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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 1,603 records · Page 89
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Characterization of hot extrusion and heat treatment on mechanical properties in a spray formed ultra-high strength Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

Highlights: • The spray forming technology was used to fabricate ultra-high strength aluminum alloy. • The alloy under RRA state obtained the highest ultimate tensile strength of 732 MPa. • The effects of dislocations, solutes and precipitates etc., on yield strength were calculated. • Precipitation was characterized as the main strengthening mechanism for aging states. - Abstract: To obtain the optimal mechanical properties, several processes including spray forming technology, two passes hot extrusion and substantial heating treatments were operated on an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy. The characterization methods used in this study include tensile tests, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and microstructure observations by optical microscope, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The typical characteristics were the refined grain, homogeneous precipitates and porosity in the as-deposited pre-forms. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness and elongation improved significantly after two passes hot extrusion. A good combination of ultimate tensile strength at 704 MPa and elongation at 9.7% were achieved under peak-aged treatment. The best ultimate tensile strength was obtained at 732 MPa after re-aging and regression. It was main dimple fracture in the extruded and aging treated specimens while brittle fracture for the as-deposited. The secondary phases were main MgZn{sub 2} and Al{sub 3}Zr dispersoids throughout all the states. The contributions of grain boundaries, dislocations, solid-solution and precipitates on the yield strength were analyzed using a quantitative equation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Characterization of advanced nuclear materials under extreme environments

The performance of materials under extreme environments poses important fundamental questions about the behavior of condensed matter under far-from-equilibrium conditions. These conditions create challenges in materials design, testing and evaluation. One important aspect of advancing nuclear power is the discovery and investigation of new classes of materials able to withstand the harsh environments in nuclear reactors. However, investigating and understanding the performance of these materials requires sophisticated tools and characterization techniques and skills. Furthermore, the goal of this special issue is to present recent research on the characterization of the response of candidate advanced nuclear materials to extreme environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

FIB-ToF-SIMS characterization of irradiated U-10Zr

Post-irradiation examination (PIE) is critical for the performance assessment and qualification of nuclear fuels. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is a powerful materials characterization technique that allows for elemental and isotopic mapping with a depth resolution greater than EDS and EPMA. However, it has not yet been applied to PIE of metallic nuclear fuel. Here, in this work, we characterize an fast neutron spectrum irradiated U-10Zr fuel sample using a time-of-flight SIMS (ToF-SIMS) system connected to a FIB/SEM system, which allows for flexible sample analysis compared to a dedicated ToF-SIMS instrument. Analysis of the resulting hyperspectral micrograph data was aided by the development of an unsupervised machine learning (ML) algorithm that iterates on existing methods to segment the 3D micrographic datasets based on the similarity of mass spectra. The results showed that the FIB-ToF-SIMS instrument was potentially capable of spatially resolving closed fission gas bubbles in 3D by continued ion sputtering of the analyzed volume. Additionally, the ML algorithm proved useful in revealing the chemical segregation of light fission products (those with an atomic mass between approximately 85–105 amu, such as ruthenium and rhodium) plus matrix zirconium, heavy fission products (those with an atomic mass between approximately 135–150 amu, such as the lanthanides) and uranium. Future studies are planned to conduct FIB-ToF-SIMS analysis on more irradiated U-Zr samples to study the constituent redistribution.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multiscale characterization of an additively manufactured property graded Ni-base alloy for molten-salts\supercritical-CO 2 heat exchangers

The sequential optimization of strength and corrosion resistance in conventional alloy design procedures often results in a tradeoff between environmental degradation and optimal mechanical properties. A concurrent optimization of these two material properties is essential to efficiently develop high temperature alloys that can withstand harsh environments increasingly required for carbon–neutral energy technologies. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of directed energy deposition (DED) to manufacture a dual-corrosion resistant Ni-based alloy (Hastelloy N and Haynes 282), that meets the high temperature operation requirements of a molten-salts\supercritical-CO 2 (sCO 2 ) heat exchanger. A combination of multiscale characterization techniques and computational thermodynamics was employed to evaluate the cracking susceptibilities during fabrication and predict the microstructural stability of the material. Very good agreement was achieved between the observed and predicted phases and phase fractions of the as-printed material. A careful characterization of the transition zone between the two terminal alloy chemistries revealed potential precipitation strengthening (γ') on the Hastelloy N side while columnar-shaped M 23 C 6 and γ' precipitates that formed at grain boundaries (GBs) of the transition zone likely minimized the local interfacial energies. Both these mechanisms are believed to increase the interfacial stability but their performance at high temperatures requires further investigation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis and characterization of novel Ce{sub 0.8}Sm{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 0.9}Ir{sub 0.03}Co{sub 0.07}O{sub 3−δ} perovskite material and possible application as a cathode for low–intermediate temperature SOFCs

