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DOE OSTI2025

Evaluation of U10Mo Fuel Plate Performance Modeling Over Hot Isostatic Press and Hydraulic Bending for MURR DDE Plates

The United States High Performance Research Reactor Program’s objective is to reduce the amount of highly enriched uranium currently implemented in research reactors. The conversion of these research reactors requires designing a monolithic U10Mo plate fuel, with the fuel plate geometry being dependent on each research reactor. The process of forming the plates includes a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to manufacture a prototypic plate. In the case of the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) design demonstration element (DDE) plate manufacture, plates that have been through HIP are then curved using dies and a hydraulic press to impart the desired curvature. Both fabrication processes impart residual stresses into each fuel plate region, with the curvature of the plates taking some regions of the fuel plate up to their material yield stresses, accompanied by plastic strain. The amount of plastic strain and stress imparted onto each MURR DDE plate is determined by the radius of curvature, thickness of each region, and overall width of the fuel plates. Furthermore, this work aims to predict the yield stresses and strain using ABAQUS to simulate the proposed fabrication process of the MURR DDE plates, accompanied by discussion over the stresses and strains as to their relation to nuclear fuel performance and the impact they will have during early irradiation.

ABAQUS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Circumventing data imbalance in magnetic ground state data for magnetic moment predictions

Abstract Magnetic materials play a crucial role in the transition to more sustainable forms of energy and electric vehicles. There is an anticipated shortage in magnetic materials in the future, and as a result there is an urgent need to discover and design new magnetic materials. Computational magnetic material design using density functional theory is daunting because of the challenge in identifying magnetic ground states from a combinatorially large set of possibilities. Machine learning offers a path forward by enabling efficient surrogate models that can more readily enumerate these states, but there is a dearth of training data available, and what is available tends to be imbalanced with too much non-magnetic data. In this work we show that the discrete and previously tackled data imbalance that exists at the level of the magnetic ordering leads to an imbalanced continuous distribution with many zeros when the data is unraveled at the atomic magnetic moment level, which subsequently leads to models with low accuracy for magnetic properties. We mitigate this by using a two-part model framework. Our scheme is able to classify atoms into magnetic and non-magnetic with an F1 score and Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC) of ~91% and then to provide an implicit embedding representation that maps directly onto the magnitude of the magnetic moment with a mean absolute error of 0.1 μ B . Beyond screening for new magnetic materials, we demonstrate an additional practical use case of our scheme: the provision of good initial guesses for magnetic moments in first-principles electronic relaxations. Such initialization is shown to lead to faster convergence to configurations that lie closer to the ground state.

Computer Science↗

DOE OSTI2026

Jumpstart Opportunities to Unleash Leadership in Energy Storage (JOULES)

Current-generation Li-ion batteries with cobalt- and nickel-containing cathodes and graphite anodes are approaching performance and cost limits. In this program, 24M Technologies, Inc. (24M) is teaming with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of Michigan (UM) to develop low cost and fast charging sodium metal batteries with good low-temperature performance and high energy density, building upon previous work performed under ARPA-E programs. Key achievements include optimization of solid electrolyte and anode current collector, optimized cathode active materials, development of high-performance electrolyte formulations, and integration of these components into full cells. The cell design incorporates (1) an ultra-thick cathode (>9 mAh/cm 2 ) comprising advanced cobalt-free, sodium cathode active material, (2) advanced fast-charging electrolyte (up to 12 mS/cm) developed using machine learning and automated high-throughput screening technology by UM, and (3) ceramic modified separator that enable smooth Na transport and deposition, developed at MIT, enabling a high-energy density anode-free configuration and maximizing the energy density of sodium batteries. The team has successfully combined these approaches to sodium chemistry and paved the way to meeting the fast-charging, high-energy density, and low-cost requirements of next-generation drone, electric vertical take-off and -landing, and electric vehicle batteries. Performance for anode-free sodium cells developed under this program is more powerful than the commercial Li-ion batteries. The final deliverable cell design has achieved over 300 Wh/kg and volumetric energy density above 800 Wh/L (Table 1). Additionally, the team has achieved over (1) a lifetime of 340 cycles, (2) 80% capacity retention at -20 °C (compared 25 °C), and (3) the ability to fast charge to 80% SOC in 20 minutes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2026

Probing and Tuning Spatiotemporal pH Evolution in Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) offer a combination of safety and low cost, but they suffer from dynamic pH fluctuations that drive parasitic reactions and capacity fading. In this review, we report the current mechanistic understanding of the dynamic pH evolution across the electrolyte-electrode interface and its role in triggering interphase instability. We summarize advanced strategies to regulate pH, including electrolyte engineering, electrode surface modification, and interphase construction. We further discuss current methods for probing pH dynamics and outline potential future approaches for gaining deeper mechanistic and design insights.

