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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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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2016

Characterization of silica quartz as raw material in photovoltaic applications

Raw materials are essential for the functioning of modern societies, and access to these raw materials is vital to the world economy. Sustainable development, both globally level, raises important new challenges associated with access and efficient use of raw materials. High purity quartz, is consider as a critical raw material and it is a rare commodity that only forms under geological conditions where a narrow set of chemical and physical parameters is fulfilled. When identified and following special beneficiation techniques, high purity quartz obtains very attractive prices and is applied in high technology sectors that currently are under rapid expansion such as photovoltaic solar cells, silicon metal - oxide wafers in the semiconductor industry and long distance optical fibers that are used in communication networks. Crystalline silicon remains the principal material for photovoltaic technology. Metallurgical silicon is produced industrially by the reduction of silica with carbon in an electric arc furnace at temperatures higher than 2000 °C in the hottest parts, by a reaction that can be written ideally as: SiO{sub 2} + 2C = Si + 2CO. The aim of this study has been to test experimental methods for investigating the various physical and chemical proprieties of Hoggar quartz with different techniques: X Ray Fluorescence, infra-red spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Optic Microscopy, Carbon Analyzer and Vickers Hardness. The results show finally that the quartz has got good result in purity but need enrichment for the photovoltaic application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2026

Upcycling Metal(loid) Contaminants to Produce Critical Raw Materials: The Nexus of Water Treatment and Material Criticality

The Critical Raw Materials Act adopted by the European Commission in 2024 signals a growing shift in the societal value of many elements, which has important implications for the water treatment sector. This legislation partly aims to increase production of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) from waste streams, with many CRMs being elements with which the water sector has decades of experience, such as the notorious contaminant and newly classified CRM, arsenic. In this Perspective, we use arsenic as a case study to explore how water treatment waste can be repurposed to contribute to CRM supply chain requirements. Combining arsenic mass balances for indicative groundwater treatment plants and EU statistics of water use and arsenic compound consumption, we propose that arsenic upcycling integrated with water treatment can help offset imports of arsenic compounds. However, research is now needed to develop more holistic treatment systems that integrate CRM upcycling with contaminant removal and to better understand the political, institutional, and social drivers that can accelerate adoption of such systems at water utilities. With this work, we intend to stimulate a discussion of water treatment as a discipline that can both improve water quality by removing metal(loid) contaminants and generate local sources of CRMs.

Arsenic↗

DOE OSTI2017

A framework for evaluating the accessibility of raw materials from end-of-life products and the Earth’s crust

Highlights: • Defined and conceptualised raw material accessibility. • Applied concept extraction in raw material management. • Developed a framework for evaluating raw material accessibility. •Carried out an evaluation with End-of-Life products and natural deposits. • Developed an early project stage evaluation for accessing raw materials. - Abstract: An increasing number of geochemically scarce metallic raw materials are entering into our lives via new technologies. A reversal of this trend is not foreseeable, leading to concerns regarding the security of their supply. However, the evaluation of raw material supply is currently hampered by inconsistent use of fundamental terminologies and incomplete assessment criteria. In this paper, we aim to establish a consistent framework for evaluating raw material supply from both anthropogenic and geological sources. A method for concept extraction was applied to evaluate systematically the use of fundamental terms in the evaluation of raw material supply. The results have shown that ‘availability’ is commonly used in raw material supply evaluations, whilst other researchers suggest that raw material supply should be evaluated based on ‘accessibility’. It was revealed that ‘accessibility’ actually comprises two aspects: ‘availability’ and ‘approachability’. Raw material ‘approachability’ has not previously been explicitly addressed at a system level. A novel, consistent framework for evaluating raw material supply was therefore developed. To demonstrate the application of the established framework, we evaluated the raw material supply of four rare earth element case studies. Three case studies are End-of-Life products (the anthroposphere) from Switzerland: (i) phosphors in fluorescent lamps, (i) permanent magnets in the drive motors of electric cars and (iii) fibre optic cable. The fourth case study source is the Earth’s crust (the geosphere): Mount Weld deposit in Australia. The framework comprises a comprehensive evaluation of six components relating to raw material mining and processing: their geological knowledge, eligibility, technology, economic, societal and environmental impacts. Our results show that metals are not considered to be fully accessible in any of the case studies due to a lack of necessary technologies and potential societal and environmental impacts. The framework presented here can serve as a starting point for the development of an evaluation framework for raw material accessibility at an early project development stage.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2017