Highlights: • Ce{sub 0.8}Sm{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 0.9}Ir{sub 0.03}Co{sub 0.07}O{sub 3−δ} was synthesized using sol–gel methods. • Material was thoroughly characterized using Raman, FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, SEM, and TGA. • Electrochemical performance showed the materials are a promising new cathode material for low temperature SOFC. - Abstract: A novel perovskite material, Ce{sub 0.8}Sm{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 0.9}Ir{sub 0.03}Co{sub 0.07}O{sub 3−δ} was synthesized using a sol–gel technique. The materials were calcined at temperatures of 800 °C, 900 °C, and 1000 °C and then characterized using X-ray diffraction, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particle sizes and crystallite sizes increased with increasing calcination temperature and formed perovskite type materials with some separate magnetite and iridium oxide. The powders were used to assemble button cells using samarium doped ceria as the electrolyte and NiO/SDC as the anode materials. The electrochemical properties were investigated using a Fiaxell open flanges test set-up and a Nuvant™ Powerstat-05 potentiostat/galvanostat. The Ce{sub 0.8}Sm{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 0.9}Ir{sub 0.03}Co{sub 0.07}O{sub 3−δ} cathode material calcined at 1000 °C exhibited the most promising performance, with a maximum power density of 0.400 W/cm{sup 2}, a current density of 0.8 A/cm{sup 2}, and a corresponding area specific resistance of 0.247 Ωcm{sup 2} at 500 °C. The button cells were reasonably stable over15 h.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of ATiO{sub 3}–Pr thin films prepared by a photochemical method (where A = Ba and Ca)

Highlights: • A method of photochemical deposition has been used to the preparation of (Ba,Ca)TiO{sub 3} thin films doped Pr(III). • The (Ba,Ca)TiO{sub 3}/Pr(III) films under 375 nm excitation shows emissions attributable to {sup 1}D{sub 2} → {sup 3}H{sub 4} transition of Pr ion. • These PL signals decreased above 10 mol% of Pr(III). • Analysis suggests the presence of intermediate energy levels in the band gap influences in the PL processes. - Abstract: This article reports the characterization and optical properties of (Ba,Ca)TiO{sub 3} thin films doped with Pr at different proportions (0–15 mol%). The films were deposited on Si (1 0 0) and quartz substrates using a photochemical method and post-annealed at 900 °C. The evaluation of photo-reactivity of the precursor complexes was monitored by UV–vis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The obtained films were characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that Ba, Ca, Ti, O and Pr are present in the form of perovskite. Under UV light excitation (375 nm) the (Ba,Ca)TiO{sub 3}–Pr films show the characteristic emissions ascribed to {sup 1}D{sub 2} → {sup 3}H{sub 4} transition of Pr{sup 3+} ion. The optical measurements show the presence of intermediate energy levels in the band gap which influence the emission processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural and magnetic characterization of electro-crystallized magnetite nanoparticles under constant current

Graphical abstract: Structural and magnetic properties of electro-crystallized magnetite nanoparticles under constant current were studied. All samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, VSM, and Mössbauer spectrometry. - Highlights: • The effect of applied current on morphology and properties of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} is studied. • The particle size and morphology are controllable by adjusting the current. • The magnetization depends on particle size, type of surfactant and applied current. • The clear correlation between magnetization and the mean particle size is observed. - Abstract: The effect of applied current on the morphology, particle size, structure, and magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles prepared by electro-crystallization method was studied. The synthesis was performed in an electrochemical cell containing two iron electrodes and an aqueous solution of sodium sulfate, and either thiourea, sodium butanoate, or β-cyclodextrine as organic stabilizer. All the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, VSM, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction patterns, clearly confirmed that all products have the cubic spinel Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} crystal structure. Electron microscope images of the samples showed that their mean particle size is in the range 20–80 nm, and depends critically on the applied current and type of the organic additives. Specific magnetization of the samples at room temperature ranges from 60 to 90 A m{sup 2} kg{sup −1}, depending on the growth conditions. Room temperature Mössbauer spectra are typical of nonstoichiometric Fe{sub 3−δ}O{sub 4}, with a small excess of Fe{sup 3+}, 0.06 ≤ δ ≤ 0.17.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Electrical characterization of grain boundaries of CZTS thin films using conductive atomic force microscopy techniques

