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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 OSTI2025

CO2-Utilization Facilitated by Solid Reaction Mediums—A Review

Abstract This short review examines solid reaction mediums—specifically oxygen, CO 2 , and carbon carriers—within the framework of Chemical Looping (CL) to illuminate various CO 2 utilization pathways. The thermodynamic consideration for carrier selection is first discussed. This is followed by a summary of the key carrier types investigated to date, with an emphasis on elucidating the roles of compositional, structural, and surface properties of the various carriers toward their reactive performances. Besides assessing the performances of various oxygen carriers, their long-term performance, potential deactivation mechanism in the presence of CO 2, and strategies for their reactivation are also discussed in the context of chemical looping dry reforming of methane (CLDRM). While relatively underexplored, the current status of development, advantages, and potential limitations of CO 2 carriers in sorbent looping dry reforming of methane (SLDRM) and carbon carriers in chemical looping methane cracking (CLMC) are also reviewed and discussed. Emerging topics such as combined carriers are also covered along with a perspective for future research directions. Overall, this review aims to offer insights into the sustainable use of CO 2 through chemical looping, emphasizing the potential of solid reaction mediums across different carriers and the challenges associated with these solid reaction mediums.

Iftikhar, Sherafghan↗
DOE OSTI2019

Clinical Utility of [{sup 18}F]FDG-PET /CT in Pericardial Disease

Identification of the etiology of pericardial disease is challenging because the accessibility to pericardial fluid and tissue is limited and there is a relatively low yield of fluid and tissue analysis. Pericardial disease is associated with various systemic diseases and is frequently a first manifestation of other systemic diseases. Detecting the cause of pericarditis and minimizing the subsequent inflammatory process can possibly prevent long-term complications. Purpose of Review: To review the clinical utility of [{sup 18}F]-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([{sup 18}F]FDG-PET/CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of pericardial disease. Recent Findings: [{sup 18}F]FDG-PET/CT can visualize the hypermetabolic tissues of both malignancy and inflammation. Distribution of [{sup 18}F]FDG-PET/CT uptake can provide information for neoplastic disease. If malignancy is ruled out, high uptake of pericardium is associated with active inflammation of the pericardium, and thus response to anti-inflammatory agents can also be predicted with [{sup 18}F]FDG-PET/CT imaging. Summary: [{sup 18}F]FDG-PET/CT can be helpful for diagnosing and establishing prognosis and for planning for anti-inflammatory treatment in pericardial disease.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2019

The utility of {sup 82}Rb PET for myocardial viability assessment: Comparison with perfusion-metabolism {sup 82}Rb-{sup 18}F-FDG PET

