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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2007

The use of Electrolyte Additives to Improve the High Temperature Resilience of Li-Ion Cells

This viewgraph presentation reviews the use of electrolyte additves to improve the resillience of Lithium ion cells. The objective of this work is to identify lithium-ion electrolytes, which will lead to Li-ion cells with a wide operational temperature range (+60 to -60 C), and to develop Li-ion electrolytes which result in cells that display improved high temperature resilience. Significant improvement in the high temperature resilience of Li-ion cells containing these additives was observed, with the most dramatic benefit being displayed by addition of DMAc. When the electrochemical properties of the individual electrodes were analyzed, the degradation of the anode kinetics was slowed most dramatically by the incorporation of DMAc into the electrolytes. Whereas, the greatest retention in the cathode kinetics was observed in the cell containing the electrolyte with VC added.

Li-ion electrolytes↗
NASA NTRS1990

Lifetime studies of high power rhodium/tungsten and molybdenum electrodes for application to AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter)

A detailed and fundamental model for the electrochemical behavior of AMTEC electrodes is developed which can aid in interpreting the processes which occur during prolonged operation of these electrodes. Because the sintering and grain growth of metal particles is also a well-understood phenomenon, the changes in electrode performance which accompany its morphological evolution may be anticipated and modeled. The grain growth rate observed for porous Mo AMTEC electrodes is significantly higher than that predicted from surface diffusion data obtained at higher temperatures and incorporated into the grain growth model. The grain growth observed under AMTEC conditions is also somewhat higher than that measured for Mo films on BASE (beta-alumina solid electrolyte) substrates in vacuum or at similar temperatures. Results of modeling indicate that thin Mo electrodes may show significant performance degradation for extended operation (greater than 10,000 h) at higher operating temperatures (greater than 1150 K), whereas W/Rh and W/Pt electrodes are expected to show adequate performance at 1200 K for lifetimes greater than 10,000 h. It is pointed out that current collection grids and leads must consist of refractory metals such as Mo and W which do not accelerate sintering or metal migration.

Williams, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Capacity decline of ambient temperature secondary Li-TiS2 cells

The main objective of the study described was to identify the causes responsible for the capacity losses observed during cycling of secondary Li-TiS2 cells. Experimental Li-TiS2 cells were fabricated and tested for their cycle life performance. The open circuit voltage of the cells was monitored during the rest period between the charging and discharging. The polarization at the Li and TiS2 electrodes was also monitored during cycling. Cycled cells were disassembled and the cathodes were analyzed by various analytical techniques. The results of the study indicate that the observed capacity loss is almost entirely due to the increased polarization of the TiS2 electrode with cycling. The electrolyte was found to degrade during cycling and the degradation products were found to deposit at the TiS2 electrode, which probably lead to the higher polarization.

Subbarao, S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Application of copper-carbon fiber composites to power semiconductor devices

Copper-carbon composite electrodes are used in a series of power semiconductor devices, i.e., resin molded diodes, button-type diodes, stud-type diodes, power modules, and integrated circuit igniter modules. The properties of these power semiconductor devices compare favorably with those conventional devices using Mo or W electrodes. In thermal fatigue tests, no degradation in the electrical and mechanical characteristics of these devices are observed. The new composite electrode with carbon fibers satisfies all of the major requirements for the electrodes in power semiconductor devices.

Kuniya, Keiichi↗
NASA NTRS1991

Nondestructive evaluation tools and experimental studies for monitoring the health of space propulsion systems

An overview is given of background and information on space propulsion systems on both the programmatic and technical levels. Feasibility experimental studies indicate that nondestructive evaluation tools such as ultrasonic, eddy current and x-ray may be successfully used to monitor the life limiting failure mechanisms of space propulsion systems. Encouraging results were obtained for monitoring the life limiting failure mechanisms for three space propulsion systems; the degradation of tungsten arcjet and magnetoplasmadynamic electrodes; presence and thickness of spallable electrically conducting molybdenum films in ion thrusters; and the degradation of the catalyst in hydrazine thrusters.

Generazio, Edward R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Nondestructive evaluation tools and experimental studies for monitoring the health of space propulsion systems

An overview is given of background and information on space propulsion systems on both the programmatic and technical levels. Feasibility experimental studies indicate that nondestructive evaluation tools such as ultrasonic, eddy current and X-ray may be successfully used to monitor the life limiting failure mechanisms of space propulsion systems. Encouraging results were obtained for monitoring the life limiting failure mechanims for three space propulsion systems: the degradation of tungsten arcjet and magnetoplasmadynamic electrodes; presence and thickness of spallable electrically conducting molybdenum films in ion thrusters; and the degradation of the catalyst in hydrazine thrusters.

