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DOE OSTI2026

Enhanced matter power spectrum from axion kination after Big Bang nucleosynthesis

Despite stringent constraints from Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) and cosmic microwave background (CMB) observations, it is still possible for well-motivated particle physics models to substantially alter the cosmic expansion history between BBN and recombination. In this work we consider two different axion models that can realize a period of first matter domination, then kination, in this epoch. We perform fits to both primordial element abundances as well as CMB data and determine that up to a decade of late axion domination is allowed by these probes of the early universe. We establish the implications of late axion domination for the matter power spectrum on the scales 1/Mpc ≲ k ≲ 10 3 /Mpc. Our 'log' model predicts a relatively modest bump-like feature together with a small suppression relative to the standard ΛCDM predictions on either side of the enhancement. Our 'two-field' model predicts a larger, plateau-like feature that realizes enhancements to the matter power spectrum of up to two orders of magnitude. These features have interesting implications for structure formation at the forefront of current detection capabilities.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2026

A Multicopper Oxidase from Paenibacillus Polyethylenelyticus JNU01 Oxidizes Polyethylene

Polyethylene (PE) is a widely used plastic that persists in the environment and resists breakdown via microbial degradation. In this work, we discovered a new bacterium, Paenibacillus polyethylenelyticus JNU01, that grows on a PE-like wax (PELW, 4 kDa) as its sole carbon source, causing chemical modifications to the substrate and releasing small-molecule products. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses identified a multicopper oxidase (PpMmcO) as a key enzyme candidate for this observed activity. PpMmcO promoted surface oxidation, increased hydrophilicity, and the release of small-molecule products such as ketones, alkanes, and alkenoic acids. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed surface damage on both PELW and post-use greenhouse PE films. Weight loss analysis showed mass losses of 5.2% for the PELW powder and 1.6% for the greenhouse PE film after treatment with wild-type PpMmcO. We propose a radical-mediated pathway catalyzed by PpMmcO. These findings identify a new bacterium and enzyme capable of promoting partial PE oxidation and provide insight into biological processes that may act on polyethylene.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2026

Plasma flow generation and particle acceleration from expanding magnetic bubbles

Impulsive plasma dynamics in the laboratory are often driven by rising electric currents, yet their quantitative plasma response has not been well established. By means of fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulations and laser-driven capacitor-coil experiments, we show that a rising current expels plasma, forming an expanding magnetic bubble and accelerating particles. The expansion front velocity scales with the Alfvén speed determined by the magnetic field at its inner edge and the plasma density at its outer edge. This mechanism establishes impulsive current drive as a fundamental way that generates plasma flows and accelerates particles in laboratory plasmas, with potential relevance to astrophysics.

Zhang, Yang [Princeton University, NJ (United Stat↗

NASA NTRS2026

The Operational NASA Anomaly Gas Analyzer and Exploration Follow-Ons

The NASA Anomaly Gas Analyzer (AGA) is the culmination of nearly ten years of advancement of core technology originally developed by Vista Photonics through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and expanded using NASA program funding. The AGA is a portable, battery operated, optical gas detection instrument for continuous monitoring of H 2 O, CO 2 , O 2 , CO, NH 3 , HCN, HF, HCl in the spacecraft environment. Real time, in-situ monitored, gas concentrations are communicated at 1 Hz through a built-in display on-orbit and additionally through a serial interface on the ground. The instruments function over the typical range of temperatures and pressures required for the spacecraft environment. A ten-year operational life is targeted. Seven AGA instruments are currently deployed on the International Space Station and two Orion-specific units are manifested for Artemis 2. A variation of the operational AGA is under development for lunar Human Landing Systems. A wider calibrated operating pressure envelope is required in this application. Otherwise, the instruments straightforwardly address lessons learned from the original AGA by improving aspects of thermal control, ruggedness, and ease-of-use. A subset of AGA-developed sensed gases (H 2 O, CO 2 , O 2 ) is the subject of the Primary Constituent Monitor (PCM) development for the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) destined for lunar orbit. Two PCMs will be installed in HALO as part of the environmental control loop where they will interface with vehicle power and communications. While the basic sensor techniques are unchanged from the AGA, these instruments have been radiation hardened to survive for many years in the harsh target environment. Current development status for these instruments will be presented along with recent developments of a naval submarine variant.

