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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 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Phosphate tolerance of nitrogen-coordinated-iron-carbon (FeNC) catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction: A size-related hindrance effect

The greatest challenges facing the large – scale commercialization of the intermediate temperature phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) technology are: (i) the high cost of Pt catalyst that is required to overcome the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the PAFC cathode, and (ii) deactivation of the Pt catalyst by exposure to the phosphoric acid electrolyte. Inexpensive carbon-based materials, particularly iron- spectroscopy is used to explore the phenomenon of phosphate poisoning nitrogen-coordinated carbon supported catalysts (FeNC), are promising cathodes for PAFCs. The higher ORR activation energy and phosphate poisoning resistance of FeNC present a clear advantage over the Pt-based commercial catalysts that are easily susceptible to deactivation after exposure to phosphate anions. While the immunity of FeNC catalysts to phosphate anion poisoning has been reported previously, this work explores the counter-intuitive and conditional nature of this poisoning resistance based on the properties of the carbon support used in the preparation of the FeNC catalyst. Additionally, a combination of electrochemical measurements with characterization experiments performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and in-situ X-ray absorption on FeNC catalysts synthesized from two different carbon supports. Results from these studies reveal a “size-related hindrance effect” wherein the ORR active Fe centers in FeNC remain inaccessible to larger anions such as phosphate when the Fe sites are present deeper inside the pores of a carbon support with high porosity. However, FeNC catalyst is poisoned by phosphate anions when synthesized using a carbon support with low porosity. This work helps gain insights into the nature of active sites in FeNC catalysts that will be useful in designing precious-metal free ORR catalysts for intermediate temperature fuel cell technologies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1976

Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), Westinghouse phase 1. Volume 12: Fuel cells

A parametric assessment of four fuel cell power systems -- based on phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide, molten carbonate, and stabilized zirconia -- has shown that the most important parameters for electricity-cost reduction and/or efficiency improvement standpoints are fuel cell useful life and power density, use of a waste-heat recovery system, and fuel type. Typical capital costs, overall energy efficiencies (based on the heating value of the coal used to produce the power plant fuel), and electricity costs are: phosphoric acid $350-450/kWe, 24-29%, and 11.7 to 13.9 mills/MJ (42 to 50 mills/kWh); alkaline $450-700/kWe, 26-31%, and 12.8 to 16.9 mills/MJ (46 to 61 mills/kWh); molten carbonate $480-650/kWe, 32-46%, and 10.6 to 19.4 mills/MJ (38 to 70 mills/kWh), stabilized zirconia $420-950/kWe, 26-53%, and 9.7 to 16.9 mills/MJ (35 to 61 mills/kWh). Three types of fuel cell power plants -- solid electrolytic with steam bottoming, molten carbonate with steam bottoming, and solid electrolyte with an integrated coal gasifier -- are recommended for further study.

Warde, C. J.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fractal diffusion in high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes

In this paper, the performance of fuel cells depends largely on the proton diffusion in the proton conducting membrane, the core of a fuel cell. High temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells are based on a polymer membrane swollen with phosphoric acid as the electrolyte, where proton conduction takes place. We studied the proton diffusion in such membranes with neutron scattering techniques which are especially sensitive to the proton contribution. Time of flight spectroscopy and backscattering spectroscopy have been combined to cover a broad dynamic range. In order to selectively observe the diffusion of protons potentially contributing to the ion conductivity, two samples were prepared, where in one of the samples the phosphoric acid was used with hydrogen replaced by deuterium. The scattering data from the two samples were subtracted in a suitable way after measurement. Thereby subdiffusive behavior of the proton diffusion has been observed and interpreted in terms of a model of fractal diffusion. For this purpose, a scattering function for fractal diffusion has been developed. The fractal diffusion dimension d w and the Hausdorff dimension d f have been determined on the length scales covered in the neutron scattering experiments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Physical model and experimental validation of a high temperature proton exchange membrane electrochemical hydrogen pump cell for efficient single-stage extraction of low concentration hydrogen gas

