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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 1,495 records · Page 83
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Understanding Structural and Compositional Evolution during NMC Cathode Direct Recycling via Solid-State NMR

Recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to recover high-value cathode materials such as LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) is driven by economical, geopolitical, and sustainability needs. There has been recent interest in direct recycling methods to improve efficiency and recovery of materials, including ionothermal, hydothermal, solid-state, or redox mediator methods. In conjunction with recycling process development, detailed structural characterization is necessary in order to understand the mechanisms and efficacy of cathode recycling steps. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a unique tool that can probe Li coordination, bulk and surface environments, and transition metal ordering in recycled and upcycled NMC cathodes. Here, 6,7Li, 1H, and 19F NMR spectroscopy to probe structural and compositional changes as well as surface impurities that may form during each step in NMC direct recycling is utilized. During relithiation, Li reinsertion into the NMC lattice is observed. During upcycling, where the goal is to increase the Ni content in the NMC, incorporation of Ni-rich phases into the bulk Li environment is observed. Surface impurities formed during processing were also identified. These studies provide valuable information for optimizing recycling processes to reach targeted cathode composition and structure that can enable electrochemical performance comparable to or better than pristine materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Na-Montmorillonite Edge Structure and Surface Complexes: An Atomistic Perspective

The edges of montmorillonite (MMT) react strongly with metals and organic matter, but the atomic structure of the edge and its surface complexes are not unambiguous since the experimental isolation of the edge is challenging. In this study, we introduce an atomistic model of a Na MMT edge that is suitable for classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, in particular for the B edge, a representative edge surface of 2:1 phyllosilicates. Our model possesses the surface groups identified through density functional theory (DFT) geometry optimizations performed with variation in the structural charge deficit and Mg substitution sites. The edge structure of the classical MD simulations agreed well with previous DFT-based MD simulation results. Our MD simulations revealed an extensive H-bond network stabilizing the Na-MMT edge surface, which required an extensive simulation trajectory. Some Na counter ions formed inner-sphere complexes at two edge sites. The stronger edge site coincided with the exposed vacancy in the dioctahedral sheet; a weaker site was associated with the cleaved hexagonal cavity of the tetrahedral sheet. The six-coordinate Na complexes were not directly associated with the Mg edge site. Our simulations have demonstrated the heterogeneous surface structures, the distribution of edge surface groups, and the reactivity of the MMT edge.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Computational Spectroscopy of the Cr–Cr Bond in Coordination Complexes

In this work, we report the accurate computational vibrational analysis of the Cr–Cr bond in dichromium complexes using second-order multireference complete active space methods (CASPT2), allowing direct comparison with experimental spectroscopic data both to facilitate interpreting the low-energy region of the spectra and to provide insights into the nature of the bonds themselves. Recent technological development by the authors has realized such computation for the first time. Accurate simulation of the vibrational structure of these compounds has been hampered by their notorious multiconfigurational electronic structure that yields bond distances that do not correlate with bond order. Some measured Cr–Cr vibrational stretching modes, ν(Cr 2 ), have suggested weaker bonding, even for so-called ultrashort Cr–Cr bonds, while others are in line with the bond distance. Here, we optimize geometries and compute ν(Cr 2 ) with CASPT2 for three well-characterized complexes, Cr 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 (H 2 O) 2 , Cr 2 (mhp) 4 , and Cr 2 (dmp) 4 . We obtain CASPT2 harmonic ν(Cr 2 ) modes in good agreement with experiment at 282 cm –1 for Cr 2 (mhp) 4 and 353 cm –1 for Cr 2 (dmp) 4 , compute 50 Cr and 54 Cr isotope shifts, and demonstrate that the use of the so-called IPEA shift leads to improved Cr–Cr distances. Additionally, normal mode sampling was used to estimate anharmonicity along ν(Cr 2 ), leading to an anharmonic mode of 272 cm –1 for Cr 2 (mhp) 4 and 333 cm –1 for Cr 2 (dmp) 4 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Optimized in situ crystal growth and disordered quasi-one-dimensional magnetism in Li 2 Mn 2 ( MoO 4 ) 3

