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Results for “multifunction cell”

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 OSTI2018

Structural basis for the interaction between DJ-1 and Bcl-XL

Highlights: • Oxidized, but not reduced, DJ-1 interacts with Bcl-X{sub L}. • C-terminal α8-helix of DJ-1 acts as a binding motif for Bcl-X{sub L}. • C-terminal α8-helix of DJ-1 binds to the BH3 peptide-binding groove in Bcl-X{sub L}. • A conserved binding mode of the Bcl-X{sub L}/DJ-1 and other Bcl-X{sub L}/BH3 peptide complexes. • Understanding of structural basis for the binding between DJ-1 and Bcl-X{sub L}. DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and tumorigenesis. In response to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, DJ-1 is translocated into the mitochondria, and its interaction with the mitochondrial protein Bcl-X{sub L} protects cells against death. In this study, we characterized the molecular interaction between DJ-1 and Bcl-X{sub L} by NMR spectroscopy. The NMR chemical shift perturbation data demonstrated that the oxidized but not the reduced form of DJ-1 binds to the predominantly hydrophobic groove surrounded by the BH1–BH3 domains in Bcl-X{sub L}. In addition, our results showed that the C-terminal α8-helix peptide (Cpep) of DJ-1 binds to the pro-apoptotic BH3 peptide-binding hydrophobic groove in Bcl-X{sub L} and, thus, acts as a Bcl-X{sub L}-binding motif. In combination with the NMR chemical shift perturbation data, a refined structural model of the Bcl-X{sub L}/DJ-1 Cpep complex revealed that the binding mode is remarkably similar to that of other Bcl-X{sub L}/pro-apoptotic BH3 peptide complexes. Taken together, our results provide a structural basis for the binding mechanism between DJ-1 and Bcl-X{sub L}, which will contribute to molecular understanding of the role of mitochondrial DJ-1 in Bcl-X{sub L} regulation in response to oxidative stress.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Multifunctional Li-ion Conducting Interfacial Materials for Lithium Metal Batteries”

The overall approach will focus on the development and optimization of synthesis methods and precursors for multifunctional Li-ion conducting interfacial materials, protective layer composition, and protective layer fabrication methods. This will be accompanied by property measurement and characterization (conductivity, mechanical properties, etc.) for the protective layer on Li metal, along with cell testing.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2003

Multifunctional Inflatable Structure Being Developed for the PowerSphere Concept

The continuing development of microsatellites and nanosatellites for low Earth orbits requires the collection of sufficient power for instruments onboard a low-weight, low-volume spacecraft. Because the overall surface area of a microsatellite or nanosatellite is small, body-mounted solar cells cannot provide enough power. The deployment of traditional, rigid, solar arrays necessitates larger satellite volumes and weights, and also requires extra apparatus for pointing. One solution to this power choke problem is the deployment of a spherical, inflatable power system. This power system, termed the "PowerSphere," has several advantages, including a high collection area, low weight and stowage volume, and the elimination of solar array pointing mechanisms.

Peterson, Todd T.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Chitosan-Gated Magnetic-Responsive Nanocarrier for Dual-Modal Optical Imaging, Switchable Drug Release, and Synergistic Therapy

In this study, we present a multifunctional yet structurally simple nanocarrier that has a high drug loading capacity, releases drug in response to onset of an AC magnetic field, and can serve as a long-term imaging contrast agent and effectively kills cancer cells by synergistic action. This nanocarrier (HMMC-NC) has a spherical shell structure with a center cavity of 80 nm in diameter. The shell is comprised of two layers: an inner layer of magnetite that exhibits superparamagnetism and an outer layer of mesoporous carbon embedded with carbon dots that exhibit photoluminescence property. Thus in addition to being a drug carrier, HMMC-NC is also a contrast agent for bioimaging. The switchable drug release is enabled by the chitosan molecules attached on the nanocarrier as the switching material which turns on or off the drug release in response to the application or withdrawal of an AC magnetic field.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2010

Ceramic Integration Technologies for Advanced Energy Systems: Critical Needs, Technical Challenges, and Opportunities

