Small streams dominate US tidal reaches and will be disproportionately impacted by sea-level rise
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
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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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Representing the function and sensitivity of coastal interfaces in Earth system models
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
Metabolic Profiling Reveals Biochemical Pathways Responsible for Eelgrass Response to Elevated CO2 and Temperature
Abstract As CO 2 levels in Earth’s atmosphere and oceans steadily rise, varying organismal responses may produce ecological losers and winners. Increased ocean CO 2 can enhance seagrass productivity and thermal tolerance, providing some compensation for climate warming. However, the metabolic shifts driving the positive response to elevated CO 2 by these important ecosystem engineers remain unknown. We analyzed whole-plant performance and metabolic profiles of two geographically distinct eelgrass ( Zostera marina L.) populations in response to CO 2 enrichment. In addition to enhancing overall plant size, growth and survival, CO 2 enrichment increased the abundance of Calvin Cycle and nitrogen assimilation metabolites while suppressing the abundance of stress-related metabolites. Overall metabolome differences between populations suggest that some eelgrass phenotypes may be better suited than others to cope with an increasingly hot and sour sea. Our results suggest that seagrass populations will respond variably, but overall positively, to increasing CO 2 concentrations, generating negative feedbacks to climate change.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Impacts of Hurricane Disturbance on Water Quality across the Aquatic Continuum of a Blackwater River to Estuary Complex
Hurricanes cause landscape-scale disturbances that affect biogeochemical cycling and water quality in coastal ecosystems. During Hurricane Irma’s passage through northern Florida, water movements driven by wind velocities up to 105 km h-1 caused a salinity peak in an estuary/blackwater river complex. Water quality was monitored across the 15 km site to detect the magnitude and duration of disturbance. Saline water intruded 15 km inland into a freshwater portion of the river that peaked at a salinity of 2 psu. Due to the volume of precipitation from the hurricane, significant runoff of freshwater and dissolved organic matter (DOM) caused a decrease in salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and Chlorophyll-a concentrations while increasing turbidity and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM). The disturbance caused rapid changes observed by in-situ water quality monitors over a 3-week period, but some effects persisted for longer periods as shown by 3-month weekly water sampling. This disturbance caused shifts in DOM loading, altered salinity dynamics, and reshaped landscapes due to wind and wave surge both in upland marsh and downstream estuary. Hurricane disturbance temporarily and abruptly alters the aquatic continuum, and observations of system response can help us understand the mechanisms associated with ecosystem resilience and recovery.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
Evaluation of New Opportunities for Marine Energy To Power the Blue Economy: Green Hydrogen and Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
This report examines the intersection of marine energy and the sectors of green hydrogen and marine Carbon Dioxide Removal, taking into account potential synergies, market maturity, barriers, policy enablers, and sustainability perspectives. Through desk research and interviews with a diverse range of subject matter experts from academia, government, industry, venture capital, and non-profit sectors, these emergent sectors were identified as the most promising new opportunities for marine energy integration beyond those explored in the 2019 Powering the Blue Economy Report. The findings presented are the combined result of desk research and information gathered through these interviews.
13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
Advanced Modeling and Process-Materials Co-Optimization Strategies for Swing Adsorption Based Gas Separations
This project devised a computational framework for simultaneously co-optimizing pressure swing adsorption process designs along with the sorbent materials (specifically, metal-organic frameworks) to be employed in the associated packed bed columns. The materials optimization aspect involved search over a design space that can describe the material’s molecular structure, while the process optimization aspect considered various process degrees of freedom for steps arising in various cycle configurations. This framework was demonstrated on the separation of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which arises ubiquitously in a multitude of post-combustion carbon capture and “blue” hydrogen production applications. Our results led to metal-organic framework molecular descriptor choices that are predicted to outperform standard structures used in practice, providing guidance for future metal-organic framework synthesis efforts.
