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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 OSTI2026

Development of Biofuel and Bioenergy Processes for Photosynthetic CO 2 Assimilation (CRADA Final Report)

In order to fully exploit algae carbon assimilation for fuels, a preqrequisite is high photosynthetic efficiency and carbon conversion to fuel precursors. In the context of this collaborative project between NLR and EMRE we aim to address aspects of both the biological constraints around photosynthesis-driven carbon assimilation flux as well as elements that bridge the gap between laboratory cultivation and meaningful outdoor deployment, building on the unique capabilities of NLR and EMRE’s algae bioengineering teams. The goal of this work is to improve our understanding of key cellular biochemistry, mass cultivation, and biomass conversion constraints that presently limit the potential bio-oil yield. The proposed first phase of this work will focus on biomass growth improvements by testing hypotheses for alleviating identified metabolic and photophysiological bottlenecks. The results of this work could inform decisions by stakeholders (e.g., industry, community, investors) on the design and deployment of a sustainable biofuel supply chain from algae.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Assessment of Biomass-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal and Storage

Biomass with Carbon Removal and Sequestration (BiCRS) is a suite of technological pathways that provide a relatively affordable and high-potential way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and simultaneously re-purpose residual biomass. BiCRS technologies are individually optimized to different biomass feedstocks, temperatures and oxygen, with the goal of capturing a high percentage of biomass-derived carbon dioxide and storing it in permanent below-ground storage (i.e. geologic storage). The current standard for BiCRS life cycle assessments does not account for carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide (CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O) fluxes from surface soil amendment of BiCRS byproducts (e.g. char, ash) and their alternate fates. This is partly due to a paucity of empirical data due to the novelty of BiCRS conversion technologies, the range in feedstocks, and the heterogeneity of soils to which they might be amended. To fill this gap in in the life-cycle assessment (LCA) and provide a realistic range of parameters for a soil amendment component of the BiCRS LCA, we conducted an incubation experiment to measure soil carbon changes, microbial respiration, methane fluxes, and nitrous oxide fluxes from two different soils amended with char- and ash- byproducts from biomass after gasification to hydrogen, fast pyrolysis to bio-oil, and torrefaction.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Feasibility of using nuclear microreactor process heat for bioconversion and agricultural processes

Introduction There is a global goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2023. Nuclear microreactors, a subset of small modular reactors, offer a potential solution due to their compact size, transportability, and carbon-neutral power generation capabilities. Methods This study explores the feasibility of using heat from nuclear microreactors for bioconversion and agricultural processes, including transforming biomass into energy carriers and products such as syngas, bio-oil, and pasteurized milk. Operating requirements for gasification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrothermal gasification, ethanol production, anaerobic digestion, and pasteurization were obtained through a literature review. A Brayton cycle model based on the eVinci TM microreactor was developed to assess the feasibility of powering these processes using nuclear microreactor heat. Results and Discussion Exergetic efficiency values for high-temperature processes ranged from 72% to 100%, whereas lower-temperature processes ranged from 2% to 53%. These efficiencies depend on the available source temperature for each microreactor design. There were trade-offs between producing net power and using process heat, particularly for high-temperature processes. Three heat exchanger locations were considered: before the turbine (600 ℃ ), between the turbine and regenerator (370 ℃ ), and after the regenerator (192 ℃ ). High-temperature processes like gasification require temperatures too high for feasibility. Middle temperature processes are better suited to a heat exchanger between the turbine and regenerator, while also operable before the turbine. Lower-temperature processes like pasteurization and anaerobic digestion can use waste heat after the regenerator and do not impact power production. These findings are valuable for optimizing nuclear microreactor heat use and aligning with global climate initiatives.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mathematical Modeling of Multi-Phenomena Anisotropic Systems: Ejection of Primary Aerosols during the Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass

