SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “polymer additive”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 1,297 records · Page 72

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2025

Structure-dependent mechanisms for plastic degradation in the marine environment

The visible and invisible accumulation of waste plastic in our oceans is a consequence of rapidly increasing inputs and very slow degradation rates. In general, this combination of effects results in long residence times. Nevertheless, the abiological degradation rate of a specific synthetic plastic varies widely, depending on its structural characteristics at the molecular, mesoscopic, and macroscopic levels. This chapter summarizes factors that determine these rates of degradation, and describes their principal mechanisms, for several of the major types of waste plastic found in the oceans. Mechanical forces cause cracking and flaking that break macroplastics into microplastics and even smaller fragments with increasing surface-to-volume ratios. Chemical degradation rates increase with surface area, influenced by intrinsic variations in crystallinity and the presence of additives, as well as extrinsic factors such as temperature, pH, and UV light intensity. Since polyolefin-based plastics are less dense than seawater and lack hydrolysable bonds in their polymer backbones, they accumulate close to the surface of the ocean where photo-oxidation is the principal cause of C–C bond cleavage in the polymer backbone. In contrast, polyesters and polyamides are denser than seawater and they sink, experiencing less exposure to solar irradiation. However, they can also degrade by slow hydrolysis of the C–O or C–N bonds intrinsic to the polymer structures.

Maciulis, Nicholas A.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Hydrolysis-Induced Morphology Evolution of Linear and Bottlebrush Block Copolymers in Thin Films with Acid Vapor or Photoacid Generators

The self-assembly of high-χ low-N block copolymers (BCPs) can give patterns with sub-10 nm full pitch, serving as a promising alternative to photolithographic methods. Here, in this work, we synthesized poly(solketal methacrylate)-block-polystyrene copolymers, PSM-b-PS, with various volume ratios of the two blocks. After hydrolysis of the PSM block into poly(glycerol monomethacrylate), PGM, the BCPs had both lamellar and cylindrical microdomain morphologies in the bulk phase and in thin films. In addition to our previously developed solid-state hydrolysis strategy involving trifluoroacetic acid vapor, we developed a new photoinduced solid-state hydrolysis using photoacid generators, PAGs, embedded within the polymer films. After exposure to UV followed by a postexposure baking or solvent vapor annealing, the BCPs transitioned from the disordered, phase-mixed state into laterally ordered cylindrical patterns. In comparison to linear BCPs that rely on a random copolymer layer to modify interfacial interactions with the substrate to promote an orientation of the microdomains normal to the interface, we found that the microdomains in bottlebrush multiblock copolymers oriented normal to the interface absent substrate modification due to the chain architecture.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1988

The development of two new KC-135 furnaces for studies on microgravity materials processing

Wyle Laboratories is currently designing and fabricating two KC-135 materials processing furnaces for Marshall Space Flight Center. The first of these, called the Rapid Melt/Rapid Quench (RM/RQ) Furnace, will be used to melt and resolidify Cu-, Al-, and Ni-based alloys and composites, all during the 20 to 30 seconds of low gravity (0.1 to 0.001 g) available in a single parabola of the KC-135. In addition, it will be capable of directional solidification of these alloys. The furnace can be configured for either liquid or gas quenching of the samples. The second furnace, called the Polymer Solidification Transparent (PST) Furnace, will use a wide range of sample translation rates to directionally solidify polymers and low-melting-point metals as the KC-135 flies a series of parabolic maneuvers. The use of transparent crucibles and an optics system between the hot and cold zones of the furnace will allow for high-resolution video monitoring of the solid-liquid interface during processing. It is hoped that the development of these two furnaces will lead to significant increases in understanding of interface kinetics, fluid flow, and heat transfer in materials during solidification in a low-gravity environment.

Fiske, Michael↗

NASA NTRS2002

Inter and Intra Molecular Phase Separation Environment Effects on PI-PEO Block Copolymers for Batteries and Fuel Cells

Rod-coil molecules have been introduced as a novel type of block copolymers with unique microstructure due to their ability to self-assemble to various ordered morphologies on a nanometer length scale. These molecules, comprised two homo polymers joined together at one end, microphase separate into ordered, periodic arrays of spheres, cylinders in the bulk state and or solution. To get ordered structure in a reasonable scale, additional force field are applied, such as mechanical shearing, electric field and magnetic field. Recently, progress has made it a possible to develop a new class of polyimides (PI)-Polyethylene oxide (PEO) that are soluble in polar organic solvents. The solvent-soluble PI-PEO has a wide variety of applications in microelectronics, since these PI-PEO films exhibit a high degree of thermal and chemical stability. In this paper, we report the self-assembled ordered structure of PI-PEO molecules formed from concentrate solution.