Graphical abstract: Experimental setup for conducting AFM (C-AFM). - Highlights: • Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} (CZTS) thin film was grown by reactive co-sputtering. • The electronic properties were probed using conducting atomic force microscope, scanning Kelvin probe microscopy and scanning capacitance microscopy. • C-AFM current flow mainly through grain boundaries rather than grain interiors. • SKPM indicated higher potential along the GBs compared to grain interiors. • The SCM explains that charge separation takes place at the interface of grain and grain boundary. - Abstract: Electrical characterization of grain boundaries (GB) of Cu-deficient CZTS (Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide) thin films was done using atomic force microscopic (AFM) techniques like Conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM), Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM). Absorbance spectroscopy was done for optical band gap calculations and Raman, XRD and EDS for structural and compositional characterization. Hall measurements were done for estimation of carrier mobility. CAFM and KPFM measurements showed that the currents flow mainly through grain boundaries (GB) rather than grain interiors. SCM results showed that charge separation mainly occurs at the interface of grain and grain boundaries and not all along the grain boundaries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microwave-assisted polyol synthesis and characterization of pvp-capped cds nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of tartrazine

Highlights: • PVP-stabilized CdS nanoparticles have been fabricated by a polyol-microwave method. • CdS nanoparticles were characterized and the size was approximately 48 ± 10 nm. • Catalytic activity of our nanoparticles was examined for tartrazine degradation. • Remarkable results were obtained under both UV and visible light irradiations. - Abstract: Polyvinylpyrrolidone capped cadmium sulfide nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a facile polyol method with ethylene glycol. Microwave irradiation and calcination were used to control the size and shape of nanoparticles. Characterization with scanning electron microscopy revealed a restricted nanoparticles growth comparing with the uncapped product, hexagonal phase and 48 nm average particle size were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and finally mechanism of passivation was suggested depending on Fourier transform infrared spectra. The efficiency of nanoparticles was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of tartrazine in aqueous solution under UVC and visible light irradiation. Complete degradation of the dye was observed after 90 min of UVC irradiation under optimized conditions. Kinetic of reaction fitted well to the pseudo-first-order kinetic and Langmuir–Hinshelwood models. Furthermore, 85% degradation of the dye in 9 h under visible light suggests that cadmium sulfide is a promising tool to work under visible light for environmental remediation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Towards the development of new phosphors with reduced content of rare earth elements: Structural and optical characterization of Ce:Tb: Al{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}

Highlights: • A new promising inert matrix as host of luminescent ions is proposed. • Al2SiO5 matrix is free from Rare earths (critical raw materials). • Doping the matrix with Ce and Tb we obtain an efficient green emitter. • Cerium acts as sensitizer for Terbium emission. - Abstract: A new promising inert matrix as host of luminescent ions is proposed. Al2SiO5 samples, doped with rare earths (Ce, Tb single doped and co-doped) are proposed as good prospect for the development of new UV–vis converter with reduced content of rare earths elements. Structural characterization by Raman, XRD spectroscopy and TEM imaging reveals the sillimanite phase and nano sized dimension of the investigated powders. Optical characterization by steady time and time resolved emission spectroscopy for the single doped and co-doped samples allows to identify an efficient energy transfer from Ce to Tb ions under near UV excitation wavelength. The intense green emission observed in the Ce:Tb co-doped Al2SiO5 system suggests its potential application as efficient blue pumped green emitter phosphor to be exploited for white LED: to this purpose we tested the compound in combination with a red emitting doping ion recording for Ce:Tb:Cr:ASO system a correlated color temperature of 6720 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

ZnS/Ni{sub 2}P core/shell composites: Simple hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and its photocatalytic degradation of pyronine B

Highlights: • ZnS/Ni{sub 2}P composites have been firstly synthesized via a gentle hydrothermal route. • The composites have been characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. • ZnS/Ni{sub 2}P showed enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity for pyronine B. • The reason for the enhanced photocatalytic activity has been discussed. - Abstract: ZnS/Ni{sub 2}P core/shell composites were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The composites have been characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and the corresponding results showed that the composites were composed of the cubic ZnS microspheres, which were made up of ZnS nanoparticles, and Ni{sub 2}P nanoparticles coated on the surfaces of ZnS microspheres. Compared with ZnS microspheres, ZnS/Ni{sub 2}P core/shell composites showed enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity for pyronine B under UV irradiation. This may be related to the effective separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs in ZnS/Ni{sub 2}P composites which can greatly reduce the chance of their recombination. Furthermore, superoxide ions and hydroxyl radical can be more easily produced through ZnS/Ni{sub 2}P composites, which is also beneficial for the degradation of pyronine B.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Phenoxo bridged dinuclear Zn(II) Schiff base complex as new precursor for preparation zinc oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, crystal structures and photoluminescence studies

