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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Silica modulated palladium catalyst with superior activity for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with hydrogen

A significant promotion effect of colloidal SiO 2 on Pd/TiO 2 catalyst for improving the activity and N 2 selectivity in the selective catalytic reduction of NO with H 2 (H 2 -SCR) was reported, both before and after hydrothermal aging. The SiO 2 addition not only benefited the formation of more oxygen vacancies but also increased Pd dispersion and created rich Pd-SiO 2 interfaces on Pd-SiO 2 /TiO 2 catalyst. The H 2 -SCR of NO on both Pd/TiO 2 and Pd-SiO 2 /TiO 2 followed a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism, in which the adsorbed bridging bidentate nitrates on TiO 2 could react with dissociated H 2 species on Pd sites at Pd-TiO 2 interface. Particularly, on the promoted Pd-SiO 2 /TiO 2 , the Pd-TiO 2 interface could facilitate NO adsorption and activation, and the created Pd-SiO 2 interface could benefit H 2 adsorption and dissociation, thus contributing to its significantly improved H 2 -SCR activity. Additionally, the active Pd species (which should be Pd0 under reaction condition with higher surface concentration) within Pd-SiO 2 /TiO 2 could be well stabilized during long-term hydrothermal aging process through the formation of rich Pd-SiO 2 interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Tuning acidity in silica-overcoated oxides for hydroalkoxylation

Mixed oxides are ubiquitious solid acid catalysts for a number of transformations. Here, the chemistry of mixed oxide interfaces was experimentally probed by constructing model SiO 2 on MO x interfaces using a liquid-phase, stoichiometrically-controlled deposition of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Catalytically active Brønsted sites were generated in four series of overcoated SiO 2 on metal oxide materials prepared by depositing TEOS onto Al 2 O 3 , anatase TiO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , and ZrO 2 . Pyridine DRIFTS studies indicate that the acidity of deposited silanol groups was enhanced by interaction with the metal oxide surface, suggesting that pseudo-bridging silanol type structures were formed. Trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO) 31 P NMR experiments showed that Brønsted acid strength varied in the overcoated materials, with increasing strength in the following order: SiO 2 /ZrO 2 < SiO 2 /TiO 2 < SiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 < SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 . This order correlated with the Lewis acidity and chemical hardness of the underlying metal oxides. The catalytic performance of the materials was evaluated in the liquid-phase hydroalkoxylation of dihydropyran with n-octanol, revealing that activity was highly dependent on SiO 2 loading, which impacted the density of acid sites, and scaled exponentially with Brønsted acid strength, determined by the core metal oxide identity. Brønsted acid strength appears to be the key driver of the materials’ activity, with the highest areal rate of 2.2 mmol / m 2 – h being measured over SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 . Furthermore, this study shows that SiO 2 -overcoated materials are a systematically tunable class of catalysts that can be applied to acid catalyzed reactions.

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

Poly(acrylic acid) Enabling the Synthesis of Highly Uniform Silica Nanoparticles of sub-100 nm

Robust synthesis of small colloidal silica (SiO 2 ) nanoparticles with narrow size distributions (<5%) is challenging because the possible involvement of continuous nucleation and growth of SiO 2 in the widely used Stöber process usually results in silica nanoparticles with large sizes and broad size distributions. Promoting heterogeneous nucleation and growth of silica is promising to tackle the challenges by in-situ forming transient colloidal seeds that provide nucleation surfaces for silica condensate. Here in this work, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is introduced to the Stöber synthesis solutions, which are usually composed of ethanol (containing a trace amount of water), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and ammonia, to mediate the nucleation of TEOS hydrolysates and growth of SiO 2 nanoparticles. PAA reacts with ammonia to form soft PAA-NH 3 complex colloids that serve as transient seeds to facilitate heterogeneous nucleation and growth of SiO 2 nanoparticles after adding TEOS to the synthesis solution. The number of PAA-NH 3 complex colloidal particles, which strongly depends on the molar ratio of PAA and ammonia, determines the number of the resulting SiO 2 nanoparticles and thus the size of the SiO 2 nanoparticles correspondingly according to the supply of TEOS. Highly uniform SiO 2 nanoparticles with finely tuned diameters in the sub-100 region have been successfully synthesized, and the synthesis protocol is feasible to be scaled up while maintaining the high quality of SiO 2 nanoparticles.