Background: {sup 82}Rb kinetics may distinguish scar from viable but dysfunctional (hibernating) myocardium. We sought to define the relationship between {sup 82}Rb kinetics and myocardial viability compared with conventional {sup 82}Rb and {sup 18}F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) perfusion-metabolism PET imaging. Methods: Consecutive patients (N = 120) referred for evaluation of myocardial viability prior to revascularization and normal volunteers (N = 37) were reviewed. Dynamic {sup 82}Rb 3D PET data were acquired at rest. {sup 18}F-FDG 3D PET data were acquired after metabolic preparation using a standardized hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. {sup 82}Rb kinetic parameters K{sub 1}, k{sub 2}, and partition coefficient (KP) were estimated by compartmental modeling Results: Segmental {sup 82}Rb k{sub 2} and KP differed significantly between scarred and hibernating segments identified by Rb-FDG perfusion-metabolism (k{sub 2}, 0.42 ± 0.25 vs. 0.22 ± 0.09 min{sup −1}; P < .0001; KP, 1.33 ± 0.62 vs. 2.25 ± 0.98 ml/g; P < .0001). As compared to Rb-FDG analysis, segmental Rb KP had a c-index, sensitivity and specificity of 0.809, 76% and 84%, respectively, for distinguishing hibernating and scarred segments. Segmental k{sub 2} performed similarly, but with lower specificity (75%, P < .001) Conclusions: In this pilot study, {sup 82}Rb kinetic parameters k{sub 2} and KP, which are readily estimated using a compartmental model commonly used for myocardial blood flow, reliably differentiated hibernating myocardium and scar. Further study is necessary to evaluate their clinical utility for predicting benefit after revascularization. [French] French Abstract: Contexte: La cinétique du {sup 82}Rb pourrait être utilisée pour distinguer la fibrose myocardique des zones viables mais dysfonctionnelles (en hibernation). Dans cette étude, nous avons cherché à définir la relation entre la cinétique du {sup 82}Rb et la viabilité myocardique en comparant les images de perfusion et métabolisme myocardique utilisant le {sup 82}Rb et le {sup 18}F-fluorodésoxyglucose (FDG) Méthodes: les données obtenues chez 120 patients consécutifs (N = 120) référés pour évaluation de la viabilité du myocarde avant revascularisation et 37 volontaires considérés normaux (N = 37) ont été étudieés. Les données TEP 3D dynamiques {sup 82}Rb ont été acquises au repos. Les données TEP 3D au {sup 18}F-FDG ont été acquises après préparation métabolique utilisant une pince hyperinsulémique-euglycémique normalisée. Les paramètres k1, k2 et le coefficient de partage (KP) de la cinétique du {sup 82}R bont été évalues par modélisation compartimentale. Résultats: les paramètres k2 et KP de distribution du {sup 82}Rb se sont révélés significativement différent entre les zones tissulaires cicatricielles fibreuses et celles en hibernation identifiées par étude métabolique au FDG (k2, 0,42 ± 0,25 vs. 0,22 ± 0,09 min{sup −1}; P < 0,0001; KP, 1,33 ± 0,62 vs. 2,25 ± 0,98 ml/g; P < 0,0001). Par rapport aux données FDG, le paramètre KP du rubidium a révélé un indice de concordance de 0,809 et une sensibilité et spécificité de 76% et 84%, pour la distinction des segments en hibernation et cicatrisés. Les résultats du paramètre k2 se sont révélés similaires, mais avec une spécificité plus faible calculée à 75% (P < 0,001). Conclusions: Dans cette étude pilote, les paramètres cinétiques k2 et KP de perfusion myocardique au {sup 82}Rb, qui sont facilement estimés à l’aide d’un modèle compartimental couramment utilisé pour flux sanguin myocardique, ont permis de différencier de manière fiable le myocarde cicatricielle des zones myocardiques hibernantes. Une étude plus approfondie est souhaitable pour valider leur utilité clinique en revacularisation. [Spanish] Spanish Abstract: Antecedentes: La cinética con {sup 82}Rb puede distinguir las cicatrices miocárdicas del tejido viable pero disfuncional (hibernante). Buscamos definir la relación entre la cinética del {sup 82}Rb y la viabilidad miocárdica comparada con las imágenes convencionales de PET con {sup 82}Rb y {sup 18}F-flurodeoxyglucosa (FDG). Métodos: se evaluaron a Pacientes Consecutivos (N = 120) referidos para evaluación de viabilidad miocárdica previos a revascularización y voluntarios normales (N = 37). Los datos de PET 3D dinámico con {sup 82}Rb fueron adquiridos en reposo. Los datos de {sup 18}F-FDG 3D PET fueron adquiridos posterior a la preparación metabólica usando un clamp hiperinsulínico-euglucémico. Los patrones cinéticos K1, k2 y el coeficiente de partición (KP) fueron estimados por el modelo compartimental. Resultados: el k2 y KP del {sup 82}Rb permitueron distinguier el tejido cicatricial de los segmentos hibernados identificados por la vía perfusión metabolismo de Rb-FDG (k{sub 2}, 0.42 ± 0.25 vs. 0.22 ± 0.09 min-1; P < .0001; KP, 1.33 ± 0.62 vs. 2.25 ± 0.98 ml/g; P < .0001). En comparación con el análisis de Rb-FDG, el KP segmentario del Rb tuvo un índice-c, sensbilidad y especificidad de 0.809 76 y 84%, respectivamente, para distinguir segmentos hibernantes y cicatriciales. k2 Segmentario tuvo un desempeño similar pero con una menor especificidad (75%, P < .001). Conclusiones: En este estudio piloto, los parámetros cinéticos k2 y KP del {sup 82}Rb, los cuales son estimados usando un modelo compartimental usado comúnmente para flujo sanguíneo miocárdico, diferenciaron el miocardio hibernante del cicatricial. Se necesita estudiar más a fondo para evaluar la utilidad clínica para la predicción del beneficio posterior a la revascularización [Chinese] Chinese Abstract: 背景: 铷-82({sup 82}Rb)药代动力学可能区分梗死与功能受损但存活的心肌(冬眠心肌)。我们将探讨{sup 82}Rb药代动力学与存活心肌的关系,并与常规的{sup 82}Rb和{sup 18}F-氟脱氧葡萄糖(FDG)灌注-代谢PET显像进行比较。 方法: 连续纳入120名血运重建前评估存活心肌的患者和37名正常志愿者。获得静息{sup 82}Rb 3D-PET动态采集数据;采用标准化的高胰岛素 - 正葡萄糖钳夹试验得到{sup 18}F-FDG 3D PET代谢显像数据; 通过房室模型计算{sup 82}Rb动力学参数k{sub 1},k{sub 2}和分配系数(KP)。 结果: 以Rb-FDG灌注代谢显像鉴定疤痕心肌组和冬眠心肌组,两组的{sup 82}Rb节段性 k{sub 2}值和KP值有明显差异(k{sub 2}, 0.42 ± 0.25 vs 0.22 ± 0.09 min{sup −1}; P < .0001; KP, 1.33 ± 0.62 vs 2.25 ± 0.98 ml/g; P < .0001)。以Rb-FDG灌注代谢显像为诊断标准,{sup 82}Rb节段性 KP对疤痕和冬眠心肌鉴别效能的c指数,敏感性和特异性分别是0.809, 76%和84%。节段性k{sub 2}的鉴别效能与KP相似,但特异性较低(75%,P < .001)。 结论: 在本试验性研究中,通过常规用于{sup 82}Rb心肌血流量测定的房室模型计算出的{sup 82}Rb动力学参数k{sub 2}和KP,可以有效的区分冬眠心肌和瘢痕心肌。 但需要进一步的研究来评估其对预测血运重建是否获益的临床价值。.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Utilization of Hemp Processing Waste for 3D Printing of Biocomposites