Incentivizing secondary raw material markets for sustainable waste management

Highlights: • An economic model of secondary raw material markets is presented. •Policies to enhance sustainable waste management at landfills are compared. • Correcting potential misperceptions of secondary raw materials seems quite promising. • Our theoretical model supports Circular Economy and landfilling mining initiatives. - Abstract: Notwithstanding several policy initiatives in many countries over a number of years, there remains a general sense that too much municipal solid waste is generated and that too much of the waste that is generated is landfilled. There is an emerging consensus that a sustainable approach to waste management requires further development of secondary raw material markets. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical economic model that focuses upon this stage of a sustainable waste management program and explores policy options that could motivate efficiency in secondary raw material markets. In particular, we show how firm profit and social welfare optimizing objectives can be reconciled in a two-product market of waste management processes: landfilling and material reclamation. Our results provide theoretical support for building out recent Circular Economy initiatives as well as for the relatively recent emergence of landfill mining as a means for procuring secondary raw materials.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2014

Characterization of a wollastonite glass-ceramic material prepared using sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) as one of the raw materials

Glass-ceramic material prepared with sugar cane bagasse ash as one of the raw materials was characterized to determine some important properties for its application as a coating material. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that wollastonite-2M (CaSiO{sub 3}) was the major glass-ceramic phase. The Rietveld method was used to quantify the crystalline (60 wt.%) and vitreous (40 wt.%) phases in the glass-ceramic. The microstructure (determined by scanning electron microscopy) of this material had a marble appearance, showing a microporous network of elongated crystals with some areas with dendritic, feather-like ordering. Microhardness data gave a mean hardness value of 564.4 HV (Vickers-hardness), and light microscopy disclosed a greenish brown colored material with a vitreous luster. - Highlights: • We studied the properties of a glass-ceramic material obtained from sugarcane ash. • This material has the appearance and hardness of natural stones. • A refining method gave information about its amorphous and crystalline phases. • This material has potential to be used as coating plates for buildings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Supply Chain of Raw Materials Used in the Manufacturing of Light-Duty Vehicle Lithium-Ion Batteries

This report is a first attempt to integrate raw materials into the CEMAC benchmark framework. Benchmarking raw materials provides a broader view supply chain from mines to the manufacturer of clean energy technologies. This report provides insight into resource location and ownership, global production, demand, and trade, highlighting potential supply chain risks and opportunities. The report focuses on the lithium and cobalt supply chains. It serves as a foundation for incorporating the raw materials link for other clean energy technologies into future benchmark reports.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Supply Chain of Raw Materials Used in the Manufacturing of Light-Duty Vehicle Li-Ion Batteries

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2016

Enhancement of efficiency of storage and processing of food raw materials using radiation technologies

The work is dedicated to improvement of efficiency of storage and processing of food raw materials using radiation technologies. International practice of radiation processing of food raw materials is presented and an increase in the consumption of irradiated food products is shown. The prospects of using radiation technologies for the processing of food products in Russia are discussed. The results of studies of radiation effects on various food products and packaging film by γ radiation and accelerated electrons are presented.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Microstructural diversity and digestion yields of select bituminous and subbituminous coals as raw material candidates for carbon fiber precursor production

Here, this work investigates the use of coals as raw materials for carbon fiber precursor production as a new alternative to coal utilization. Coal being a highly complex and heterogeneous material with different macerals and minerals complicates this task. Extensive microstructural characterization as well as preliminary digestion studies are performed on three bituminous coals (Herrin and Springfield from the Illinois Basin and the Blue Gem from the Central Appalachians) and one subbituminous coal from the Powder River Basin (Monarch), as raw material candidates. The subbituminous coal was richer in oxygen, lower in sulfur, and had a higher volatile matter yield. Microstructural investigations were performed using X-ray diffraction, X-ray/neutron computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and petrology. Mild solvent extraction studies were conducted using creosote and decant oil as solvents in microreactors. The extraction yield was sensitive to temperature and time (350 to 450 °C between 30 and 120 mins.) for both creosote and decant oil digestions. While the Blue Gem coal had more desirable microstructural properties with less mineral content and cleaner macerals, it had the lowest coal conversion to quinoline soluble ‘liquid’ (of the bituminous coals). The lower coal conversion yield was hypothesized to be connected to the lack of FeS2 which could act as a catalyst when Fe is liberated from the structure under solvent extraction conditions. The Herrin and Springfield coals revealed similar microstructures and coal conversion efficiencies (higher than Blue Gem). These coals were the most promising candidates for further examination from this first approximations study. The subbituminous Monarch coal, however, was deemed less suitable due to poor coal conversion and less desirable microstructures. Additionally, the presented results with combined microstructural data from multiple length scales established a framework necessary for a first approximations study in this new coal utilization approach.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

