Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Space Station Design”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

541 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Hierarchical low Pt-loading “core-shell” electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells

The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) hinder cost-effective polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), which rely on scarce, expensive platinum-based electrocatalysts (ECs). Here, we present a novel synthesis method for ORR ECs achieving exceptional platinum utilization. The design features a hierarchical “multi-carbon” support comprising carbon nanoparticles interacting with graphene nanoplatelets as the “core”, encapsulated by a porous carbon nitride (CN) “shell”. This configuration promotes strong core/shell interactions and a bimodal active site distribution, consisting of chemically dispersed Pt and Ni single-atom complexes and PtNix alloy nanoclusters embedded in the CN shell. These advantages enable high activity and durability, achieving an ORR activity of 1.6 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 V vs. RHE-an order of magnitude higher than Pt/C (0.17 A mgPt−1). A proof-of-concept PEFC demonstrates a specific power of 12.0 kW gPt−1 at 0.60 V. This approach offers a significant step toward more efficient and sustainable PEFC technologies.

Pagot, Gioele [University of Padova, Italy]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Comprehensive structural characterization of charged polymers involved in moisture-driven direct air capture

This study provides a comprehensive structural characterization of commercially available alkaline anion-exchange polymers (Fumasep FAA-3 and IRA 900) used in moisture-driven direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. Using X-ray diffraction, SAXS/WAXS, atomic force microscopy, FIB-SEM, and transmission electron microscopy, the authors identify nanoscale clustering, porosity, swelling behavior, and humidity-dependent structural changes that influence CO₂ adsorption and release. These findings establish structure–function relationships critical for designing more durable and energy-efficient DAC polymer materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

A novel compact end-loaded piston cylinder cell for high pressure neutron scattering up to 5 GPa

Here, a miniature sized end-loaded piston cylinder cell with radial side windows for neutron scattering experiments is described. The principle of the bicone-shaped cylinders used was first presented by McWhan in 1974. The present cell is of compact portable design yet significantly enlarges the scattering angles. Its small size allows neutron scattering experiments at low temperatures. The bicone-shaped cylinders are made from various ceramics or a highly neutron-transmissive Ni-free Cr–Mo–V steel. Successful neutron scattering experiments up to 5 GPa have been demonstrated on the CORELLI single-crystal diffractometer and the VISION vibrational spectrometer of the Spallation Neutron Source at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Neutrons↗
DOE OSTI2026

Estimating Return on Investment for Energy Technical Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of State and Community Energy Programs engaged the National Laboratory of the Rockies to assess the return on investment (ROI) of technical assistance (TA) programs that support state, local, and Tribal energy planning. Although TA delivers value through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge transfer, these benefits are often intangible and challenging to monetize. This study reviews existing ROI frameworks and synthesizes the most relevant elements into a hybrid approach tailored to energy TA programs. The proposed framework integrates monetary and non-monetary outcomes through early logic model development, baseline data collection, and the use of proxies for intangible benefits. As a case study, this paper applies this approach to the Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP), demonstrating how ROI can inform program design, data strategy, and performance assessment. Findings underscore that ROI should be applied selectively and planned from the outset to ensure data alignment and attribution accuracy. The framework offers TA practitioners a structured approach that can be leveraged for future programs to evaluate and communicate the multifaceted value of TA investments.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Nanoscale Observation and Control of Quasiparticle Induced Magnetic Noise in a Superconducting Resonator

Superconducting circuits are arguably taking a leading role in driving the ongoing quantum technological revolution. A detailed knowledge of the microscopic fluctuating electromagnetic properties plays an important role in advancing the circuitry design, testing, and material integration of cutting-edge superconducting quantum electronics. Here, in this work, we report scanning nitrogen-vacancy (NV) quantum sensing of local magnetic noise environment of an on-chip superconducting resonator. We find that quasiparticle-induced fluctuating magnetic fields can drive NV spin relaxation, which shows a peak value around the superconducting transition point of niobium at the thermal equilibrium state. External microwave driving at the resonator mode frequency significantly increases the quasiparticle density, leading to enhancement of magnetic noise. We further perform optically detected magnetic resonance measurements to demonstrate quasiparticle magnetic noise mediated off-resonant dipole coupling between the NV center and niobium resonator. Our Letter reports experimental observation of the Hebel-Slichter peak signature by an external sensor outside of a superconductor. The presented study also highlights the advantages of quantum sensors in investigating miniaturized superconducting devices, providing insights into their future performance improvements.