Generazio, Edward R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Electrochemical Research and Technology Conference, 2nd, Cleveland, OH, Apr. 11-13, 1989, Proceedings

Attention is given to topics of advanced concepts, hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells and electrolyzers, nickel electrodes, and advanced rechargeable batteries. Papers are presented on human exploration mission studies, advanced rechargeable sodium batteries with novel cathodes, advanced double-layer capacitors, recent advances in solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology with low platinum loading electrodes, electrocatalysts for oxygen electrodes in fuel cells and water electrolyzers for space applications, and the corrosion testing of candidates for the alkaline fuel cell cathode. Other papers are on a structural comparison of nickel electodes and precursor phases, the application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for characterizing the degradation of Ni(OH)2/NiOOH electrodes, advances in lightweight nickel electrode technology, multimission nickel-hydrogen battery cell for the 1990s, a sodium-sulfur battery flight experiment definition study, and advances in ambient-temperature secondary lithium cells.

O'Donnell, Patricia M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Alkali metal-refractory metal biphase electrode for AMTEC

An electrode having increased output with slower degradation is formed of a film applied to a beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). The film comprises a refractory first metal M.sup.1 such as a platinum group metal, suitably platinum or rhodium, capable of forming a liquid or a strong surface adsorption phase with sodium at the operating temperature of an alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) and a second refractory metal insoluble in sodium or the NaM.sup.1 liquid phase such as a Group IVB, VB or VIB metal, suitably tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum or niobium. The liquid phase or surface film provides fast transport through the electrode while the insoluble refractory metal provides a structural matrix for the electrode during operation. A trilayer structure that is stable and not subject to deadhesion comprises a first, thin layer of tungsten, an intermediate co-deposited layer of tungsten-platinum and a thin surface layer of platinum.

Williams, Roger M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A study on the electrolysis of sulfur dioxide and water for the sulfur cycle hydrogen production process

Experimental electrolysis cells using various platinum catalyzed carbon electrodes were tested. When operated at 200 mA/sq cm current density using 50 w/o acid at 50 C and 1 atm, a reference cell required 1.22 volts and degraded rapidly. After several improvements were incorporated into electrodes and the test cell configuration, a later cell required only 0.77 volts under identical operating conditions. At a lower current density, 100 mA/sq cm, the cell required only 0.63 volts. Kinetic studies on metal electrodes, measurements of temperature effects on electrode kinetics, investigations of electrocatalytic activities of metal electrodes over a wide range of acid concentrations, cyclic voltametric studies and evaluation of alternate catalysts were also conducted. From diffusivity experiments, a cation exchange membrane material, P-4010, exhibited an excellent diffusion coefficient, more than two orders of magnitude lower than that of rubber. Ionic resistivity measurements of eight materials showed that microporous rubber had the lowest resistivity.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

Effects of the mode of storage on the capacity fading of the sintered nickel electrodes

A systematic investigation of the effect of temperature and two conditions of storage, shortened and open circuit, on the capacity fading of sintered nickel electrodes in NiCd batteries was conducted. All testing was done on sintered electrodes in flooded cells. Cycling tests to measure the capacity were performed at room temperature. The capacity out to one volt, a capacity useful for satellite applications. Test results indicated that: the shortened electrode showed a higher rate of loss than the open circuit electrodes; there was an increase in both modes with an increase in temperature; there was a loss of capacity with time of storage; a general degradation was observed as a function of time; shortened electrodes showed a higher end of charge than the open circuit ones; and at room temperature there was a lower loss in the open circuit electrode than in the shortened one.

Vyes, B.↗
NASA NTRS2014

2014 NEPP Tasks Update for Ceramic and Tantalum Capacitors

Presentation describes recent development in research on MnO2, wet, and polymer tantalum capacitors. Low-voltage failures in multilayer ceramic capacitors and techniques to reveal precious metal electrode (PME) and base metal electrode (BME) capacitors with cracks are discussed. A voltage breakdown technique is suggested to select high quality low-voltage BME ceramic capacitors.

ceramic capacitors↗
NASA NTRS1982

Impact of uniform electrode current distribution on ETF

A basic reason for the complexity and sheer volume of electrode consolidation hardware in the MHD ETF Powertrain system is the channel electrode current distribution, which is non-uniform. If the channel design is altered to provide uniform electrode current distribution, the amount of hardware required decreases considerably, but at the possible expense of degraded channel performance. This paper explains the design impacts on the ETF electrode consolidation network associated with uniform channel electrode current distribution, and presents the alternate consolidation designs which occur. They are compared to the baseline (non-uniform current) design with respect to performance, and hardware requirements. A rational basis is presented for comparing the requirements for the different designs and the savings that result from uniform current distribution. Performance and cost impacts upon the combined cycle plant are discussed.