Advanced ceramic integration technologies dramatically impact the energy landscape due to wide scale application of ceramics in all aspects of alternative energy production, storage, distribution, conservation, and efficiency. Examples include fuel cells, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, gas turbine propulsion systems, distribution and transmission systems based on superconductors, nuclear power generation and waste disposal. Ceramic integration technologies play a key role in fabrication and manufacturing of large and complex shaped parts with multifunctional properties. However, the development of robust and reliable integrated systems with optimum performance requires the understanding of many thermochemical and thermomechanical factors, particularly for high temperature applications. In this presentation, various needs, challenges, and opportunities in design, fabrication, and testing of integrated similar (ceramic ceramic) and dissimilar (ceramic metal) material www.nasa.gov 45 ceramic-ceramic-systems have been discussed. Experimental results for bonding and integration of SiC based Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) LDI fuel injector and advanced ceramics and composites for gas turbine applications are presented.

Singh, Mrityunjay↗
DOE OSTI2012

Phosphorylation and activation of nuclear Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase phosphatase (CaMKP-N/PPM1E) by Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (CaMKI)

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CaMKP-N/PPM1E underwent proteolytic processing and translocated to cytosol. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The proteolysis was effectively inhibited by the proteasome inhibitors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ser-480 of zebrafish CaMKP-N was phosphorylated by cytosolic CaMKI. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phosphorylation-mimic mutants of CaMKP-N showed enhanced activity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer These results suggest that CaMKP-N is regulated by CaMKI. -- Abstract: Nuclear Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase phosphatase (CaMKP-N/PPM1E) is an enzyme that dephosphorylates and downregulates multifunctional Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) as well as AMP-dependent protein kinase. In our previous study, we found that zebrafish CaMKP-N (zCaMKP-N) underwent proteolytic processing and translocated to cytosol in a proteasome inhibitor-sensitive manner. In the present study, we found that zCaMKP-N is regulated by phosphorylation at Ser-480. When zCaMKP-N was incubated with the activated CaMKI, time-dependent phosphorylation of the enzyme was observed. This phosphorylation was significantly reduced when Ser-480 was replaced by Ala, suggesting that CaMKI phosphorylates Ser-480 of zCaMKP-N. Phosphorylation-mimic mutants, S480D and S480E, showed higher phosphatase activities than those of wild type and S480A mutant in solution-based phosphatase assay using various substrates. Furthermore, autophosphorylation of CaMKII after ionomycin treatment was more severely attenuated in Neuro2a cells when CaMKII was cotransfected with the phosphorylation-mimic mutant of zCaMKP-N than with the wild-type or non-phosphorylatable zCaMKP-N. These results strongly suggest that phosphorylation of zCaMKP-N at Ser-480 by CaMKI activates CaMKP-N catalytic activity and thereby downregulates multifunctional CaMKs in the cytosol.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

The 21.5-kDa isoform of myelin basic protein has a non-traditional PY-nuclear-localization signal

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Full-length 21.5-kDa MBP isoform is translocated to the nucleus. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We hypothesized that the exon-II-encoded sequence contained the NLS. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We mutated this sequence in RFP-tagged constructs and transfected N19-cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Abolition of two key positively-charged residues resulted in loss of nuclear-trafficking. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The 21.5-kDa isoform of classic MBP contains a non-traditional PY-NLS. -- Abstract: The predominant 18.5-kDa classic myelin basic protein (MBP) is mainly responsible for compaction of the myelin sheath in the central nervous system, but is multifunctional, having numerous interactions with Ca{sup 2+}-calmodulin, actin, tubulin, and SH3-domains, and can tether these proteins to a lipid membrane in vitro. The full-length 21.5-kDa MBP isoform has an additional 26 residues encoded by exon-II of the classic gene, which causes it to be trafficked to the nucleus of oligodendrocytes (OLGs). We have performed site-directed mutagenesis of selected residues within this segment in red fluorescent protein (RFP)-tagged constructs, which were then transfected into the immortalized N19-OLG cell line to view protein localization using epifluorescence microscopy. We found that 21.5-kDa MBP contains two non-traditional PY-nuclear-localization signals, and that arginine and lysine residues within these motifs were involved in subcellular trafficking of this protein to the nucleus, where it may have functional roles during myelinogenesis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Multifunctional Utilization of Pitch-Coated Carbon Fibers in Lithium-Based Rechargeable Batteries

