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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
NASA NTRS2015

Three-Dimensional Vibration Isolator for Suppressing High-Frequency Responses for Sage III Contamination Monitoring Package (CMP)

The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) III - International Space Station (ISS) instrument will be used to study ozone, providing global, long-term measurements of key components of the Earth's atmosphere for the continued health of Earth and its inhabitants. SAGE III is launched into orbit in an inverted configuration on SpaceX;s Falcon 9 launch vehicle. As one of its four supporting elements, a Contamination Monitoring Package (CMP) mounted to the top panel of the Interface Adapter Module (IAM) box experiences high-frequency response due to structural coupling between the two structures during the SpaceX launch. These vibrations, which were initially observed in the IAM Engineering Development Unit (EDU) test and later verified through finite element analysis (FEA) for the SpaceX launch loads, may damage the internal electronic cards and the Thermoelectric Quartz Crystal Microbalance (TQCM) sensors mounted on the CMP. Three-dimensional (3D) vibration isolators were required to be inserted between the CMP and IAM interface in order to attenuate the high frequency vibrations without resulting in any major changes to the existing system. Wire rope isolators were proposed as the isolation system between the CMP and IAM due to the low impact to design. Most 3D isolation systems are designed for compression and roll, therefore little dynamic data was available for using wire rope isolators in an inverted or tension configuration. From the isolator FEA and test results, it is shown that by using the 3D wire rope isolators, the CMP high-frequency responses have been suppressed by several orders of magnitude over a wide excitation frequency range. Consequently, the TQCM sensor responses are well below their qualification environments. It is indicated that these high-frequency responses due to the typical instrument structural coupling can be significantly suppressed by a vibration passive control using the 3D vibration isolator. Thermal and contamination issues were also examined during the isolator selection period for meeting the SAGE III-ISS instrument requirements.

Li, Y.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Numerical characterization of quasi-steady thermal load for thin crystal at cryogenic temperature with nondiffusive heat transfer

With dramatically improved brightness and repetition rate, the thermal load for crystal optics in x-ray free-electron laser applications has also significantly increased. To mitigate the thermal load, one effective method is cryogenic cooling. However, the emerging nondiffusive heat transfer phenomenon at cryogenic temperature may cause design failure if overlooked. To evaluate the optical performance of thin crystal optics under thermal load at cryogenic temperature, an integrated numerical tool is presented and applied to characterize the thermal load on thin crystals with nondiffusive phenomena accounted. Significant thermally induced distortion of the rocking curve is observed from numerical simulation, leading to potential seed power reduction in hard x-ray self-seeding application. Cryogenic cooling is confirmed necessary by simulation to handle the thermal load at high repetition rate operation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Heritage BioSensor for Lunar Biology Experiments

Introduction: Automated biological experiments on small spacecraft missions have gained prominence over the past decade due to their simplicity, accessibility, and small mass, volume, and power needs. Most recently, the BioSensor microfluidic CubeSat payload aboard BioSentinel used an automated microfluidic cell culture system to study the effects of environmental stressors like deep space radiation and microgravity on yeast growth and metabolism. BioSentinel’s successor, the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA), will study the effects of lunar gravity and radiation using an improved version of the BioSensor microfluidic platform. The BioSensor payload has great adaptability to host a diverse range of biological experiments with single- and multi-celled organisms in both crewed and uncrewed missions, making it a compelling candidate for future space biology studies in a lunar surface environment. BioSensor Instrumentation on BioSentinel: The first spaceflight mission with the BioSensor, BioSentinel’s biology experiments occurred at three locations -- deep space, ISS and ground. The payload contained 18 microfluidic cards, each featuring 16 growth wells (a total of 288 growth wells). Each well was loaded before launch with desiccated yeast. In space, liquid culture medium (nutrients) was automatically introduced to batches of wells at a time to initiate a series of biology experiments. Temperature was maintained by thin film heaters on both sides of each card. Each well was equipped with three LEDs emitting at 570 nm, 630 nm, and 850 nm, paired with photodetectors to measure cell concentration and the alamarBlue (metabolic indicator dye) color transition from blue to pink. Phenotypic parameters like cell viability, metabolic rate, and generation time can be derived from these measurements. The sequence and timing of fluid fills, optical measurements, and thermal control were stored onboard, but could be updated asynchronously via ground communication. LEIA: LEIA is slated for launch no earlier than 2026 on a CLPS lander. BioSentinel’s BioSensor has been modified for use in LEIA. These improvements include: (a) storage for multiple culture medium types, (b) additional LED color (465 nm) for a new biological assay for antioxidant (carotenoid) production, (c) housing modifications for later biology load before launch, (d) improved isolation between electronic and fluidic components, and (e) improved humidity control for prolonged organism viability in case of post-load launch delay. Future Prospects: The consistent and successful demonstration of complex fluidics platforms alongside reliable instrument operations in a space environment is poised to create strong momentum for BioSensor-based biological experiment payloads. Planned future developments with the BioSensor include extending compatibility to a broader range of organisms and assays. Preliminary work has already demonstrated successful growth of Arabidopsis seedlings in fluidic cards. With a few modifications to the optical assembly, the setup could easily measure photosynthetic traits in plants and cyanobacteria. The addition of fluorescence measurements and generation of novel luminescent assays will elevate BioSensor’s functionality further. Beyond the BioSensor’s potential uses on free-flyer missions, ISS and Gateway, and CLPS landers, deploying the BioSensor to the lunar surface or in an artificial habitat on crewed missions could enable pioneering research on both how life responds to lunar conditions and future bioproduction capabilities making the BioSensor an indispensable tool for future space biology research.