Unlike stem biomass, the residues after the extraction of cannabidiol (CBD) oil from hemp flower are challenging to utilize because of their high extractive content (~ 40%, mainly lipids) and are typically considered waste and landfilled. This study presented a novel approach to effectively valorize this underutilized hemp processing waste via chemical processing for three-dimensional (3D) printing applications. Hemp processing waste was processed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to control extractives for solving nozzle clogging and then applied as a biofiller in polylactic acid (PLA) composites to improve the mechanical strength. The novelty of this work lies in demonstrating that controlled extractive removal via NaOH treatment not only improves processability but also enhances mechanical performance in 3D-printed biocomposites. We systematically investigated the effect of the processed biofiller content (2.5–10 wt%) on the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites. The decrease in the content of extractives reduced the non-structural components and improved the surface compatibility of the hemp waste with the PLA matrix, thereby enhancing the polymer-biofiller interactions. The best performance was achieved at 2.5 wt% loading, where Young’s modulus increased from 2.3 GPa to 2.6 GPa and tensile strength from 42.7 MPa to 48.8 MPa. Interestingly, the complete removal of extractives also reduced the mechanical strength of their biocomposites, indicating the interfacial adhesion effects of extractives. Furthermore, this study provides new insights into balancing extractive content for optimal mechanical properties, offering a sustainable solution for waste valorization in additive manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2016

Utilizing a Robotic Sprayer for High Lateral and Mass Resolution MALDI FT-ICR MSI of Microbial Cultures

The ability to visualize biochemical interactions between microbial communities using MALDI MSI has provided tremendous insights into a variety of biological fields. Matrix application using a sieve proved to be incredibly useful, but it had many limitations that include uneven matrix coverage and limitation in the types of matrices one could employ in their studies. Recently, there has been a concerted effort to improve matrix application for studying agar plated microbial cultures, many of which utilized automated matrix sprayers. Here, we describe the usefulness of using a robotic sprayer for matrix application. The robotic sprayer has two-dimensional control over where matrix is applied and a heated capillary that allows for rapid drying of the applied matrix. This method provided a significant increase in MALDI sensitivity over the sieve method, as demonstrated by FT-ICR MS analysis, facilitating the ability to gain higher lateral resolution MS images of Bacillus Subtilis than previously reported. This method also allowed for the use of different matrices to be applied to the culture surfaces.