We present that the quasi-one-dimensional structure of Li 2 Mn 2 ( MoO 4 ) 3 consists of three mutually distinct chains of Li 1 - x Mn x -centered polyhedra in which Mn ostensibly adopts a J = 5 / 2 Mn 2 + configuration. In situ x-ray scattering experiments carried out as crystallites emerge from a molten oxide solution facilitate the synthesis of large single crystals. Ex situ x-ray diffraction finds no evidence of long-range Li/Mn occupancy ordering, suggesting that the structure is effectively composed of finite chains of Mn moments of statistically varying lengths. UV/visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements establish a wide 3.43(12)-eV direct charge gap consistent with the local polyhedral coordination of the nominally Mn 2 + species. The temperature T dependence of the DC magnetic susceptibility χ reveals a fluctuating moment of only 2.74 μ B ± 0.01 μ B /Mn, dramatically reduced from the 5.9 μ B /Mn expected for Mn 2 + . Meanwhile, the Weiss temperature Θ W = - 89 ± 1 K reveals antiferromagnetic fluctuations that are stymied from reaching an ordered state apparently by the chemical disorder intrinsic to the polyhedral chains. Measurements of magnetization vs field H at T ≤ 10 K are far from saturation even at H = 5 T and are strongly non-Brillouin-like, instead scaling as H / T 0.24 ( 3 ) and suggesting the presence of quantum fluctuations associated with an eventual quasi-one-dimensional, disordered magnetic phase.

1-dimensional systems↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Networked Microgrid Framework and Testbed for Communication, Controls, and Optimization Testing

This paper presents the development and experimental results of a networked AC microgrid testbed located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The testbed comprises two, 480V three-phase, four wire microgrids designed to operate standalone, grid-tied, or as a network of microgrids. This testbed represents both the state of the industry, by incorporating grid-assets commonly found in real microgrids, and the state of the art, as it is a platform to evaluate advanced controllers. The main elements of this networked microgrid testbed are presented in this paper including a Scenario Manager, local microgrid controls, and a networked microgrid control. The Scenario Manager has the objective of emulating real-world conditions. The local microgrid controller oversees standalone, grid-tied, or islanded operation. The microgrid control is a higher-level control that coordinates interaction between islanded microgrids. This paper delves into these controllers and validates their operation in the networked microgrid testbed showcasing the operational flexibility and advance control capabilities.

Ferrari Maglia, Max↗
DOE OSTI2014

Improvement of the photoluminescent intensity of ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Pr{sup 3+} phosphor

Highlights: • The optimal luminescence intensity was obtained for 0.4 mol% Pr{sup 3+} doped ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}. • The ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Pr{sup 3+} has a colour index matching an ideal red emission. • The cross relaxation process led to a decrease in red emission at higher Pr{sup 3+} concentrations. • The blue emission continues to increase at higher Pr{sup 3+} concentrations. • The persistent luminescent increases with an increase in Pr{sup 3+} concentration. - Abstract: A red emitting ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Pr{sup 3+} phosphor with Commission Internationale de l‘Eclairage coordinates that match those of an ideal red emission was prepared by solid state chemical reaction. X-ray diffraction confirmed that a pure orthorhombic phase of ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} was crystallized. A homogeneous distribution of the Pr{sup 3+} ions was confirmed from the analysis of the time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy overlay images. In addition to the reflectance at 259 nm associated with band-to-band absorption, minor reflectance peaks associated with f-f transitions of Pr{sup 3+} were observed at 420–500 nm. The main red emission peak was split into minor peaks located at 608, 619 and 639 nm that were assigned to {sup 1}D{sub 2} ⟶ {sup 3}H{sub 4}, {sup 3}P{sub 0} ⟶ {sup 3}H{sub 6} and {sup 3}P{sub 0} ⟶ {sup 3}F{sub 2} transitions of Pr{sup 3+}, respectively. With increasing concentration of Pr{sup 3+}, a relatively weak blue emission was observed at 488 nm and this phenomenon maybe attributed to virtual charge transfer or/and inter cross relaxation effects. The decay characteristics of the persistent emission were also calculated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Molecular and Dissociative Adsorption of Water on (TiO 2 ) n Clusters, n = 1–4