Chinmayee Govinda Raj↗
NASA NTRS2013

Diverse Electron-Induced Optical Emissions from Space Observatory Materials at Low Temperatures

Electron irradiation experiments have investigated the diverse electron-induced optical and electrical signatures observed in ground-based tests of various space observatory materials at low temperature. Three types of light emission were observed: (i); long-duration cathodoluminescence which persisted as long as the electron beam was on (ii) short-duration (<1 s) arcing, resulting from electrostatic discharge; and (iii) intermediate-duration (~100 s) glow-termed "flares". We discuss how the electron currents and arcing-as well as light emission absolute intensity and frequency-depend on electron beam energy, power, and flux and the temperature and thickness of different bulk (polyimides, epoxy resins, and silica glasses) and composite dielectric materials (disordered SiO2 thin films, carbon- and fiberglass-epoxy composites, and macroscopically-conductive carbon-loaded polyimides). We conclude that electron-induced optical emissions resulting from interactions between observatory materials and the space environment electron flux can, in specific circumstances, make significant contributions to the stray light background that could possibly adversely affect the performance of space-based observatories.

long-duration cathodoluminescence↗
DOE OSTI2022

Impedance matched superconducting nanowire photodetector for single- and multi-photon detection

Conventional readout of a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) sets an upper bound on the output voltage to be the product of the bias current and the load impedance, IB×Zload, where Zload is limited to 50Ω in standard RF electronics. This limit is broken/exceeded by interfacing the 50Ω load and the SNSPD using an integrated superconducting transmission line taper. The taper is a transformer that effectively loads the SNSPD with high impedance without latching. The taper increases the amplitude of the detector output while preserving the fast rising edge. Using a taper with a starting width of 500 nm, a 3.6× higher pulse amplitude, 3.7× faster slew rate, and 25.1 ps smaller timing jitter was observed. The taper also makes the detector's output voltage sensitive to the number of photon-induced hotspots and enables photon number resolution.

Zhu, Di↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thermal Properties of Sodium Borosilicate Glasses as a Function of Sulfur Content

SO3 additions, up to 3.0 wt%, were systematically investigated for effects on the physical properties of sodium borosilicate glass melted in air, with a sulfur-free composition of 50SiO2-10Al2O3-12B2O3-21Na2O-7CaO (wt%). Solubility measurements, using electron microscopy chemical analysis, determined the maximum loading to be ~1.5 wt% SO3. It was found that sulfur (here as sulfate) in this glass increased the glass transition temperature, thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity, and decreased the mass density. Structural analysis, performed with Raman spectroscopy, indicated that the borosilicate network polymerized with sulfur additions, presumably due to Na2O being required to charge compensate the ionic SO42- additions, thus becoming unavailable to form non-bridging oxygen in the silicate network. It is postulated that this increased crosslinking of the borosilicate backbone lead to a structure with higher dimensionality and average bond energy. This increased the mean free paths and vibration frequency of the phonons, which resulted in the observed increase in thermal properties.