This work reports carbon fibers as an electrode material and current collector for dual-carbon and lithium-ion batteries. Here, fully graphitic and semigraphitic carbon fibers undergo anion intercalation beyond 4.5 V versus Li/Li + . Symmetric dual-carbon full cells using a pitch-coated fully graphitic carbon fiber mat as both cathode and anode delivers an energy-density of 276 and 322 Wh kg -1 at 342 W kg -1 power density in the voltage range of 3.0–5.0 and 3.0–5.2 V, respectively. On the other hand, nongraphitic carbon fibers do not exhibit anion intercalation up to 5.2 V and can be used as a current collector. They also possess a larger number of Li + storage sites in their randomly oriented microstructure when used as an anode. A lithium-ion full cell with double carbon-coated C-LiFePO 4 loaded on nongraphitic carbon fiber as a cathode and pitch-coated nongraphitic carbon fiber as an anode exhibits 202.6 and 75.2 Wh kg -1 energy density at power densities of 46.75 W kg -1 and 11.7 kW kg -1 , respectively in 2.0–3.5 V range. This pitch-coated carbon fiber-based battery configuration eliminates the need for metal foils and costly fluorinated binders, lowers overall weight of the cell, and is capable of sustaining mechanical stress and thermal shock.

PF6− intercalation↗
DOE OSTI2011

Nuclear translocation of glutathione S-transferase {pi} is mediated by a non-classical localization signal

Highlights: {yields} Nuclear translocation of GST{pi} is abrogated by the deletion of the last 16 amino acid residues in the carboxy-terminal region, indicating that residues 195-208 of GST{pi} are required for nuclear translocation. {yields} The lack of a contiguous stretch of positively charged amino acid residues within the carboxy-terminal region of GST{pi}, suggests that the nuclear translocation of GST{pi} is mediated by a non-classical nuclear localization signal. {yields} An in vitro transport assay shows that the nuclear translocation of GST{pi} is dependent on cytosolic factors and ATP. -- Abstract: Glutathione S-transferase {pi} (GST{pi}), a member of the GST family of multifunctional enzymes, is highly expressed in human placenta and involved in the protection of cellular components against electrophilic compounds or oxidative stress. We have recently found that GST{pi} is expressed in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nucleus in some cancer cells, and that the nuclear expression of GST{pi} appears to correlate with resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Although the mitochondrial targeting signal of GST{pi} was previously identified in the amino-terminal region, the mechanism of nuclear translocation remains completely unknown. In this study, we find that the region of GST{pi}195-208 is critical for nuclear translocation, which is mediated by a novel and non-classical nuclear localization signal. In addition, using an in vitro transport assay, we demonstrate that the nuclear translocation of GST{pi} depends on the cytosolic extract and ATP. Although further experiments are needed to understand in depth the precise mechanism of nuclear translocation of GST{pi}, our results may help to establish more efficient anti-cancer therapy, especially with respect to resistance to anti-cancer drugs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Biocompatible Bi(OH)3 nanoparticles with reduced photocatalytic activity as possible ultraviolet filter in sunscreens

Highlights: • Facilesynthesis of inorganic Bi(OH){sub 3} nanoparticles. • High biocompatibility in human skin and dog kidney cells in vitro. • Ultraviolet filter capable of reducing the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} and ZnO. • Preparation of TiO{sub 2}/Bi(OH){sub 3} and classical TiO{sub 2}/ZnO sunscreen formulations. • Significantly improved photoprotection and photostability compared to TiO{sub 2}/ZnO. - Abstract: In this study we investigate readily synthesised Bi(OH){sub 3} nanoparticles as a novel, multifunctional ultraviolet filter for sunscreen. The absorbance of Bi(OH){sub 3} NPs in the ultraviolet region is comparable to that of both ZnO and TiO{sub 2} NPs used in commercial sunscreens. In vitro photoprotection results show that the combination of TiO{sub 2}/Bi(OH){sub 3} is more efficient than TiO{sub 2}/ZnO over the whole UV range, with an increase in sun protection factor of 28%. The emulsions show rheological properties comparable to those of commercial sunscreens. The combination of TiO{sub 2}/Bi(OH){sub 3} led to insignificant damage on pre-painted steel panels after exterior exposure for twelve weeks. We also demonstrate that the addition of Bi(OH){sub 3} NPs reduces the degradation of crystal violet by photocatalytically active TiO{sub 2} or ZnO NPs under ultraviolet exposure. Finally, assessment of the biocompatibility of Bi(OH){sub 3} with HaCaT keratinocytes and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells in vitro is described.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

