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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Discovery of a new phase transition and high-valent redox mechanism in Fe-substituted Na 2 Mn 3 O 7

Sodium-ion batteries are a promising lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries, but further improvements in electrochemical performance are required. One strategy to increase capacity is to enable reversible high-valent cationic and anionic redox in layered cathode materials; however, this is typically accompanied by structural degradation. Here, in this study, we elucidate the mechanism by which Fe-doped Na 2 Mn 3 O 7 , featuring ordered transition metal-vacancies, achieves reversible high-valent redox. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy, soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and in-situ hard XAS, we demonstrate reversible high-valent cationic redox involving both Fe and Mn while in-situ Raman confirms the absence of local structural degradation associated with oxygen redox. Combining in-situ X-ray diffraction with theoretical calculations, we further identify a previously unreported global phase transition from the $\bar{P1}$ to the $P2_1/c$ space group during electrochemical cycling and develop a physical model describing this structural evolution. These results provide insights for structurally stable layered sodium transition metal oxide cathodes with reversible high-valent redox.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Bridging Transition Metal and Anion Redox Processes in Li-Rich Sulfide Cathodes

Li-ion batteries are essential for decarbonizing global transport and energy, but their scalability is constrained by limited supplies of critical cathode elements, such as Ni, Mn, Co, and P. To address this, we previously introduced high-energydensity Li-ion cathodes composed of Al, Fe, and S, which are elements already produced globally at industrial scale and batterygrade purity. These cathodes leverage sulfide anion redox, involving nonbonding S 3p states and localized distortions that form and break S−S bonds, enabling high capacity. Here, we expand this chemical space by incorporating Cu into cathodes Li 2.2d−z Cu z Al 0.2 Fe 0.6 S 2 (0 ≤ z ≤ 0.4), where highly covalent Cu−S interactions stabilize holes on Cu as Cu >1+ . This Cu redox extends charge compensation that was previously restricted to localized, electronically isolated S−S bonds. Cu also limits capacity, which we attribute to structural destabilization of the delithiated phase, despite the thermodynamic stability of Cu >1+ . By describing the effects of Cu on charge compensation and phase stability, we present a sulfide anion redox mechanism for next-generation multielectron redox Li-ion cathodes, where highly covalent transition metal states participate in otherwise electronically isolated redox processes involving anion nonbonding states.

Anions↗
DOE OSTI2025

Copper-containing layered oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries

Layered transition metal oxides are among the most promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity, structural tunability, and cost-effectiveness. However, conventional Ni- and Co-based layered oxides are hindered by high raw material costs, limited elemental abundance, and phase instability during electrochemical cycling. Recently, copper has emerged as an attractive alternative transition metal, offering significant advantages in terms of redox activity, structural stabilization, voltage regulation, and rate performance. Unlike Ni and Co, Cu can facilitate unique redox mechanisms and enable more sustainable material design. This review systematically summarizes recent progress on Cu-containing layered sodium oxides, with emphasis on their structural characteristics, electrochemical behavior, and the critical roles that Cu plays within the host lattice. The insights provided herein aim to highlight the potential of Cu-substituted or Cu-containing layered oxides as a viable pathway toward high-performance and resource-accessible SIB cathodes for future energy storage applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Thiol post-translational modifications modulate allosteric regulation of the OpcA–G6PDH complex through conformational gate control

In cyanobacteria, the redox-sensitive protein OpcA acts as a metabolic switch for G6PDH, enabling rapid adjustment of reducing power generation from glycogen catabolism and thereby precisely regulating carbon flux between anabolic and catabolic pathways. Although redox-sensitive cysteines in OpcA are known to regulate G6PDH, the mechanisms by which redox post-translational modifications (PTMs) on OpcA control G6PDH structure and activity remain unclear. Here, we combine computational modeling with experimental redox proteomics in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 to dissect this mechanism. Experimentally, redox proteome analysis revealed differential redox PTM patterns, particularly on cysteines within the G6PDH-binding site of OpcA. These environmentally sensitive PTM changes at the interface suggest that thiol modifications in this region form a key regulatory node. More broadly, redox proteomics identified site-specific cysteine modifications under light/dark transitions and circadian cycling, linking distinct redox regimes to discrete PTM states. We employed PTM-Psi simulations to show that thiol PTMs near the OpcA–G6PDH interface are critical for allosteric regulation of G6PDH. The thiol PTMs on OpcA affect a putative gate region in G6PDH for substrate ingress and product egress as well as key hydrogen-bond networks within the active site. We infer that PTMs on OpcA tune the conformational landscapes of individual G6PDH subunits toward functionally relevant configurations according to environmental gradients, biasing the enzyme toward catalytically favorable states. Together, our results reveal a molecular mechanism in which thiol PTMs on OpcA modulate G6PDH structure and function through PTM-induced reorganization of conformational dynamics and allosteric communication. These findings demonstrate that PTM-level regulation provides a critical control layer from genotypes to phenotypes that enables cyanobacteria to rapidly adapt to environmental fluctuations through precise metabolic fine-tuning.

