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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 1,423 records · Page 79
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Unlocking enhanced gas capture via core scrambling of porous-organic cages

The demand for low-cost, low-energy, and highly selective gas capture and separations is an ongoing driver of porous material development. Porous liquids have been identified as a promising gas separation material by creating permanent porosity in inorganic solvents through inclusion of nanoporous materials that sterically exclude solvent from their internal porosity. Among the nanoporous materials that can be used to form porous liquids, porous-organic cages (POCs) have been one of the most popular due to the inherent tunability of POCs. “Scrambled” POCs with varying functionalities on the POC vertices have been developed and incorporated into porous liquid compositions, increasing their gas adsorption capacity. An unexplored avenue to tailor the properties of porous liquids is through scrambling the functionality of the core of the POC. Here, therefore, we have synthesized a new POC, a CC3-OH derivative with scrambled hydroxides on the core and evaluated the impact on the CO 2 uptake capacity in silicon oil-based porous liquids. Core scrambling of the POC resulted in a twofold increase CO 2 adsorption capacity in the porous liquid, an emergent property that is a dramatic increase beyond a linear combination of the gas adsorption capacity of the neat solvent and the POC. Density functional theory modeling of the CC3 POC and its hydroxide-based derivatives identified that free rotation of the linker hydroxide allowed for forced interaction between the CO 2 molecule and the hydroxide in the pore window. Solvation of the POC may release scrambled core hydroxides from intramolecular bonding with a neighboring imine, allowing for increased gas uptake in the porous liquid over the neat POC. These results identify a key structural relationship of POCs that enables emergent properties in porous liquids and can guide future development of liquid phase gas capture and separation materials for environmental and industrial applications.

Gas capture↗
DOE OSTI2018

Role of structural hydroxyl groups in enhancing performance of electrochemically-synthesized bilayer V 2 O 5

Nanostructured electrode materials represent a promising path forward to dramatically improving the performance of both Li-ion and beyond Li-ion battery systems; however, difficulties in characterizing the structural and electrochemical changes that take place in nanoscale systems, which are often poorly crystalline or amorphous, make it difficult to develop design rules for synthesizing new materials with optimal performance. Bilayered vanadium oxide-based materials (BL-V 2 O 5 ) are an ideal platform for understanding the underlying physicochemical properties that determine capacity in nanomaterials, with electrochemically-synthesized V 2 O 5 (EC-V 2 O 5 ) exhibiting particularly high capacities. In this work we provide evidence that the source of high practical capacity in EC-V 2 O 5 is the presence of “structural hydroxyl groups” that are an intrinsic feature of the electrochemical synthesis method. Using both in situ and ex situ characterization methods, we demonstrate that structural OH species are highly stable and persist in the structure during reversible cycling. We hypothesize three important roles for structural OH groups: they maintain a sufficient interlayer spacing to allow the physical diffusion of cations over multiple cycles; they maintain a consistent solvating environment in the bilayer regardless of structural H 2 O content; and they reduce the symmetry of vanadium polyhedra to favor electron transfer over pseudocapacitive adsorption, making it possible to access close to theoretical capacity. Furthermore, these insights have broad implications for understanding the performance of a variety of hydrated oxide systems, and indicate that the formation of covalently-bound hydroxyoxide species can lead to further improvements in the performance of nanoscale materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Terminally fluorinated glycol ether electrolyte for lithium metal batteries

Despite being an excellent candidate for lithium metal batteries due to its stability towards lithium metal, ethereal solvent suffers from relatively low anodic stability, rendering it incompatible with high voltage cathode. Although the anodic stability of ethereal solvent can be enhanced by fluorination, the lithium solvating ability of fluorinated ethers is largely reduced. As a result, common hydrofluoroethers, such as 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropylether (TTE) and bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether (BTFE) are not able to dissolve any lithium salt, albeit enhanced oxidation potential. Therefore, new fluorinated glycol ethers were synthesized in this research. The diglyme analog, which was terminally fluorinated, demonstrated high anodic stability and excellent capability to facilitate lithium plating/stripping. Unlike its non-fluorinated counterpart, the fluorinated diglyme analog displayed outstanding compatibility with lithium hexafluorophosphate, which is an essential salt in lithium-ion batteries. Here it was shown that the electrolyte based on fluorinated diglyme analog with fluoroethylene carbonate as co-solvent enabled highly stable cycling of Li-metal batteries pairing with layered oxide cathode.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

The series of carbon-chain complexes {Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ-(C≡C )x } (x = 4–8, 11): Synthesis, structures, properties and some reactions