This study introduces a novel particle model for biomass fast pyrolysis, incorporating an anisotropic cylindrical particle to address mass and energy transport coupled with aerosol ejection, which previous models have overlooked. The main contribution lies in developing a model that considers aerosol generation in anisotropic cylindrical particles for the first time, addressing bubbling dynamics and bursting within the liquid phase. The population balance equation describes bubble dynamics and aerosol formation, capturing phenomena like nucleation, growth, coalescence, and bursting. The model employs the method of moments with bubble volume as an internal variable, substantially reducing computational costs by eliminating dependence on this variable. Results highlight the significant impact of anisotropy and particle size on aerosol ejection: smaller, less elongated particles experience faster heating, quicker conversion, and the increased accumulation of the liquid intermediate phase. Specifically, 1 mm diameter particles yield higher concentrations of metaplast and bio-oil aerosols, exceeding 15%, compared to concentrations below 11% for 3 mm particles. This model provides insights into aerosol structure (volume, surface area), aiding in understanding aerosol reactivity at the reactor scale.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2009

Synthetic and Biomass Alternate Fueling in Aviation

While transportation fueling can accommodate a broad range of alternate fuels, aviation fueling needs are specific, such as the fuel not freezing at altitude or become too viscous to flow properly or of low bulk energy density that shortens range. The fuel must also be compatible with legacy aircraft, some of which are more than 50 years old. Worldwide, the aviation industry alone uses some 85-95 billion gallons of hydrocarbon-based fossil fuel each year, which is about 10% of the transportation industry. US civil aviation alone consumes nearly 14 billion gallons. The enormity of the problem becomes overwhelming, and the aviation industry is taking alternate fueling issues very seriously. Biofuels (algae, cyanobacteria, halophytes, weeds that use wastelands, wastewater and seatwater), when properly sourced, have the capacity to be drop-in fuel replacements for petroleum fuels. As such, biojet from such sources solves the aviation CO2 emissions issue without the downsides of 'conventional' biofuels, such as competing with food and fresh water resources. Of the many current fundamental problems, the major biofuel problem is cost. Both research and development and creative engineering are required to reduce these biofuels costs. Research is also ongoing in several 'improvement' areas including refining/processing and biologics with greater disease resistance, greater bio-oil productivity, reduced water/nutrient requirements, etc. The authors' current research is aimed at aiding industry efforts in several areas. They are considering different modeling approaches, growth media and refining approaches, different biologic feedstocks, methods of sequestering carbon in the processes, fuel certification for aviation use and, overall, ensuring that biofuels are feasible from all aspects - operability, capacity, carbon cycle and financial. The authors are also providing common discussion grounds/opportunities for the various parties, disciplines and concerned organization to share both issues and potential ways for moving forward, and overall, trying to educate those concerned about the innate limitations of 'conventional' biofuels and the solutions provided by non-traditional feedstocks that used waste lands/water or saline/salt water have an immense capacity potential.

Hendricks, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Using Pyrolysis and its Bioproducts to Help Close the Loop in Sustainable Life Support Systems

The next step in human exploration of space is beyond low Earth orbit and possibly to sites such as the Moon and Mars. Resupply of critical life support components for missions such as these are difficult or impossible. Life support processes for closing the loop of water, oxygen and carbon have to be identified .. Currently, there are many technologies proposed for terrestrial missions for waste, water, air processing and the creation of consumables. There are a variety of different approaches, but few address all of these issues simultaneously. One candidate is pyrolysis; a method where waste streams can be heated in the absence of oxygen to undergo a thermochemical conversion producing a series of bioproducts. Bioproducts like biochar made from non-edible biomass and human solid waste can possibly provide valuable benefits such as waste reduction, regolith fertilization for increased food production, and become a consumable for water processing and air revitalization systems. Syngas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and c~bon dioxide, can be converted to methane and dimethyl ether to create propellants. Bio-oils can be utilized as a heating fuel or fed to bioreactors that utilize oil-eating microbes. Issues such as carbon sequestration and subsequent carbon balance of the closed system and identifying ideal process methods to achieve the highest quality products, whilst being energy friendly, will also be addressed.