Xue, Chen-Chen↗

NASA NTRS1994

Production of RNA by a polymerase protein encapsulated within phospholipid vesicles

Catalyzed polymerization reactions represent a primary anabolic activity of all cells. It can be assumed that early cells carried out such reactions, in which macromolecular catalysts were encapsulated within some type of boundary membrane. In the experiments described here, we show that a template-independent RNA polymerase (polynucleotide phosphorylase) can be encapsulated in dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine vesicles without substrate. When the substrate adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was provided externally, long-chain RNA polymers were synthesized within the vesicles. Substrate flux was maximized by maintaining the vesicles at the phase transition temperature of the component lipid. A protease was introduced externally as an additional control. Free enzyme was inactivated under identical conditions. RNA products were visualized in situ by ethidium bromide fluorescence. The products were harvested from the liposomes, radiolabeled, and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Encapsulated catalysts represent a model for primitive cellular systems in which an RNA polymerase was entrapped within a protected microenvironment.

Non-NASA Center↗

DOE OSTI2022

3D-printed electrode, gas diffusion electrode (GDE) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) for fuel cell applications

An electrocatalytically active ink composition is used with an additive manufacturing process, such as 3D printing, to produce electrodes having consistent, adaptable, and high surface area structures. The electrocatalytically active ink composition includes a mixed powdered precursor and a polymer matrix. The mixed powdered precursor includes a carbon source, a dopant source, and/or a metal-containing catalyst. The material and electrochemical properties of the ink composition may facilitate 3D printing of electrochemically active electrodes for energy conversion and storage devices, and may allow fine-tuning of macro- and microstructures to develop electrodes having improved activity and efficiency.

Lee, Kwan-Soo↗

DOE OSTI2020

Functional Photoresists for Energy Applications. Final Report

Monolithic ultralow-density porous bulk materials have recently attracted much interest due to many emerging applications in the areas of catalysis, energy storage and conversion, and thermal insulation. They are also important components of high energy density (HED) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets. However, despite tremendous progress that has been made in the synthesis of porous materials, deterministic and independent control over microscopic architecture, density and composition remain key issues, and their integration in high precision devices requires cost and time-intensive mechanical machining that not only reduces reproducibility by generating debris but also limits the complexity of the 3D shapes that can be realized. In this project, we overcame these limitations by developing a universal templating capability that provides deterministic and independent control over density, composition, architecture, and macroscopic sample shape. This was achieved by developing the technology to 1) 3D print ultrahigh resolution, ultra-high precision polymeric micro-lattice templates, 2) coat these templates with the desired materials, and 3) removing the template (Fig. 1a). Atomic layer deposition (ALD) provides the atomic scale coating thickness accuracy required for precisely controlling density. While this templating approach had been demonstrated in prior work, limitations in suitable photoresists, 3D print technologies, print design, and template removal techniques did not allow the fabrication of millimeter-sized high-precision parts with sub-micron resolution. To enable this technology, we developed 1) two-photon polymerization (TPP) print designs that enable the fabrication of millimeter-sized, mechanically robust polymeric templates with sub-micron resolution and 2) a continuum level TPP printing simulation capability for additional print design guidance; 3) atomistic models to study photoresist polymerization kinetics and network topography, 4) refractive index matched polymeric and preceramic TPP photoresists, and 5) functional TPP photoresists including porous voxel structures and self-immolative polymer photoresist chemistries; and 6) damage free template removal techniques that enable the fabrication of defect-free high-precision low-density foam components. We also developed a templating approach for pure carbon microlattices with a unique tube-in-tube ligament morphology. As a test platform, we pursued the fabrication of foam liners that promise to further increase the neutron yield in indirect drive ICF experiments by improving implosion symmetry control and coupling between the laser and the deuterium-tritium fuel. This application requires fabrication and integration of a ultra-high precision, millimeter-sized, thin-walled (200-400 micrometer thick), low-density (10-30 mg/cc), high atomic number (high Z) cylindrical foam tube into the gold hohlraum of an indirect drive ICF target (Fig. 1b). While our hohlraum liner test case will mainly find application in HED and ICF experiments, the underlying science will also directly apply to previously developed nanoparticle and additive manufacturing technologies and will advance those techniques as well.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Hindered segmental dynamics in associative protein hydrogels studied by neutron spin-echo spectroscopy