The construction of a series of compounds {Ru(dppe)Cp*} 2 (μ-C 2x ) (Ru*-C2x-Ru*, x = 4–8, 11)) is described. A direct reaction between RuCl(dppe)Cp* and Me 3 Si(Ctriple bond; length of mdashC) 4 SiMe 3 afforded Ru*-C8-Ru* in 89% yield. The Pd(0)/Cu(I)-catalysed coupling of Ru{Ctriple bond; length of mdashCCtriple bond; length of mdashCAu(PPh 3 )}(dppe)Cp*Ru*-C4-Au (2 equiv.) with diiodoethyne gave Ru*-C10-Ru* (64%), or of 1 equiv. with I(Ctriple bond; length of mdashC) 3 I gave Ru*-C14-Ru* (36%); similarly, Ru{(Ctriple bond; length of mdashC) 4 Au(PPh 3 )}(dppe)Cp*Ru*-C8-Au and I(Ctriple bond; length of mdashC) 3 I gave Ru*-C22-Ru* (12%). Desilylation (TBAF) of Ru{(Ctriple bond; length of mdashC)xSiMe 3 }(dppe)Cp*Ru*-C2x-Si (x = 3, 4) followed by oxidative coupling [Cu(OAc) 2 /py] gave Ru*-C12-Ru* (82%) and Ru*-C16-Ru* (58%), respectively. Similar oxidative coupling of Ru(Ctriple bond; length of mdashCCtriple bond; length of mdashCH)(dppe)Cp* was a second route to Ru*-C8-Ru* (82%). Appropriate precursors are already known, or obtained by coupling of Ru*-C2x-Si (x = 2, 4) with AuCl(PPh 3 )/NaOMe [Ru*-C4-Au, 95%; Ru*-C8-Au, 74%] or from Pd(0)/Cu(I) catalysed coupling of Ru*-C2x-Au (x = 2, 3) with I(Ctriple bond; length of mdashC) 2 SiMe 3 (Ru*-C8-Si, 64%; Ru*-C10-Si, 2%). Reactions between Ru*-C2x-Ru* (x = 3, 4) and Fe 2 (CO) 9 gave {Fe 3 (CO) 9 }{μ 3 -CCtriple bond; length of mdashC[Ru(dppe)Cp*]} 2 Fe(C 3 -Ru*) 2 and {Fe 3 (CO) 9 }{μ 3 -CCtriple bond; length of mdashC[Ru(dppe)Cp*]}{μ 3 -C(Ctriple bond; length of mdashC) 2 [Ru(dppe)Cp*]} Fe(C 3 -Ru*)(C 5 -Ru*), respectively. The redox properties of the series of complexes with 2x = 2–16 were measured and showed a diminution of the separation of the first two oxidation potentials, ΔE = E 2 - E 1 , with increasing carbon chain length. The X-ray-determined molecular structures of Ru*-C8-Si, Ru*-C8-Ru*, Ru*-C14-Ru* (two C 6 H 6 solvates), {Ru(PPh 3 ) 2 Cp} 2 {μ-(Ctriple bond; length of mdashC) 4 }·4CHCl 3 Ru-C 8 -Ru·4CHCl 3 and of Fe(C 3 -Ru*) 2 and Fe(C 3 -Ru*)(C 5 -Ru*) are reported.

carbon-chain↗
DOE OSTI2025

To thread or not to thread: Reaction of uranyl (UO 2 2+ ) with two Aza-crown macrocycles

The complexation of the uranyl ion (UO 2 2+ ) by macrocyclic ligands is hindered by the rigidly enforced trans orientation of its oxo ligands. To further investigate this coordination chemistry challenge, here we investigate the reactivity of UO 2 2+ with two different 18-membered aza-crown macrocycles, diaza-dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DADBC) and 7,16-bis(N-methylacetamide)diaza-18-crown-6 (BAM). The reaction of uranyl triflate, [UO 2 (OTf) 2 (THF) 3 ], with DADBC in toluene afforded [UO 2 (DADBC)][OTf] 2 , in which the UO 2 2+ ion is fully encapsulated by the macrocycle. This conclusion was supported by NMR, UV–Vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopies, as well as single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Attempts to form the in-macrocycle complex of BAM, however, were unsuccessful. Here, the reaction of BAM with [UO 2 (OTf) 2 (THF) 3 ] in THF/CH 2 Cl 2 unexpectedly afforded crystals of [H 2 BAM][OTf] 2 , where the protons are derived from solvate water in the BAM crystal lattice.

