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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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Spontaneous shock waves in pulse-stimulated flocks of Quincke rollers

Active matter demonstrates complex spatiotemporal self-organization not accessible at equilibrium and the emergence of collective behavior. Fluids comprised of microscopic Quincke rollers represent a popular realization of synthetic active matter. Temporal activity modulations, realized by modulated external electric fields, represent an effective tool to expand the variety of accessible dynamic states in active ensembles. Here, we report on the emergence of shockwave patterns composed of coherently moving particles energized by a pulsed electric field. The shockwaves emerge spontaneously and move faster than the average particle speed. Combining experiments, theory, and simulations, we demonstrate that the shockwaves originate from intermittent spontaneous vortex cores due to a vortex meandering instability. They occur when the rollers’ translational and rotational decoherence times, regulated by the electric pulse durations, become comparable. The phenomenon does not rely on the presence of confinement, and multiple shock waves continuously arise and vanish in the system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Shifts in evolutionary lability underlie independent gains and losses of root-nodule symbiosis in a single clade of plants

Abstract Root nodule symbiosis (RNS) is a complex trait that enables plants to access atmospheric nitrogen converted into usable forms through a mutualistic relationship with soil bacteria. Pinpointing the evolutionary origins of RNS is critical for understanding its genetic basis, but building this evolutionary context is complicated by data limitations and the intermittent presence of RNS in a single clade of ca. 30,000 species of flowering plants, i.e., the nitrogen-fixing clade (NFC). We developed the most extensive de novo phylogeny for the NFC and an RNS trait database to reconstruct the evolution of RNS. Our analysis identifies evolutionary rate heterogeneity associated with a two-step process: An ancestral precursor state transitioned to a more labile state from which RNS was rapidly gained at multiple points in the NFC. We illustrate how a two-step process could explain multiple independent gains and losses of RNS, contrary to recent hypotheses suggesting one gain and numerous losses, and suggest a broader phylogenetic and genetic scope may be required for genome-phenome mapping.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Synchronous detection of cosmic rays and correlated errors in superconducting qubit arrays

Quantum information processing at scale will require sufficiently stable and long-lived qubits, likely enabled by error-correction codes. Several recent superconducting-qubit experiments, however, reported observing intermittent spatiotemporally correlated errors that would be problematic for conventional codes, with ionizing radiation being a likely cause. Here, we directly measured the cosmic-ray contribution to spatiotemporally correlated qubit errors. We accomplished this by synchronously monitoring cosmic-ray detectors and qubit energy-relaxation dynamics of 10 transmon qubits distributed across a 5 × 5 × 0.35 mm 3 silicon chip. Cosmic rays caused correlated errors at a rate of $1/\left(592\begin{array}{c}+48\\ -41\end{array}\,{\rm{s}}\right)$, accounting for 17.1 ± 1.3% of all such events. Our qubits responded to essentially all of the cosmic rays and their secondary particles incident on the chip, consistent with the independently measured arrival flux. Moreover, we observed that the landscape of the superconducting gap in proximity to the Josephson junctions dramatically impacts the qubit response to cosmic rays. Given the practical difficulties associated with shielding cosmic rays, our results indicate the importance of radiation hardening—for example, superconducting gap engineering—to the realization of robust quantum error correction.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multi-scale Interaction Mechanism for Edge-Localized-Mode Suppression in the Tokamak Edge

A central challenge in fusion energy is reconciling the high-confinement mode required for reactor performance with the intense intermittent relaxation events it produces, known as edge-localized modes. These instabilities arise in the steep pressure pedestal at the plasma edge when magnetohydrodynamic thresholds are crossed, inflicting damaging heat loads on reactor components. Here, we show that multiscale interactions between microscopic turbulence and macroscopic magnetohydrodynamic modes provide encouraging prospects for self-organized edge-localized modes regulation. Using direct quantitative measurements of multiscale modes, eddy dynamics, and turbulent flux, we show that small-scale electron drift wave turbulence actively scatters the large-scale peeling-ballooning modes. This scattering decorrelates the pressure and velocity fields of the instability, so arresting its growth. Our modeling and theoretical analysis confirm this suppression mechanism is effective even when conventional linear stability thresholds are exceeded. This work establishes a nonlinear principle for edge-localized modes stability, revealing how ambient micro-turbulence can be leveraged to maintain a macro-stable, high-performance pedestal for future fusion reactors.