Transient binding between associating macromolecules can cause qualitative changes to chain dynamics, including modes of conformational relaxation and diffusion, through tethering effects imparted by long-range connectivity. Here, in this work, the role of binding on short-time segmental dynamics in associative polymer gels is investigated by neutron spin-echo (NSE) measurements on a class of model artificial coiled-coil proteins with a systematically varied architecture, probing timescales of 0.1–130 ns, and length scales close to the molecular radius of gyration. The results illustrate effects of transient cross-linking on chain dynamics on different timescales, manifested in changes in segmental relaxation behavior with variations in strand length, chain concentration, and sticker distribution (endblock- vs midblock-functionalized). In all gels, a short-time cooperative diffusion mode is seen over all wave vectors, analogous to a semidilute solution, with no transitions seen at any known structural length scale. However, the diffusion coefficients are found to decrease with increasing junction density across all gels, with the strand length and number of stickers per chain in each gel appearing to play a relatively minor role. The slowing of cooperative diffusion with junction density contrasts with classical predictions of a greater restoring force for fluctuation dissipation due to the increased elasticity, suggesting additional effects of the coiled-coil junctions such as an enhancement in local viscosity that slows dynamics. Notably, the relaxation rates for all gels can be rescaled by the interjunction spacing inferred from small-angle neutron scattering, where they collapse onto a master curve suggestive of self-similar dynamics even in networks with different strand lengths and chain architectures. On long timescales (but shorter than the junction exchange time), a slowing of network relaxation is observed, resulting in a nondecaying plateau in the spin-echo amplitude attributed to a freezing of chain dynamics due to tethering. A characteristic length scale corresponding to the extent of dynamic fluctuations is estimated for each gel, which appears to be smaller than the interjunction spacing but similar to the correlation blob size of the overlapping strands. The results indicate an important role of transient binding on molecular-scale dynamics in associative polymer gels, even on timescales shorter than the junction exchange time, in addition to its effects on long-range self-diffusion previously observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1981

Hybridized polymer matrix composite

Under certain conditions of combined fire and impact, graphite fibers are released to the atmosphere by graphite fiber composites. The retention of graphite fibers in these situations is investigated. Hybrid combinations of graphite tape and cloth, glass cloth, and resin additives are studied with resin systems. Polyimide resins form the most resistant composites and resins based on simple novolac epoxies the least resistant of those tested. Great improvement in the containment of the fibers is obtained in using graphite/glass hybrids, and nearly complete prevention of individual fiber release is made possible by the use of resin additives.

Stern, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Chemical Sensors Based on Optical Ring Resonators

Chemical sensors based on optical ring resonators are undergoing development. A ring resonator according to this concept is a closed-circuit dielectric optical waveguide. The outermost layer of this waveguide, analogous to the optical cladding layer on an optical fiber, is a made of a polymer that (1) has an index of refraction lower than that of the waveguide core and (2) absorbs chemicals from the surrounding air. The index of refraction of the polymer changes with the concentration of absorbed chemical( s). The resonator is designed to operate with relatively strong evanescent-wave coupling between the outer polymer layer and the electromagnetic field propagating along the waveguide core. By virtue of this coupling, the chemically induced change in index of refraction of the polymer causes a measurable shift in the resonance peaks of the ring. In a prototype that has been used to demonstrate the feasibility of this sensor concept, the ring resonator is a dielectric optical waveguide laid out along a closed path resembling a racetrack (see Figure 1). The prototype was fabricated on a silicon substrate by use of standard techniques of thermal oxidation, chemical vapor deposition, photolithography, etching, and spin coating. The prototype resonator waveguide features an inner cladding of SiO2, a core of SixNy, and a chemical-sensing outer cladding of ethyl cellulose. In addition to the ring Chemical sensors based on optical ring resonators are undergoing development. A ring resonator according to this concept is a closed-circuit dielectric optical waveguide. The outermost layer of this waveguide, analogous to the optical cladding layer on an optical fiber, is a made of a polymer that (1) has an index of refraction lower than that of the waveguide core and (2) absorbs chemicals from the surrounding air. The index of refraction of the polymer changes with the concentration of absorbed chemical( s). The resonator is designed to operate with relatively strong evanescent-wave coupling between the outer polymer layer and the electromagnetic field propagating along the waveguide core. By virtue of this coupling, the chemically induced change in index of refraction of the polymer causes a measurable shift in the resonance peaks of the ring. In a prototype that has been used to demonstrate the feasibility of this sensor concept, the ring resonator is a dielectric optical waveguide laid out along a closed path resembling a racetrack (see Figure 1). The prototype was fabricated on a silicon substrate by use of standard techniques of thermal oxidation, chemical vapor deposition, photolithography, etching, and spin coating. The prototype resonator waveguide features an inner cladding of SiO2, a core of SixNy, and a chemical-sensing outer cladding of ethyl cellulose. In addition to the ring res