Allosteric regulation↗
DOE OSTI2026

Carbon source–driven metabolic and regulatory remodeling defines phenomic states in Lipomyces starkeyi

Lipomyces is a genus of oleaginous yeasts with potential for contributing to reliable biomanufacturing supply chains. However, progress in advanced strain designs and engineering efforts are still constrained by a lack of understanding of the underlying molecular drivers of Lipomyces phenotypes. To address this gap, we collected a suite of multi-omic data to dissect how carbon source availability reshapes the metabolic network, lipid allocation, and regulatory architecture of Lipomyces starkeyi. We observed that glucose promotes biosynthetic and proliferative processes supported by abundant energy and carbon intermediates, xylose enhances redox-balancing mechanisms centered on the pentose phosphate pathway, and glycerol activates respiratory metabolism, ß-oxidation, and the glyoxylate cycle. Lipid species distributions remained consistent in both nitrogen replete and depleted conditions across the carbon sources, indicating robust production mechanisms. Regulatory protein identification and network analysis revealed glycerol-driven respiratory growth favors regulatory programs integrating stress tolerance, redox balance, and lipid-associated metabolism, whereas xylose growth activates compensatory transcriptional responses aimed at maintaining mitochondrial function. Nitrogen limitation modulates the strength of these responses but does not fundamentally alter their direction, reinforcing carbon source as the dominant driver of regulatory architecture. Taken together, this data enhances the understanding of Lipomyces molecular rearrangements and provides a foundation for further development of predictive phenotypic tools in this genus.

Biotechnology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Small molecule BLVRB redox inhibitor promotes megakaryocytopoiesis and stress thrombopoiesis in vivo

Biliverdin IXβ reductase (BLVRB) is an NADPH-dependent enzyme previously implicated in a redox-regulated mechanism of thrombopoiesis distinct from the thrombopoietin (TPO)/c-MPL axis. Here, we apply computational modeling to inform molecule design, followed by de novo syntheses and screening of unique small molecules retaining the capacity for selective BLVRB inhibition as a novel platelet-enhancing strategy. Two distinct classes of molecules are identified, and NMR spectroscopy and co-crystallization studies confirm binding modes within the BLVRB active site and ring stacking between the nicotinamide moiety of the NADP+ cofactor. A diazabicyclo derivative displaying minimal off-target promiscuity and excellent bioavailability characteristics promotes megakaryocyte speciation in biphenotypic (erythro/megakaryocyte) cellular models and synergizes with TPO-dependent megakaryocyte formation in hematopoietic stem cells. Upon oral delivery into mice, this inhibitor expands platelet recovery in stress thrombopoietic models with no adverse effects. In this work, we identify and validate a cellular redox inhibitor retaining the potential to selectively promote megakaryocytopoiesis and enhance stress-associated platelet formation in vivo distinct from TPO receptor agonists.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Tunable Multisite Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Mediators: Distinct Pathways for Substrate Reduction Versus Competing Hydrogen Evolution

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reagents have emerged as powerful tools for transferring net H atoms to organic substrates from relatively weak X–H bonds. One advantage of employing PCET reagents is the tunability of the X–H bond strength by independently varying their redox potential and/or p K a for selective substrate reductions; however, the rational development of modular catalytic PCET reagents based on these features remains underdeveloped. In this work, we address important mechanistic questions relevant to a dimethylaniline-appended cobaltocene PCET mediator that our lab has previously introduced. Specifically, we examine where protonation occurs within the reactive Co(II, NH) + intermediate of a Brønsted-base modified cobaltocene mediator, whether substrate reduction and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) proceed by a common or bifurcated mechanistic pathway, and how the redox, acid–base, and structural properties of PCET mediators can dictate their reactivity and selectivity. We show that substrate compatibility can be tuned and, via a model study with N -aryl imine substrates, provide data pointing to a multisite PCET (MS-PCET) pathway. Moreover, we rigorously characterize the site of protonation in the reactive reduced, protonated form of the mediator, and through kinetic analysis establish that the pathway for undesired competing HER is fundamentally different and involves Cp-ring protonation. Our findings point to a high degree of flexibility in the design of reductive PCET mediators.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Controlling Product Selectivity in Photochemical CO 2 Reduction with the Redox Potential of the Photosensitizer