experimental nuclear physics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Alternating magnetic fields and antibiotics eradicate biofilm on metal in a synergistic fashion

Abstract Hundreds of thousands of human implant procedures require surgical revision each year due to infection. Infections are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics due to the formation of biofilm on the implant surface. We have developed a noninvasive method to eliminate biofilm on metal implants using heat generated by intermittent alternating magnetic fields (iAMF). Here, we demonstrate that heat and antibiotics are synergistic in biofilm elimination. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm, bacterial burden was reduced >3 log with iAMF and ciprofloxacin after 24 h compared with either treatment alone ( p < 0.0001). This effect was not limited by pathogen or antibiotic as similar biofilm reductions were seen with iAMF and either linezolid or ceftriaxone in Staphylococcus aureus . iAMF and antibiotic efficacy was seen across various iAMF settings, including different iAMF target temperatures, dose durations, and dosing intervals. Initial mechanistic studies revealed membrane disruption as one factor important for AMF enhanced antibacterial activity in the biofilm setting. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing a noninvasive approach to reduce biofilm off of metallic implants.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

In situ electrochemical recomposition of decomposed redox-active species in aqueous organic flow batteries

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) offer a safe and potentially inexpensive solution to the problem of storing massive amounts of electricity produced from intermittent renewables. However, molecular decomposition is the major barrier preventing AORFBs from being commercialized. Structural modifications can improve molecular stability at the expense of increased synthetic cost and molecular weight. Utilizing 2,6-dihydroxy-anthraquinone (DHAQ), without further structural modification, we demonstrate that electrochemical regeneration could be a viable route to achieve low-cost, long-lifetime AORFBs. In situ (online) NMR and EPR and complementary electrochemical analyses reveal that decomposition compounds i.e., 2,6-dihydroxy-anthrone (DHA) and its tautomer, 2,6-dihydroxy-anthranol (DHAL), can be converted back to DHAQ in two steps: first DHA(L) 2- are oxidized to the dimer (DHA) 2 4- at - 0.32 V vs. SHE by one-electron transfer; subsequently, the (DHA) 2 4- is oxidized to DHAQ 2- at +0.57 V vs. SHE by three-electron transfer. Electrochemical regeneration rejuvenates not only DHAQ 2- , but also the positive electrolyte – rebalancing the states of charge of both electrolytes without introducing extra ions. We demonstrate the repeated capacity recovery with DHAQ | potassium ferro-/ferricyanide flow battery in basic conditions, and show the approach is also effective for anthraquinone-2,7-disulfonate in acid. Electrochemical regeneration strategies may extend the useful lifetime of many water-soluble organic molecules with anthraquinone core structures in electrochemical cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Beyond short-duration energy storage

Long-duration energy storage technologies can be a solution to the intermittency problem of wind and solar power but estimating technology costs remains a challenge. New research identifies cost targets for long-duration storage technologies to make them competitive against different firm low-carbon generation technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Integrated hydrological, power system and economic modelling of climate impacts on electricity demand and cost

Impacts of climate-related water stress and temperature changes can cascade through energy systems, although models have yet to capture this compounding of effects. Here, we employ a coupled water–power–economy model to capture these important interactions in a study of the exceedance of water temperature thresholds for power generation in the western United States. We find that not all reductions in reserve electricity-generation capacity result in impacts, and that when they occur, intermittent interruptions in electricity supply at critical times of the day, week and year account for much of the economic impacts. Finally, we find that impacts may be in different locations from the original water stress. Herein, we estimate that the consumption loss can be up to 0.3% annually and the drivers identified in coupled modelling can increase the average cost of electricity by up to 3%. Integrated models will be needed to capture the cascading effects of climate change through climatic, water, energy and economic systems. Webster et al. now develop a coupled hydrologic–power-production–economic model to estimate water-stress impacts on electricity cost.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Solution-phase sample-averaged single-particle spectroscopy of quantum emitters with femtosecond resolution