In the low energy structures of the (TiO 2 ) n (H 2 O) m (n ≤ 4, m ≤ 2n) and (TiO 2 ) 8 (H 2 O) m (m = 3, 7, 8) clusters were predicted using a global geometry optimization approach, with a number of new lowest energy isomers being found. Water can molecularly or dissociatively adsorb on pure and hydrated TiO 2 clusters. Dissociative adsorption is the dominant reaction for the first two H 2 O adsorption reactions for n = 1, 2, and 4, for the first three H 2 O adsorption reactions for n = 3, and for the first four H 2 O adsorption reactions for n = 8. As more H 2 O’s are added to the hydrated (TiO 2 )n cluster, dissociative adsorption becomes less exothermic as all the Ti centers become 4-coordinate. Furthermore two types of bonds can be formed between the molecularly adsorbed water and TiO 2 clusters: a Lewis acid–base Ti–O(H 2 ) bond or an O···H hydrogen bond. The coupled cluster CCSD(T) results show that at 0 K the H 2 O adsorption energy at a 4-coordinate Ti center is ~15 kcal/mol for the Lewis acid–base molecular adsorption and ~7 kcal/mol for the H-bond molecular adsorption, in comparison to that of 8–10 kcal/mol for the dissociative adsorption. The cluster size and geometry independent dehydration reaction energy, ED, for the general reaction 2(-TiOH) → -TiOTi– + H 2 O at 4-coordinate Ti centers was estimated from the aggregation reaction of nTi(OH) 4 to form the monocyclic ring cluster (TiO 3 H 2 ) n + nH 2 O. E D is estimated to be -8 kcal/mol, showing that intramolecular and intermolecular dehydration reactions are intrinsically thermodynamically allowed for the hydrated (TiO 2 ) n clusters with all of the Ti centers 4-coordinate, which can be hindered by cluster geometry changes caused by such processes. Finally by bending force constants for the TiOTi and OTiO bonds are determined to be 7.4 and 56.0 kcal/(mol·rad 2 ). Infrared vibrational spectra were calculated using density functional theory, and the new bands appearing upon water adsorption were assigned.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hierarchical Resilience Planning for Networked Microgrids: A Case Study of Puerto Rico

Microgrids can be designed to enhance the energy resilience of communities and critical infrastructures, such as hospitals, data centers, and communication networks, which are vulnerable to frequent weather-related disruption. Coordinating multiple microgrids in a network can leverage the geographical diversity of load and generation resources while enabling resilient and cost-effective planning of the distribution system. Designing a networked microgrid is complex, involving intricate technical assessment, cost-benefit analysis, site-specific requirements, and the evaluation of existing resources. Therefore, this paper proposes a hierarchical resilience planning framework and performs an extensive techno-economic analysis for the design of a networked microgrid. Hierarchical resilience planning involves technology sizing at an individual community level to meet the critical load and satisfy resilience criteria, and resource optimization at networked microgrid level to provide a higher level of resilience and energy adequacy. A real-world case of Puerto Rico's cooperative microgrid “Microrred de la Montaña” is investigated considering localized electricity tariffs, site-specific demand profiles, solar generation, and existing hydro resources. Multiple optimization scenarios are developed based on the resiliency requirement to estimate the capacity of solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage (BES) to be installed at each substation. The results provide the optimal sizing for individual community and networked microgrid to withstand 1day and 3-day outages along with the criteria for critical load.

13 - HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Voltage regulation in distribution grids: A survey

Environmental and sustainability concerns have caused a recent surge in the penetration of distributed energy resources into the power grid. This may lead to voltage violations in the distribution systems making voltage regulation more relevant than ever. Owing to this and rapid advancements in sensing, communication, and computation technologies, the literature on voltage control techniques is growing at a rapid pace in distribution networks. In particular, there is a paradigm shift from traditional offline centralized approaches to distributed ones leveraging increased and varied types of actuators, real-time sensing, fast and efficient computations, and an overall distributed situational awareness. This paper reviews state-of-the-art voltage control algorithms, summarizes the underlying methods, and classifies their coordination mechanisms into local, centralized, distributed, and decentralized. The underlying solution methodologies are further classified into two categories, open-loop and feedback-based. Two specific example workflows are provided to illustrate these solutions for voltage regulation.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Computational Design of Active Site Structures with Improved Transition-State Scaling for Ammonia Synthesis

Here, the Haber–Bosch process for the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia is one of the most optimized heterogeneous catalytic reactions, but there are aspects of the industrial process that remain less than ideal. It has been shown that the activity of metal catalysts is limited by a Brønsted–Evans–Polanyi (BEP) scaling relationship between the reaction and transition-state energies for N 2 dissociation, leading to a negligible production rate at ambient conditions and a modest rate under harsh conditions. In this study, we use density functional theory (DFT) calculations in conjunction with mean-field microkinetic modeling to study the rate of NH 3 synthesis on model active sites that require the singly coordinated dissociative adsorption of N atoms onto transition metal atoms. Our results demonstrate that this ”on-top” binding of nitrogen exhibits significantly improved scaling behavior, which can be rationalized in terms of transition-state geometries and leads to considerably higher predicted activity. While synthesis of these model systems is likely challenging, the stabilization of such an active site could enable thermochemical ammonia synthesis under more benign conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

The role of the CeO 2 /BiVO 4 interface in optimized Fe–Ce oxide coatings for solar fuels photoanodes