There is interest in valorization of existing natural gas infrastructure to facilitate the co-transportation of hydrogen via blending of hydrogen gas initially at limited concentrations of 1–20 vol% H2 and to subsequently extract hydrogen at fuel cell quality standards (SAE J2719/ISO14687-2). High temperature proton exchange membrane electrochemical hydrogen pump (HT-PEM EHP) based on phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PA-PBI) exhibits good performance at elevated temperatures (>120 °C), which provides desirable tolerance to non-methane natural gas constituents that are problematic for lower temperature based EHP. To better understand the suitability of the HT-PEM EHP for such gas separation processes, a two-dimensional model of EHP based on PA-PBI was developed. The model is validated for several relevant operating conditions and across cells with differing amounts of phosphoric acid content in the electrodes. Operando micro x-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging of an HT-PEM EHP was used to further validate physical parameters and assumptions of the model. The impacts of pressure, relative humidity of the anode feed, and concentration of feed gases on separation performance are investigated. This study shows that a specific energy of separation of 5.1 kWh/kg H2 at a hydrogen recovery factor (HRF) of 50 vol% can be achieved in a single stage with the EHP, producing fuel cell quality hydrogen purity of 99.99 vol% H2 from a 2 vol% H2/CH4 feed blend, while pressurizing the product H2 at a pressure ratio of 1.3 relative to feed pressure.

Stansberry, John M↗
DOE OSTI2022

Project 18-15263 X-ray Studies of Interfacial Molecular Complexes in ALSEP Back-Extraction (Research Performance Final Report)

The objective of the project was to use synchrotron X-rays to measure the molecular-scale organization of extractants, complexants, buffers, and metal ions at the organic-aqueous (liquid-liquid) interface during solvent back-extraction under conditions relevant to ALSEP (Actinide-Lanthanide Separation Process). The capability of X-ray fluorescence near total reflection (XFNTR) was extended to explore the distribution of Eu(III) between the liquid-liquid interface and bulk organic and aqueous phases which contained extractants HDEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid) and HEHEHP (2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester), the complexant DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid), and citric and nitric acids. Although an Am-compatible sample cell was developed, extending x-ray measurements of flat liquid-liquid interfaces to the actinide Am(III) did not prove to be possible within constraints imposed by the Advanced Photon Source. However, preliminary measurements with a drop cell may eventually provide a path forward to investigate Am(III) at a liquid interface. It was also demonstrated that competitive binding that occurs during back-extraction of lanthanide ions to either a phosphoric acid extractant (DHDP, di-hexadecyl phosphate) at the liquid interface or to complexant DTPA in the bulk aqueous phase could be reversibly tuned by X-ray exposure. Separately, X-ray measurements from the liquid-vapor interface explored the role of the aqueous solubility of HDEHP and HEHEHP and their interactions with a range of lanthanides and transition metal ions. Finally, the capability of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) was extended to probe metal ion coordination in lanthanide ion-extractant complexes at the liquid-vapor interface. Complementary to the specific interfacial systems studied during this project, the development of x-ray techniques expands our ability to understand ion ordering at liquid interfaces.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Long-Life, Ultrahigh-Nickel Cathodes with Excellent Air Storage Stability for High-Energy Density Lithium-Based Batteries

With increased energy density and cost advantage, ultrahigh-nickel layered oxides (LiNi x M 1-x O 2 , x = 0.9 - 1.0) are becoming front-runner as cathodes for next-generation lithium-based batteries, yet their commercialization is blocked both by severe capacity fade and exponentially aggravated air degradation. Thus, it is imperative to find effective solutions to address these issues simultaneously. Here, a significant enhancement in both the cycling and air storage stability of the ultrahigh-Ni cathode LiNi 0.94 Co 0.06 O 2 is achieved via a distinctive phosphoric acid treatment strategy. The modified cathode displays remarkably improved capacity retention (from 36 % to 80 % after 1,000 cycles) and rate capability (from 0 to 105 mA h g -1 at 30C rate) in pouch cells. Impressively, the modified cathode, after air storage for 450 days, maintains the morphology and 92% of the initial capacity of the fresh sample with excellent cyclability. Comprehensive interphase and structural analyses reveal that the enhanced electrochemical performance is due to a highly stabilized electrode/electrolyte interphase that suppresses electrode corrosion and lattice reconstruction. The excellent air stability results from an adsorption-buffering effect enabled by phosphoric acid to air attack. Finally, the study demonstrates an engineering pathway to improve the cycling and air stability, facilitating the practical viability of high-capacity, affordable, ultrahigh-Ni cathodes in lithium-based batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2014