McCoy, LaShelle E.↗
NASA NTRS2013

A Review: Using Pyrolysis and its Bioproducts to Help Close the Loop in Sustainable Life Support Systems

The next step in human exploration of space is beyond low Earth orbit and possibly to sites such as the Moon and Mars. Resupply of critical life support components for missions such as these are difficult or impossible. Life support processes for closing the loop of water, oxygen and carbon have to be identified. Currently, there are many technologies proposed for terrestrial missions for waste, water, air processing. and the creation of consumables. There are a variety of different approaches, but few address all of these issues simultaneously. One candidate is pyrolysis; a method where waste streams can be heated in the absence of oxygen to undergo a thermochemical conversion producing a series of bioproducts. Bioproducts like biochar made from non-edible biomass and human solid waste can possibly provide valuable benefits such as waste reduction, regolith fertilization for increased food production, and become a consumable for water processing and air revitalization systems. Syngas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, can be converted to methane and dimethyl ether to create propellants. Bio-oils can be utilized as a heating fuel or fed to bioreactors that utilize oil-eating microbes.

McCoy, LaShelle E.↗
DOE OSTI2021

BETO 2021 Peer Review - Catalytic Upgrading of Pyrolysis Vapors 2.3.1.314

Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) is a versatile pathway for the direct liquefaction of biomass and waste carbon sources to generate a stabilized bio-oil intermediate that can be further processed into renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials. The objective of this project is advance the CFP state-of-technology through integrated catalyst and process development, expand market responsiveness by creating routes to novel co-products, and provide experimental data to inform process modelling and scale-up activities. Research advancements over the past two years include reducing analytical uncertainty by achieving 100 ± 1% carbon balances during reaction testing with woody biomass, improving process efficiency by achieving a 4x increase in catalyst cycle length, demonstrating compatibility with waste feedstocks, and confirming process durability for 100+ reaction cycles. Additionally, this project supported a comprehensive pathway review to evaluate scale-up needs. This review resulted in the early identification of technical risks and informed proactive planning for the BETO 2022 Verification. Other impacts from this project include generation of broadly enabling scientific knowledge (14 publications/18 presentations since 2019), engagement with industry partners (e.g., Johnson Matthey and ExxonMobil), and identification of a promising pathway to market that addresses emerging demands for biogenic refinery feedstocks.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

BETO 2021 Peer Review - Bio-Insecticides from Thermochemical Biomass Conversion

This work is developing a sustainable and inexpensive bioinsecticide that leverages the inherent chemical functionality created from thermochemical biomass conversion. The impact of this project lies at the intersection of energy and agricultural sustainability. Thermochemical conversion of biomass to fuels remains an attractive pathway, and bioinsecticides, isolated from a fraction of upgraded bio-oils, are a high-valued coproduct that can increase biorefinery profitability. Existing insecticide products are facing significant pressure from regulators and consumers due to negative health and environmental impacts. Bioinsecticides, produced through the deconstruction of biomass, can offer a safer more environmentally benign alternative due to the chemical homology with biologically degraded lignin. To enable thermochemical coproduction of bioinsecticides insecticidal activity must be competitive with existing products, separations of the bioinsecticide must be technically viable, and the overall process economics must be improved. Using vacuum distillation, we have separated a bioinsecticide active ingredient that has similar activity to current commercial products, and technoeconomic modeling has shown it can be produced at market competitive prices. This work has established a bioinsecticide fraction that is ready for further, more resource intensive development by addressing early technical, economic, and toxicological risks.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste: Products and Their Uses

This brochure provides a brief summary of products associated with anaerobic digestion of food waste, namely biogas and digestate. The focus is primarily on digestate and its utilization options, which include land application, direct and indirect fuel, bio-oil, biochar, and syngas, as well as other uses.

BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Determining the Role of Synthesis and Reaction Conditions on the Exposed Surface and Shape of ..beta..-Mo2C Catalysts

The production of drop-in quality biofuels typically can be achieved through catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of biomass, followed by hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of the vapor-phase product to reduce the oxygen content and stabilize the bio-oil product. To favor selectivity toward desired deoxygenation products, bifunctional catalysts with both acidic and hydrogenation sites are often employed. Due to both its oxophilicity and its ability to promote hydrogenation reactions, molybdenum carbide catalysts have shown promise for promoting the HDO of CFP vapors. However, the surface structure and composition of carbide catalyst particles are not well understood, precluding the establishment of fundamental structure-function relationships needed for the rational development of molybdedum carbide for HDO, as well as other reactions. For orthorhombic ..beta..-Mo2C, the (100) facet is largely studied for computational surface-reaction analyses, possibly due to its similarities with the close-packed (111) facet of noble-metal catalysts. However, it has previously been postulated through ab initio thermodynamic studies that the (111), (110), and (011) facets are most stable, though there is no consensus. Furthermore, while a majority of previous surface stability analyses of ..beta..-Mo2C focus on bulk terminations, the highly carburizing synthesis conditions and the use of ..beta..-Mo2C in carbon-containing reaction applications could introduce non-stoichiometric coverages of surface carbon. As such, this study uses ab initio thermodynamics calculations to assess the relative surface stability of the low-index facets of ..beta..-Mo2C, including consideration of varying the coverage of surface carbon. From this information, Wulff constructions are utilized to predict the synthesis and reaction condition-dependent shape and surface carbon composition of ..beta..-Mo2C catalyst particles.

BIOMASS FUELS,INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND AN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Assessing the Role of the Support in Acetic Acid Hydrodeoxygenation Selectivity on Pt/TiO2

To produce drop-in quality biofuels following the thermochemical conversion of biomass via catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP), hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions can be performed to remove excess oxygen and create a more stable bio-oil product. HDO reactions involve co-feeding the CFP vapor-phase product and H2 gas over bi-functional catalysts, such as noble-metal catalysts supported on reducible metal oxides (e.g., Pt/TiO2). Recent model-compound studies, focusing on important classes of species in the CFP vapor mixture, have sought to determine the role of the various Pt/TiO2 actives sites (i.e., Pt-metal, TiO2-support, Pt-TiO2-interfacial sites) in producing the observed desired deoxygenation and undesired decarboxylation/decarbonylation products. One important class of compounds in the CFP vapor-phase product is carboxylic acids (e.g., acetic acid). Prior experimental work on acetic acid HDO (AA-HDO) found that Pt/C and Pt/TiO2 catalysts favored the formation of undesired C-C and desired C-O bond-dissociation products; however, the fundamental surface chemistry driving this shift in selectivity has not been established. This presentation employs atomic-scale modeling to determine, through comparisons of adsorption and reaction energetics, how Pt-metal, Pt-TiO2-interface, and interfacial-vacancy sites catalyze the competing reaction pathways for AA-HDO. Our analysis indicates that hydroxyl vacancies at the Pt-TiO2 interface are critical for lowering barriers for C-O bond-cleavage steps, such that they become favorable/competitive with respect to C-C bond-dissociation steps.