The ability to selectively reduce CO 2 to a particular product or mixture of products is expected to play a key role in mitigation strategies aiming to alleviate the devastating impact of this greenhouse gas in our climate and oceans. Among those, the production of liquid solar fuels from CO 2 and H 2 O will likely need cascade strategies involving multiple catalysts carrying out different functions. This will require that the catalysts doing the initial CO 2 reduction steps deliver the right product or products to downstream catalysts. CO, H 2 and formate are the most common products in CO 2 reduction by molecular catalysts. Here, in this work, we demonstrate control over the selectivity of C 1 products in photochemical CO 2 reduction with the same catalyst, simply by changing the redox potential of the photosensitizer and/or the water concentration. Turnover numbers for CO generation with one of the photosensitizers under anhydrous conditions reached 85,000, one of the largest values reported to date. A combination of experimental results and DFT calculations show that control of the selectivity is achieved, in part, due to the interplay between regimes under kinetic or thermodynamic control. These regimes are largely dictated by the proton sources and the CO 2 reduction byproducts generated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Mechanistic Insights into CO 2 -to-CO Photoreduction by Proton-Responsive Imidazole–Pyridine Re(I) Complexes

Two Re(I) tricarbonyl complexes with imidazole-pyridine ligands, fac- [Re(CO) 3 (pbiH)Cl], (Re-pbiH), and fac-[Re(CO) 3 (bbzp)Cl] (Re-bbzp), where pbiH= 2-(2-pyridy)benzimidazole, bbzp = 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine, were synthesized, and their photophysical, electrochemical, and photochemical properties were investigated for application as photocatalysts for CO 2 -to-CO reduction. Upon light irradiation (λ > 370 nm) in CO 2 -saturated CH3CN using 1,3-dimethyl-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1Hbenzo[ d]imidazole (BIH) as a sacrificial donor, Re-bbzp promotes CO formation with a turnover number (TON CO ) of 45 ± 2, whereas Re-pbiH displayed a significantly lower activity (TON CO = 8 ± 1). The role of the bbzp ligand in the photocatalytic behavior was examined in detail using IR spectroelectrochemistry (IR-SEC) together with in situ FTIR and UV−vis spectroscopy under photocatalytic conditions, revealing the formation of key intermediates involved in CO 2 activation. The superior activity of Re-bbzp was rationalized by its ability to function as a proton relay and two-electron acceptor. The role as a proton relay was further supported by the observation of a kinetic isotope effect (KIE = 1.5) when the deuterated electron donor BID was employed, in agreement with the unusual decrease in catalytic activity observed upon addition of Brønsted bases. Overall, these results provide new insights into the role of ligand-based proton-responsive sites in Re(I) tricarbonyl complexes and their impact on CO 2 reduction photocatalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

High-Energy Hybridized States Enable Long-Lived Hot Electrons in Cobaloxime-Silicon Nanocrystal System

Strong electronic coupling is achieved between the molecular catalyst cobaloxime ([Co]) and silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) bridged by an ethylenepyridine group derived from vinylpyridine (vpy) covalently bound to the Si NC surface (Si-vpy-[Co]). The ethylenepyridine tether in Si-vpy-[Co] is key to dramatic changes to the system’s physical properties which are not observed in the corresponding formylpyridine (fpy) system (Si-fpy-[Co]) consistent with strong electronic coupling previously observed only in dark electrochemical systems. UV−vis absorption spectroscopy reveals new [Co]-centered electronic states in Si-vpy-[Co], and transient absorption spectroscopy finds a strong absorption feature appearing within 250 fs and persisting for at least 5 ns. Astoundingly, spectroelectrochemical measurements reveal that this absorption feature is consistent with both the singly reduced [Co] − and doubly reduced [Co] 2− complexes, leading to the conclusion that these long-lived charges are derived from high-energy “hot” electrons residing in [Co]-centered states. Detailed analysis using cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provides insight into the unique electronic structure created in Si-vpy-[Co]. DFT reveals that the new electronic states arise from hybridization between deep Si NC band states and high-energy molecular orbitals of the ethylenepyridine tether and the [Co] catalyst and are facilitated by σ-bonding character at the ethylenepyridine linkage. This study demonstrates that strong electronic coupling achieved through precise molecular chemistry can change the paradigm of otherwise fixed energy levels in hybrid photoelectrochemical systems for artificial photosynthesis and related applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Direct CO 2 Reduction to CO with an Fe 4 S 4 -Based Coordination Polymer