Zheng, Xueli [SLAC]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Solar Training and Education Partnership for Underserved Populations

Solar Landscape’s STEP-UP program provided high quality solar installation training in partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs) in various regions within the U.S. Solar Landscape leveraged internal subject matter experts (SME’s) industry guidance and regional training assessments to provide customized training designed to support the growing solar and broader energy sector. Upon completion of the program, the team assisted trainees and nonprofit partners with connections to Solar Landscape contractors as well as local and National residential solar installation companies to facilitate placement into careers and apprenticeships.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

Chevron Natural Gas Carbon Capture Technology Testing Project (Final Technical Report)

The objective of this project was to design, construct, commission, and operate an engineering scale post combustion carbon capture system to validate the technical maturity, operability, and scalability of Svante’s VeloxoTherm™ solid sorbent carbon capture technology under representative flue gas conditions. The project was executed at Chevron’s Kern River oil field in the San Joaquin Valley of California and evaluated carbon capture performance using slipstream flue gas from natural gas fired once through steam generators (OTSG), including indicative coal and natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) operating scenarios.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

DOE OSTI2026

How Distributed Energy Resources Can Support Resilience in Utility Distribution Networks

The goal of this webinar is to engage with electric utilities in the Midwest, particularly small public utilities, to understand the industry's needs for science tools to plan for winter resilience in the future, designing tools that will benefit electric power resilience in all communities. Michigan Tech leads this project with partners from multiple academic, government, and industry groups and asked NLR to present on DERs and laboratory tools and resources.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2026

Advanced blade-shaped thermal energy storage device: Development and application

Thermal energy storage (TES) using phase change materials (PCMs) is a promising approach for capturing and reusing excess thermal energy, yet widespread adoption is limited by low thermal conductivity, bulky configurations, and inadequate scalability. Here, this study presents a modular, blade-shaped TES prototype designed to address these challenges. The device integrates a lightweight aluminum shell, an embedded serpentine coil for active or passive heat exchange, and a cost-effective corrugated metal mesh for enhanced PCM thermal conductivity. With thickness-to-length and thickness-to-width ratios of 0.03 and 0.08, respectively, the blade-shaped TES achieves a compact, modular form factor suitable for space-constrained applications. Experimental testing demonstrated the efficient charge and discharge behavior of blade-shaped TES, capturing PCM superheating, phase-change transitions, and subcooling dynamics, with charging and discharging efficiencies of 94.9% and 94.6%, respectively. Also, the system can potentially achieve higher energy density than that of conventional TES designs. When integrated into a household refrigerator during the study, three blade-shaped TES modules successfully shifted 100% of peak-time compressor operation to off-peak hours, reducing energy consumption while maintaining more stable compartment temperatures. The blade-shaped TES's thin geometry, modularity, and enhanced thermal performance support scalable deployment across residential, commercial, and industrial applications, providing a versatile, cost-effective solution for high-efficiency, demand-flexible thermal energy management.

Blade-shaped↗

DOE OSTI2026

Operando neutron radiography validates a parameter-free transport–kinetics model for thick solid-state battery cathodes

Tortuosity-weighted interfacial flux for lithium (TWIF-Li) predicts through-thickness Li gradients in thick composite all-solid-state cathodes without fitted parameters. Image-derived microstructures, GITT-derived concentration-dependent solid diffusion, and tortuosity-weighted interfacial kinetics reproduce operando neutron radiography across practical rates, delivering transferable design rules to suppress transport-limited reaction fronts.