BIOMASS FUELS,INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND AN↗
DOE OSTI2022

MSW Variability Mapping and Conversion to Biofuel

MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) is a form of biomass which consists of categorized components of waste/trash. The general categories are paper, yard trash, construction & debris, appliances, tires, glass, metals, aluminum & steel cans, plastics, organics, inorganics, and HHW (Household Hazardous Waste). This project focuses on the factors within a region or population that contribute to variability in the composition of MSW and in turn MSW’s convertibility to biofuel. A list of contributors was determined (Social Vulnerability Index, Access to Public Transportation, Racial Distribution, GDP, Personal Income) and then JMP was used to perform a Multivariate analysis to determine correlations and a Partial Least-Squares regression to determine Variable Importance Plots for each MSW category. In addition to data analysis, the convertibility of MSW to biofuel was studied via microwave pyrolysis system in order to separate and characterize the various gaseous and bio-oil products.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Catalytic Upgrading of Pyrolysis Products for the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The objective of this project is advance the state-of-technology for a catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) + hydrotreating (HT) process to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other biogenic products. Our approach focuses on performing integrated experiments using realistic biomass feedstocks and non-noble metal technical catalyst formulations. CFP is performed in an ex-situ configuration using a fluidized bed reactor without co-fed hydrogen. Research advancements over the past two years include establishing benchmark yield structures and compositional data for each step of the biomass-to-SAF process, demonstrating the ability to produce a cycloalkane-rich SAF product that meets key ASTM 4054 guidelines, generating benchmark characterization data for technical catalyst formulations with an emphasis on determining the unique composition and combustion properties of biogenic coke, and establishing bio-oil critical material attributes to mitigate the risk of plugging during down-stream hydroprocessing. Other impacts from this project include generation of broadly enabling scientific knowledge (12 publications/12 presentations since 2021), engagement with industry partners (Johnson Matthey, ExxonMobil, Phillips 66), and identification of a promising pathway to market that addresses emerging demands for biogenic refinery feedstocks.

biomass↗
DOE OSTI2025

Properties and performance of lignin-based polyurethane foams from lignin and castor oil as synergistic bio-polyols

Lignin and castor oil with intrinsic hydroxyl groups are attractive green resources for polyurethane (PU) applications. However, lignin's heterogeneous and highly crosslinked structure, poor processability, as well as the feedstock variability, lead to inconsistent and poor performance of the final foam products. Castor oil-based polyurethane foam (PUF) has a relatively high price and density, which are big hurdles to its practical applications. Here, in this study, we hypothesized that synergistic bio-polyol mixtures composed of lignin and castor oil could balance the drawbacks from individual component. Castor oil could improve the dispersity of lignin, while lignin simultaneously addressed the issues caused by PUF prepared with castor oil, such as its high density and low thermal stability. For a comprehensive understanding of the effects of structural properties of lignin on its PUF processing and applications, various lignin fractions were isolated by co-solvent enhanced lignocellulosic fractionation (CELF) from different species, including hardwood, softwood, and herbaceous plants, and the processed lignins with different molecular weights were applied with castor oil. The lignin fractions with lower molecular weight showed good dispersity in castor oil with a high lignin content (up to 50 wt%) and completely replaced petroleum-based polyols. The produced foam with 50 wt% low-molecular-weight lignin fractions from woody biomass showed comparable/higher compressive strength (up to 20 psi) and thermal insulation performance (up to 5.69 R-value in −1 for 50 % L-Pine foam). In addition, this study revealed the relationship between lignin's structural properties and foam performance, providing insights for practical applications of lignin-based PUF.

Jeong, Soyeon [State Univ. of New York (SUNY), Syr↗
DOE OSTI2022

Bio‐Based Piezo‐ and Thermoresistive Photocurable Sensing Materials from Acrylated Epoxidized Soybean Oil

Abstract Bio‐based photocurable polymers are increasingly in demand as environmentally friendly materials for advanced applications. Together with functional fillers, these represent a next step for the generation of functional and active smart materials, compatible with additive manufacturing technologies. Herein, acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) mixed with different amounts of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) up to 6 wt% in order to obtain UV‐curable piezoresistive and thermoresistive materials, is reported. It is shown that the addition of rGO to AESO hinders the curing process, but always maintains double bond conversions higher than 50%. Composites are characterized by a good dispersion of micrometric filler clusters. Further, the thermal stabilities are close to 300 °C and crosslinking degrees are above 1.75 mmol cm –3 . The Young modulus of the composites decreases with the addition of the rGO fillers, in particular for the higher filler contents, and electrical conductivities up to 0.13 S m –1 are obtained for the composites with the highest rGO content. UV‐curable composites with piezoresistive and thermoresistive responses suitable for applications are thus obtained, characterized by gauge factors around 26 for deformations up to 2% and maximum thermoresistive sensitivity of S = 0.43, values similar to the values obtained for petroleum‐based materials.