Homer, Margie↗

DOE OSTI2023

Polyelectrolyte complex scaffoldings for photocrosslinked hydrogels

Photocrosslinkable precursors (small molecules or polymers) undergo rapid crosslinking upon photoirradiation, forming covalently crosslinked hydrogels. The spatiotemporally controlled crosslinking, which can be achieved in situ, encourages the utility of photocrosslinked hydrogels in biomedicine as bioadhesives, bioprinting inks, and extracellular matrix mimics. However, the low viscosity of the precursor solutions results in unwanted flows and dilution, leading to handling difficulties and compromised strength of the photocrosslinked hydrogels. Here, we introduce oppositely charged triblock polyelectrolytes as additives for precursor solutions that transform them into self-assembled polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogels with enhanced shear strength and viscosity, providing interim protection against precursor dilution and mitigating secondary flows. The PEC network also augments the properties of the photocrosslinked hydrogels. Crosslinking of the precursors upon photoirradiation results in the formation of interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels with PEC and covalently-linked networks that exhibit shear moduli exceeding the linear combination of the moduli of the constituent networks and overcome the tensile strength–extensibility tradeoff that restricts the performance of covalently-linked hydrogels. In conclusion, the reinforcement approach is shown to be compatible with four types of photocrosslinkable precursors, does not require any modification of the precursors, and introduces minimal processing steps, paving the way for a broader translation of photocrosslinkable materials for biomedical applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2020

Impact of Backbone Rigidity on the Thermomechanical Properties of Semiconducting Polymers with Conjugation Break Spacers

There remains a lack of fundamental understanding in theroleofbackbonerigidityonthe thermomechanical properties of conjugated polymers. Here, we provide the first holistic approach to understand the fundamental influence of backbone rigidity on an n-type naphthalene diimide-based conjugated polymer, denoted by PNDI-Cx, through insertion of a flexible conjugation break spacer (CBS). CBS lengths are varied from fully conjugated with zero alkyl spacer (PNDI-C0) to a seven- carbon alkyl spacer (PNDI-C 7 ), with the CBS engineered into each repeat unit for systematic evaluation. Solution small-angle neutron scattering and oscillatory shear rheometry were employed to provide the first quantitative evidence of CBS influence over conjugated polymer chain rigidity and entanglement molecular weight (M e ), demonstrating a reduction in the Kuhn length from 521 to 36 Å for fully conjugated PNDI-C0 and PNDI-C6, respectively, as well as a nearly consistent Me of ~15 kDa upon the addition of CBS. Thermomechanical properties, such as elastic modulus and glass-transition temperature, were shown to decrease with an increasing length of CBS. An extraordinary ductility, upwards of 400% tensile strain before fracture, was observed for high-molecular-weight PNDI-C4, which we attribute to a high number of entanglements and disruption of crystallization. Furthermore, the deformation mechanism for PNDI-Cx was studied under strain through X-ray diffraction, polarized UV-vis spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Overall, this work sheds light on the important role of backbone rigidity in designing flexible and stretchable conjugated polymers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2020

Collaborative Research: Polymer Macrocycles: A novel topology to control dynamics of rubbery materials