Fe 4 S 4 clusters play essential roles in nature, classically in electron transport but increasingly in newly discovered reactivity or catalysis. These roles have spurred interest in developing synthetic Fe 4 S 4 systems and while several molecular and material systems built from Fe 4 S 4 clusters have been developed, comparatively few examples of synthetic Fe 4 S 4 cluster-based catalysts exist. Herein, we present the use of an Fe 4 S 4 -based coordination polymer as a catalyst for the direct and selective electroreduction of CO 2 to CO. Computational studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through CO 2 binding to a reduced Fe 4 S 4 cluster, followed by a series of protonation, reduction, and H 2 O loss steps to yield a CO-bound cluster that can finally exchange with CO 2 to restart the catalytic cycle. CO bound clusters are predicted to be thermodynamically stable, suggesting that carbonyl species might be off-cycle intermediates. Mechanistic CV studies as well as in situ studies by IR spectroscopy provide evidence for carbonyl-ligated clusters, supporting these compounds as unusual examples of small molecule binding to Fe 4 S 4 clusters. Finally, this work establishes Fe 4 S 4 cluster-based coordination polymers as direct electrocatalysts for CO 2 reduction and provides mechanistic insights into how these species mediate catalytic conversions of small molecules.

cluster chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2024

Co-free gradient lithium-rich cathode for high-energy batteries with optimized cyclability

Lithium-rich layered oxides (LLOs) hold the promise for high-energy battery cathodes. However, its application has been hindered by voltage decay associated with irreversible reactions at high voltages despite decades of intensive efforts. Here, we first theoretically studied the molecular orbitals of Mn-based Li-rich configurations. We found that the π-bond ring formed within the LiMn 6 structure could participate in stable redox reactions as one unit, but Co could disrupt its symmetry. We thus designed and synthesized Co-free concentration-gradient LLOs (CF-CG-LLOs) materials. The combination of concentration gradient and Co removal leads to exceptional capacity retention without any fading over 100 cycles of the pouch cell. More importantly, it exhibits an extraordinarily low voltage decay of 0.15 mV/cycle, accompanied by a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.86%. This concept and demonstration of CF-CG-LLO cathodes reveal a viable avenue toward low-cost, high-energy-density battery cathodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multi-Omics Reveals Temporal Scales of Carbon Metabolism in Synechococcus Elongatus PCC 7942 Under Light Disturbance

Central carbon metabolism in model cyanobacteria involves multiple pathways to adapt to energy-light limitations across diel cycles. However, the success in mechanistic modeling for phenotypic prediction of the protein regulators in the metabolic state depends on capturing the vast possibilities emerging from multiple regulatory pathways in complex biological processes. Here, we developed a physics-informed machine learning approach based on energy-landscape concepts to predict regulatory proteins responding to cyclic circadian and unforeseen light perturbations in cyanobacterial metabolic networks. Our approach provides interpretable de novo models for inferring gene expression dynamics from Synechococcus elongatus over diel cycles and using redox proteome analysis to distinguish immediate light-responsive elements from circadian-regulated processes in carbon metabolism pathways. We identified distinct temporal signatures with the analysis of the redox proteome: there was an immediate shift in cysteine redox states accompanied by a limited change in protein abundance under constant illumination and after 2 hours of darkness. This discovery indicates that the generation of reductants coordinates photoinduced electron transport with redox metabolic pathways in two discernable molecular mechanisms: fast redox-based protein modifications occur immediately after the light disturbance, followed by slow transcriptional regulations across networks. This temporal regulation reveals how metabolic networks integrate rapid light responses with programmed circadian rhythms to maintain cellular homeostasis under the light-energy limitations over the diel cycle.

Biomolecular & subcellular processes↗
DOE OSTI2026

First-Principles Insights into Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer versus Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Selectivity from a Base-Appended Cobaltocene Mediator

Performing selective proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) to substrates such as N 2 , CO 2 , and unsaturated organic molecules under electrochemical conditions requires the suppression of the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). To address this challenge, our laboratory previously demonstrated a PCET mediator strategy using a dimethylaniline-appended cobaltocene complex, [(CpCoCp NMe2 )H] + , which performs selective reductive chemistry while suppressing the HER. However, the origin of the suppressed, yet still observable, HER has not been thoroughly established. In this work, we perform density functional theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate the HER mechanism involving this redox mediator and to provide atomistic insights into the bifurcation between the PCET and HER pathways. We find that protonation of the aniline moiety to form [CpCoCp NMe2H ] + is more favorable, both kinetically and thermodynamically, than formation of the ring-protonated species [(CpCo(Cp-H) NMe2 )] + . Furthermore, PCET to acetophenone is energetically more favorable via [CpCoCp NMe2H ] + than via [(CpCo(Cp-H) NMe2 )] +1/0 . In contrast, the most favorable HER pathway involves the ring-protonated Co(I) species. These results offer mechanistic insights into HER versus PCET bifurcation and establish guiding principles for designing PCET mediators for selective electroreductive transformations.