Anderton, Christopher R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

A systematic analysis of phase stability in refractory high entropy alloys utilizing linear and non-linear cluster expansion models

We report that obtaining surrogate models for various types of materials has long been a goal of computational material scientists and physicists, as they allow the calculation of thermodynamic quantities and properties of interest far more efficiently than DFT. Many surrogate models, including interatomic potentials generated by machine learning algorthims and cluster expansions, rely on incorporating many-body interactions such as three-body or four-body interactions. When utilizing machine learning algorithms for interatomic potentials, it is common to start with two-body interactions and systematically include three- and four-body clusters to improve the fit, stopping when including the additional clusters does not measurably change the predictive power of the model. In cluster expansions for FCC and related lattices, it is often enough to include mostly two-body interactions and a handful of three-body interactions. However, it remains to be seen whether those will be enough in the case of lattices with a lower packing fraction, such as BCC.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Development of a kinetic model to describe six types of symbiotic interactions in a formate utilizing microalgae-bacteria cultivation system

This study investigated an algae/formate-utilizing-bacteria system that has been developed for carbon capture. This photomixotrophic consortium consumed formate to support bacterial growth so that the resulting respiration CO 2 could be simultaneously used by algae to avoid CO 2 gas-lipid mass transfer limitation. To understand biomass growth and population interactions in this unique system, a kinetic model has been developed to describe algae and bacteria multiplication, formate and nitrogen utilizations, CO 2 mass transfer, O 2 generation and consumption, lighting condition and shading effect. The simulation indicated that this ecosystem could form six types of interactions (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, neutralism, amensalism, and competition) depending on the light intensity and nutrient availability. Furthermore, the simulation of both batch culture and chemostat, along with parameter sensitivity tests and experimental observations, offered insights into optimal applications of algae-bacteria consortium based photobiorefinery.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Heterologous expression of phosphite dehydrogenase in the chloroplast or nucleus enables phosphite utilization and genetic selection in Picochlorum spp.

Microalgae present a path to ameliorate problems associated with climate change via capture and reduction of CO2 to sustainable fuels and chemicals. Picochlorum is a genus of algae recently recognized for potential application in these regards due to its high productivity, thermotolerance, and halotolerance. Foundational genetic tools have recently been established in this genus. However, at present, genetic markers are limited, hindering genetic throughput and trait stacking approaches. To expand the suite of genetic tools and markers available for this genus, we sought to heterologously express the phosphite dehydrogenase (ptxD) gene from Pseudomonas stutzeri WM88 in both the nucleus and chloroplast of Picochlorum renovo and Picochlorum celeri. Additionally, the resultant strains allow for utilization of phosphite as a sole phosphorous source and as a nuclear and plastidial selection marker for genetic engineering. Growth analysis indicated comparable growth and composition when transgenic algae were grown in media containing phosphite as a sole phosphorus source, as compared to the conventionally used phosphate. Combined, these results expand the genetic toolbox available to the Picochlorum genus and present a potential crop protection and biocontainment strategy.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ionomer-free nanoporous iridium nanosheet electrodes with boosted performance and catalyst utilization for high-efficiency water electrolyzers

Increasing the catalyst utilization efficiency and simplifying electrode fabrication processes are crucial to accelerate development of low-cost proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). Here, we develop a facile route to fabricate ionomer-free iridium nanosheet integrated electrodes, in which nanoporous iridium nanosheets (IrNS) with abundant exposed edges and nanopores are deposited on thin titanium liquid/gas diffusion layers (TT-LGDLs) via a low-temperature chemical synthesis strategy. Further, benefiting from high catalytic activity, good electrode conductivity and excellent liquid/gas transport properties, such nanoporous IrNS electrodes with low catalyst loadings require low cell voltages of 1.65 V and 1.78 V at 3000 and 6000 mA/cm 2 , respectively. More impressively, a stable performance can be well maintained under extremely high current density tests of 5000 mA/cm 2 , demonstrating the potential of low-loading nanoporous IrNS electrodes in solid-electrolyte based electrochemical conversion cells that require high current density operation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Experimental evaluation of a prototype hybrid CPV/T system utilizing a nanoparticle fluid absorber at elevated temperatures

Novel approaches for solar energy conversion continue to garner interest as a potential thermal and electrical energy source. Additionally, the need for systems capable of producing thermal energy at temperatures up to 300 °C is growing as a means to provide process heat to industry and distributed generation for small communities. An approach that has seen recent increased interest is the hybrid concentrating photovoltaic/thermal collector that can co-produce electricity and heat energy above 100 °C. A technique for this is to use nanoparticles in the heat transfer fluid to spectrally filter off wavelengths poorly utilized by the photovoltaic component. Here, we have demonstrated the first on-sun operation of a nanoparticle based hybrid CPV/T solar collector at temperatures exceeding 100 °C using a combination of gold and indium tin oxide nanoparticles in Duratherm S flowing in the receiver, with an aperture area a full order of magnitude larger than other tests. At 14× concentration the system achieved a photovoltaic efficiency of 4% while achieving a peak thermal efficiency of 61% with an outlet temperature of the fluid of 110 °C.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Decarbonizing the grid: Utilizing demand-side flexibility for carbon emission reduction through locational marginal emissions in distribution networks