Solar fuel generators entail a high degree of materials integration, and efficient photoelectrocatalysis of the constituent reactions hinges upon the establishment of highly functional interfaces. Our recent application of high throughput experimentation to interface discovery for solar fuels photoanodes has revealed several surprising and promising mixed-metal oxide coatings for BiVO 4 . Furthermore, when using sputter deposition of composition and thickness gradients on a uniform BiVO 4 film, we systematically explore photoanodic performance as a function of the composition and loading of Fe–Ce oxide coatings. This combinatorial materials integration study not only enhances the performance of this new class of materials but also identifies CeO 2 as a critical ingredient that merits detailed study. A heteroepitaxial CeO 2 (001)/BiVO4(010) interface is identified in which Bi and V remain fully coordinated to O such that no surface states are formed. Ab initio calculations of the integrated materials and inspection of the electronic structure reveals mechanisms by which CeO 2 facilitates charge transport while mitigating deleterious recombination. Our results support the observations that addition of Ce to BiVO 4 coatings greatly enhances photoelectrocatalytic activity, providing an important strategy for developing a scalable solar fuels technology.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

The effects of active site and support on hydrogen elimination over transition-metal-functionalized yttria-decorated metal–organic frameworks

Hydrogen elimination from a metal alkyl complex and its reverse reaction are critical elementary steps in many catalytic cycles. In understanding such catalytic cycles, it is important to learn about the effect of the active site as well as effects beyond the active site, especially support effects. Here we employ density-functional-theory-based computational screening of transition-metal-functionalized yttria-decorated NU-1000 metal–organic frameworks to study the effect of metal sites and supports on the hydrogen elimination reactions. In this work, we consider six transition metals. The screening shows that a Nb-based catalyst has the lowest free energy of activation for both α-H elimination and β-H elimination, but for the latter we must also consider the free energy of release of the alkene. By the Sabatier principle, the optimal catalyst for β-H elimination is the one that interacts with molecules with intermediate strength for easy reactant activation as well as easy product desorption. By employing a volcano plot to find the optimum compromise, we identified V-functionalized, yttria-decorated NU-1000 as the most active catalyst among the trial candidates for the β-H elimination reaction. The analysis also reveals a support-specific charge transfer process in which the yttria and carboxylate linkers enable electron transfer between the transition-metal site and organic linkers of the NU-1000 simultaneously with a coordinated change of spin at the metal site and in the linker groups. Based on our analyses, we hypothesize that the observed charge transfer enables certain functional groups, such as propyl, to interact more strongly with the support and stabilize the catalyst.

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

Retracted Article: Distributed energy management for networked microgrids in a three-phase unbalanced distribution network

Owing to increased penetration of three-phase and single-phase microgrids, distributed energy resources (DERs), and responsive loads, the maintenance of a three-phase balance by distribution networks is a significant challenge. Existing literature on distributed energy management for networked microgrids generally neglects the distribution network or employs a simplified phase balanced distribution network; thus, these evaluations are not applicable. Further, the underlying mutual coupling between the different phases of distribution feeders results in a more challenging situation. Here, to solve this issue, this study sought to propose distributed energy management based on a three-phase unbalanced distribution network. Various three-phase or single-phase microgrids, utility-owned DERs, and responsive loads were coordinated through iteratively adjusted price signals. Based on the price signals received, the microgrid controllers (MCs) and distribution management system (DMS) updated the schedules of the DERs and responsive loads under their jurisdiction separately. The price signals were then updated according to the generation-load mismatch at each node and distributed to the corresponding MCs and DMS for the next iteration. The iteration continued until a sufficiently small generation-load mismatch was achieved at all nodes, that is, a balanced generation and load at all nodes under the agreed price signals. Considering a three-phase unbalanced distribution network, the price signals were determined per phase per node. Overall, the proposed distributed energy management coordinates microgrids, utility-owned DERs, responsive loads with guaranteed network constraints, and preserves the privacy of microgrid customers. This distributed energy management method was further demonstrated through various case studies on a three-phase networked microgrid test system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluating the Impact of Managed EV Charging for Reliable Operation of Bulk Power Systems with High Non-Dispatchable Generation

The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and variable-generation (VG) sources introduces new challenges for power-system operations. This study introduces a modeling framework and evaluates five EV charging strategies under projected 2040 grid conditions in the Evergy service territory with high non-dispatchable generation. Using realistic EV behavior and generation models, their impacts on system peak demand, ramp rate, and reserve capacity are evaluated. Results show that only the peak-avoidance strategy effectively reduces system peak demand, while decentralized strategies-particularly cost based dynamic charging-can exacerbate peaks due to synchronized user behavior. However, ramp-rate minimization strategy significantly reduce the stress on dispatchable generation achieving the lowest maximum absolute ramp rate (MARR) (56.81 MW) and lowest reserve requirement (2.39 GW). In contrast, unmanaged and TOU random strategies increase the stress on dispatchable generation sources with increased MARR and reserve requirements. These findings highlight the importance of coordinated, system-aware managed charging strategies to ensure reliable and affordable grid operation in the presence of EVs and VG sources.