ECLSS↗

NASA NTRS2026

The Operational NASA Anomaly Gas Analyzer and Exploration Follow-Ons

Air Monitoring↗

DOE OSTI2026

Final Report: Process Intensification of Hydrogen Production through Sorption-Enhanced Gasification of Biomass

The University of Utah, in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), evaluated Sorption-Enhanced Gasification (SEG) as a transformative pathway for producing hydrogen with the potential for negative CO 2 emissions. SEG integrates gasification, water-gas shift, and in-situ carbon capture within a dual fluidized bed reactor to enable efficient clean hydrogen production. Key challenges related to biomass variability and process complexity were addressed through feedstock engineering, reaction optimization, and process validation. A co-pelletized biomass–limestone feedstock was developed to simplify feeding and introduction of makeup limestone. Kinetic and sorbent studies identified optimal operating conditions and confirmed the suitability of low-cost limestone, while catalysts were developed to reduce tar formation. Reactor modeling and techno-economic analysis indicated that SEG can achieve competitive hydrogen production costs, particularly when combined with carbon incentives, supporting its potential for scale-up and carbon-negative operation.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2026

Self-Healing Lithium Dendrites through Spontaneous Passivating Layer Formation for Stable Solid-State Lithium–Metal Batteries

All-solid-state lithium–metal batteries have attracted significant attention, owing to their high energy density and superior safety. However, lithium–metal penetration through the solid electrolyte, leading to short-circuiting, remains a critical failure mode that demands comprehensive mitigation strategies. Most existing strategies are effective only prior to the initiation of lithium-dendrite formation and fail once dendrites begin to propagate through the electrolyte. In this study, we propose a self-healing mechanism in which the penetrated lithium reacts with a self-healing agent to form a passivating layer along the particle boundaries. Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) was incorporated into a Li 6 PS 5 Cl solid electrolyte as the self-healing agent to suppress lithium-dendrite propagation even after dendrite formation initiated under high current densities. The self-healing induced by LiTFSI was verified through comprehensive experimental analyses and was further demonstrated in a full-cell configuration. Moreover, LiTFSI incorporation plays an important role in increasing the critical current density by reducing the overall electronic conductivity of the solid electrolyte and facilitating the formation of a robust LiF-containing solid-electrolyte interphase.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Amphiphilic nanopores that condense undersaturated water vapor and exude water droplets

Condensation of water vapor in confined geometries, known as capillary condensation, is a fundamental phenomenon with far-reaching implications. While hydrophilic pores enable liquid formation from undersaturated vapor without energy input, the condensate typically remains confined, limiting practical utility. Here, we explore the use of amphiphilic nanoporous polymer-infiltrated nanoparticle films that condense and release liquid water under isothermal and undersaturated conditions. By tuning the polymer fraction and nanoparticle size, we optimize condensation and droplet formation. As vapor pressure increases, voids fill with condensate, which subsequently exudes onto the surface as microscopic droplets. This behavior, enabled by a balance of polymer hydrophobicity and capillarity, reveals how amphiphilic nanostructures can drive accessible water collection. Our findings provide design insights for materials supporting energy-efficient water harvesting and heat management without external input.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Low-Energy Hydrogen Separation Method Using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Closed-Loop ECLSS Air Revitalization (CLEAR)