heterogeneous nucleation and growth of nanoparticl↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermal Equations of State of Magnesite: Implication for the Complex Mid‐Lower Mantle Seismic Scatterers

Abstract Magnesite (MgCO 3 ) entering the lower mantle together with the subducted oceanic crust is an important carbon carrier. The reaction between magnesite and mantle minerals has been documented, but its influence on the density and velocity profiles of lower mantle remains unexplored. To decipher the deep carbon transportation and its associated effect, here we determined the thermal equations of state of magnesite up to 120 GPa and 2600 K using X‐ray diffraction in laser‐heated diamond anvil cells. The obtained thermal elastic parameters of magnesite facilitated a comprehensive understanding on the influence of magnesite‐SiO 2 reaction, variation of carbon and SiO 2 content, and temperature on the origin of lower‐mantle scatterers at 1,000–1,800 km depth. Our modeling revealed that the depth of the lower‐mantleV S scatterers is mainly controlled by the Al 2 O 3 content in SiO 2 , while its magnitude depends on the SiO 2 content. Along normal geotherm, the magnesite‐SiO 2 reaction would occur before the post‐stishovite transition, consuming substantial SiO 2 in the subducted oceanic crust. Depending on the amount of residual SiO 2 , the post‐stishovite transition can produce a 2.5–5.2 (2)%V S reduction, compatible with the observed seismic scatterers in Izu‐Bonin and Mariana subduction zones. Along slab geotherm, this reaction occurs after the post‐stishovite transition, generating a greaterV S reduction of 4.4–6.4 (4)%. We thus propose that the reaction between sinking MgCO 3 and SiO 2 in the slab is one of the potential factors influencing the magnitude of the lower‐Vs scatterers at 1,000–1,900 km depth. Our results provide new insights into the deep‐mantle carbonate transportation influencing regional geophysics.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Control of wetting and uniformity via ZrSi x formation in ceramic-to-metal joints fabricated using Ag-Zr brazes

The deposition of a 2.0 µm SiO 2 film on the alumina surface in Kovar TM /94% alumina joints enables the formation of a silicide reaction layer on the alumina during brazing with 97Ag2Zr1Cu. Additionally, the average and standard deviation of joint thickness decrease from 50 to 15 and 29 to 4 µm, respectively compared to joints without added SiO 2 . Finally, the average failure stress of these braze joints was 45 MPa, while that of similar joints without added SiO 2 was 90 MPa. Sessile drop experiments of 98Ag2Zr on SiO 2 and 99.6% Al 2 O 3 substrates show that the braze wets and spreads to 3x its original area on SiO 2 with a wetting angle near 0°, but remains the same area on 99.6% Al 2 O 3 with a wetting angle of 106.6°. Focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy analysis of a cross-section of the 98Ag2Zr sessile drop on the SiO 2 substrate has shown that Zr reacts with SiO 2 to form Zr oxide and silicide layers. Scanning transmission electron microscopy diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicate this silicide layer contains tetragonal Zr 5 Si 4 . In conclusion, analysis shows the silicide layer enhances wetting and joint uniformity while unreacted SiO 2 embrittles the joint and degrades strength.

alumina↗
DOE OSTI2021

In Situ Synthesis of Graphene-Coated Silicon Monoxide Anodes from Coa-Derived Humic Acid for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Silicon monoxide (SiO) is attaining extensive interest amongst silicon-based materials due to its high capacity and long cycle life; however, its low intrinsic electrical conductivity and poor coulombic efficiency strictly limit its commercial applications. Here low-cost coal-derived humic acid (HA) is used as a feedstock to synthesize in-situ graphene-coated disproportionated SiO (D-SiO@G) anode with a facile method. HRTEM and XRD confirm the well-coated graphene layers on an SiO surface. Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM) and X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) spectra analysis indicate that the graphene coating effectively hinders the side-reactions between the electrolyte and SiO particles . As a result, the D-SiO@G anode presents an initial discharge capacity of 1937.6 mAh g -1 at 0.1 A g -1 and an initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 78.2%. High reversible capacity (1023 mAh g -1 at 2.0 A g -1 ), excellent cycling performance ( 72.4% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 2.0 A g -1 ), and rate capability (774 mAh g -1 at 5 A g -1 ) results are substantial. Full coin cells assembled with LiFePO 4 electrodes and D-SiO@G electrodes display impressive rate performance. These results indicate a promising potential for practical use in high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Generalized Synthesis of Highly-Dispersed, Ultrafine Transition Metal Nanoparticles on Silica Spheres for Enhanced Optical Absorption