Highlights: • A novel nano-scale Zn(II) complex was synthesized by solvothermal method. • Chemical structure of the nanostructures was characterized as well as bulk complex. • The photoluminescence property of the complex was investigated at room temperature. • The thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis were carried out. • Thermal decomposition of the nanostructures was prepared zinc oxide nanoparticles. - Abstract: Nanoparticles of a novel Zn(II) Schiff base complex, [Zn(HL)NO{sub 3}]{sub 2} (1), (H{sub 2}L = 2-[(2-hydroxy-propylimino) methyl] phenol), was synthesized by using solvothermal method. Shape, morphology and chemical structure of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectoscopy (FT-IR) and UV–vis spectroscopy. Structural determination of compound 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results were revealed that the zinc complex is a centrosymmetric dimer in which deprotonated phenolates bridge the two five-coordinate metal atoms and link the two halves of the dimer. The thermal stability of compound 1 was analyzed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effect of the initial substrates concentration and reaction time on size and morphology of compound 1 nanostructure was investigated as well. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of the complex 1 were examined. ZnO nanoparticles with diameter between 15 and 20 nm were simply synthesized by solid-state transformation of compound 1 at 700 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Synthesis and characterization of Ca{sup 2+} substituted barium niobate nanopaticles for photocatalytic and luminescence applications

Highlights: • Nanoparticles of Ca{sup 2+} (30 mol%) substituted BaNb{sub 2}O{sub 6} were synthesized. • Ca{sup 2+} ions occupy newer 8d Wyckoff positions rather than 4c. • Self-activated photoluminescence was observed. • Excellent H{sub 2} generation tendency from pure water under UV light was also observed. - Abstract: Ca{sup 2+} substituted barium niobate i.e. Ca{sub x}Ba{sub 1-x}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 6} (x = 0.3) compound in nanoparticles form was synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method for the first time and its structural characterization has been done by using powder X-ray diffraction data. Other characterizations were done by using transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. It was found that the Ca{sub x}Ba{sub 1-x}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 6} (x = 0.3) compound stabilizes in the orthorhombic phase (Pbcn space group) with the lattice parameters a = 14.984 Å, b = 5.761 Å and c = 5.216 Å. A representative TEM image shows the irregular sphere like morphology of the synthesized particles with the size ranging from 70 to 120 nm. The optical band gap energy was found to be 3.74 eV. It was observed that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit excellent H{sub 2} evolution tendency and self–activated photoluminescence under the excitation of UV light. These activities were assigned to the nanocrystalline nature of the synthesized material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication and characterization of electrospun single-crystal lead manganese borate nanofibers

Highlights: • Single crystal PbMnBO4 nanofibers were successfully fabricated by electrospinning process. • The PbMnBO4 nanofibers synthesized for the first time and unprecedented in the literature. • Characterization of PbMnBO{sub 4} nanofibers in mineralogical, optical and thermal properties was revealed. • The nanofibers exhibit single crystalline features with an average size between 120 and 250 nm. • These nanofibers can be used in optic or photonic fields as a flexible sensor due to its nonlinear and ferromagnetic properties. - Abstract: Anhydrous borate compounds are important materials in optical applications as nonlinear optical materials (NLO), due to the presence of structural B{sub x}O{sub y} subunits. Herein, lead manganese borate (PbMnBO{sub 4}) nanofibers have been firstly fabricated via a facile approach using a simple and inexpensive electrospinning technique. All of the synthesized samples were analyzed with X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV–vis) method. In addition, they were thermally analyzed with Thermal Gravimetric and Differential Thermal Analyzer and TG-DTA diagrams were discussed in detail. All of the characterization results showed that the obtained PbMnBO{sub 4} nanostructures have nanofiber structures and good crystalline features. PbMnBO{sub 4} nanofiber synthesized for the first time and unprecedented in the literature is promising absorber materials for nonlinear optic applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Characterization of titania inverse opals prepared by two distinct infiltration approaches

Highlights: • Preparation, characterization, and comparison of two types of titania inverse opals (IOs). • Infiltration is the key-step for producing IOs with improved optical, photonic, mechanical, and photocatalytic properties. • An innovative methodology for the infiltration with already prepared dispersed titania nanoparticles. - Abstract: Titanium dioxide inverse opals were prepared by the typical method of infiltration with a liquid precursor (LP-IOs) and by an improved method in which the infiltration step is done with a suspension of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles (NP-IOs). A thorough characterization study was performed on both types of preparations in order to highlight the differences between the resulting inverse opal samples. The formation of a compact overlayer in LP-IO samples inherent to the use of a liquid precursor proved to be detrimental for the optical and photonic properties of the inverse opals. NP-IO samples, on the other hand, showed improved optical, photonic, and mechanical properties. The photocatalytic degradation of a model compound (a well-known dye, methylene blue) revealed that NP-IO samples are able to degrade the model compound at a higher rate due to the absence of the compact overlayer which acts as a mass and light blocking barrier.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of highly monodisperse organically functionalized vanadium oxide nanocrystals for thermochromic applications