Here, the development of many optical quantum technologies depends on the availability of solid-state single quantum emitters with near-perfect optical coherence. However, a standing issue that limits systematic improvement is the significant sample heterogeneity and lack of mechanistic understanding of microscopic energy flow at the single emitter level and ultrafast timescales. Here we develop solution-phase single-particle pump-probe spectroscopy with photon correlation detection that captures sample-averaged dynamics in single molecules and/or defect states with unprecedented clarity at femtosecond resolution. We apply this technique to single quantum emitters in two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride, which suffers from significant heterogeneity and low quantum efficiency. From millisecond to nanosecond timescales, the translation diffusion, metastable-state-related bunching shoulders, rotational dynamics, and antibunching features are disentangled by their distinct photon-correlation timescales, which collectively quantify the normalized two-photon emission quantum yield. Leveraging its femtosecond resolution, spectral selectivity and ultralow noise (two orders of magnitude improvement over solid-state methods), we visualize electron-phonon coupling in the time domain at the single defect level, and discover the acceleration of polaronic formation driven by multi-electron excitation. Corroborated with results from a theoretical polaron model, we show how this translates to sample-averaged photon fidelity characterization of cascaded emission efficiency and optical decoherence time. Our work provides a framework for ultrafast spectroscopy in single emitters, molecules, or defects prone to photoluminescence intermittency and heterogeneity, opening new avenues of extreme-scale characterization and synthetic improvements for quantum information applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Dislocation-induced stop-and-go kinetics of interfacial transformations

Most engineering materials are based on multiphase microstructures produced either through the control of phase equilibria or by the fabrication of different materials as in thin-film processing. In both processes, the microstructure relaxes towards equilibrium by mismatch dislocations (or geometric misfit dislocations) across the heterophase interfaces (1-5) . Despite their ubiquitous presence, directly probing the dynamic action of mismatch dislocations has been unachievable owing to their buried nature. In this work, using the interfacial transformation of copper oxide to copper as an example, we demonstrate the role of mismatch dislocations in modulating oxide-to-metal interfacial transformations in an intermittent manner, by which the lateral flow of interfacial ledges is pinned at the core of mismatch dislocations until the dislocation climbs to the new oxide/metal interface location. Together with atomistic calculations, we identify that the pinning effect is associated with the non-local transport of metal atoms to fill vacancies at the dislocation core. These results provide mechanistic insight into solid-solid interfacial transformations and have substantial implications for utilizing structural defects at buried interfaces to modulate mass transport and transformation kinetics.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nanoscale defect evaluation framework combining real-time transmission electron microscopy and integrated machine learning-particle filter estimation

Observation of dynamic processes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an attractive technique to experimentally analyze materials’ nanoscale phenomena and understand the microstructure-properties relationships in nanoscale. Even if spatial and temporal resolutions of real-time TEM increase significantly, it is still difficult to say that the researchers quantitatively evaluate the dynamic behavior of defects. Images in TEM video are a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional space phenomena, thus missing information must be existed that makes image’s uniquely accurate interpretation challenging. Therefore, even though they are still a clustering high-dimensional data and can be compressed to two-dimensional, conventional statistical methods for analyzing images may not be powerful enough to track nanoscale behavior by removing various artifacts associated with experiment; and automated and unbiased processing tools for such big-data are becoming mission-critical to discover knowledge about unforeseen behavior. We have developed a method to quantitative image analysis framework to resolve these problems, in which machine learning and particle filter estimation are uniquely combined. The quantitative and automated measurement of the dislocation velocity in an Fe-31Mn-3Al-3Si autunitic steel subjected to the tensile deformation was performed to validate the framework, and an intermittent motion of the dislocations was quantitatively analyzed. The framework is successfully classifying, identifying and tracking nanoscale objects; these are not able to be accurately implemented by the conventional mean-path based analysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamic soil columns simulate Arctic redox biogeochemistry and carbon release during changes in water saturation