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
Carbon Capture on Air Liquide United States Gulf Coast Steam Methane Reformer using the Cryocap TM Flue Gases Process
The objective of this DOE-funded project is to execute and complete a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study for a commercial-scale carbon capture project for Air Liquide’s Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) located at La Porte, near Houston, Texas. The Host Site is one of Air Liquide’s largest SMR assets, and supplies hydrogen to the Air Liquide Gulf Coast Hydrogen System, which serves refiners and petrochemical manufacturers through an existing H2 pipeline spanning roughly 200 miles from Port Arthur, TX to Bay City, TX. The Host Site produces up to 116.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gaseous hydrogen and emits approximately 950 ktpy CO 2 at the nameplate capacity. The evolving importance of decarbonized H2 for both existing customers and new markets, as well as the availability and intent of prominent third-party partners to transport and sequester captured CO 2 in locally abundant geological sites for 45Q credits, make the AL US Gulf Coast SMR an ideal site for the proposed FEED study. The envisioned carbon capture system is based on Air Liquide’s proprietary Cryocap™ Flue Gas (FG) process. The integration of the Cryocap™ FG technology to the existing SMR would enable the capture of 900 ktpy of CO 2 , with a net carbon capture rate of >95% and with minimum impact on the levelized cost of hydrogen produced at 99.97% purity.
03 NATURAL GAS↗
Development of a Pre-Combustion CO 2 Capture Process Using High-Temperature PBI Hollow-Fiber Membranes
The overall objective of this project was to evaluate the advantages of transformational polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymer hollow-fiber membrane (HFM)-based, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture and purification technology at bench-scale using an actual coal-derived syngas stream from a coal gasification facility. The project was carried out over two budget periods. The technical objectives in Budget Period 1 (BP1) included preparing HFs and modules and upgrading the available skid for field testing. The technical objectives for BP2 were to field-test the skid unit with actual coal-derived syngas from an oxygen-blown gasifier to obtain performance data, update the Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) that would assist with future process scale-up, and provide information on the design of a small pilot-scale test unit. The goal was to advance the PBI-HFM CO 2 capture and gas separation system for pre-combustion applications beyond second-generation economic performance predictions and make progress toward meeting overall fossil energy performance goals of CO 2 capture with 95% CO 2 purity at a cost of electricity (COE) 30% less than baseline capture approaches. The research program was designed with progressive technical tasks leading to both dynamic and steady-state testing of the PBI-HFM skid with actual coal-derived syngas. The work plan was to: (1) fabricate sufficient Generation-2 (GEN-2) fibers for module fabrication; (2) upgrade the fiber skid to accommodate large fiber modules for bench-scale field testing; (3) conduct dynamic and steady-state testing with coal-derived syngas from an oxygen-blown gasifier and obtain system performance data; (4) perform a TEA and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) assessment; (5) update the State-Point Data Table, Technology Gap Analysis (TGA), and Technology Maturation Plan (TMP); (6) uninstall and return the test skid to the Recipient’s facilities; and (7) submit a Final Report that describes the results and analysis of the project research effort.