Robust synthesis of ultrafine metal nanoparticles (ufMNPs) below 5 nm with clean surfaces and strong optical absorption in the visible spectral range is challenging due to their instability originating from large surface-to-volume ratios. Here, this work reports a general strategy involving two sequential steps: i) loading metal precursor ions onto the surface of silica nanospheres (SiO x NSs) by forming a uniform coating of metal oxyhydroxide [MO y (OH) z ] through preferred surface acid–base reactions and ii) thermally reducing MO y (OH) z in forming gas at elevated temperatures to form ufMNPs evenly dispersed on the surface of SiO x NSs. The capability of this synthesis strategy is verified by loading ufMNPs of various transition metals and bimetallic combinations onto the SiO x NSs. The ufMNPs exhibit strong optical absorption enhanced by the optical scattering resonances in the SiO x NSs, which generate intense electric fields near the surface of the SiO x NSs. The SiO x NSs also support stabilizing the ufMNPs, which do not need additional organic capping reagents. The successful synthesis of SiO x -NS-supported ufMNPs with clean surfaces and enhanced optical absorption is promising for exploring the photocatalytic properties of ufMNPs.

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

Ion irradiation study of lithium silicates for fusion blanket applications

Here, this study reports on the microstructural and compositional evolutions, deuterium release and lithium loss behavior in lithium silicates. Pellets of biphasic Li 4 SiO 4 and Li 2 SiO 3 were fabricated using hot pressing of powders. Sequential irradiation with Si + , He + and D + ions was performed up to 773 K to emulate one-year 6 Li burnup in 6 Li 4 SiO 4 inside the SlimCS DEMO. Crystalline Li 4 SiO 4 phase was not observed in the irradiated depth region of all the samples in this study. In spite of full amorphization in the near-surface region, Li 2 SiO 3 irradiated to a high dose at 773 K remained crystalline in the damage peak region, suggesting that Li 2 SiO 3 is more irradiation resistant to amorphization than Li 4 SiO 4 . Radiolysis may be primarily responsible for silicate decomposition and amorphization. Data from this study also show that D release from the pellet is very efficient during ion irradiation at 773 K, which is accompanied with a significant Li loss. Thermal annealing for 10 min at 773 K for the room-temperature irradiated pellet leads to a nearly complete D release without an observable Li loss. A concept of Ni coating on tritium breeder materials is discussed with supporting data to minimize Li loss without a significant impact on tritium diffusion and release.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Identification and Description of a Silicic Volcaniclastic Layer in Gale Crater, Mars, Using Active Neutron Interrogation

The Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons instrument aboard the Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, has been used to map a stratigraphically-conformable layer of high-SiO 2 material in Gale crater. Previous work has shown this material contains tridymite, a high-temperature/low-pressure felsic mineral, interpreted to have a volcanic source rock. We describe several characteristics including orientation, extent, hydration, and geochemistry, consistent with a volcaniclastic material conformably deposited within a lacustrine mudstone succession. Relationships with widely dispersed alteration features and orbital detections of hydrated SiO 2 suggest that this high-SiO 2 layer extends at least 17 km laterally. Mineralogical abundances previously reported for this high-SiO 2 material indicated that hydrous species were restricted to the amorphous (non-crystalline) fraction, which is dominated by SiO2. The low mean bulk hydration of this high-SiO 2 layer (1.85 ± 0.13 wt.% water-equivalent hydrogen) is consistent with silicic glass in addition to opal-A and opal- CT. Persistent volcanic glass and tridymite in addition to opal in an ancient sedimentary unit indicates that the conversion to more ordered forms of crystalline SiO 2 has not proceeded to completion and that this material has had only limited exposure to water since it originally erupted, despite having been transported in a uviolacustrine system. Our results, including the conformable nature, large areal extent, and presence of vol- canic glass, indicate that this high-SiO 2 material is derived from the product of evolved magma on Mars. This is the rst identi cation of a silicic volcaniclastic layer on another planet, and has important implications for magma evolution mechanisms on single-plate planets.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

A statistical representation of bond coating oxidation under environmental barrier coatings

Environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) protect SiC-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in turbine hot sections from high-temperature volatilization in combustion gases. The formation of a SiO 2 thermally grown oxide (TGO) is expected under the EBC after long-term operation. The oxidation resistance of the EBC is understood as a life-limiting factor for the CMC, and this work predicts long-term oxidation behavior under EBCs through a simple statistical approach. Specimens were exposed to 1350°C isothermal conditions for 100-h thermal cycles in flowing steam for up to 1000 h. The EBC morphology, SiO 2 thickness, and SiO 2 cracking behavior were assessed. Using thousands of SiO 2 thickness measurements across many millimeters of the interface, a realistic representation of the entire TGO was captured via a lognormal distribution. The lognormal fit parameters were extrapolated out to 25 000 h to assess the degree of SiO 2 growth, the spread of SiO 2 thicknesses related to the rough oxidizing interface, and percentages of the intermediate bond coating consumed. In conclusion, local interfacial defects from the coating deposition process are identified as local failure points for EBC—CMC systems.

SiO 2↗
DOE OSTI2022

Identifying Hidden Li–Si–O Phases for Lithium‐Ion Batteries via First‐Principle Thermodynamic Calculations

SiO–based materials are promising alloys and conversion‐type anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries and are recently found to be excellent dendrite‐proof layers for lithium‐metal batteries. However, only a small fraction of the Li–Si–O compositional space has been reported, significantly impeding the understanding of the phase transition mechanisms and the rational design of these materials both as anodes and as protection layers for lithium‐metal anodes. Herein, we identify three new thermodynamically stable phases within the Li–Si–O ternary system (Li 2 SiO 5 , Li 4 SiO 6, and Li 4 SiO 8 ) in addition to the existing records via first‐principle calculations. The electronic structure simulation shows that Li 2 SiO 5 and Li 4 SiO 8 phases are metallic in nature, ensuring high electronic conductivity required as electrodes. Moduli calculations demonstrate that the mechanical strength of Li–Si–O phases is much higher than that of lithium metal. The diffusion barriers of interstitial Li range from 0.1 to 0.6 eV and the interstitial Li hopping serves as the dominating diffusion mechanism in the Li–Si–O ternary systems compared with vacancy diffusion. These findings provide a new strategy for future discovery of improved alloying anodes for lithium‐ion batteries and offer important insight towards the understanding of the phase transformation mechanism of alloy‐type protection layers on lithium‐metal anodes.

Qu, Jiale↗
DOE OSTI2021

Synthesis of Poly(ionic Liquid)s-block-poly(methyl Methacrylate) Copolymer-Grafted Silica Particle Brushes with Enhanced CO 2 Permeability and Mechanical Performance

Poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)-based block copolymers are of particular interest as they combine the specific properties of PILs with the self-assembling behaviors of block copolymers, broadening the range of potential applications for PIL-based materials. In this work, three particle brushes: SiO 2 -g-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), SiO 2 -g-PIL, and SiO 2 -g-PMMA-b-PIL were prepared through surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. Unlike the homogeneous homopolymer particle brushes, the block copolymer particle brush SiO 2 -g-PMMA-b-PIL exhibited a bimodal chain architecture and unique phase-separated morphology, which were confirmed by size-exclusion chromatography and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the influence of the introduction of the PMMA segment on the gas separation and mechanical performance of the PIL-containing block copolymer particle brushes were investigated. A significant improvement of Young’s modulus was observed in the SiO 2 -g-PMMA-b-PIL compared to the SiO 2 -g-PIL bulk films; meanwhile, their gas separation performances (CO 2 permeability and CO 2 /N 2 selectivity) were the same, which demonstrates the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of PIL-based particle brushes without compromising their gas separation performance.

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

Crack-Free Silicon Monoxide as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The volume expansion of Si and SiO particles was investigated using a single-particle battery assembled with a focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) system. Single Si and SiO particles were galvanostatically charged and discharged as in real batteries. Microstructural changes of the particles were monitored in situ using FIB-SEM from two different angles. The results revealed that the volume expansion of micrometer size particle SiO was not only much smaller than that of Si, but it also kept its original shape with no sign of cracks. Additionally, this isotropic mechanical property of a SiO particle can be attributed to its microstructure: nanosized Si domains mixed with SiO 2 domains. The nanosized Si domains can mitigate the anisotropic swelling caused by the orientation-dependent lithium-ion insertion; the surrounding SiO 2 domains can act as a buffer to further constrain the localized anisotropic swelling.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Proton Conducting Silicon Oxide Membranes as a Fluorine Free Alternative to Nafion for Low Temperature Water Electrolysis