The State-of-the-Art (SOA) air revitalization architecture onboard the International Space Station (ISS) recovered approximately 50% of the oxygen (O 2 ) from metabolic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) via the Sabatier process from 2011 to 2017. O 2 recovery is currently constrained by the limited availability of reactant hydrogen (H 2 ) preventing complete conversion of CO 2 to H 2 O. Increasing O 2 recovery within Closed-Loop ECLSS is essential to reducing resupply mass for long-duration manned missions; specifically focusing on water (H 2 O) which supplies H 2 for Sabatier via water electrolysis. Past ground test endeavors at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) have attempted to recover H 2 from Sabatier-produced CH 4 using technologies such as carbon vapor deposition (CVD) and plasma pyrolysis. The byproducts of these technologies can act as a catalyst poison or reactor deadload to the Sabatier reactor. Hydrogen separation techniques must be utilized to maintain the Sabatier catalyst during gas recycling and must be scalable, non-energy intensive, and safe to operate in a habitation setting. Research indicated that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could meet these criteria and were tested for their capability to capture the various carbon-based gaseous products of CVD and plasma pyrolysis such as acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), ethane (C 2 H 6 ), and carbon monoxide (CO) which would purify the hydrogen gas stream passing through the MOF. A sub-scale adsorption column was developed by Marshall Space Flight Center to test three MOF candidates against a synthetic gas mixture comprised of process-relevant carbonous gases and hydrogen to evaluate the separation capability of the MOFs. The results of the hydrogen separation capability, isothermal desorption capability, and demonstrated cyclic reuse of the MOF are presented in this paper.

Kagen Crawford↗

DOE OSTI2025

Grain boundary segregation and chemical ordering in CoCrFeMnNi multi-principal element alloy

Owing to their far-from-dilute compositions, multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) can exhibit unique combinations of engineering properties. As nearly all MPEAs are polycrystalline aggregates, it is necessary to understand the interactions of various elemental species with grain boundaries (GBs). This is of particular importance in extreme environments, such as radiation and elevated temperatures, where such interactions have implications on the properties of MPEAs. Herein, we employ atomistic simulations to generate a series of [001] asymmetric tilt GBs in a model CoCrFeMnNi MPEA and quantify solute interactions and segregation to these boundaries. We employ the Warren-Cowley order parameters to investigate the interplay between GB segregation and chemical short-range order (SRO). At temperatures above 800 K, simulation results reveal the segregation of Cr and Mn to CoCrFeMnNi GBs and show weak dependence of boundary solute excess on GB geometry, at least for the boundaries explored in this work. At temperatures in the range of 673–800 K, formation of domains rich in Cr is observed at GBs in agreement with experimental observations. Quantitative analysis shows that solute excess of various alloying elements decreases rapidly with the increase in temperature in the range of 1000–1200 K. Furthermore, we show that GB regions exhibit SRO characteristics that are distinct from the bulk crystals, leading to spatial variations in SRO. In broad terms, our study highlights the need to account for GB interactions with alloying elements when designing advanced MPEAs with novel chemistries.

Wang, Yitao [Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA (Uni↗

DOE OSTI2026

Observed Land Surface Influence on Atmospheric Heat and Moisture Profiles During Interstorms

Land-atmospheric (L-A) feedbacks have historically been studied using models whose structure and parameterizations influence outcomes and insights. The representation of L-A feedbacks based on observations alone remains an ongoing challenge for understanding boundary layer development and precipitation. To address this gap, we use ground-based passive remote sensing and in-situ observations to present an analysis of the atmosphere during 103 interstorm soil moisture drydown events spanning nine warm seasons (2016–2024) in the U.S. Southern Great Plains region. By separating events based on local L-A coupling signals and characterizing the profiles of atmospheric heat and moisture to surface energy flux behavior, we investigate the physical mechanisms linking land surface processes to boundary layer development. We find that during interstorm drydowns, the atmospheric column follows a consistent pattern: moisture increases within the boundary layer, peaks near its top, and declines rapidly above, while warming occurs through the depth. Drydowns that shift toward evaporation produce stronger and deeper thermodynamic responses than cases dominated by sensible heating, which are weaker and shallower. Additionally, moisture is accumulated faster within the boundary layer during shorter drydowns, with longer drydowns representing slower, moisture-limited growth. Drydowns with wetter initial soil moisture will sustain stronger moistening within and above the boundary layer, accelerating buoyancy growth and convective potential toward the next storm. These results provide observational evidence linking surface flux evolution to boundary layer thermodynamics and offer a process-level benchmark for evaluating coupled L-A representations in models and demonstrating the influence of soil moisture on short-term weather forecasting skill.