Mendes‐Felipe, Cristian↗
DOE OSTI2021

Supplemental dietary full-fatted and defatted Desmodesmus sp. exerted similar effects on growth performance, gut health, and excreta hydrothermal liquefaction of broiler chicks

This study determined effects of full-fatted (C046, 41% crude protein) and lipid extracted (LEA, 39% crude protein) microalgae Desmodesmus sp. on growth performance, gut health, and excreta hydrothermal liquefaction of broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted by feeding day-old Cornish male chicks: 1) a corn-soybean meal basal diet (control) 2) control +5% C046, or 3) control +5% LEA for 2 weeks. Growth performance was measured weekly in both experiments. Blood, liver, and duodenum samples of chickens were collected for biochemical analyses, and excreta samples were collected for hydrothermal liquefaction (300 °C, 60 min) at the end of Experiment 2. Compared with the control, supplemental dietary C046 and LEA enhanced average daily gain (13% to 40%, p < 0.05) in both experiments, and improved feed efficiency (15% and 11%, p < 0.01) in Experiment 2. The C046 and LEA diets enhanced the duodenum (19% to –2 fold, p < 0.05), but decreased the liver (17 to 78%, p < 0.05) mRNA abundances of interleukins-1, 6 and 8 and (or) tumor necrosis factor-α, respectively, compared with the controls. Meanwhile, the two types of biomass enhanced the protein amounts of claudin-1 in the duodenum (5–34%, p < 0.05) than the controls. Hydrothermal liquefaction of the excreta derived from the three diets showed no major differences in total bio-crude oil (average of 23%), hydrochar yield (average of 12%), or elemental compositions. However, the heating values of the resultant two bio-crude oils from the microalgae-fed chicken excreta (average of 34 MJ/kg) were 16% greater than those from the control chickens (29 MJ/kg). In conclusion, supplementing the full- and de-fatted Desmodesmus sp. microalgal biomass in the starter diets for broiler chickens produced largely similar improvements of growth performance, gut health, and excreta-derived oil quality.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Towards Net-Zero: Nuclear-Assisted Waste Biomass to Liquid Fuel in Eastern Idaho

A nuclear assisted carbon negative hybrid energy process that enables production of synthetic bio-crude oil and biochar from Eastern Idaho waste biomass is proposed. The process integrates nuclear powered electricity with high temperature steam electrolysis and biomass hydropyrolysis. The bio-crude oil is of sufficient composition and blended with traditional crude oil at a refinery. Hydrogen from the electrolyzer is pressurized and inserted into the pyrolyzer. Non condensable gases generated in the hydropyrolysis process are burned with oxygen from the electrolyzer to produce heat for the electrolyzer, biomass dryer, and pyrolyzer. The biochar is returned to the soil via fertilizer application and remains there for thousands of years. Since the total process uses nuclear generated electricity, the carbon in the biochar is ultimately sequestered from the atmosphere, thus making the process carbon negative. Using Eastern Idaho wheat or barley straw, this hybrid energy process has the potential to provide an alternative petroleum source. Two options exist for the system design: 1) send electricity from the nuclear plant and straw to a chemical processing plant to produce the bio-crude and biochar, 2) construct the biomass processing facility near the nuclear plant to allow use of nuclear-generated process heat to drive the chemical. Process model description and results are discussed. The process is sized to produce gasoline and diesel at the rate that the INL uses every day for fleet usage.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