All Solid State Batteries Enabled by Multifunctional Electrolyte Materials

Solid Power has teamed with University of California San Diego to develop a high energy, long life, low cost, and safe all-solid-state-battery (ASSB). The battery is enabled by a multifunctional solid state electrolyte (SSE). The project enables scalable production of large format solid state batteries required by the vehicle market and building domestic battery manufacturers as leaders in the global vehicle ASSB production. In the project, the multifunctional SSE materials have been developed and optimized with ionic conductivity ≥ 5 mS/cm and electrochemical stability 0 – 4.5V. SSE separator films have been coated by using a roll-to-roll process with thickness ≤ 40 µm. All-solid-state NMC-Li pouch cells containing the developed SSE have been assembled. A cycle life of > 750 at 100% DOD and 45 °C has been demonstrated in a full pouch cell.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Nanostructured columnar heterostructures of TiO{sub 2} and Cu{sub 2}O enabled by a thin-film self-assembly approach: Potential for photovoltaics

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Material self-assembly in phase-separated oxides is exploited. ► Three-dimensionally nanostructured epitaxial films are grown using sputtering. ► Films are composed of well-ordered oriented nanopillars of n-type TiO{sub 2} and p-type Cu{sub 2}O. ► Observed interfaces at adjacent TiO{sub 2}–Cu{sub 2}O columns are nearly atomically distinct. ► Absorption profile of the composite film captures a wide range of the solar spectrum. -- Abstract: Significant efforts are being devoted to the development of multifunctional thin-film heterostructures and nanostructured material architectures for components with novel applications of superconductivity, multiferroicity, solar photocatalysis and energy conversion. In particular, nanostructured assemblies with well-defined geometrical shapes have emerged as possible high efficiency and economically viable alternatives to planar photovoltaic thin-film architectures. By exploiting phase-separated self-assembly, here we present advances in a vertically oriented two-component system that offers potential for future development of nanostructured thin film solar cells. Through a single-step deposition by magnetron sputtering, we demonstrate growth of an epitaxial, composite film matrix formed as self-assembled, well ordered, phase segregated, and oriented nanopillars of n-type TiO{sub 2} and p-type Cu{sub 2}O. The composite films were structurally characterized to atomic resolution by a variety of analytical tools, and evaluated for preliminary optical properties using absorption measurements. We find nearly atomically distinct TiO{sub 2}–Cu{sub 2}O interfaces (i.e., needed for possible active p–n junctions), and an absorption profile that captures a wide range of the solar spectrum extending from ultraviolet to visible wavelengths. This high-quality materials system could lead to photovoltaic devices that can be optimized for both incident light absorption and carrier collection.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multifunctional Coatings on Sulfide‐Based Solid Electrolyte Powders with Enhanced Processability, Stability, and Performance for Solid‐State Batteries

Abstract Sulfide‐based solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) exhibit many tantalizing properties including high ionic conductivity and favorable mechanical properties for next‐generation solid‐state batteries. Widespread adoption of these materials is hindered by their intrinsic instability under ambient conditions, which makes them difficult to process at scale, and instability at the Li||SSE and cathode||SSE interfaces, which limits cell performance and lifetime. Atomic layer deposition is leveraged to grow thin Al 2 O 3 coatings on Li 6 PS 5 Cl powders to address both issues simultaneously. These coatings can be directly grown onto Li 6 PS 5 Cl particles with negligible chemical modification of the underlying material and enable exposure of powders to pure and H 2 O‐saturated oxygen environments for ≥4 h with minimal reactivity, compared with significant degradation of the uncoated powder. Pellets fabricated from coated powders exhibit ionic conductivities up to 2× higher than those made from uncoated material, with a simultaneous decrease in electronic conductivity and significant suppression of chemical reactivity at the Li‐SSE interface. These benefits result in significantly improved room temperature cycle life at high capacity and current density. It is hypothesized that this enhanced performance derives from improved intergranular properties and improved Li metal adhesion. This work points to a completely new framework for designing active, stable, and scalable materials for next‐generation solid‐state batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Lithium Cyano Tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) Borate as a Multifunctional Electrolyte Additive for High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