Driven by environmental and health concerns related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there has been growing interest in developing fluorine-free proton (H + ) exchange membrane (PEM) materials for fuel cells and water electrolyzers. In this study, we present a side-by-side comparison of the key transport properties of submicron thick, PFAS-free amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) membranes to Nafion, a fluorinated polymer electrolyte membrane that represents the industry standard for PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers. Here, measurements of proton (H + ) conductivity (σ H + ), hydrogen (H 2 ) permeability (P H 2 ), and electrical resistivity (ρ e – ) were conducted using model thin films comprised of SiO 2 membranes deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Although the H + conductivity of the SiO 2 membranes is 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than Nafion, the addition of phosphorus dopants (PO x ) improves H + conductivity such that the area specific membrane resistance of thin (<50 nm) PO x -doped SiO 2 membranes is more than an order of magnitude lower than Nafion-117. Importantly, the safe operation of such nanoscale membranes within a PEM electrolyzer is feasible thanks to the low H 2 permeability of dense SiO 2 -based membranes, which are predicted to limit H 2 crossover rates to acceptable levels for pressures up to ≈ 100 bar. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, a chip-scale water electrolyzer based on 100 nm thick PO x -SiO 2 membrane is shown to achieve a current density of 2 A cm –2 at a potential of 2.5 V. If this technology can be successfully scaled up, H + conducting oxide membranes offer an attractive PFAS-free alternative to Nafion for efficient and durable water electrolysis and fuel cell technologies.

Nafion↗
DOE OSTI2021

XANES reflects coordination change and underlying surface disorder of zinc adsorbed to silica

In this work, zinc K -edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy of Zn adsorbed to silica and Zn-bearing minerals, salts and solutions was conducted to explore how XANES spectra reflect coordination environment and disorder in the surface to which a metal ion is sorbed. Specifically, XANES spectra for five distinct Zn adsorption complexes (Zn ads ) on quartz and amorphous silica [SiO 2(am) ] are presented from the Zn–water–silica surface system: outer-sphere octahedral Zn ads on quartz, inner-sphere octahedral Zn ads on quartz, inner-sphere tetrahedral Zn ads on quartz, inner-sphere octahedral Zn ads on SiO 2(am) and inner-sphere tetrahedral Zn ads on SiO 2(am) . XANES spectral analysis of these complexes on quartz versus SiO 2(am) reveals that normalized peak absorbance and K -edge energy position generally decrease with increasing surface disorder and decreasing Zn–O coordination. On quartz, the absorption-edge energy of Zn ads ranges from 9663.0 to 9664.1 eV for samples dominated by tetrahedrally versus octahedrally coordinated species, respectively. On SiO 2(am) , the absorption-edge energy of Zn ads ranges from 9662.3 to 9663.4 eV for samples dominated by tetrahedrally versus octahedrally coordinated species, respectively. On both silica substrates, octahedral Zn ads presents a single K -edge peak feature, whereas tetrahedral Zn ads presents two absorbance features. The energy space between the two absorbance peak features of the XANES K -edge of tetrahedral Zn ads is 2.4 eV for Zn on quartz and 3.2 eV for Zn on SiO 2(am) . Linear combination fitting of samples with a mixture of Zn ads complex types demonstrates that the XANES spectra of octahedral and tetrahedral Zn ads on silica are distinct enough for quantitative identification. These results suggest caution when deciphering Zn speciation in natural samples via linear combination approaches using a single Zn ads standard to represent sorption on a particular mineral surface. Correlation between XANES spectral features and prior extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) derived coordination environments for these Zn ads on silica samples provides insight into Zn speciation in natural systems with XANES compatible Zn concentrations too low for EXAFS analysis.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Impact of carrier wafer on etch rate, selectivity, morphology, and passivation during GaN plasma etching

The choice of carrier wafer was found to significantly influence etch rates, selectivity, and morphology in GaN micropillar etching in a Cl 2 -Ar high-density inductively coupled plasma. 7 × 7 mm 2 GaN on sapphire chips with a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition SiO 2 hard mask was etched on top of 4-in. fused silica, silicon carbide, silicon, sapphire, aluminum nitride, and high purity aluminum carriers. Silicon and silicon carbide carriers reduced GaN:SiO 2 selectivity because incidental SiCl x and CCl x etch products from the carriers attack the SiO 2 mask. Aluminum nitride and high-purity aluminum carriers yielded the highest GaN:SiO 2 selectivities due to the deposition of Al-based etched by-products, while the highest GaN etch rate was achieved using the sapphire carrier since it was the most inert carrier and did not sink any Cl 2 . Overall, results indicate that SiO 2 and Al may be used as passivation materials during GaN etching, as vertical profiles were achieved when SiO 2 or Al is redeposited from the fused silica and aluminum carriers, respectively. Floor pitting, trenching, sidewall roughness, and faceting were all influenced by carrier wafer type and will be discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Maritime Fuel Cell Generator Project: 2018 – 2023