Adam, Andre [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000245023033)↗

DOE OSTI2025

Preliminary Evaluation of Joint Electricity-Hydrogen Concept of Operations

An initial thermal power dispatch (TPD) concept of operations was evaluated that couples a nuclear power plant to a nearby hydrogen production plant. GSE Systems’ generic pressurized water reactor full-scope simulator was modified with a TPD model comprised of a thermal power extraction and delivery system. A prototype human-system interface (HSI) was developed to interact with the TPD model and allow participants to execute the basic operating scenarios for normal operations. Four retired operators performed the evaluation, and due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the original in-person experimental design was restructured to support a remote participator evaluation using a web meeting platform. Data from operator feedback, observations from the research team, and quantitative survey responses revealed that the initial TPD concept of operations is feasible. The operators were comfortable with the engineered system and HSI and could manage it without adverse impacts to reactor power, plant safety, or equipment. Findings are discussed in terms of both the TPD system design and HSI performance.

human factors↗

DOE OSTI2026

Modeling a generic TRISO-fueled heat pipe microreactor using SCALE: Depletion, transportation criticality, and shielding

This paper demonstrates the applicability of the SCALE code system to tristructural-isotropic (TRISO)-fueled heat pipe microreactors through depletion, transportation criticality, and shielding analyses of a generic reference design. The study conducted supports US Nuclear Regulatory Commission code readiness efforts for advanced non–light-water reactor technologies and is intended as a code capability demonstration rather than as an optimization of a specific microreactor design. The modeled reactor employs high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) uranium oxycarbide (UCO) TRISO fuel and beryllium oxide (BeO) reflectors and operates at 7.5 MWth with a nominal lifetime of about 3 effective full power years. Representative cases for fresh and irradiated cores were selected to exercise SCALE methods relevant to reactor operation and post-irradiation transport. The discharged-core decay heat is approximately 6% of operating power immediately after shutdown. Transportation criticality calculations show that internal water ingress is the dominant reactivity effect, with fully flooded fresh core and irradiated core configurations remain above the subcriticality criterion, even with the available control mechanisms. Shielding calculations for a simplified transportation package indicate that normal-condition dose rates are governed mainly by shielding thickness and cooling time, whereas the breached hypothetical accident case is governed primarily by cooling time. Overall, the study shows that SCALE supports depletion, transportation criticality, and shielding evaluations efficiently for TRISO-fueled heat pipe microreactors within a single code system.

Criticality↗

DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating Polymer Properties with Different Additives for Carbon Capture and Other Applications

Anthropogenic climate change is one of this generation’s most pressing concerns, with the potential to completely alter the delicate balance we’ve struck with nature. Already, global temperatures have risen 1.29°C, leading to disrupted weather systems, extinctions, increased risks of wildfires, and sea level rise, to name a few effects. Carbon dioxide emission from the combustion of fossil fuels and other industrial activity is a large driver of this phenomenon, as it absorbs heat before it can be radiated away from Earth, trapping it. Carbon dioxide has reached unprecedented levels in our atmosphere, showing a 50% increase from preindustrial averages to a whopping 430 ppm. Thus, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide via carbon capture technology is an important endeavor that serves to benefit everyone. The Microencapsulated CO 2 Sorbent (MECS) team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned to microencapsulation to approach this endeavor. Microcapsules provide an attractive approach to carbon capture, combining large surface areas for more efficient mass transfer, regenerative abilities, reduced solvent loss, and improved handling. Additionally, while existing carbon capture technology relies on industrial plants, capsules could present a modular approach to carbon capture, reducing the need for extensive physical infrastructure. The MECS team’s design consists of a polymer membrane that contains a liquid carbon sequestering sorbent, aqueous sodium carbonate. The carbon capturing reaction occurs in three distinct steps, the first of which is the dissolution of carbon dioxide into the sorbent solution and its conversion into carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ), shown in equations 1 and 2 respectively. Because this step hinges upon the ability of carbon dioxide to reach the solution inside the capsule, it is necessary that the microcapsule shell is permeable to carbon dioxide gas. The MECS team produces these microcapsules using the in-air droplet encapsulation apparatus (IDEA) shown in figure 1, which can produce uniform micron-scale droplets at speeds much faster than traditional single-dispersal microfluidic-based techniques. The IDEA Is 100 times faster than these current techniques and can reach up to 1000 times their speed when incorporating a multi-nozzle design. Additionally, because droplets are produced in-air via vibration, IDEA can decrease post-processing times and material waste by 99% and can fabricate microgels that are 10 to 100 times more viscous than can be produced via traditional microfluidics. While this design represents a breakthrough in the throughput, efficiency, and tunability of microcapsule production, it imposes a major constraint on the microcapsule curing process. Because microcapsule shells are crosslinked with UV light while falling 30 cm through the air, this gives them a reaction window of approximately 0.2 seconds. Thus, the system and shell formulations must be optimized such that the shells can be fully crosslinked within this very narrow window, prompting investigations into curing behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