Highlights: • Vanadium oxide nanocrystals is synthesized via an improved solvothermal method. • Vanadium oxide nanocrystals possess a structure of distorted paramontroseite VO{sub 2}(P). • Thermally annealed nanocrystal thin films exhibit good thermochromic properties. - Abstract: We report on the synthesis and characterization of highly monodisperse organically functionalized vanadium oxide (VO{sub x}) nanocrystals with a size of 7–10 nm. We show that how these nanocrystals can be prepared by an improved solvothermal reaction and confirm their composition and structure through various materials characterization techniques. Our results revealed that VO{sub x} nanocrystals have a crystalline structure almost identical to that of paramontroseite VO{sub 2}(P) and the majority of vanadium is in oxidation state of V(IV). VO{sub x} nanocrystal films can be readily prepared via a spin coating technique. Once thermally annealed at ∼350 °C under an air/N{sub 2} flow, the films exhibited good thermochromic properties (luminous transmittance (T{sub lum}) ≈49–66%, infrared switching efficiency (ΔT{sub 2000nm}) ≈28–43%, and solar modulating ability (ΔT{sub sol}) ≈7.4–10.7%), corresponding to a phase transition between monoclinic VO{sub 2}(M) and rutile VO{sub 2}(R).

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Facile fabrication of 2D material multilayers and vdW heterostructures with multimodal microscopy and AFM characterization

Reliable transfer processes that enable manipulation of two-dimensional (2D) materials, e.g., transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and MXenes, from one substrate to another has been a necessity for successful device fabrication. Here, with both mechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) widely used, a versatile, clean, deterministic, and yet simple transfer technique is highly needed. To address such need, we developed a transfer method that takes advantage of wettability contrast between interfaces without the use of sacrificial layers or chemical processes. More importantly, a setup was developed to carry out this transfer method with high sample selectivity and fine control of the position and orientation of transferred TMDC crystals, a feature required for fabrication of the devices based on vertical 2D heterostructures. Using both exfoliated and CVD grown materials and subsequent atomic force microscopy (AFM), photoluminescence (PL), confocal Raman and tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) characterization, we ascertained the quality of interfaces resulting from the transfer process while preserving excellent 2D material integrity. PL and TERS maps revealed nanometer-scale heterogeneities in the interfaces of fabricated heterostructures, which should enable further perfection of the transfer technique. TERS/TEPL information were employed to identify areas suitable for nanodevice fabrication, making the reported transfer and characterization methods ideal for making high quality assembly of 2D heterostructure more accessible, which should facilitate exploration of vertical 2D heterostructures for applications in electronics, batteries, solar cells, and twistronics.

2D material transfer↗
DOE OSTI2026

A systematic analytical framework for multi-source municipal solid waste characterization for energy recovery

Advancing municipal solid waste (MSW) management from disposal-oriented practices toward circular, value-driven systems requires standardized methodologies capable of identifying material composition and resource recoverable potential at the point of generation. Despite extensive research, MSW characterization remains fragmented due to inconsistences in sampling methodologies, waste sorting categories, and temporal coverage across previous studies which limit cross-site comparability, reproducibility, and constrain the reliable evaluation of potential resource recovery pathways. This lack of consistency has hindered the development of a unified framework for MSW characterization and resource assessment. This study introduces a standardized, field-validated protocol for MSW sampling and composition analysis that ensures consistent, traceable data across diverse waste sources. The protocol integrates randomized spatial sampling, systematic material sorting, and controlled subsampling for multi-site and multi-season field campaigns. Validation included MSW collection from residential, grocery, restaurant, and school MSW streams across five U.S. states, including Maryland, Idaho, Virginia, Ohio, and Mississippi, to demonstrate the protocol’s ability to identify source-based composition patterns relevant to resource recovery applications. Grocery and restaurant streams were dominated by food waste and high-moisture organics, while school waste contained higher paper content and residential waste showed greater heterogeneity. Aggregation into energy-relevant fractions highlighted practical recovery pathways via anaerobic digestion or gasification, supporting data-driven planning, policy, and circular economy strategies for sustainable waste management across waste sources.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