Actinide↗
DOE OSTI2023

On electron beam-induced degradation of vinyl ester thermosets

We have demonstrated that electron beam radiolysis induces scissions of the C-O-C bonds along the backbone of the chains of unsaturated polyester thermosets of different compositions based on dicyclopentadiene, isophthalic acid, epoxy vinyl ester, and terephthalic acid. The radiolysis is imminent irrespective of the degree of crosslinking in the thermosets both in neat resins and in the presence of solvents. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) results show the formation of the alkoxyl radicals and C-centered radicals as the primary intermediate products of the C-O-C scissions. While the alkoxyl radicals of these resins exhibit very good stability even six months after the irradiation, the C-centered radicals decay very rapidly via their reactions with oxygen that is available either as adsorbed in the resins, dissolved in solvents or from the environment. The radiolytically produced •OH radicals in the unsaturated-ester aqueous solutions play a major role in inducing scissions on the backbone of the polymer chains. The solvated electrons (e s ) from organic solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide and isopropyl alcohol, also induce direct scission of the C-O-C bonds, giving rise to the formation of alkoxyl radicals and C-centered radicals. However, a considerable fraction of es is scavenged by the dissolved O 2 to produce O 2 - . Despite the radiation-induced scissions, irradiation of the resins at a dose level of 1000 kGy results in an increase of the glass transition temperature, Tg. This is due to the simultaneous radiation-induced polymerization of the vinyl monomers, toluene, and styrene that are present in the resins. The increase in Tg is observed in all the resins except for the terephthalic polyester resin in aqueous solution, in which the absence of these monomers results in Tg decreasing sharply with irradiation. This work demonstrates that ionizing radiation triggers continuous free radical-chain reactions that lead to the formation of recyclable oligomers.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2016

The Chemistry of Separations Ligand Degradation by Organic Radical Cations

Solvent based extractions of used nuclear fuel use designer ligands in an organic phase extracting ligand complexed metal ions from an acidic aqueous phase. These extractions will be performed in highly radioactive environments, and the radiation chemistry of all these complexants and their diluents will play a major role in determining extraction efficiency, separation factors, and solvent-recycle longevity. Although there has been considerable effort in investigating ligand damage occurring in acidic water radiolysis conditions, only minimal fundamental kinetic and mechanistic data has been reported for the degradation of extraction ligands in the organic phase. Extraction solvent phases typically use normal alkanes such as dodecane, TPH, and kerosene as diluents. The radiolysis of such diluents produce a mixture of radical cations (R •+ ), carbon-centered radicals (R • ), solvated electrons, and molecular products such as hydrogen. Typically, the radical species will preferentially react with the dissolved oxygen present to produce relatively inert peroxyl radicals. This isolates the alkane radical cation species, R •+ as the major radiolytically-induced organic species that can react with, and degrade, extraction agents in this phase. Here we report on our recent studies of organic radical cation reactions with various ligands. Elucidating these parameters, and combining them with the known acidic aqueous phase chemistry, will allow a full, fundamental, understanding of the impact of radiation on solvent extraction based separation processes to be achieved.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Towards a better understanding of on and off target effects of the lymphocyte-specific kinase LCK for the development of novel and safer pharmaceuticals

In this work we have developed a multi-tiered computational platform to study protein-drug interactions. At the beginning of the workflow more efficient and less accurate methods are used to enable large libraries of proteins in many conformations and massive chemical libraries to be screened. At each subsequent step in the workflow a subset of input data is investigated with increased accuracy and more computationally expensive methods. We demonstrate the developed workflow with the investigation of the lymphocyte-specific kinase LCK, which is implicated as a drug target in many cancers and also known to have toxic effects when unintentionally targeted. Several LCK states and conformations are investigated using molecular docking and generalized Born and surface area continuum solvation (MM/GBSA). Different variations in the drug screening process provide unique results that may elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the drug interactions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Radiolytic degradation of n -dodecane: Insights from time resolved pulsed electron radiolysis using aromatic scavengers

This study uses time-resolved picosecond pulsed electron radiolysis and transient absorbance spectroscopy to investigate early radiolytic processes in n-dodecane, a prototypical organic solvent for reprocessing used nuclear fuel (UNF). The primary radical cation, solvated electron, and excited states in neat n-dodecane are formed and consumed on timescales that are difficult to observe directly. Aromatic solutes, biphenyl and benzophenone, were utilized as scavengers to convert these short-lived species into longer-lived, optically detectable transient products to serve as indirect probes of the fraction of the initial n-dodecane radiolytic products that can be intercepted before undergoing ultrafast decay or competing reactions. The transient absorbance spectra of these scavengers and their radiolytic products were analyzed. Results indicate that while biphenyl and benzophenone effectively capture several radiolytic species, they do not fully scavenge all n-dodecane excited states, suggesting potential inefficiencies or additional side reactions. This study provides insight into the formation and accessibility of radiation-induced excited states and charge carriers in n-dodecane, which play a key role in the degradation of solvent extraction systems used in UNF reprocessing.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