Thawing Arctic permafrost can induce hydrologic change and alter redox conditions, shifting the balance of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. There remains uncertainty about how soil saturation and redox transitions impact dissolved and gas phase carbon fluxes, and efforts to link hydrobiogeochemical processes to ecosystem-scale models are limited. This study evaluates SOM decomposition of Arctic tundra soils using column experiments, water chemistry measurements, microbial community analysis, and a PFLOTRAN reactive transport model. Soil columns from a thermokarst channel (TC) and an upland tundra (UC) were exposed to cycles of saturation and drainage, which controlled carbon emissions. During saturation, an outflow of dissolved organic carbon from the UC soil correlated with elevated reduced iron and decreased pH; during drainage, UC carbon dioxide fluxes were 70% higher than TC fluxes. Intermittent methane release was observed for TC, consistent with higher methanogen abundance. Slower drainage in the TC soil correlated with more subtle biogeochemical changes. PFLOTRAN simulations captured experimental trends in soil carbon fluxes, oxygen concentrations, and water contents. The model was then used to evaluate additional soil water drainage rates. This study emphasizes the importance of considering hydrologic change when evaluating and simulating SOM decomposition in dynamic Arctic tundra environments.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Phase segregation reversibility in mixed-metal hydroxide water oxidation catalysts

Achieving stable, low-cost electrocatalysts represents a daunting challenge towards practical water oxidation reactions. Here, we report that a degraded electrocatalyst can be revivified under catalytic operating conditions by manipulating reversible phase segregation. Under the oxygen evolution reaction conditions, Fe segregation develops in the Ni–Fe hydroxide host lat- tice, with the formation of FeOOH, resulting in an interface between the FeOOH and the host lattice. A dynamic metal dissolu- tion–redeposition process accelerates the Fe segregation and formation of the FeOOH secondary phase, resulting in catalyst deactivation. Operando synchrotron spectroscopic and microscopic analyses suggest that the phase segregation is revers- ible between the water oxidation potential and the catalyst reduction potential. Therefore, we have developed an intermittent reduction methodology to revivify the catalytic activity under the operating conditions, enhancing catalyst durability. The pres- ent study highlights that tailoring phase segregation at the catalyst/electrolyte interface constitutes an important strategy for revivifying and stabilizing catalytic activity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

The flavonoid procyanidin C1 has senotherapeutic activity and increases lifespan in mice

Ageing-associated functional decline of organs and increased risk for age-related chronic pathologies is driven in part by the accumulation of senescent cells, which develop the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here we show that procyanidin C1 (PCC1), a polyphenolic component of grape seed extract (GSE), increases the healthspan and lifespan of mice through its action on senescent cells. By screening a library of natural products, we find that GSE, and PCC1 as one of its active components, have specific effects on senescent cells. At low concentrations, PCC1 appears to inhibit SASP formation, whereas it selectively kills senescent cells at higher concentrations, possibly by promoting production of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction. In rodent models, PCC1 depletes senescent cells in a treatment-damaged tumour microenvironment and enhances therapeutic efficacy when co-administered with chemotherapy. Intermittent administration of PCC1 to either irradiated, senescent cell-implanted or naturally aged old mice alleviates physical dysfunction and prolongs survival. We identify PCC1 as a natural senotherapeutic agent with in vivo activity and high potential for further development as a clinical intervention to delay, alleviate or prevent age-related pathologies.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Carbon mineralization pathways in interfacial adsorbed water nanofilms

Carbon mineralization in humidified carbon dioxide offers a promising route to mitigate anthropogenic emissions in a world stressed by water security. Despite its technological importance, our understanding of carbonation in water-poor environments lags, as traditional dissolution-precipitation pathways struggle to explain the adsorbed water nanofilm-mediated reactivity. Here, we utilize in operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) and advanced molecular simulations to investigate nanoconfined reactions driving forsterite carbonation, the magnesium-rich olivine. By examining magnesium ion dissolution and transport in atomistic simulations of the forsterite-water-carbon dioxide interface and comparing these with the in operando XRD activation energies, we identify both processes as rate-limiting at saturation. Our simulations reveal a mechanistic view of interfacial carbonation, where dissolution and precipitation are mediated by anomalous quasi two-dimensional diffusion. The transport process involves intermittent diffusive hopping in the desorbed state, separated by crawling events that are spatially short but temporally long. This understanding transcends carbon mineralization, with implications for understanding the transport of contaminants in geosystems, the design of multifunctional materials, water desalination, and molecular recognition systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Declining groundwater storage expected to amplify mountain streamflow reductions in a warmer world