High-Intensity UV Exposure for the Rapid Screening of Silicon Photovoltaic Architectures

Advanced Si photovoltaic architectures incorporate different materials and processing pathways that influence degradation modes. Ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) is an understudied degradation mode for advanced cell architectures and is of increasing concern to industry due to growing adoption of UV-transparent encapsulation and bifacial technologies. In order to adopt new and evolving technologies confidently, novel component materials and processing techniques must be evaluated and designed for long-term stability, in addition to the conventional design focus on efficiency. In this work, a study protocol framework is presented for the rapid screening of unencapsulated devices against UVID. Unencapsulated passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) devices were aged under different UV irradiance intensities and measured via conventional nondestructive electrical characterization methods to assess performance degradation. Based on the results, protocol efficacy and recommendations for further study are discussed. As a result, this work is part of a broader effort to develop rapid screening processes that cut across architectures and exposure conditions to aid module manufacturers in vetting new materials choices for long-term stability.

Accelerated exposure↗

DOE OSTI2025

AUTOIGNITION DELAY TIMES FOR REFORMATE GAS MIXTURES FROM METHANE GAS ENGINES

Methane slip is a prominent issue in natural gas reciprocating engines that are used in transportation and marine applications. The incomplete combustion that results in methane slip can be resolved with the introduction of hydrogen within the combustion mixture to improve methane oxidation and further enable combustion within the engine crevices where methane has previously remained unreacted. Steam methane reforming (SMR) is a common method used to produce hydrogen and can be used to design an onboard device to reduce methane slip from reciprocating engines. The development of this reformer device requires the validation of high-fidelity chemical kinetic models at the low temperatures of the crevice volumes of these engines. In this work, auto-ignition data is obtained using a shock tube at lean (φ—0.714 or λ—1.4) and stoichiometric (φ, λ = 1) equivalence ratios spanning a temperature range of 1042–1234 K at the 80-bar operating pressure of the test engine. Blends of methane, hydrogen, and reformate products from the SMR reaction are shock-heated in synthetic air, with the ignition delay time measured using an OH* chemiluminescence detector at 310 nm and a CH* detector at 430 nm. The experimental results are compared to several state-of-the-art chemical kinetic mechanisms from the literature. In general, most of the mechanisms show very good agreement with experiments at higher temperatures, with simulation results showing little deviation from experiments at lower temperatures. A sensitivity analysis was conducted, and the results reveal that the reaction H2 + CH3O2 = H + CH3O2H has a very significant role in determining low-temperature ignition delay times (IDTs) of SMR mixtures. These findings provide valuable insights into the chemical kinetics governing methane reformate combustion and contribute to the optimization of onboard reformer designs aimed at mitigating methane slip in natural gas-fueled engines.

Fraze, Matthew↗

DOE OSTI2026

Asymmetric pathways for lithium extraction and recovery based on the two-phase equilibrium of layered oxides

Electrochemical intercalation offers a promising platform for Li + extraction. However, only limited types of electrode materials have been investigated. The challenge to broaden and tailor materials for electrochemical intercalation-based Li + extraction lies in the lack of understanding of material’s response upon co-intercalation of multiple ions, therefore, paired process design to enable reversible Li + extraction and recovery. Here, we showcase the design of asymmetric ion pathways for Li + extraction and recovery for host material with complex Li + and Na + interaction using layered cobalt oxide as a model material. The two-phase equilibrium of Na 0.48 CoO 2 and Li 0.94 CoO 2 governs Li + selectivity when a high depth of intercalation is achieved (low vacancy level). We show that the relative rate between ion exchange and intercalation is critical to determine the ion pathways. The relationship can be quantitatively compared using the average pseudo ion exchange rate (C pseudoIX ) and the intercalation rate (C inter ). The ion pathways at the three regimes with C pseudoIX > C inter , C pseudoIX ~ C inter , and C pseudoIX < C inter are constructed. By selecting the optimized ion pathway and particle size, we demonstrate 9.7×10 4 Li + selectivity with 99% purity Li + recovery from an initial 1:1000 Li: Na molar ratio solution using 115 mAh/g specific capacity.