Decarbonization of the electric grid has become an important world-wide priority and is actively happening in many ways by introducing innovations and new technologies from the generation sectors to the demand sectors. In particular, one promising pathway toward such net-zero carbon emissions is to utilize the demand-side flexibility with the increasing number of flexible loads in distribution networks. In this paper, we explore a load shifting strategy with the emerging concept of location marginal emissions (LMEs) to reduce carbon emissions. LMEs measure the impact of carbon emissions including the locational aspect in more granular way and thus provide a novel mechanism for the system operator and load aggregators to design the LME-based load shifting strategy, which can efficiently guide consumers and thus adjust their consumption behaviors. Simulation case studies on the IEEE test networks are performed to validate the capability of the proposed load shifting method to reduce carbon emissions. We also compare this with other relevant strategies to discuss multiple scenarios and corresponding results. Finally, while each provides a different level of flexibility, all the explored strategies tested have led to solutions that have lower carbon emissions, indicating the great potential of demand-side flexibility in reducing carbon emissions for future distribution networks.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multi-scale and multi-physics analysis, design optimization, and experimental validation of heat exchangers utilizing high performance, non-round tubes

Air-to-refrigerant heat exchangers (HXs) are fundamental components in HVAC&R systems, and considerable research has been dedicated designing continually smaller, lighter, and more efficient HX designs. In recent years, researchers have leveraged advancements in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and optimization algorithms to consider primary tube shape and topology optimization to design highly compact, high performance HXs for a multitude of applications. In this research, we present a computationally efficient, comprehensive, multi-scale, and multi-physics analysis and optimization method for air-to-refrigerant HXs featuring automated CFD and FEA simulations and approximation-assisted optimization. This methodology was utilized to design HXs with shape-optimized, non-round tubes which outperform current state-of-the-art tube-fin HXs without compromising structural integrity. The optimal HXs were shown to deliver similar thermal performance to the baseline HXs while also achieving more than 20% reductions in airside pressure drop and core envelope volume and more than 30% reduction in internal volume. Comprehensive experimental validation of the optimization methodology was conducted through the testing of two prototypes in a standardized wind tunnel facility under multiple operating conditions. For prototype #1 under dry evaporator conditions, the predicted heat load agreed within ± 10% of measured values and the predicted airside pressure drop agreed within ± 30%, while for dehumidifying conditions, the predicted sensible and latent heat loads agreed within ± 10% and ± 20% of the measured values, respectively. For prototype #2, the predicted condenser heat load agreed within ± 3.0% of measured values, and the predicted airside pressure drop agreed within ± 27%. The acceptable agreement between simulation and experimental results for the present application highlights the flexibility of the novel optimization methodology to design next generation HXs with improved performance and reduced volume, weight, and environmental impact.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Specificity and utility of SubB2M, a new N-glycolylneuraminic acid lectin

Highlights: • SubB2M showed improved specificity and recognition for Neu5Gc containing glycans in a Neu5Ac/Neu5Gc glycan array and by surface plasmon resonance. • Far-western blot analysis showed that SubB2M preferentially binds to serum glycoproteins from bovine over human. • SubB2M detected Neu5Gc-glycoproteins spiked into normal human serum with greater sensitivity than SubB and anti-Neu5Gc IgY. • SubB2M will be a useful tool for the testing of serum and other bodily fluids for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The B subunit of the subtilase cytotoxin (SubB) recognises N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) containing glycans, the most prominent form of aberrant glycosylation in human cancers. We have previously engineered SubB by construction of a SubB{sub ΔS106/ΔT107} mutant (SubB2M) for greater specificity and enhanced recognition of Neu5Gc containing glycans. In this study, we further explore the utility of SubB2M as a Neu5Gc lectin by showing its improved specificity and recognition for Neu5Gc containing glycans over the wild-type SubB protein and an anti-Neu5Gc IgY antibody in a N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac)/Neu5Gc glycan array and by surface plasmon resonance. Far-western blot analysis showed that SubB2M preferentially binds to bovine serum glycoproteins over human serum glycoproteins. SubB2M was also able to detect Neu5Gc containing bovine glycoproteins spiked into normal human serum with greater sensitivity than the wild-type SubB and the anti-Neu5Gc IgY antibody. These results suggest that SubB2M will be a useful tool for the testing of serum and other bodily fluids for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Efficient mRNA delivery system utilizing chimeric VSVG-L7Ae virus-like particles