The effect of hydrogen-bonding on flavin’s infrared absorption spectrum

Cluster and continuum solvation computational models are employed to model the effect of hydrogen bonding interactions on the vibrational modes of lumiflavin. Calculated spectra were compared to experimental Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra in the diagnostic 1450–1800 cm –1 range, where intense V C=C , V C=N , V C 2 =O , and V C 4 =O stretching modes of flavin’s isoalloxazine ring are found. Local mode analysis is used to describe the strength of hydrogen-bonding in cluster models. The computations indicate that V C=C and V C=N mode frequencies are relatively insensitive to intermolecular interactions while the V C 2 =O and V C 4 =O modes are sensitive to direct (and also indirect for V C 2 =O ) hydrogen-bonding interactions. Although flavin is neutral, basis sets without the diffuse functions provide incorrect relative frequencies and intensities. The 6-31+G* basis set is found to be adequate for this system, and there is limited benefit to considering larger basis sets. Calculated vibrational mode frequencies agree with experimentally determined frequencies in solution when cluster models with multiple water molecules are used. Accurate simulation of relative FTIR band intensities, on the other hand, requires a continuum (or possibly quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical) model that accounts for long-range electrostatic effects. Lastly, an experimental peak at ca. 1624 cm –1 that is typically assigned to the V C 2 =O vibrational stretching mode has a complicated shape that suggests multiple underlying contributions. Our calculations show that this band has contributions from both the C 6 –C 7 and C 2 = O stretching vibrations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Crosslinked perfluoropolyether solid electrolytes for lithium ion transport

Perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) are commercially available non-flammable short chain polymeric liquids. End-functionalized PFPE chains solvate lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt and these mixtures can be used as electrolytes for lithium (Li) batteries. Here we synthesize and characterize a new class of solid PFPE electrolytes. The electrolytes are made by either thermal or UV crosslinking PFPE chains with urethane methacrylate end-groups. For the synthesis of thermally crosslinked electrolytes, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with organic acrylopropyl groups was used as crosslinker agent, while for UV cured electrolytes a photoinitiatior was used. We present thermal, morphological, and electrical data of the solid electrolytes. We compare these properties with those of the two parent liquids (PFPE with urethane methacrylate end-groups and POSS with acrylopropyl groups) mixed with LiTFSI. The solubility limit of LiTFSI in the PFPE-based solids is higher than that in the liquids. The conductivity data are analyzed using the Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher equation. In conclusion, the concentration of effective charge carriers is a strong function of the nature of the solvent (solid versus liquid) whereas the activation energy is neither a strong function of the nature of the solvent nor salt concentration.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mapping structural and dynamic divergence across the MBOAT family

Membrane-bound O-acyltransferases (MBOATs) are membrane-embedded enzymes that catalyze acyl chain transfer to a diverse group of substrates, including lipids, small molecules, and proteins. MBOATs share a conserved structural core, despite wide-ranging functional specificity across both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The structural basis of catalytic specificity, regulation and interactions with the surrounding environment remain uncertain. Here, we combine comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with bioinformatics to assess molecular and interactional divergence across the family. In simulations, MBOATs differentially distort the bilayer depending on their substrate type. Additionally, we identify lipid binding sites surrounding reactant gates in the surrounding membrane. Complementary bioinformatic analyses reveal a conserved role for re-entrant loop-2 in MBOAT fold stabilization and a key hydrogen bond bridging DGAT1 dimerization. Finally, we predict differences in MBOAT solvation and water gating properties. These data are pertinent to the design of MBOAT-specific inhibitors that encompass dynamic information within cellular mimetic environments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Solvent-driven aqueous separations for hypersaline brine concentration and resource recovery

Solvent-driven separation processes can extract water and high-value minerals from high salinity or contaminated brines, simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of brine disposal and enabling resource recovery. The efficient dewatering of hypersaline brines is essential for the sustainable minimal and zero liquid discharge processing of industrial wastewaters. Fractional crystallization can selectively extract ions from contaminated waste streams, allowing critical materials to be recycled, including transition and lanthanide metals required for renewable energy generation and storage. Mass transfer in solvent-driven water extraction occurs across a liquid–liquid interface, eliminating the scaling and fouling of membrane and heat exchanger surfaces and limiting the need for extensive pretreatment. Solvent-driven fractional crystallization can leverage sequential treatment and control of process conditions to rapidly recover salts without requiring evaporation of water. Despite promising applications, the principles and potential of solvent-driven aqueous separations remain poorly understood. This critical review explores the opportunities presented by solvent-based aqueous separations from the molecular to process scale, evaluating the chemistry of solvation and system design in the broader context of desalination, resource recovery, water softening, and mineral production.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Understanding the reversible electrodeposition of aluminum in low-cost room-temperature molten salts