Thermal properties, Borosilicate glass, Sulfur sol↗
NASA NTRS1991

Fatigue crack growth in a unidirectional SCS-6/Ti-15-3 composite

An investigation was conducted to characterize and model the fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of an SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composite. Part of the study was conducted using a fatigue loading stage mounted inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of the study reveal that the fatigue crack growth behavior of the composite is a function of specimen geometry, fiber orientation, and interaction of local stress fields with the highly anisotropic composite. In the case of (0)8 oriented single edge notch specimens and (90)8 oriented compact tension (CT) specimens, the crack growth was normal to the loading direction. However, for the (0)8 CT specimens, the crack grew mostly parallel to the loading and the fiber direction. The unusual fatigue behavior of the (0)8 CT specimens is attributed to the specimen geometry and the associated high tensile bending stresses perpendicular to the fiber direction.

Kantzos, Peter↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Hardware Platform for Studying Naval Power Electronic Power Distribution Systems

Abstract – Future intelligent ship system designs will likely include electric propulsion, numerous highpower sensors, and directed energy weapons. Supply and control of these large nonlinear loads will require a networked, multi-converter power electronic power distribution system. This work presents a hardware platform to emulate a microgrid power system with multiple power converters and a power data communication network. The platform is reconfigurable and can include both AC and DC power distribution zones, representative of shipboard power systems. It also allows for the study of both power control actuation and power data communication delays. Since the platform is based on electric power hardware, spatial and temporal uncertainties are inherently embedded in the system. Specifically, this work examines the control actuation of multiple pulsed power loads in a single microgrid. Several pulse load levels and operating scenarios have been implemented and measured. A framework for control parameter quantification is presented, and various metrics are explored to capture pulse signal characteristics. The sensitivity of pulse load metric parameters is analyzed. Dynamic shipboard, mission-specific load profiles coupled with pulse loads can also be emulated in the hardware platform.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1995

Controllable Bidirectional dc Power Sources For Large Loads

System redesigned for greater efficiency, durability, and controllability. Modern electronically controlled dc power sources proposed to supply currents to six electromagnets used to position aerodynamic test model in wind tunnel. Six-phase bridge rectifier supplies load with large current at voltage of commanded magnitude and polarity. Current-feedback circuit includes current-limiting feature giving some protection against overload.

Tripp, John S.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Heat load measurements for the PIP-II pHB650 cryomodule

This study presents a brief overview of the 1st and 2nd phases and an in-depth analysis of the 3rd phase heat load testing performed on the pHB650 (prototype High Beta 650 MHz) cryomodule at PIP2IT (PIP-II Injector Test Facility), with a focus on both the results and the methodological advancements that have improved testing efficiency and accuracy. A key challenge identified in the testing campaign is the higher-than-expected heat loads observed in the first PIP-II (Proton Improvement Plan II) prototype cryomodules (pSSR1 and pHB650) tested at PIP2IT. Elevated heat loads are concerning given the fixed capacity of the PIP-II cryoplant that is currently being installed at Fermilab. However, understanding the sources of these elevated heat loads offers a critical opportunity to implement effective heat load mitigations on upcoming PIP-II cryomodules to stay within the available capacity of the PIP-II cryoplant. The study includes a summary of test results, descriptions of measurement procedures, and key observations on parameters directly and indirectly related to heat load measurements. Direct observations include measured heat loads and the effectiveness of JT heat exchanger under varying conditions, while indirect observation analyze factors such as the temperature distribution on the two-phase pipe and relief piping under varying conditions. Thermal acoustic oscillations (TAO) were identified during testing, which was mitigated by replacing the original G10 stem with a stainless steel stem equipped with wipers for the cryomodule cooldown valve. A major innovation during pHB650 Phase 3 testing was the development of an automated Python script to streamline data acquisition, analysis, and reporting of heat load results. This script automatically retrieved data from ACNET (Accelerator Control Network), performed heat load calculations, and generated detailed reports featuring plots and tables. This advancement significantly reduced manual labor and enhanced the thoroughness of data analysis compared to earlier campaigns. The heat load test reports were promptly uploaded to the electronic logbook shortly after each test, enabling rapid feedback and collaboration between the SRF and cryogenic teams. The heat load measurements included various components: HTTS (high-temperature thermal shield), LTTS (low-temperature thermal shield), 2K isothermal and non-isothermal heat loads. Results were recorded both within the cryomodule and between the bayonet can supply and return. Measurements were conducted under different operating conditions such as "standard", "linac", and "simulated dynamic". Additionally, HTTS and LTTS heat loads were calculated in real time, allowing for the tracking of thermal stability and identification of changes during testing, both in steady-state and transient conditions. The results of this testing campaign not only provide valuable insights into the performance of the pHB650 cryomodule but also highlight best practices and lessons learned that will inform future cryomodule testing at PIP2IT. These include adopting automated tools for data analysis, refining real-time measurement capabilities, and emphasizing detailed pre-test planning. The framework established in this campaign aims to set an improved standard for cryomodule testing and heat load reporting in future cryomodule test campaigns.