This report summarizes activity in the Maritime Fuel Cell (MarFC) Generator Project from 2018 – 2023. FY 2018 saw the implementation of upgrades and repairs, making the unit more reliable and operator friendly. In FY2019 the team engaged the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) to use the MarFC to provide zero-emission shore power to the research vessel R/V Robert Gordon Sproul while in port at the Nimitz Marine Facility in San Diego, CA. In FY2020, the MarFC unit was shipped to San Diego, CA. A fueling contract with IGX was established to support MarFC operations at SIO, with renewable hydrogen provided by the California State University Los Angeles (CSULA) hydrogen station. The project team (Sandia, Cummins/Hydrogenics) provided training to SIO staff on the technical details of the MarFC, the safe use of hydrogen in general and the MarFC in particular. The first fueling of the unit at the SIO pier was successfully completed by IGX. The first powering of a vessel with fuel-cell shore power was conducted with the R/V Robert Gordon Sproul. While the mechanical systems (lights, AC, ventilation, hydraulics, pumps and cranes) were powered without incident, problems arose when powering the computer systems. Inspections carried out in FY2021 revealed the MarFC needed routine maintenance. Maintenance was performed and the unit was upgraded. The MarFC was turned on after the year pause, and initial test data on power levels and stability were collected. FY2022 was a year spent repairing, upgrading and testing the MarFC unit. Spikes in power and voltage were observed above 60 kW that could potentially extend below 60 kW with time. Such spikes could cause problems with the Sproul electrical systems. These age-related problems, the extended time for the Sproul spent in dry dock for scheduled upgrades, and the associated need to reschedule the vessel’s high-priority science missions made it no longer possible to deploy the unit at SIO. After due consideration, the decision was made by DOE, MARAD and the project team to cease the deployment, remove the MarFC from SIO, and not pursue further deployment activities. On December 2, 2022, the MarFC unit was removed from the Scripps Nimitz Marine Facility and shipped to Fridley, Michigan. The Cummins/Hydrogenics plan for the unit is to assess the condition of the MarFC subcomponents, and then use it as a training/learning system for technical employees new to hydrogen fuel-cell technology. After summarizing project activity from 2018 – 2023, this report provides a review of lessons learned. This report provides next steps in contemplating a follow-on project that would further advance the use of fuel-cell-based shore power in a marine setting. A comparison is made of the project results to the original objectives. This report ends with an accounting of presentations stemming from the project, and a list of references.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

The effect of silica oxide support on the catalytic activity of nickel-molybdenum bimetallic catalyst toward ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production

This work investigates the effects of molybdenum promoter and silica oxide (SiO 2 ) support morphology on the ethanol steam reforming (ESR) performance of Nickel-Molybdenum (NiMo) bimetallic catalysts. Ordered mesoporous SiO 2 (SBA-15) and commercial SiO 2 supports were used as the oxide support materials. The synthesized catalysts were prepared via the wet impregnation method and characterized via XRD, H 2 -TPR, BET, FTIR, and Raman techniques. This study shows that NiMo bimetallic catalyst supported on SBA-15 has superior catalytic activity and better coking resistance at an intermediate temperature of 600 ⁰C than commercial SiO 2 supported catalysts. The presence of a uniform mesoporous structure of SBA-15 with an average pore diameter of ~ 2 nm can obstruct the carbon formation, leading to improved coking resistance. The catalytic enhancement of NiMo bimetallic catalysts toward ESR can also be linked to the ability of Mo promoter in enhancing the interaction between NiMo nanoparticles and SiO 2 support materials and restraining agglomeration of Ni nanoparticles, which results in further improvement of NiMo nanoparticle dispersion and inhibit its sintering. The NiMo bimetallic catalysts supported on SBA-15 illustrated the high H 2 yield of ~ 54% and carbon conversion of ~ 89% with the excellent stability for ESR performed at 600 ⁰C and the steam-to-carbon ratio of 2 over 65 hours.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