Evaluating the Adsorptive Capabilites of Chemsorb 1000 and Chemsorb 1425

The removal of trace contaminants from spacecraft cabin air is necessary for crew health and comfort during long duration space exploration missions. The air revitalization technologies used in these future exploration missions will evolve from current ISS ISS State-of-Art (SOA) and is being designed and tested by the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Program's Atmosphere Resource Recovery and Environmental Monitoring (ARREM) project. The ARREM project is working to mature optimum atmosphere revitalization and environmental monitoring system architectures to enable exploration beyond Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). The Air Revitalization Lab at KSC is one of six NASA field centers participating in the ARREM that specializes in adsorbent and catalyst characterization with simulated spacecraft gas streams using combinations of pressure, O2 partial pressure, CO2 partial pressure, and humidity that are representative of a range of anticipated cabin atmospheric conditions and loads. On board ISS, the Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS) provides active control of trace contaminants from the cabin atmosphere utilizing physical adsorption, thermal catalytic oxidation, and chemical adsorption processes. High molecular weight contaminants and ammonia (NH3) are removed a granular activated carbon treated with approx. 10% by weight phosphoric acid (H3PO4) (B-S Type 3032 4×6 mesh), which is expendable and is periodically refurbished. The Type 3032 granular activated carbon bed is no longer commercially available and therefore it is important to characterize the efficiency and capacity of commercially available NH3 sorbents. This paper describes the characterization of two Molecular Products LTD activated carbons: Chemsorb 1000 and Chemsorb 1425. Untreated activated carbons (e.g. Chemsorb 1000) remove contaminants by physisorption, which concentrates the contaminant within the pores of the carbon while letting air to pass through the sorbent4. Low molecular weight or polar gases (e.g. HCl, SO2, formaldehyde, and NH3) are not removed by physisorption and typically require chemisorption for removal. Treated activated carbons (e.g. Chemsorb 1425) are impregnated with a a chemical agent (e.g. phosphoric acid) that reacts with those gases, converting them to solids or salts within the carbon and removes them from the air stream. This process occurs via neutralization or catalysis reactions and adsorption capacity is exhaustedwhen the available impregnated chemicals are consumed. Moisture affects removal performance since adsorption sites within the pores are filled with water. The performance of impregnated carbons may be enhanced by moisture content because the mechanisms of contaminant removal are chemical reactions that occur in reagents contained within the pores. The adsorptive capacity data (mol/kg) of Chemsorb 1000 and 1425 for gas mixtures (ethanol, acetone, toluene, acetaldehyde, dichloromethane, and xylene) was measured with 40% relative humidity at 23 deg C air temperature. The adsorptive capacity data (mol/kg) of Chemsorb 1425 was measured using NH3 gas streams.

adsorptive capacities↗
DOE OSTI2016

Carbonate “clumped” isotope signatures in aragonitic scleractinian and calcitic gorgonian deep-sea corals