DOE OSTI2014

A new copper borophosphate with novel polymeric chains and its structural correlation with raw materials in molten hydrated flux synthesis

A novel copper borophosphate, Cu{sub 3}[B{sub 2}P{sub 3}O{sub 12}(OH){sub 3}] has been prepared by the molten hydrated flux method. Its crystal structure was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction (monoclinic, Cc, a=6.1895 Å, b=13.6209 Å, c=11.9373 Å, β=97.62°, V=997.5 Å{sup 3}, Z=4). The three-dimensional framework of the titled compound, is composed by two kinds of polymeric chains and isolated PO{sub 4} tetrahedral. One novel 4-membered tetrahedral rings has been observed in borophosphates. Magnetic measurements indicate that the title compound exits antiferromagnetic interactions. Due to the special reaction medium created by the molten hydrated flux method, a possible structural correlation between the final solids and the raw materials has been noted. - Graphical abstract: The 3D structure consists of a framework composed of CuO{sub x} polyhedra, BO{sub 4} and PO{sub 4} tetrahedra. A intersection angle between the metal chains and borophosphate chains can be noted. Display Omitted - Highlights: • A novel copper borophosphate has been prepared by the molten hydrated flux method. • One novel 4-membered tetrahedral ring has been observed firstly in borophosphates. • A possible structural correlation between the final solids and the raw materials has been noted.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Rare earth enrichment process by contacting raw material with a base at specific pH values

Disclosed herein are methods for preparing a hydraulic pre-concentrate enriched in rare earth elements and critical minerals, the method comprising: (a) contacting a raw material with a first base in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH to a value from about 4.0 to about 6.0, thereby forming a mixture comprising a first aqueous phase and a first solid concentrate; (b) separating the first aqueous phase from the first solid concentrate; (c) contacting the first aqueous phase with a second base in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH to a value from about 7.0 to about 9.0, thereby forming a mixture comprising a second aqueous phase and the hydraulic pre-concentrate; (d) removing the second aqueous phase and collecting the hydraulic pre-concentrate; wherein the raw material comprises rare earth elements; and wherein the hydraulic pre-concentrate is enriched in rare earth elements.

Ziemkiewicz, Paul F.↗

DOE OSTI2019

Development of Tailor-Made Superabsorbent Polymers: Review of Key Aspects from Raw Material to Kinetic Model

The ability of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) to absorb and retain a large amount of water and/or aqueous solution enables their applications in areas such as agriculture, medicine and water treatment. This versatility has attracted the attention of researchers interested in developing new materials, especially bio-based polymers. As a result, there are numerous studies reporting different types of monomers and crosslinks to produce SAP. Conversely, in the literature there is a lack of discussion of the modeling approaches to describe SAP production. This paper makes a comprehensive and systematic review of the main issues for the synthesis of new SAP materials: monomer and crosslink types, as well as the kinetic model. A database on the raw materials to produce SAP for the main applications should be useful for those interested in producing new SAP materials. The mathematical model correlates structural properties with the synthesis conditions, thus supporting the development of tailor-made products.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2017

Food Industry Co-streams: Potential Raw Materials for Biodegradable Mulch Film Applications

Vast amounts of co-streams are generated from plant and animal-based food processing industries. Efficient utilization of these co-streams is important from an economic and environmental perspective. Non-utilization or under-utilization of co-streams results in loss of potential revenues, increased disposal cost of these products and environmental pollution. At present, extensive research is taking place around the globe towards recycling of co-streams to generate value-added products. This review evaluates various co-streams from food processing industries as raw materials in developing biodegradable agricultural mulching applications. Among the agriculture-based co-streams, potato peels, tomato peels, carrot residues, apple pomace, coffee residues and peanut residues were reviewed with respect to production amount, composition, film forming components and film forming capabilities. Similarly, selected co-streams from slaughterhouses, poultry and fish processing industries were also reviewed and evaluated for the same purpose.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2025