evolution reactions↗
DOE OSTI2026

A nanoporous capacitive electrochemical ratchet for continuous ion separations

Directed ion transport in liquid electrolyte solutions underlies many phenomena in natural and industrial settings. While nature has evolved structures that drive continuous ion flow without Faradaic redox reactions, establishing this process in synthetic systems has been challenging. Here, in this study, we report an ion pump that drives aqueous ions against a force using a capacitive ratchet mechanism independent of redox reactions. Modulation of an electric potential between thin metallic layers on either face of a nanoporous alumina wafer immersed in solution results in persistent voltages and ionic currents. This occurs due to the nonlinear capacitive nature of electric double layers, whose repeated charging and discharging sustains a continuous ion flux. Using this approach, we demonstrate ratchet-driven electrodialysis that reaches a 50% decrease in the conductivity of the solution in a dilution cell. These ratchet-based ion pumps can enable continuous desalination and selective ion separation using an electrically powered device with no moving parts.

Kautz, Rylan [University of California, Irvine, CA↗
DOE OSTI2025

Decoding the Oxygen Activity with Iron through Ligand-to-Metal Charge Transfer in Li-Rich Layered Cathodes

The quest for high-energy-density and cost-effective cathode materials has revitalized lithium-rich iron-based oxides, where Fe 3+ ions with their stable half-filled d 5 electronic configuration demonstrate unique potentials in regulating oxygen redox activity through ligand-to-metal charge transfer. Using operando 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray techniques, and density functional theory calculations, we unravel the enhanced Fe–O redox activity through the LMCT process and the concomitant evolution of local structure distortion in the Li-rich layered system Li 1.2 MO 2 (M = Ni, Mn, Fe). The metastable Fe 4+ intermediates facilitate early activation of oxygen redox through LMCT along with increased delithiation at a lowered potential (below 4.5 V). Here, this process inherently suppresses Jahn–Teller distortion of Fe 4+ and exhibits Fe–O redox dominance over conventional Fe 3+ /Fe 4+ redox in Li-rich oxides. The Fe–O coupling redox exhibits improved initial Coulombic efficiency and 95% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 4.4 V. However, the LMCT process is accompanied by aggravated cation migration and voltage fade at low cutoff potentials, which requires further mitigation for the utilization of Fe–O redox. Overall, these findings demonstrate the regulating mechanism of iron for oxygen redox through LMCT and provide fundamental insights into the design principles for high-performance, cost-effective iron-based cathode materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electrochemical Random-Access Memory: Progress, Perspectives, and Opportunities

Non-von Neumann computing using neuromorphic systems based on analogue synaptic and neuronal elements has emerged as a potential solution to tackle the growing need for more efficient data processing, but progress toward practical systems has been stymied due to a lack of materials and devices with the appropriate attributes. Recently, solid state electrochemical ion-insertion, also known as electrochemical random access memory (ECRAM) has emerged as a promising approach to realize the needed device characteristics. ECRAM is a three terminal device that operates by tuning electronic conductance in functional materials through solid-state electrochemical redox reactions. This mechanism can be considered as a gate-controlled bulk modulation of dopants and/or phases in the channel. Early work demonstrating that ECRAM can achieve nearly ideal analogue synaptic characteristics has sparked tremendous interest in this approach. More recently, the realization that electrochemical ion insertion can be used to tune the electronic properties of many types of materials including transition metal oxides, layered two-dimensional materials, organic and coordination polymers, and that the changes in conductance can span orders of magnitude has further attracted interest in ECRAM as the basis for analogue synaptic elements for inference accelerators as well as for dynamical devices that can emulate a wide range of neuronal characteristics for implementation in analogue spiking neural networks. At its core, ECRAM shares many fundamental aspects with rechargeable batteries, where ion insertion materials are used extensively for their ability to reversibly store charge and energy. Computing applications, however, present drastically different requirements: systems will require many millions of devices, scaled down to tens of nanometers, all while achieving reliable electronic-state tuning at scaled-up rates and endurances, and with minimal energy dissipation and noise. Further, in this review, we discuss the history, basic concepts, recent progress, as well as the challenges and opportunities for different types of ECRAM, broadly grouped by their primary mobile ionic charge carrier, including Li, protons, and oxygen vacancies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