Abstract Groundwater interactions with mountain streams are often simplified in model projections, potentially leading to inaccurate estimates of streamflow response to climate change. Here, using a high-resolution, integrated hydrological model extending 400 m into the subsurface, we find groundwater an important and stable source of historical streamflow in a mountainous watershed of the Colorado River. In a warmer climate, increased forest water use is predicted to reduce groundwater recharge resulting in groundwater storage loss. Losses are expected to be most severe during dry years and cannot recover to historical levels even during simulated wet periods. Groundwater depletion substantially reduces annual streamflow with intermittent conditions predicted when precipitation is low. Expanding results across the region suggests groundwater declines will be highest in the Colorado Headwater and Gunnison basins. Our research highlights the tight coupling of vegetation and groundwater dynamics and that excluding explicit groundwater response to warming may underestimate future reductions in mountain streamflow.

Carroll, Rosemary W. H. (ORCID:0000000293028074)↗
DOE OSTI2020

A phytophotonic approach to enhanced photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the dominant biotic carbon sink on earth and hence presents an opportunity for enhanced sequestration of CO 2 . If the average net carbon fixation efficiency of terrestrial plants could be increased by 3.3%, all anthropogenic CO 2 accumulating in the atmosphere could instead be reduced and incorporated into terrestrial biomass. Plants make inefficient use of the overly abundant sunlight available to them, a result of having evolved to be competitive and survive highly dynamic environmental conditions rather than maximize photosynthetic productivity. We explore herein a phytophotonic approach to enhanced photosynthesis, whereby sunlight is redistributed by means of luminescent or persistent luminescent (PersL) materials. Phytophotonics has potential at varied scales, ranging from photobioreactors to greenhouses all the way to crops in the field, the latter having the potential to impact planetary CO 2 levels. The approach is three-fold: a spectral redistribution to relieve high-light-stress at the top surface of leaves and increasingly drive photosynthesis deeper in leaves and canopies; a minute-scale temporal redistribution to bridge periods of intermittent shade and reduce shock associated with variable light conditions; and a multiple-hour temporal redistribution to shift a fraction of high-intensity midday lighting to evening hours. Based on simulations of photoluminescent materials and light quality experiments with a model algal system, it is shown that while lengthening daylight hours will require significant improvements in PersL materials, the other two approaches show more immediate promise. We demonstrate a means of concentrating PersL light from SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu,Dy, approaching levels needed to effectively bridge periods of natural shade, and outline the scientific questions and technical hurdles remaining to realize the benefits of the proposed spectral shift.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Hierarchical electrode design of highly efficient and stable unitized regenerative fuel cells (URFCs) for long-term energy storage

The unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) is a promising electrochemical device for intermittent renewable energy storage in chemical bonds. However, widespread application has been hindered due to low round-trip efficiencies (RTEs) and disappointing durability, in particular at high rates. In this study, we break through that barrier by demonstrating highly efficient, flexible, and stable URFCs via hierarchical design of the multiscale catalyst-layer structures. A more porous and less tortuous Pt and Ir catalyst layer is realized using a doctor blade fabrication method that significantly improves URFC performance. We demonstrate RTEs of 56% and 53% under constant-electrode and constant-gas mode, respectively, while operating at 1000 mA cm –2 , and significantly, a RTE of 45% at 2000 mA cm –2 , achievements that were previously viewed as unfeasible under the onerous demands of URFC operation. At the same time we demonstrate URFCs under both constant-electrode and constant-gas mode operated continuously for over 500 h with negligible degradation. These results demonstrate the viability of applying URFCs for long-term energy storage at previously unattainable efficiencies and cast new light on electrode design and optimization of URFCs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