Bents, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Traveling-wave-tube efficiency improvement by a low-cost technique for deposition of carbon on multistage depressed collector

A simple method of improving the traveling-wave-tube (TWT) and multistage depressed collector (MDC) efficiency has been demonstrated. The efficiency improvement was produced by the application of a thin layer of carbon to the copper electrodes of the MDC by means of a rapid, low-cost technique involving the pyrolysis of hydrocarbon oil in electric arc discharges. Experimental results with a representative TWT and MDC showed an 11 percent improvement in both the TWT and MDC efficiencies as compared to those of the same TWT and MDC efficiencies with bare copper electrode surfaces. An extended test with a 500-W, continuous wave (CW) TWT and small-sized MDC indicated good stability of the carbon coated electrode surfaces after a relatively small initial degradation in TWT overall and apparent MDC efficiencies.

Ebihara, Ben T.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Lifetime Modeling of Tin Electrodes for AMTEC Cells

In order to model the lifetime of the electrochemical cell in an Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC), studies of TiN Electrodes on Beta-alumina solid electrolytes (BASE) have been made to determine the performace parameters over time. The first of a series of experiments in which TiN electrodes are studied in a Vapor Exposure Test Cell is described here, with preliminary results from electrochemical measurements made on the cell. The TiN electrodes tested here perform well, with minimal degradation over 1000 hours of operation at 850 degree C.

Electrochemical↗
NASA NTRS1984

Positive Electrode Fabrication for Bi-polar Ni-h2 Cells

Bi-Polar nickel hydrogen design studies indicated a potential improvement in energy density and specific energy if positive electrodes could be manufactured in configurations of twice or more of the present normal thickness. Such electrodes would have to achieve similar active material loading, utilization, and cycle life to conventional 0.8mm I.P.U. nickel hydrogen electrodes. A capability for producing 1.0mm dry sinter and 1.5mm slurry sinter structures on production processes and equipment was demonstrated. The EPI/USAF electrochemical impregnation process proved capable of loading thick electrodes to 1.60 g/cubic centimeters void or higher. Sample electrodes incurred 2000 high rate stress cycles without significant structural or performance degradation. Formation regimes developed for thin plaque are not optimal for thick plaque and further investigation into electrode capacity build-up would seem warranted. Thick electrode technology development is continuing under other programs and shows promise of fulfilling the projected energy density and specific energy improvements.

Edgar, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Out-of-core Evaluations of Uranium Nitride-fueled Converters

Two uranium nitride fueled converters were tested parametrically for their initial characterization and are currently being life-tested out of core. Test method being employed for the parametric and the diagnostic measurements during the life tests, and test results are presented. One converter with a rhenium emitter had an initial output power density of 6.9 W/ sq cm at the black body emitter temperature of 1900 K. The power density remained unchanged for the first 1000 hr of life test but degraded nearly 50% percent during the following 1000 hr. Electrode work function measurements indicated that the uranium fuel was diffusing out of the emitter clad of 0.635 mm. The other converter with a tungsten emitter had an initial output power density of 2.2 W/ sq cm at 1900 K with a power density of 3.9 W/sq cm at 4300 h. The power density suddenly degraded within 20 hr to practically zero output at 4735 hr.

Shimada, K.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A model to predict the degradation of a SiGe thermopile.

Discussion of the various phenomena which affect the available output power of a typical radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), including estimates of the magnitude of these effects. Power degradation, as well as the corresponding changes in operating temperature, are calculated by means of a computer code which systematically accounts for the time- and temperature-dependent variables. A model for predicting available output power of an RTG is developed which includes changes in performance due to fuel decay, alteration of bulk thermoelectric properties, changes in electrode contacts, geometry changes due to material sublimation, and degradation of the thermal insulation.

Stapfer, G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A ten-stage electrostatic depressed collector for improving klystron efficiency.

A ten-stage electrostatic depressed collector, designed with the aid of an analog computer, was tested on a 1-kW CW 750-MHz klystron. Excellent correlation was achieved between computed and measured performance under varying conditions of RF drive. At full RF power output approximately 60 per cent of the spent beam energy was recovered by use of the depressed collector. The net power conversion efficiency of the tube was raised from its undepressed value of 54.3 per cent to approximately 70.9 per cent. At one-half full power output, a collector efficiency of 70 per cent was measured. At zero RF power output collector efficiency was 80 per cent. To achieve these results it was necessary to install a small focusing coil between the final drift tube and the collector. No spurious oscillations or instabilities were detected when collector depression was employed, nor was electron backstreaming increased significantly. Intentional short circuiting of adjacent collector electrode pairs was shown to cause only minor degradation in collector performance.

Neugebauer, W.↗