03 NATURAL GAS↗
Ternary Potassium‐Bismuth‐Telluride Intermetallic Support Promotes Electrochemical Stability in Potassium Metal Anodes
We employed accumulative roll bonding to fabricate self‐standing metallurgical composite of in situ formed alkaline potassium‐bismuth‐telluride intermetallic K 2 (Bi 2/6 Te 3/6 Vac 1/6 ) embedded in potassium metal. This newly discovered thermodynamically stable potassiophilic crystal, termed “KBT”, is fcc antifluorite with K 2 Te archetype. Symmetric cells achieve 880 h of cycling at 0.5 mA cm −2 and 0.5 mAh cm −2 . Potassium metal battery (KMB) with Prussian blue (PB) cathode in carbonate electrolyte retains 80% capacity after 200 cycles at 1C. In ether‐based electrolyte with organic cathode, it achieves 80% retention after 900 cycles at 2C. Combined synchrotron X‐ray nano‐tomography, cryogenic‐focused ion beam microscopy (Cryo‐FIB) and sputter‐down X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrate uniform electrodeposits, versus baseline of potassium filaments intermixed with pores and coarse SEI. Binary K 3 Bi‐K and K 2 Te‐K intermetallic supports also provide improved electrochemical performance, albeit to lesser extent. Multiscale simulation provides insight into role of support structure in adatom energetics, film nucleation, early‐stage SEI morphology and interfacial stability.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Physical solvents and techno-economic analysis for pre-combustion CO 2 capture: A review
In this manuscript we review the use, development, and economic performance of physical solvents for pre-combustion CO 2 capture from high pressure H 2 rich syngas streams. Commercially available physical solvents are presented, followed by an assessment of the ideal properties that are important for development of novel solvents for CO 2 capture from high-pressure syngas streams. To compare the technical and economic performance of traditional and novel physical solvents, a review of the methods, assumptions and models used in techno-economic analysis (TEA) studies was conducted. It was found that, although some novel solvents show promising technical performance in the laboratory (e.g., high CO 2 absorption capacity and low vapor pressure), other issues (e.g., solvent viscosity and cost) may limit their industrial applications. Process simulations were useful tools for modeling the technical performance of processes using traditional and novel solvents. However, model predictions are most reliable when the methods and correlations used to develop the process simulation are validated with representative experimental data, in particular highly accurate baseline models are required for fair comparison among physical solvents. The key inputs and assumptions in pre-combustion CO 2 capture TEAs have also been summarized. Some studies showed that the promising technical performance of novel physical solvents can be offset by the high and often unknown costs of these solvents. Future development of novel physical solvents for pre-combustion CO 2 capture will benefit from more studies that conduct in-depth techno-economic analysis, specifically with validated process simulations and transparent economic models.
42 ENGINEERING↗
Altered coordination in a blue copper protein upon association with redox partner revealed by carbon–deuterium vibrational probes
IR spectroscopy of a carbon–deuterium vibrational probe reveals that binding of the redox partner induces significant strengthening of the Cu-Cys89 bond in plastocyanin.
Mammoser, Claire C.↗
Boron isotopes in blue diamond record seawater-derived fluids in the lower mantle
Boron is a quintessential crustal element but its conspicuous presence in diamond – a mantle mineral – raises questions about potential subduction pathways for boron and other volatiles. It has been a long-standing goal to characterize the isotopic composition of boron in blue, boron-bearing (Type IIb) diamonds to reveal its origin. Mineral inclusions indicate that Type IIb diamonds crystallize at transition zone to lower mantle depths, meaning that if the boron is subducted it would trace a pathway of volatile elements into the deep mantle. Here, using off-line laser ablation sampling, we present the first boron isotope compositions, along with trace element contents and carbon isotope compositions, of a suite of blue diamonds mainly sourced from the Cullinan diamond mine in South Africa. The ten analyzed blue diamonds have a wide range in δ 11 B, between -9.2 ± 2‰ and -0.5 ± 2‰, compared to the more restricted range for mid-ocean ridge basalts (-7.1 ± 0.9‰). Carbon isotope values for the blue diamonds range between -20.6 and -1.8‰, with a mode at -17‰, significantly more negative than the main mantle mode at -5‰. Combined, the boron and carbon isotope compositions require fluid input from subducted oceanic lithosphere down into deep mantle source regions of blue diamonds. This finding highlights a deep subduction pathway for volatiles to stoke the source regions of deeply-derived magmas.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Blue Bison ATR Advanced CCUS System (Final Report)
The objective of this project was to design a carbon capture system that could be installed on a 220 MMSCFD blue hydrogen (Blue H 2 ) facility (Blue H 2 Plant) utilizing auto-thermal reforming (ATR) technology and identify potential sequestration options for the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) produced from the Blue H 2 Plant.