Aluminum is the most earth-abundant metal, trivalent, and inert in ambient air; it also has a density approximately five times that of lithium at room temperature, making it attractive for cost-effective, long-duration storage in batteries. Here, we investigate structural requirements and physicochemical and transport properties of ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes thought to enable high reversibility of Al battery anodes. We find that intentionally designed, low-cost IL analogs, including ammonium-based molten salts, offer comparable Al anode reversibility to state-of-the-art imidazolium-based IL melts. A critical ratio of solvated Al-ion species is required to balance the effects of Lewis acidity needed to continuously etch native Al 2 O 3 and form a stable solid electrolyte interphase on Al. Our findings open new opportunities for developing simple, cost-effective, room-temperature Al batteries that enable long-duration electrical energy storage.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy To Determine Molecular Occupancy of Phospholipid Vesicles

Encapsulation of molecules in phospholipid vesicles provides unique opportunities to study chemical reactions in small volumes as well as the behavior of individual proteins, enzymes, and ribozymes in a confined region without requiring a tether to immobilize the molecule to a surface. These experiments generally depend on generating a predictable loading of vesicles with small numbers of target molecules and thus raise a significant measurement challenge, namely, to quantify molecular occupancy of vesicles at the single-molecule level. In this work, we describe an imaging experiment to measure the time-dependent fluorescence from individual dye molecules encapsulated in ~130 nm vesicles that are adhered to a glass surface. For determining a fit of the molecular occupancy data to a Poisson model, it is critical to count empty vesicles in the population since these dominate the sample when the mean occupancy is small, λ ≤ ~1. Counting empty vesicles was accomplished by subsequently labeling all the vesicles with a lipophilic dye and reimaging the sample. By counting both the empty vesicles and those containing fluors, and quantifying the number of fluors present, we demonstrate a self-consistent Poisson distribution of molecular occupancy for well-solvated molecules, as well as anomalies due to aggregation of dye, which can arise even at very low solution concentrations. Here, by observation of many vesicles in parallel in an image, this approach provides quantitative information about the distribution of molecular occupancy in a population of vesicles.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

N -Arylimide Molecular Balances: A Comprehensive Platform for Studying Aromatic Interactions in Solution

Noncovalent interactions of aromatic surfaces play a key role in many biological processes and in determining the properties and utility of synthetic materials, sensors, and catalysts. However, the study of aromatic interactions has been challenging because these interactions are usually very weak and their trends are modulated by many factors such as structural, electronic, steric, and solvent effects. Recently, N-arylimide molecular balances have emerged as highly versatile and effective platforms for studying aromatic interactions in solution. These molecular balances can accurately measure weak noncovalent interactions in solution via their influence on the folded–unfolded conformational equilibrium. The structure (i.e., size, shape, π-conjugation, and substitution) and nature (i.e., element, charge, and polarity) of the π-surfaces and interacting groups can be readily varied, enabling the study of a wide range of aromatic interactions. These include aromatic stacking, heterocyclic aromatic stacking, and alkyl–π, chalcogen–π, silver–π, halogen–π, substituent–π, and solvent–π interactions. The ability to measure a diverse array of aromatic interactions within a single model system provides a unique perspective and insights as the interaction energies, stability trends, and solvent effects for different types of interactions can be directly compared. Some broad conclusions that have emerged from this comprehensive analysis include: (1) The strongest aromatic interactions involve groups with positive charges such as pyridinium and metal ions which interact with the electrostatically negative π-face of the aromatic surface via cation–π or metal–π interactions. Attractive electrostatic interactions can also form between aromatic surfaces and groups with partial positive charges. (2) Electrostatic interactions involving aromatic surfaces can be switched from repulsive to attractive using electron-withdrawing substituents or heterocycles. These electrostatic trends appear to span many types of aromatic interactions involving a polar group interacting with a π-surface such as halogen–π, chalcogen–π, and carbonyl–π. (3) Nonpolar groups form weak but measurable stabilizing interactions with aromatic surfaces in organic solvents due to favorable dispersion and/or solvophobic effects. Furthermore, a good predictor of the interaction strength is provided by the change in solvent-accessible surface area. (4) Solvent effects modulate the aromatic interactions in the forms of solvophobic effects and competitive solvation, which can be modeled using solvent cohesion density and specific solvent–solute interactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