Porwisiak, D. [Fermilab; Wroclaw Tech. U.]↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optimal Power Sharing Speed Compensation in On-road Wireless EV Charging Systems

Dynamic wireless charging of electric vehicles (EV) is an emerging technology with the potential to address range anxiety and reduce the size of batteries or provide charge-sustaining operation. Charging demand for dynamic wireless charging systems (DWCS) varies greatly in response to location-specific traffic behaviors including the number and speed of vehicles. This paper highlights the potential reduction of load variation with speed compensation and simulates opportunities to maximize the number of cars charged concurrently through “power sharing” or altering power output to slower cars while maintaining a maximum delivered energy. An improved sub-minute model for synthetic traffic is proposed to effectively model DWCS load on high speed roadways and a power electronics model is created based on an existing prototype developed by ORNL to investigate the potential for power sharing. Reductions in the average speed of traffic can greatly increase instantaneous DWCS load by as much as 26%, complicating capacity sizing. Parametric studies with a LCC-S power electronics model shows feasible power reduction of more than 20%, while maintaining a maximum achievable efficiency greater than 90%. Speed compensation on a roadway with large speed variation can reduce average power expected by 21% and increase the maximum number of cars charged simultaneously by 30%. The application of power sharing may significantly reduce load variability due to speed, allow for increased car hosting capability, and guarantee a maximum energy delivered.

Lewis, Donovin D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Fatigue crack growth in a unidirectional SCS-6/Ti-15-3 composite

An investigation was conducted to characterize and model the fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of a SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composite. Part of the study was conducted using a fatigue loading stage mounted inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This unique facility allowed high magnification viewing of the composite fatigue processes and measurement of the near crack tip displacements. The unidirectional composite was tested in the (0)8 (i.e., longitudinal) and (90)8 (i.e., transverse) orientations. For comparison purposes unreinforced matrix material produced by the identical process as the reinforced material was also tested. The results of the study reveal that the fatigue crack growth behavior of the composite is a function of specimen geometry, fiber orientation and the interaction of local stress fields with the highly anisotropic composite. In the case of (0)8 oriented single edge notch (SEN) specimens and (90)8 oriented compact tension (CT) specimens, the crack growth was normal to the loading direction. However, for the (0)8 CT specimens the crack grew mostly parallel to the loading and the fiber direction. The unusual fatigue behavior of the (0)8 CT specimens was attributed to the specimen geometry and the associated high tensile bending stresses perpendicular to the fiber direction. These stresses resulted in preferential cracking in the weak interface region perpendicular to the fiber direction. The interface region, and in particular the carbon coating surrounding the fiber proved to be the composites weakest link. In the (0)8 SEN the crack growth was confined to the matrix leaving behind unbroken fibers which bridged the cracked surfaces. As the crack grew longer, more fibers bridged the crack resulting in a progressive decrease in the crack growth rates and eventual crack arrest. The actual near crack tip displacement measurements were used in a proposed formulation for a bridging-corrected effective crack driving force, delta K(sub eff). This parameter was able to account for most of the experienced bridging and correlated the (0)8 SEN fatigue crack growth data reasonably well.