08 HYDROGEN↗
Voltage-Dependent Photoluminescence of Carbon Dots
Carbon dots are fluorescent carbon-based nanoparticles with great potential in bioimaging because they offer multiple imaging windows owing to their excitation dependent emission features. A recent theory study shows that emission of graphene quantum dots responds to external elec. field due to Stark effect. Inspired by this work, we have demonstrated here the first exptl. study of the Stark effect of fluorescent carbon dots synthesized via a soft-template method. The carbon dots exhibit excitation-dependent emission covering blue to orange emission range. After being encapsulated in artificial lipid bilayers, the carbon dots show voltage-sensitivity of fluorescence. The fluorescence intensity change per mV is comparable with that of com. membrane potential sensing dyes. Our results demonstrate the great potential of carbon dots in membrane voltage sensing.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Integrated Carbon Capture and Storage in Hydrogen Production: A Combined Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Assessment
This paper presents a coupled techno-economic and life cycle assessment of “blue” hydrogen to be produced at a hydrogen facility through steam methane reforming (SMR) equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS). Blue hydrogen was modeled in ChemCAD, while an integrated asset model represented the carbon capture and storage chain. An unabated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) configuration release 11.99 kgCO 2 -eq/ kgH 2 . Capturing ≥95% of the CO 2 stream lowers the carbon footprint to 6.59 kgCO 2 -eq/kgH2 but raises the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) from $\$$1.82/kgH 2 (no CO 2 capture) to $\$$3.22/kgH 2 ; the U.S. 45Q tax credit reduces it to $\$$2.59/kgH 2 . Incorporating CCS reduces the levelized net present value from $\$$0.87/kgH 2 to $\$$0.74/kgH 2 , owing to additional capture, transport, and storage costs. Supplying SMR with low-carbon electricity, especially nuclear, wind, or hydro, delivers the lowest carbon footprint relative to geothermal or grid mixes. Sensitivity analysis identifies that hydrogen sales price, internal rate of return, and CCS cost as the strongest economic levers, while electricity demand dominates residual lifecycle emissions. The results underscore a clear trade-off; substantial CO 2 reductions are achievable, but only with higher production costs, making supportive policy instruments, access to clean power, and robust hydrogen markets essential for large-scale deployment of blue hydrogen.
carbon capture↗
The 8RH 2 Process for Producing Clean Hydrogen with Autothermal Reforming and Carbon Capture
The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate the commercial viability and environmental benefits of an 8 Rivers Hydrogen (8RH 2 ) process, a proprietary technology developed to optimally produce high-purity blue H 2 with up to 99% carbon capture. This 8RH 2 process is particularly notable for its integration of a low-energy cryogenic CO 2 separation system that not only maximizes hydrogen recovery but also minimizes the carbon footprint of the operation. This aligns with global environmental goals and supports the United States' push toward energy sustainability and independence.
03 NATURAL GAS↗
Nanometer Resolution Structure‐Emission Correlation of Individual Quantum Emitters via Enhanced Cathodoluminescence in Twisted Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Understanding the atomic structure of quantum emitters, often originating from point defects or impuritie, is essential for designing and optimizing materials for quantum technologies such as quantum computing, communication, and sensing. Despite the availability of atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and nanoscale cathodoluminescence microscopy, experimentally determining the atomic structure of individual emitters is challenging due to the conflicting needs for thick samples to generate strong cathodoluminescence signals and thin samples for structural analysis. To overcome this challenge, significantly enhanced cathodoluminescence at twisted interfaces is leveraged to achieve sub-nanometer localization precision for the first time in mapping individual quantum emitters in carbon-implanted hexagonal boron nitride. This unprecedent spatial sensitivity, together with correlative electron energy loss spectroscopy quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging, and first principles density functional theory calculations, enables the identification of the atomic structure of the 440 nm blue emitter in hexagonal boron nitride as a substituted vertical carbon dimer. Building on the atomic structure insights, nanoscale spatially precise creation of blue emitters is demonstrated by electron beam irradiation of carbon-coated hexagonal boron nitride. This advancement in correlating atomic structures with optical properties lays the foundation for a deeper understanding and precise engineering of quantum emitters, significantly advancing the development of cutting-edge quantum information technologies.
2D material↗