Highlights: • Generation of chimeric virus-like particles by fusion of VSV-G and L7Ae proteins. • VSVG-L7Ae VLPs efficiently incorporate and deliver mRNA into various human cell lines. • Inclusion of mRNA is mediated by RNA binding domain of L7Ae. The delivery of mRNA is advantageous over DNA delivery as it is transient and does not carry the risk of genomic DNA integration. However, there are currently few efficient mRNA delivery options available, especially for hard-to-transfect cell types, and thus new delivery methods are needed. To this end, we have established a novel mRNA delivery system utilizing chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs). We generated a novel VLP by fusing protein G of Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G) with a ribosomal protein L7Ae of Archeoglobus fulgidus. This system allowed the efficient delivery of EGFP mRNA which was independent from the presence of BoxC/D motif in the mRNA sequence. Our VSVG-L7Ae VLP system demonstrated high transduction efficacy in hard-to-transfect cell lines, such as human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and monocytes. In summary, this platform may serve as an efficient and transient transgene delivery tool for an mRNA of interest.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Thermodynamic modeling of hydrated white Portland cement–metakaolin–limestone blends utilizing hydration kinetics from {sup 29}Si MAS NMR spectroscopy

Hydration kinetics for the principal phases of Portland cement blends have been incorporated in thermodynamic modeling (GEMS package), utilizing degrees of hydration from {sup 29}Si MAS NMR. An empirical relationship for the reaction of these phases is established which includes three variable parameters that all can be estimated from the degrees of hydration. This approach is compared with thermodynamic equilibrium modeling (full hydration) for white Portland cement–metakaolin (0–30 wt.%) blends and for ternary blends of white Portland cement (65 wt.%)–metakaolin–limestone. The predicted phase assemblages have been compared with the phases identified by XRD, {sup 27}Al and {sup 29}Si MAS NMR which reveals that the incorporation of hydration kinetics improves the agreement between modeling and experiments. The results show also that the formation of strätlingite depends critically on the quantity of charge-balancing anions in the AFm phases, especially carbonate and sulfate anions, and on the degree of hydration for metakaolin.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Separation of gold from irradiated actinide material utilizing a 2- thenoyltrifluoroacetone extraction resin

Post-detonation nuclear forensics capabilities depend on the ability to rapidly isolate radionuclides to improve measurement quality. In this work an extraction chromatography resin was developed utilizing the extractants thenoyltrifluoroacetone and 1-octanol supported on Eichrom prefilter resin. Here the resin was tested in nitric and hydrochloric acid matrices. In nitric acid matrices the resin is able to extract zirconium, while in hydrochloric acid matrices it is possible to extract iron and gallium. In all acid conditions tested gold is retained but can be removed from the column with a 10% thiourea rinse.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2017

Ionic liquids: Promising green solvents for lignocellulosic biomass utilization

Ionic liquids are effective solvents/media for the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. The unique properties of ionic liquids enable them to effectively dissolve and/or convert the biomass into various types of products. This review aims to cover the latest progress achieved in applications of ionic liquids on biomass conversion and analysis. Specifically, several recently developed approaches on how to overcome current challenges on the use of ionic liquids in the biomass conversion were highlighted. Here, recent studies addressing the potential applications of ionic liquids for the production of novel biomass-derived chemicals and materials were also discussed.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthetic methylotrophy: engineering the production of biofuels and chemicals based on the biology of aerobic methanol utilization

Synthetic methylotrophy is the development of non-native methylotrophs that can utilize methane and methanol as sole carbon and energy sources or as co-substrates with carbohydrates to produce metabolites as biofuels and chemicals. Here, the availability of methane (from natural gas) and its oxidation product, methanol, has been increasing, while prices have been decreasing, thus rendering them as attractive fermentation substrates. As they are more reduced than most carbohydrates, methane and methanol, as co-substrates, can enhance the yields of biologically produced metabolites. Here we discuss synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies based on the native biology of aerobic methylotrophs for developing synthetic strains grown on methanol, with Escherichia coli as the prototype.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