Kantzos, Peter↗
DOE OSTI2023

Super p-sulfur cathodes for quasi-solid-state lithium-sulfur-batteries

Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries have become a promising candidate to meet the current energy storage demand, with its natural abundance of materials, high theoretical capacity of 1672 mAhg-1, high energy density of 2600 Whkg-1, low cost and lower environmental impact. Sulfide based solid state electrolytes (SSEs) have received greater attention due to their higher ionic conductivity, compatible interface with sulfur-based cathodes, and lower grain boundary resistance. However, the interface between SSEs and cathodes has become a challenge in all solid-state Li-S batteries due to the rigidity of the participating surfaces. A hybrid electrolyte containing SSE coupled with a small amount of ionic liquid, was essential to improve the interface contact of the SSE with the electrodes. Coating-based cathodes were successfully fabricated using water-based carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution and Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) as the binder with low sulfur loading (0.70 mgcm-2) as well as high sulfur loading (4.0 mgcm-2). Solid-state composite powder-based cathodes pressed onto SSE (loading 4.0 mgcm-2) with enhanced electronic and ionic conductivity were fabricated with Super P: Sulfur (SP:S) and SSE. Ionic Liquids (IL) prepared using Lithium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as salt, with premixed pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (PYR) as solvent and 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) as diluent were used to wet both SSE-electrode interfaces. The effect of IL dilution, co-solvent amount, LiTFSI concentration, C rate at which the batteries are tested and the effect of SSE inside the cathode, were systematically studied and optimized to develop a quasi-solid-state electrolyte Li-S battery (QSSLSB) with higher capacity retention and cyclability. LiTFSI (2M) dissolved in PYR:DOL(1:1) found to be optimum IL combination for low sulfur loading QSSLSBs reaching 500 mAh/g after 100 cycles while LiTFSI (3M) in PYR:DOL(1:3) was the optimum IL concentration for higher loading QSSLSBs reaching 400 mAh/g after 100 cycles. This work reports promising results of QSSLSB based on novel Li6PS5F0.5Cl0.5 Li-argyrodite solid-state electrolyte (SSE) with minute amount of IL, Super P-Sulfur (SP:S) cathode, and Li-anode. It also offers a new insight into the intimate interfacial contacts between the SSE and carbon-sulfur cathodes, which will be critical for improved electrochemical performance of quasi-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries with high sulfur loading in the future.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Resilient Distributed Frequency Regulation of Renewable Generators under Communication Interruptions

Modern power systems (MPSs) face significant challenges due to the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and new types of loads such as electric vehicles (EVs). Traditional load frequency control (LFC) methods struggle with the intermittent, stochastic nature of RESs, the near-zero inertia of power-electronics-based generators, and the mobility of controllable loads and battery systems. This paper introduces a novel resilient distributed frequency regulation method to address these issues. The proposed method employs a state space model to represent the dynamic behavior of participating power sources while accounting for stochastic switching processes to model structural and parameter variations caused by disruptions such as generator connection/disconnection, communication interruptions, and physical faults. By integrating these dynamic and stochastic components, the method treats power grids as a comprehensive stochastic hybrid system. Our method enhances conventional frequency control by incorporating local stability control, neighborhood control decoupling, and coordination feedback. Theoretical analyses establish the stability, convergence, and resilience of the proposed method, and its effectiveness is validated through case studies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of self-magnetic pinch radiographic diode performance on RITS-6 at Sandia National Laboratories. II. Coupling between the inductive voltage adder and the SMP load

The self-magnetic pinch (SMP) diode is a type of radiographic diode used to generate an intense electron beam for radiographic applications. At Sandia National Laboratories, SMP was the diode load for the six-cavity radiographic integrated test stand inductive voltage adder (IVA) driver operated in a magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL). The MITL contributes a flow current in addition to the current generated within the diode itself. Extensive experiments with a MITL of 40Ω load impedance [T. J. Renk et al., Phys. Plasmas 29, 023105 (2022)] indicate that the additional flow current leads to results similar to what might be expected from a conventional high-voltage interface driver, where flow current is not present. However, when the MITL flow impedance was increased to 80 Ω, qualitatively different diode behavior was observed. This includes large retrapping waves suggestive of an initial coupling to low impedance as well as diode current decreasing with time even as the total current does not. A key observation is that the driver generates total current (flow + diode) consistent with the flow impedance of the MITL used. The case is made in this paper that the 80Ω MITL experiments detailed here can only be understood when the IVA-MITL-SMP diode is considered as a total system. Additionally, the constraint of fixed total current plus the relatively high flow impedance limits the ability of the diode (whether SMP or other type) to act as an independent load. An unexpected new result is that in tracking the behavior of the electron strike angle on the converter as a function of time, we observed that the conventional cIV x “Radiographic” radiation scaling (where x~2.2) begins to break down for voltages above 8 MV, and cubic scaling is required to recover accurate angle tracking.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reducing lipofuscin accumulation and cardiomyocytic senescence of aging heart by enhancing autophagy