14 - SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Postsynthetic Functionalization of Mg-MOF-74 with Tetraethylenepentamine: Structural Characterization and Enhanced CO 2 Adsorption

Postsynthetic functionalization of magnesium 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate (Mg-MOF-74) with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) resulted in improved CO 2 adsorption performance under dry and humid conditions. XPS, elemental analysis, and neutron powder diffraction studies indicated that TEPA was incorporated throughout the MOF particle, although it coordinated preferentially with the unsaturated metal sites located in the immediate proximity to the surface. Neutron and X-ray powder diffraction analyses showed that the MOF structure was preserved after amine incorporation, with slight changes in the lattice parameters. The adsorption capacity of the functionalized amino-Mg-MOF-74 (TEPA-MOF) for CO 2 was as high as 26.9 wt % versus 23.4 wt % for the original MOF due to the extra binding sites provided by the multiunit amines. Here, the degree of functionalization with the amines was found to be important in enhancing CO 2 adsorption, as the optimal surface coverage improved performance and stability under both pure CO 2 and CO 2 /H 2 O coadsorption, and with partially saturated surface coverage, optimal CO 2 capacity could be achieved under both wet and dry conditions by a synergistic binding of CO 2 to the amines as well as metal centers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Chicken fat for catalysis: a scaffold is as important for molecular complexes for energy transformations as it is for enzymes in catalytic function

Metalloenzymes are remarkably active, specific, and efficient catalysts.Mimicking the active sites with organometallic complexes based on crystal structures has been a focus for many synthetic chemists. These surrogates have provided significant mechanistic insight into both the molecular complexes as well as the enzymes, however, one of the principle findings has been that just reproducing the active site is not adequate in reproducing the catalytic function. Specifically, the scaffold surrounding the active site plays a critical role in many aspects of catalysis, from positioning reactants optimally to positioning functional groups for reaction to creating the ideal environment for catalysis. Each of these can be controlled with both static positioning as well as small and large dynamics that can activate or control a specific part of the reaction. In this review, we will discuss the effect of organic/peptidic scaffolds, along with medium as an extension of the scaffold, and their varying impacts on catalytic reactivity.

Laureanti, Joseph A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Validation of a High-Order Prefactored Compact Scheme on Nonlinear Flows with Complex Geometries

Three benchmark problems are solved using a sixth-order prefactored compact scheme employing an explicit 10th-order filter with optimized fourth-order Runge-Kutta time stepping. The problems solved are the following: (1) propagation of sound waves through a transonic nozzle; (2) shock-sound interaction; and (3) single airfoil gust response. In the first two problems, the spatial accuracy of the scheme is tested on a stretched grid, and the effectiveness of boundary conditions is shown. The solution stability and accuracy near a shock discontinuity is shown as well. Also, 1-D nonlinear characteristic boundary conditions will be evaluated. In the third problem, a nonlinear Euler solver will be used that solves the equations in generalized curvilinear coordinates using the chain rule transformation. This work, continuing earlier work on flat-plate cascades and Joukowski airfoils, will focus mainly on the effect of the grid and boundary conditions on the accuracy of the solution. The grids were generated using a commercially available grid generator, GridPro/az3000.

Hixon, Ray↗
DOE OSTI2021

Power Quality and Stability in a Cluster of Microgrids with Coordinated Power and Energy Management

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) such as photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS) can be operated collectively as microgrids. Microgrids can be effective in meeting local load requirements as well as in improving the power quality and stability in a modern power distribution system. Multiple microgrids can also be operated in a coordinated manner as a cluster, to improve the resiliency of the power distribution system. In the event of an outage caused by a transmission system failure, the microgrids in a cluster can use their distributed generation capacity and energy storage resources to recover and extend power availability to the critical loads in the system. In this paper, an illustrative cluster of two microgrids based on the IEEE 13-bus model with DERs has been used, to demonstrate the operation of the concept using real-time simulations. Using real-time simulations, capabilities such as switching reconfiguration following faults, identification of optimal DER placement for effective power quality management, and power electronic controller validation have been demonstrated. For the two-microgrid cluster, this paper also presents improvements in load voltage quality and

Chowdhury, Prithwiraj Roy↗