Lithium cyano tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) borate (LCTFEB) has been synthesized and investigated as a new electrolyte additive for high performance of lithium metal batteries. LCTFEB is prepared by the reaction of tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) borate with lithium cyanide. Incorporation of LCTFEB into carbonate-based electrolyte has been investigated. The electrochemical performance of NCM523/Li cells as well as symmetric Li/Li cells are significantly improved upon incorporation of LCTFEB (5 wt.%) into the electrolyte. Various characterizations of lithium metal morphology and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the lithium metal anode have been conducted using by FE-SEM, cryo-TEM and XPS suggesting the generation of a thin (≈ 10 nm) LiF rich SEI with low concentrations of B and N-compounds. The different SEI structure is formed by the preferential reductive decomposition of LCTFEB resulting in improved electrochemical performance. As a result, the new electrolyte additive provides insight into innovative approaches for multi-functional electrolyte additive design.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Large magnetic entropy change and magnetoresistance in a Ni 41 Co 9 Mn 40 Sn 10 magnetic shape memory alloy

A polycrystalline Ni 41 Co 9 Mn 40 Sn 10 (at. %) magnetic shape memory alloy was prepared by arc melting and characterized mainly by magnetic measurements, in-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD), and mechanical testing. A large magnetoresistance of 53.8% (under 5 T) and a large magnetic entropy change of 31.9 J/(kg K) (under 5 T) were simultaneously achieved. Both of these values are among the highest values reported so far in Ni-Mn-Sn-based Heusler alloys. The large magnetic entropy change, closely related to the structural entropy change, is attributed to the large unit cell volume change across martensitic transformation as revealed by our in-situ HEXRD experiment. Furthermore, good compressive properties were also obtained. Lastly, the combination of large magnetoresistance, large magnetic entropy change, and good compressive properties, as well as low cost makes this alloy a promising candidate for multifunctional applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Silibinin, dexamethasone, and doxycycline as potential therapeutic agents for treating vesicant-inflicted ocular injuries

There are no effective and approved therapies against devastating ocular injuries caused by vesicating chemical agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM). Herein, studies were carried out in rabbit corneal cultures to establish relevant ocular injury biomarkers with NM for screening potential efficacious agents in laboratory settings. NM (100 nmol) exposure of the corneas for 2 h (cultured for 24 h), showed increases in epithelial thickness, ulceration, apoptotic cell death, epithelial detachment microbullae formation, and the levels of VEGF, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Employing these biomarkers, efficacy studies were performed with agent treatments 2 h and every 4 h thereafter, for 24 h following NM exposure. Three agents were evaluated, including prescription drugs dexamethasone (0.1%; anti-inflammatory steroid) and doxycycline (100 nmol; antibiotic and MMP inhibitor) that have been studied earlier for treating vesicant-induced eye injuries. We also examined silibinin (100 μg), a non-toxic natural flavanone found to be effective in treating SM analog-induced skin injuries in our earlier studies. Treatments of doxycycline + dexamethasone, and silibinin were more effective than doxycycline or dexamethasone alone in reversing NM-induced epithelial thickening, microbullae formation, apoptotic cell death, and MMP-9 elevation. However, dexamethasone and silibinin alone were more effective in reversing NM-induced VEGF levels. Doxycycline, dexamethasone and silibinin were all effective in reversing NM-induced COX-2 levels. Apart from therapeutic efficacy of doxycycline and dexamethasone, these results show strong multifunctional efficacy of silibinin in reversing NM-induced ocular injuries, which could help develop effective and safe therapeutics against ocular injuries by vesicants. -- Highlights: ► Established injury biomarkers in rabbit corneal culture with nitrogen mustard (NM) ► This NM model is a cost effective system to evaluate and optimize therapeutics. ► Show that doxycycline and dexamethasone reduce NM-caused ocular injuries ► Demonstrate that silibinin effectively reverses NM-caused ocular injury endpoints ► Suggest optimization of identified agents against ocular injuries by vesicants.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