Zhang, M. S. [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (M↗

DOE OSTI2026

A Permanently Porous Chalcogen-Bonded Organic Framework

The nature of connectivity between constituent atomic or molecular building blocks is fundamental in shaping the properties and functionality of materials. The extrapolation of emergent interatomic interactions to enable functional materials has driven transformative technological advancements. However, the bonding interactions used in material design have been largely static since the emergence of dynamic covalent chemistry ~30 years ago. Here we demonstrate that non-covalent chalcogen bonding (Ch-bonding) is a distinct mode of interatomic connectivity for constructing functional materials by design. This is established by leveraging self-complementary assembly of 1,2,5-telluradiazole moieties to construct a honeycomb-type permanently porous Ch-bonded organic framework, assembled and stabilized solely through non-covalent Te...N contacts. Empirical and computational studies of electronic structure, structural healing and lattice dynamics highlight the pi-type electronic communication, controlled assembly and modulated lattice dynamics in Trip3Tez-I arising directly from the unique nature of the Te...N Ch-bonding that holds substantial implications for next generation crystalline semiconductors. In addition to introducing a distinct class of permanently porous frameworks, this work establishes Ch-bonding as a programmable molecular tool for constructing functional materials with distinct properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2025

Gas-mediated defect engineering in earth-abundant Mn-rich layered oxides for non-aqueous sodium-based batteries

Gases are often by-products of battery materials during cell formation and degradation, affecting the cycle life and safety of rechargeable batteries. However, understanding gas-mediated (electro)-chemical reactions and nanoscale structural transformations during the synthesis of battery electrode materials remains challenging because of the lack of suitable characterization routes and the complexity of the interplay between thermodynamics and kinetics. Here, in this study, we use operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction, in situ transmission X-ray microscopy and multiscale modelling to elucidate the reaction pathways and microstructural defect development of earth-abundant Mn-rich layered oxides as positive electrode materials for sodium-based batteries. In particular, we demonstrate the dominant role of CO 2 over O 2 and H 2 O (g) in modulating the competition between entropy and enthalpy during solid-state synthesis. Using Ni 0.25 Mn 0.75 CO 3 as a model precursor, we reveal that CO 2 generation favours the formation of entropy-driven metastable intermediates, suppresses closed pore/nanovoids formation and decreases chemical heterogeneity and residual lattice strain of Mn-rich layered oxides during the synthesis. This result motivates a fast-sintering strategy to promote CO 2 release, which ultimately leads to improved chemo-mechanical and electrochemical stability of the Mn-rich positive electrodes when tested in non-aqueous Na metal coin cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Triphenylborane in Metal-Free Catalysis

The development and application of new organoboron reagents as Lewis acids in synthesis and metal-free catalysis have dramatically expanded over the past 20 years. In this context, we will show the recent uses of the simple and relatively weak Lewis acid BPh 3 —discovered 100 years ago—as a metal-free catalyst for various organic transformations. The first part will highlight catalytic applications in polymer synthesis such as the copolymerization of epoxides with CO 2 , isocyanate, and organic anhydrides to various polycarbonate copolymers and controlled diblock copolymers as well as alternating polyurethanes. This is followed by a discussion of BPh 3 as a Lewis acid component in the frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) mediated cleavage of hydrogen and hydrogenation catalysis. In addition, BPh 3 -catalyzed reductive N-methylations and C-methylations with CO 2 and silane to value-added organic products will be covered as well along with BPh 3 -catalyzed cycloadditions and insertion reactions. Collectively, this mini-review showcases the underexplored potential of commercially available BPh3 in metal-free catalysis.

Lewis acid↗

DOE OSTI2026

A Silicon Photonic Transmitter for High Energy Physics and Cryogenic Detectors

We demonstrate a silicon photonic transmitter designed for reading out physics detectors in extreme environments. The transmitter operates at room and cryogenic temperature and consists of a micro-ring modulator and a co-designed CMOS serializer and driver.