Deep-sea corals are a potentially valuable archive of the temperature and ocean chemistry of intermediate and deep waters. Living in near-constant temperature, salinity, and pH and having amongst the slowest calcification rates observed in carbonate-precipitating biological organisms, deep-sea corals can provide valuable constraints on processes driving mineral equilibrium and disequilibrium isotope signatures. Here we report new data to further develop “clumped” isotopes as a paleothermometer in deep-sea corals as well as to investigate mineral-specific, taxon-specific, and growth-rate-related effects. Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry is based on measurements of the abundance of the doubly substituted isotopologue 13 C 18 O 16 O 2 in carbonate minerals, analyzed in CO 2 gas liberated on phosphoric acid digestion of carbonates and reported as Δ 47 values. We analyzed Δ 47 in live-collected aragonitic scleractinian ( Enallopsammia sp.) and high-Mg calcitic gorgonian (Isididae and Coralliidae) deep-sea corals and compared results to published data for other aragonitic scleractinian taxa. Measured Δ 47 values were compared to in situ temperatures, and the relationship between Δ 47 and temperature was determined for each group to investigate taxon-specific effects. We find that aragonitic scleractinian deep-sea corals exhibit higher values than high-Mg calcitic gorgonian corals and the two groups of coral produce statistically different relationships between Δ 47 –temperature calibrations. These data are significant in the interpretation of all carbonate clumped isotope calibration data as they show that distinct Δ 47 –temperature calibrations can be observed in different materials recovered from the same environment and analyzed using the same instrumentation, phosphoric acid composition, digestion temperature and technique, CO 2 gas purification apparatus, and data handling. There are three possible explanations for the origin of these different calibrations. The offset between the corals of different mineralogy is in the same direction as published theoretical predictions for the offset between calcite and aragonite although the magnitude of the offset is different. One possibility is that the deep-sea coral results reflect high-Mg and aragonite crystals attaining nominal mineral equilibrium clumped isotope signatures due to conditions of extremely slow growth. In that case, a possible explanation for the attainment of disequilibrium bulk isotope signatures and equilibrium clumped isotope signatures by deep-sea corals is that extraordinarily slow growth rates can promote the occurrence of isotopic reordering in the interfacial region of growing crystals. We also cannot rule out a component of a biological “vital effect” influencing clumped isotope signatures in one or both orders of coral. Based on published experimental data and theoretical calculations, these biological vital effects could arise from kinetic isotope effects due to the source of carbon used for calcification, temperature- and pH-dependent rates of CO 2 hydration and/or hydroxylation, calcifying fluid pH, the activity of carbonic anhydrase, the residence time of dissolved inorganic carbon in the calcifying fluid, and calcification rate. A third possible explanation is the occurrence of variable acid digestion fractionation factors. Although a recent study has suggested that dolomite, calcite, and aragonite may have similar clumped isotope acid digestion fractionation factors, the influence of acid digestion kinetics on Δ 47 is a subject that warrants further investigation.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

State of Supported Nanoparticle Ni during Catalysis in Aqueous Media

The state of Ni supported on HZSM-5 zeolite, silica, and sulfonated carbon was studied during aqueous-phase catalysis of phenol hydrodeoxygenation using in situ extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. On sulfonated carbon and HZSM-5 supports, NiO and Ni(OH)(2) were readily reduced to Ni-0 under reaction conditions (approximate to 35bar H-2 in aqueous phenol solutions containing up to 0.5wt.% phosphoric acid at 473K). In contrast, Ni supported on SiO2 was not stable in a fully reduced Ni-0 state. Water enables the formation of Ni-II phyllosilicate, which is more stable, that is, difficult to reduce, than either -Ni(OH)(2) or NiO. Leaching of Ni from the supports was not observed over a broad range of reaction conditions. Ni-0 particles on HZSM-5 were stable even in presence of 15wt.% acetic acid at 473K and 35bar H-2.

catalysis↗
DOE OSTI2018

Nanoscale view of assisted ion transport across the liquid–liquid interface

During solvent extraction, amphiphilic extractants assist the transport of metal ions across the liquid–liquid interface between an aqueous ionic solution and an organic solvent. Investigations of the role of the interface in ion transport challenge our ability to probe fast molecular processes at liquid–liquid interfaces on nanometer-length scales. Recent development of a thermal switch for solvent extraction has addressed this challenge, which has led to the characterization by X-ray surface scattering of interfacial intermediate states in the extraction process. Here, we review and extend these earlier results. We find that trivalent rare earth ions, Y(III) and Er(III), combine with bis(hexadecyl) phosphoric acid (DHDP) extractants to form inverted bilayer structures at the interface; these appear to be condensed phases of small ion–extractant complexes. The stability of this unconventional interfacial structure is verified by molecular dynamics simulations. The ion–extractant complexes at the interface are an intermediate state in the extraction process, characterizing the moment at which ions have been transported across the aqueous–organic interface, but have not yet been dispersed in the organic phase. In contrast, divalent Sr(II) forms an ion–extractant complex with DHDP that leaves it exposed to the water phase; this result implies that a second process that transports Sr(II) across the interface has yet to be observed. Calculations demonstrate that the budding of reverse micelles formed from interfacial Sr(II) ion–extractant complexes could transport Sr(II) across the interface. Our results suggest a connection between the observed interfacial structures and the extraction mechanism, which ultimately affects the extraction selectivity and kinetics.