Impact of electric vehicle battery recycling on reducing raw material demand and battery life-cycle carbon emissions in China

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in China challenges raw material demand. This study evaluates the impact of recycling and reusing EV batteries on reducing material demand and carbon emissions. Integrating a national-level vehicle stock turnover model with life-cycle carbon emission assessment, we found that replacing nickel-cobalt-manganese batteries with lithium iron phosphate batteries with battery recycling can reduce lithium, cobalt, and nickel demand between 2021 and 2060 by up to 7.8 million tons (Mt) (67%), 12.4 Mt (96%), and 37.2 Mt (93%), respectively, significantly decreasing reliance on import. Moreover, battery recycling coupled with reuse can reduce carbon emissions by up to 6,532-6,864 Mt (36.0-37.9%), depending on four recycling methods employed. However, this reuse strategy delays battery recycling and risks lithium supply shortage, necessitating trade-offs between carbon reduction and material supply. Future technologies, such as lithium-sulfur and all-solid-state batteries, despite their energy efficiency, might exacerbate lithium shortage, underscoring the crucial need for increased lithium supply.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Network Modeling of the U.S. Petrochemical Industry under Raw Material and Hurricane Harvey Disruptions

A geographically resolved network model of the U.S. chemical industry in 2017 is designed, and optimal chemical flows between units are calculated using linear programming. A baseline solution and three disruption scenarios (primary raw material disruptions, reported Hurricane Harvey ethylene cracker disruptions, and assumed capacity disruptions based on the Hurricane Harvey geographic storm track) are reported on to determine how the structure of the industry is modified to adapt to widespread and geographically specific disruptions. The calculated impacts of the assumed Hurricane Harvey disruption include 170 chemical units in 26 states that change production level as a result of supply chain disruptions during the storm. The systemic impact for the assumed Hurricane Harvey disruption is 19.3 million tonnes of gross chemical production. The day with the largest impact on gross chemical production shows a reduction from baseline operations of 1.3 million tonnes (42% of baseline). This model can be utilized for analysis of future disruption scenarios and to test resilience strategies, including impacts of new manufacturing configurations or technologies.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2015

Preliminary study of raw material for calcium silicate/PVA coating on Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Calcium silicate bioceramic was prepared from the rice husk and limestone resources using the sol gel method. The preparations of CaSiO{sub 3} formulation were differ from the previous study due CaO/SiO{sub 2} amount with 45:55 ratio. X-Ray Fluorescence analysis was carried out to clarify the amount of SiO{sub 2} and CaO content in the limestone and rice husk ash. The high amount of CaO was found in the limestone with the percentages of 97.22%, whereby 89% of SiO{sub 2} content of the rice husk ash. Several milling time were studied to obtain the optimized milling ti me and speed in progress to obtain nano size particle. The particle size analysis result confirms that increase in milling time does not certainly reduce the size of particle. The addition of 0.05% polyvinyl alcohol as a binder did not change the phases or composition of calcium silicates after examined by X-Ray diffraction analysis which make it suitable to be used as a binder for calcium silicate coating without changing the chemical structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2017

Combined Methods of Analysis of Metal-Containing Raw Material (Review)

Methods of analysis of reusable metal-containing material (RMR) are considered in the review: X-ray fluorescence, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and atomic emission and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. Peculiarities of the applied methods are shown, and a method of analysis with consideration of the specificity of RMR should be developed for every object. In the most cases, the methods of sample processing harmonized with the applied method of analysis and sample content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2017

Advanced Techniques for Sample Processing of the Reusable Metal-Containing Raw Material (Review)

A review of the sample processing of different types of reusable metal-containing material (catalytic agents, e-wastes, cuttings, etc.) is given in the article; the purpose of the sample processing is the further analysis in the form of solutions: dilution in the mineral acid mix, alloying with different fluxes, leaching, etc. Increase in the temperature and pressure, ultrasonic impact, and microwave radiation are applied for the purpose of sample processing intensification. Methods of sample processing with application of sorbate concentration for the further definition of not only the noble, nonferrous, and rare metals but also the toxic elements are described. The review shows that the stage of sample processing is very important for achieving the potential of the applied analytical methods.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