structures. The Li 2 S phase grows around ensembles of parallel graphene nanosheets during sulfur reduction. No diffusion of sulfur or lithium between graphene nanosheets is observed, and extended Li 2 S domains bridging the space between carbon ensembles are suppressed. The results emphasize the importance of morphology on the electrochemical performance of the composite material. Finally, the sulfur/graphene model outlined here provides new understanding of the graphene effects on the sulfur reduction behavior and the role that van der Waals interactions may play in promoting formation of multilayer graphene ensembles and small Li 2 S domains during sulfur reduction.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