Liang, Zhu↗
NASA NTRS1986

On the effect of the Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) redox couple on oxidation of carbon in hot H3PO4

Oxidation studies of graphite:glassy carbon composites have been carried out at 1 and 4.7 atm. pressures in conc. H3PO4 in the presence and absence of iron ions. The concentration of the acid was varied over 85-100 wt pct, and of the iron ions over 30-300 ppm; the temperature varied over 190-210 C. Unlike the effect of Fe, which has been observed to increase the corrosion of carbon in sulphuric acid, the corrosion in phosphoric acid was observed to be slightly decreased or not at all affected. This result arises because of the catalytic reduction of the oxidized surface groups of carbon by Fe(2+) ions. The catalytic reduction is possible because under the experimental conditions the redox potential of the Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) couple is lower than the open-circuit voltage of carbon.

Dhar, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Hydrogen-Bromine Secondary Battery

A secondary battery is described utilizing hydrogen and halogen as primary reactants. It comprises inert anode and cathode initially contacting an aqueous solution of an acid and an alkali metal bromide. The hydrogen generated during charging of the cell is stored as gas, while the bromine becomes dissolved predominantly in the lower layers of the acid electrolyte. Preferred components are phosphoric acid and lithium bromide.

England, C.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Solid polymer electrolyte from phosphorylated chitosan

Recently, the need of secondary battery application continues to increase. The secondary battery which using a liquid electrolyte was indicated had some weakness. A solid polymer electrolyte is an alternative electrolytes membrane which developed in order to replace the liquid electrolyte type. In the present study, the effect of phosphorylation on to polymer electrolyte membrane which synthesized from chitosan and lithium perchlorate salts was investigated. The effect of the component’s composition respectively on the properties of polymer electrolyte, was carried out by analyzed of it’s characterization such as functional groups, ion conductivity, and thermal properties. The mechanical properties i.e tensile resistance and the morphology structure of membrane surface were determined. The phosphorylation processing of polymer electrolyte membrane of chitosan and lithium perchlorate was conducted by immersing with phosphoric acid for 2 hours, and then irradiated on a microwave for 60 seconds. The degree of deacetylation of chitosan derived from shrimp shells was obtained around 75.4%. Relative molecular mass of chitosan was obtained by viscometry method is 796,792 g/mol. The ionic conductivity of chitosan membrane was increase from 6.33 × 10{sup −6} S/cm up to 6.01 × 10{sup −4} S/cm after adding by 15 % solution of lithium perchlorate. After phosphorylation, the ionic conductivity of phosphorylated lithium chitosan membrane was observed 1.37 × 10{sup −3} S/cm, while the tensile resistance of 40.2 MPa with a better thermal resistance. On the strength of electrolyte membrane properties, this polymer electrolyte membrane was suggested had one potential used for polymer electrolyte in field of lithium battery applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Solid state {sup 31}P MAS NMR spectroscopy and conductivity measurements on NbOPO{sub 4} and H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} composite materials

A systematic study of composite powders of niobium oxide phosphate (NbOPO{sub 4}) and phosphoric acid (H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}) has been performed in order to characterize the material's ability to perform as an electrolyte material in medium temperature fuel cells and electrolyzers. Powders of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} contents between 13.1 and 74.2 M% were produced and characterized with powder X-ray diffraction, {sup 31}P MAS NMR and impedance spectroscopy. NMR revealed that a significant degree of dehydration and vaporization of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} takes place above 200 °C, and increases with temperature. At 500 °C the NbOPO{sub 4} and H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} has reacted to form niobium pyrophosphate (Nb{sub 2}P{sub 4}O{sub 15}). Impedance spectroscopy showed an increase in conductivity with increasing acid concentration, whereas the conductivity decreased slightly with increasing temperature. The highest conductivity measured was 2.5·10{sup −3} S/cm for a sample containing 74.2 M% of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}. Lastly, it was shown that NbOPO{sub 4} has no significant conductivity of its own. - Graphical abstract: Conductivity of NbOPO{sub 4}/H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} composites as a function of equivalent P{sub 2}O{sub 5} content. The conductivity is insignificant for pure NbOPO{sub 4}. - Highlights: • Composites have been made from NbOPO{sub 4} and H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}. • The composites composition has been investigated with solid state NMR. • The composites have shown clear signs of acid dehydration upon heating. • The conductivity of the composites increases for increasing acid content. • NbOPO{sub 4} has no significant conductivity of its own.