Highlights: • Lipofuscin accumulation varies in different regions and tissues of the heart. • Lipofuscin accumulation is related to cardiomyocytic senescence. • Enhancement of autophagy alleviates lipofuscin accumulation and myocardial senescence. Cardiomyocytes are particularly prone to lipofuscin accumulation. In the aging heart, lipofuscin accumulation is augmented. This study examined distribution of lipofuscin and senescent cardiomyocytes and evaluated improvement of lipofuscin accumulation and cardiomyocytic senescence of the aging heart after treatment with rapamycin. The results of Schmorl staining, Sudan black staining and autofluorescence detection showed that there was more lipofuscin in the myocardium of the ventricles especially in the left ventricle. The conductive tissue contained less lipofuscin than the myocardium. In the aged hearts, lipofuscin accumulation and senescent cardiomyocytes were increased, and the level of autophagy was reduced. In double staining of Sudan black B and senescence-associated β-galactosidase, 10%–20% lipofuscin-loaded cardiomyocytes became senescent. All senescent cardiomyocytes contained lipofuscin deposits. After enhancing autophagy with feed of rapamycin for six months, lipofuscin accumulation and senescence of cardiomyocytes were improved in old rats. Colocalization of autophagic structure and lipofuscin as well as electron micrographs showed that some lipofuscin-loaded lysosomes were sequestrated by autophagic structures. This study suggests that rapamycin-enhanced autopahgy is effective for reducing lipofuscinogenesis and promoting degradation of lipofuscin. Therefore, enhancing autophagy is a novel therapy for alleviating lipofuscin accumulation and myocardial senescence.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Impact of Catalyst Layer Composition and Structure on Performance and Durability of PEMWE Anodes

A study of various compositions of anodes for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis aimed at reducing precious metal content and system costs without compromising performance and durability is presented. A key challenge in current water electrolysis technologies is the reliance on high iridium loadings to ensure sufficient catalytic activity, electronic conductivity, and durability for the oxygen evolution reaction. To address this, catalyst layers based on the stable but kinetically limited rutile phase of iridium oxide are combined with platinum nanoparticles and carbon-based additives to improve structural properties and ink processability. By systematically varying the volume ratios of carbon to precious metals and ionomer to solids, compositional trends have been identified, and significant performance improvements have been achieved. Structural and elemental analysis confirms improved dispersion of platinum and iridium can be achieved, as well as electronic conductivity improvements within the catalyst layer. Polarization curve analysis has shown the ability of added Pt and C to significantly increase catalytic activity. These results highlight the potential positive impact of Pt and C on anode structure, composition, and cell performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Activating nano-bulk interplays for sustainable ammonia electrosynthesis

Small changes in a catalyst’s composition, modification, and/or integration into a reactor can have significant yet often poorly understood effects on (electro)catalysis. Here we demonstrate the careful tailoring of Ru/La 0.25 Ce 0.75 O 2-x catalysts through the post-synthesized hydrothermal treatment together with control over the Ru loadings to create hydroxyl groups and electronic restructuring for ammonia electrosynthesis. When integrated into a protonic ceramic electrolyzer, the in situ formed Ce 3+ -OH/Ru sites facilitate both the N≡N decoupling and N—H formation at 400 °C and 1 bar of N 2 , boosting the ammonia production rate (2.92 mol h -1 m -2 ) up to 100-fold higher than the current state-of-the-art electrolyzers. Moreover, such catalysts and electrolyzer design concepts can be readily tuned to more complex applications such as coproducing ammonia and other chemicals with hydrocarbons as direct hydrogen sources. Here, the creation of coordinated saturated support –OH/metal sites in the advanced electrolyzer offers an attractive approach for future clean-energy and green-chemical industries.

03 NATURAL GAS↗