Quinn, Adam [Fermilab] (ORCID:0009000605056371)↗

DOE OSTI2026

Working Fluid Characterization and Performance Assessment of Subcritical Organic Rankine Cycles Based on the Lee–Kesler Approach for Energy Recovery

Here, a generalized model using the Lee–Kesler approach based on the corresponding states principle is developed to assess the performance of subcritical Organic Rankine Cycles operating with different working fluids. Each fluid is characterized by five parameters: the acentric factor, critical temperature, critical pressure, molar mass, and the ideal-gas ratio of specific heats at the critical temperature. The model was developed using the compressibility factor modified version of the Benedict–Webb–Rubin equation proposed by Lee and Kesler and the enthalpy and entropy functions to calculate thermodynamic state properties. The model was validated by comparing the results calculated with the model and working fluid thermodynamic properties obtained with the CoolProp database. This comparison was conducted for 91 working fluids, obtaining a relative error below 5% for 88 out of the 91 fluids (∼97%). A generalized parametric study was conducted to determine the influence of the pinch point and each fluid parameter on the performance of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems. It was found that efficiency increases with critical temperature, ideal-gas ratio of specific heats at the critical temperature, and acentric factor, reaching up to 13%. The developed model enables the evaluation of ORC system performance for existing working fluids. It also allows the formulation and evaluation of new fluids to enhance the performance of the ORC while retrieving energy from any kind of source; and likewise, the methodology can be applied to other power generation cycles.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Effect of Barely Visible Impact Damage on Thermoplastic Welded Structure

Spirit Aerosystems recently conducted screening tests on thermoplastic skin/stringer panels manufactured with Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and stamp forming which were joined using Spirit’s Co-Fusion process. Skin and stringer gauge were both set to 0.168 cm. The resulting panel design is 48 cm tall, 49 cm wide, and has 3 stringers welded at a 21.5 cm pitch. Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) and Residual Compressive Strength were chosen to conduct a damage tolerance study. Zee stringers, made with IM8/PEKK-FC material, were Co-Fusion welded to a T1100/TC1225 skin. Out of these 5 panels, 1 was chosen to be a BVID survey panel, 1 for pristine compressive strength determination, and 3 to be impacted to create BVID followed by testing for residual compressive strength. On the survey panel, impacts ranged in energy from 40J – 65J and dent depth measurements were conducted at 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks after impacting. The residual compressive strength panel failed near the predicted load of 214 MPa. For the residual compressive strength panels, BVID was created at two different mid-bay locations: 1) striking the OML coincident with the stringer and 2) striking the skin IML 2.5 cm away from the stringer flange. Pulse Echo Ultrasonic Testing was used to inspect the panels before and after creating BVID.

HiCAM↗

DOE OSTI2026

Cave-based chronology of valley incision in the glaciated Northern Carpathians

While glaciers leave a mark on mountain landscapes, the importance of glacial erosion in mountains at a global scale remains insufficiently constrained despite over a century of research aimed at quantifying the rates and magnitudes of such erosion. Measuring rates of landscape change across the Quaternary in repeatedly glaciated mountain landscapes requires the ability to accurately partition the relative role of glacial versus fluvial processes in forming relief; however, the modification of landforms by surface erosion hinders quantification of process rates over the last few million years. This study presents 32 paired 26 Al and 10 Be cosmogenic nuclide burial ages from allochthonous, quartz-bearing sediment deposited within a paleophreatic karst system in the northern Carpathians. These data quantify Pliocene-to-present timing of valley incision and karst system reactivation, as well as erosion rates over time. Post-burial, muon production-correction yields 24 fully resolved ages, six minimum ages, and two unresolvable ages. Burial ages are interpreted to document the tempo of valley incision via phreatic passage formation and reveal that ∼80% of current valley relief (∼700 m) had developed by approximately 1.6 Ma. Paleoerosion rates derived from this dataset suggest little change in the processes generating sediment washed into the karst networks since the Pliocene. These results suggest that river incision dominated relief creation in Carpathian valleys that bear the imprint of glaciation. Our findings suggest the importance of investigating other mid-latitude mountainous regions worldwide to determine if they have similar erosion and topographic histories.

Carpathians↗