Understanding the dynamics of polymers of different topologies is an important field of study and one of the most important unanswered questions in this field is "how do circular polymers move," particularly in the melt state. New information suggests that molecular topology, specifically circular rings, impacts the response of materials in nanometer- scale confinement. The work performed here tackles these subjects through a collaboration in which specialists in polymer synthesis, polymer rheology and scattering methods, and in the physics of nanoconfinement work together to investigate the thermophysical behavior of circular macromolecules. The project goals are to use a novel synthesis method of "green" oxidative polymerization to produce high purity macrocycles and to investigate their linear viscoelastic behavior in order to fully characterize the dynamics of circular macromolecules to sizes that correspond to linear molecule entanglement densities higher than previously obtainable with synthetic polymers. Chemical chain end characterization and critical edge fractionation coupled with direct visualization of the prepared polymers through the use of polymer amplification methods are proposed in order to quantify the numbers of circular and linear molecules in each sample. The study of the linear viscoelastic response of blends of linear and circular molecules is also to be undertaken in the project. Nonlinear viscoelastic measurements, including extensional viscosity, are to be made. Strong differences in behavior between linear chains and circular ones also provides an important opportunity for new technology to break the "magic triangle" for tires: it is believed that improving one of the three key attributes - traction, wear, rolling resistance - necessarily sacrifices at least one of the others. Rubber made from cyclic polymers has the potential to break out of this triangle by reducing the so-called Payne effect in reinforced rubbers because circular macromolecules are less sensitive to nanoconfinement than their linear counterparts. The work has as one objective to characterize the impact of nanoconfinement on the behavior of large circular macromolecules. In addition, the dynamics of carbon black filled circular macromolecules are to be studied to test the hypothesis that the resulting rubbery materials will exhibit a reduced Payne effect.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

NASA NTRS1999

Supercritical Fluid Infusion of Iron Additives in Polymeric Matrices

The objective of this project was the experimentation to measure preparation of iron nanophases within polymeric matrices via supercritical fluid infusion of iron precursors followed by thermal reduction. Another objective was to determine if supercritical CO2 could infuse into the polymer. The experiment is described along with the materials, and the supercritical fluid infusion and cure procedures. X-ray photoelectron spectra and transmission electron micrographs were obtained. The results are summarized in charts, and tables.

Nazem, Negin↗

NASA NTRS2004

Vectran Fiber Time-Dependent Behavior and Additional Static Loading Properties

Vectran HS appears from literature and testing to date to be an ideal upgrade from Kevlar braided cords for many long-term, static-loading applications such as tie-downs on solar arrays. Vectran is a liquid crystalline polymer and exhibits excellent tensile properties. The material has been touted as a zero creep product. Testing discussed in this report does not support this statement, though the creep is on the order of four times slower than with similar Kevlar 49 products. Previous work with Kevlar and new analysis of Vectran testing has led to a simple predictive model for Vectran at ambient conditions. The mean coefficient of thermal expansion (negative in this case) is similar to Kevlar 49, but is not linear. A positive transition in the curve occurs near 100 C. Out-gassing tests show that the material performs well within parameters for most space flight applications. Vectran also offers increased abrasion resistance, minimal moisture regain, and similar UV degradation. The effects of material construction appear to have a dramatic effect in stress relaxation for braided Vectran. To achieve the improved relaxation rate, upgrades must also examine alternate construction or preconditioning methods. This report recommends Vectran HS as a greatly improved replacement material for applications where time-dependent relaxation is a major factor.

Fette, Russell B.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Development of the Intelligent, Preventive Infrared (IR) Inspection System Housed in Hybrid Robotic Platforms