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

Purification and Concentration of 99 Mo from a UREX raffinate

The medical isotope 99m Tc ( t ½ = 6.0 h) accounts for over 80% of isotopes used in diagnostic nuclear medicine today and is normally derived from its transient equilibrium parent 99 Mo ( t ½ = 66 h). To reduce U.S. dependence on 99 Mo derived from HEU by foreign suppliers, the NNSA/M3 program—under the American Medical Isotope Production Act—has been tasked with facilitating the work of domestic 99 Mo suppliers that do not utilize HEU. Superconducting electron linear accelerators with high-Z converter targets can generate bremsstrahlung photons and neutron fluxes that can induce photonuclear reactions and LEU fission. After sufficient production intervals, targets can be rotated out and processed while another batch is irradiated. The process flow chemistry is shown in Figure 1. The irradiated U 3 O 8 targets are retrieved and dissolved in HNO 3 ; the volatile fission products are expelled and captured during this step. The HNO 3 liquor bearing the uranyl, fission and activation products is injected into the UREX suite of liquid-liquid extraction banks. The uranyl is partitioned in typical fashion using tri-$\textit{n}$-butyl phosphate (TBP) in a hydrocarbon diluent. The raffinate—comprising mainly 99 Mo and fission products—is then injected into the MoLLE (Molybdenum Liquid-Liquid Extraction) flowsheet, where the Mo is selectively extracted by an organophosphorous acid extractant such as di-(2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid) (HDEHP). Trace amounts of Nb, Zr, Np, I, and Te are co-extracted. The Mo is stripped using acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) and fed onto an anion exchange column. Following a series of hydroxide, HCl, and oxalic acid wash steps, the Mo can be recovered in NaOH/NaCl. A manuscript describing this process chemistry in more detail was recently published.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
NASA NTRS2015

ECLSS Sustaining Compatibility Testing on Urine Processor Assembly Nonmetallic Materials for Reformulation of Pretreated Urine Solution

On International Space Station (ISS), the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) converts human urine and flush water into potable water. The urine is acid-pretreated primarily to control microbial growth. In recent years, the sulfuric acid (H2SO4) pretreatment was believed to be largely responsible for producing salt crystals capable of plugging filters in UPA components and significantly reducing the percentage of water recovery from urine. In 2012, ISS management decided to change the acid pretreatment for urine from sulfuric to phosphoric with the goal of eliminating or minimizing formation of salt crystals. In 2013-2014, as part of the qualification of the phosphoric acid (H3PO4) formulation, samples of 12 nonmetallic materials used in UPA components were immersed for up to one year in pretreated urine and brine solutions made with the new H3PO4 formulation. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to measure modulus (stiffness) of the immersed samples compared to virgin control samples. Such compatibility data obtained by DMA for the H3PO4-based solutions were compared to DMA data obtained for the H2SO4-based solutions in 2002-2003.

Wingard, C. D.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Innovative Non-PGM Catalysts for High-Temperature PEMFCs

The objective of this project was to revolutionize high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology based on polymer membranes imbibed with phosphoric acid through development of stable, high-performance non-precious cathode catalysts. High-temperature PEMFCs operate in a range of 150-220 degrees centigrade, making them ideal candidates for combined heat and power (CHP) applications. Successful catalyst development showed potential to be translated to other solid acid systems such as those based on the Cs2HPO4 (CDP) electrolyte. This incubator effort was however exclusively focused on catalyst development for H3PO4-imbibed PEMFCs.

08 HYDROGEN↗