electrochemistry↗

DOE OSTI2026

Programmable Digital Devices used in Advanced Reactors

This paper introduces the concepts of common cause failure, diversity, and defense-in-depth used by the nuclear industry to analyze resilience in reactors. A survey of publicly traded and private companies building advanced reactors and their licensing status is presented. Safety and non-safety systems found in the NuScale Power design are summarized and the likely hardware and software categories used by those systems are enumerated. The importance of industry partners is highlighted. This paper also identifies an alternate path forward without industry partners to advance the knowledge needed to use artificial intelligence to analyze HBOMs and SBOMs to better understand reactor resiliency.

cybersecurity↗

DOE OSTI1993

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 34, No. 1, January-March 1993]

Nuclear Safety is a review journal that covers significant developments in the field of nuclear safety. Its scope includes the analysis and control of hazards associated with nuclear energy, operations involving fissionable materials, and the products of nuclear fission and their effects on the environment. Primary emphasis is on safety in reactor design, construction, and operation; however, the safety aspects of the entire fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing, nuclear waste disposal, handling of radioisotopes, and environmental effects of these operations, are also treated. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 1 An Integrated Regional Approach To Risk Management of Industrial Systems, S. Chakraborty and R. Stratton; 9 Annual Technical Meeting of the NRC Cooperative Severe Accident Research Program, E. G. Silver; ACCIDENT ANALYSIS: 13 Deterministic Severe Accident Criteria as Severe Accident Design Criteria and Policy for the New Production Reactor-Heavy Water Reactor, P. T. Rhoads; 20 Proposed Deterministic Severe Accident Criteria for the Heavy Water Reactor-New Production Reactor Containment, K. D. Bergeron, S. E. Slezak, and C. E. Leach; 33 Quasi-Static Core Liquid Level Depression and Long-Term Core Uncovery During a PWR LOCA, Y. Kukita, R. R. Schultz, H. Nakamura, and J. Katayama; 49 LIRA: An Advanced Containment System to Minimize the Accidental Radioactivity Releases, A. Turricchia; 63 Errata to “A Review of Hydrogen Production During Melt/Water Interaction in LWRs,” Vol. 33, No. 4; CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION: 64 The Nuplex 80+™ Advanced Control Complex from ABB Combustion Engineering, F. Ridolfo, D. Harmon, and K. Scarola; DESIGN FEATURES: 76 A Scheme for Passive Isolation of the Containment of a Reactor, A. K. Ghosh, V. V. Raj, and K. Kakodkar; 84 Utility Requirements for Safety in the Passive Advanced Light-Water Reactor, T. U. Marston, W. H. Layman, and G. Bockhold, Jr.; WASTE AND SPENT FUEL MANAGEMENT: 91 Activities Related to Waste and Spent Fuel Management, Compiled by M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 103 Testing Deficiencies in Auxiliary Systems Feedwater Systems, J. D. Kueck; 110 Reactor Shutdown Experience, Compiled by J. W. Cletcher; 113 Selected Safety-Related Events, Compiled by G. A. Murphy; 115 Operating U.S. Power Reactors, Compiled by M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: 133 General Administrative Activities, Compiled by M. D. Muhlheim and E. G. Silver; 145 Reports, Standards, and Safety Guides, D. S. Queener; 150 Proposed Rule Changes as of Sept. 30, 1992; ANNOUNCEMENTS: 75 Harvard Short Course on Risk: Science, Assessment, and Management; 102 International Conference on Reactor Physics and Reactor Computations; 102 The Fourth International Conference on Nuclear Waste Reprocessing and Waste Management [RECOD ’94]; 132 International Symposium on the Radiological Exposure of the Population of the European Community from Radioactivity in the Mediterranean Sea [MARINA-MED]; 162 International High-Level Radioactive Waste Conference ‘Technology Integration—Above and Below”; 154 The Authors; 158 Indexes to Nuclear Safety, Volume 33.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

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↗