Robots and robotic systems that are designed for inspection, environmental study, and health and safety aid are becoming an increasing necessity. However, there is a number of challenges that accompany robots that are designed for these specific applications. These challenges include: navigating compact, enclosed spaces, travelling over multiple terrains and large obstacles, using the proper sensing and detection methods to assess an environment, and the use of lightweight and durable materials. The robotic platforms currently in development look at all of these challenges and attempt to overcome them. These designs specific use of hybrid robotic platforms, or platform that utilizes soft and rigid materials, allows for a more flexible platform and makes environments more navigable. To further improve the navigation of the platforms and environmental assessment, a novel infrared detection system is housed in the platforms to create a robot that can be used for the applications listed above and more. Objectives: Further develop two types of robotic platforms that utilize additive manufacturing, soft materials, and rigid materials. Continue the development of an intelligent and inhibitory infrared detection system based on an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. Continued study and fabrication of active soft materials designed for both sensing and actuation in hybrid robotic systems. Improve additive manufacturing fabrication to design rigid and semi-rigid components for hybrid robotic platforms. Transformable Wheel Robotic Platform: The chassis, wheels, tires and inspection system housing use different additive manufacturing techniques for fabrication. Continued work with additive manufacturing has lead to studies in metal-based printing and modular design and manufacturing. The new platform design with integrated electrical component printed. This will allow integration of the sensor housing onto the platform. Electrical components are being tested for battery life and performance. To improve this performance, such as integration of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. Snake Robotic Platform: The main focus of the development has centered around liquid-based soft actuators. That act on the principles of electrostatic and hydraulic actuation. A liquid dielectric sits between two compliant electrodes, contained by a flexible polymer shell. The electrodes and film gradually collapse toward each other from one corner of the electrode to the other. When the electrodes and film close together, a majority of the fluid is pushed into the area not covered by an electrode. A thin layer of the liquid dielectric remains between the electrode. The actuators will be stacked to cause large displacement, and move the linkages. The chassis of this platform uses purely additively manufactured linkages. Intelligent, Preventive IR Inspection System: Development of the AI for the system has lead to using a Scikit-Learn which assists in creating predictive models based on Regression, clustering, classification etc. To improve the infrared thermometry for low emissivity sources, work on the fabrication of a tandem photoconductive infrared thermometer was a main focus. Distance-Voltage-Temperature response data has been collected in the range of 7 cm - 100 cm and 200-400 deg. C. Modifications were made to the existing test bench to have a better control over the data. Automated data collection was realized using a Python code and an Arduino controlled stepper motor to increase the sample rate. A protective enclosure has been built around the setup to minimize the effect of the environment on the measurements. To better predict temperature, different AI models are being optimized. The regression model, LARS showed a high accuracy but had convergence issues and only works for the current test set-up. Results: The Transformable Wheel Robot has developed into a more flexible and modular platform. With the improvements to the current work, effort on the tire or soft gripper design been a large focus. The soft grippers will be interchange able to allow for increased performance in identified terrain types. The development of the liquid-based actuators allows the snake robotic platform to achieve the goals of being flexible and able to navigate confined spaces. However, there is room for improvement. Optimization work is currently being done in COMSOL Multiphysics. With the current IR system set-up the LARS model perfectly predicts the data; however, considering the mobility aspect of the project other models will allow for an optimized system. Testing of other model types is currently being done.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2021

A Review on Bioinspired Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell: Design and Materials

With the climate crisis gathering recognition, there has been significant interest in clean energy. As a reliable and clean energy solution, markets transitioning toward sustainable energy have identified polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as a critical technology. The increasing interest in PEMFCs is primarily due to their high energy density, high efficiency and zero greenhouse gas emission. However, additional development is required to overcome the current barriers associated with fuel cell component design, high manufacturing cost, and insufficient stability. Bioinspired designs have the potential to provide new and valuable insights using novel techniques for extracting design inspirations from biological structures. Applying these design concepts to develop materials and structures for various fuel cell components can be transformative. The well–adapted structures and functional features of biological systems have been proven to greatly enhance the performance of current designs through novel and optimized pathways. Bioinspired designs have indeed lived up to performance expectations and even exceed them. Herein, the potential and value of using these bioinspired designs are discussed. Recent studies and advancements based on nature–inspired structures for components of PEMFCs and how these design considerations substantiate their claim as an attractive alternative to conventional designs are discussed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Visualizing and analyzing 3D biomolecular structures using Mol* at RCSB.org: Influenza A H5N1 virus proteome case study

The easiest and often most useful way to work with experimentally determined or computationally predicted structures of biomolecules is by viewing their three-dimensional (3D) shapes using a molecular visualization tool. Mol* was collaboratively developed by RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB, RCSB.org) and Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe, PDBe.org) as an open-source, web-based, 3D visualization software suite for examination and analyses of biostructures. It is capable of displaying atomic coordinates and related experimental data of biomolecular structures together with a variety of annotations, facilitating basic and applied research, training, education, and information dissemination. Across RCSB.org, the RCSB PDB research-focused web portal, Mol* has been implemented to support single-mouse-click atomic-level visualization of biomolecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates) with bound cofactors, small-molecule ligands, ions, water molecules, or other macromolecules. RCSB.org Mol* can seamlessly display 3D structures from various sources, allowing structure interrogation, superimposition, and comparison. Using influenza A H5N1 virus as a topical case study of an important pathogen, we exemplify how Mol* has been embedded within various RCSB.org tools—allowing users to view polymer sequence and structure-based annotations integrated from trusted bioinformatics data resources, assess patterns and trends in groups of structures, and view structures of any size and compositional complexity. In addition to being linked to every experimentally determined biostructure and Computed Structure Model made available at RCSB.org, Standalone Mol* is freely available for visualizing any atomic-level or multi-scale biostructure at rcsb.org/3d-view.

3D biostructure↗