Li, Senlei [Georgia Institute of Technology]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Gold Quantum Rods: Modulation of Singlet and Triplet Exciton Populations by the Rod Length

Abstract Gold quantum rods (QRs) of Au60, Au78, Au96, and Au114 (protected by thiolate ligands) exhibit exclusive fluorescence, which is different from the shorter Au42 QR with dual emission (fluorescence + phosphorescence). Herein, we report the excitation wavelength-dependent near-infrared-II photoluminescence (PL) and exciton dynamics of this series of QRs. Interestingly, the fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of the QRs is much higher (2–10×) when the lowest singlet excited state (S1) is excited compared to the excitation of high-lying states (Sn). A metastable intermediate singlet state (denoted S′) is identified by transient absorption spectroscopy when Sn is excited, and this S′ state leads to fast “skybridge” intersystem crossing (ISC), which contributes primarily (>60%) to the total triplet population. With increasing aspect ratio (AR) of QRs (from 6.3 to 18.7), nonradiative processes accelerate, leading to fast decay of the S1 state (hence, less QY) and of the T1 state (barely phosphorescent). A detailed energy flow mechanism is determined for the QRs after photoexcitation, which offers a design principle for manipulation of exciton dynamics toward potential utilization of higher excited states in applications.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating Fracture Behavior of Bioinspired Alumina-YSZ Composites through Static and Dynamic Mechanical Testing

Ceramic materials are known for their high hardness and strength but are limited by low toughness and sudden failure. Inspired by the microstructure of dental enamel, which features undulating rods that promote crack deflection and energy absorption, architected specimens were designed and manufactured. A bespoke ball-on-ring (BoR) testing apparatus measured the static biaxial rupture strength of these bioinspired materials. Additionally, impact testing with spherical steel projectiles assessed their behavior under dynamic conditions. Monolithic alumina specimens were compared to architected alumina reinforced with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) rods produced via direct ink write 3D printing. BoR tests revealed that monolithic alumina had a Weibull modulus of 10.53 and a characteristic strength of 372.3 MPa, while the composite specimens showed a Weibull modulus of 5.46 and a characteristic strength of 213.3 MPa. Although the composite failed at lower stresses and projectile velocities, it exhibited notable crack deflection and fracture resistance, with cracks being effectively interrupted by the rod inclusions. The composite specimens also resulted in fewer and larger fragments upon impact. Finite element simulations confirmed the effectiveness of the rod structures in enhancing fracture resistance.

Bioinspired materials↗
DOE OSTI2026

Prime Time for Model-Predictive Control? Assessing the Technical and Market Readiness of Advanced Controls in Buildings

Despite three decades of extensive research and field testing that have consistently validated the benefits of Model Predictive Control (MPC) in building applications, the technology has seen limited market adoption. This paper evaluates the readiness of MPC for widespread deployment, showcases recent demonstrations and field tests across diverse building types, including residential, small commercial, large commercial, and campus settings. Our results demonstrate that MPC can optimize system operations to achieve load shifting, minimize curtailment of on-site generation, and reduce energy costs by up to 80 %, while maintaining or improving occupant comfort. We also show that MPC can effectively control large assets, such as MW-sized thermal storage systems, and respond to dynamic pricing signals. However, achieving scale remains difficult due to labor-intensive workflows, reliance on a “PhD-in-the-loop” for MPC design and maintenance, susceptibility to fragile data infrastructure, and persistent workforce education and acceptance barriers. To bridge this gap, we outline a transition from bespoke, labor intensive prototypes toward streamlined, segment-targeted deployment strategies that leverage model templates, semantic tools, and generative AI. By automating control configuration and reducing engineering effort, these recommendations provide a pathway for transforming successful research demonstrations into scalable, market ready solutions for MPC-based controls.

Pritoni, Marco↗
DOE OSTI2025

Effect of Entropic Constraints on the Thermodynamics of Molecular Adsorption in Nano‐Porous Materials

Abstract Gas separation is a critical industrial process that consumes a significant amount of energy due to the widely used techniques that are currently employed. Adsorptive materials—such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)—show promise as an energy‐efficient alternative. Of particular current interest are novel, temperature‐dependent separation processes in MOFs, such as the recently reported separation of ternary isomeric hydrocarbon mixtures within one and the same material. However, the mechanisms of these highly desirable separations remain poorly understood. Herein, through a combination of ab initio simulations and statistical mechanics, it is shown that the temperature dependence is the result of a constraint on the guest molecule's entropic degrees of freedom when loaded into the MOF, caused by the fortuitous tight fitting of the guest inside the pore. While the framework applies to all molecular adsorption in porous media, it is essential for the description of large molecules in small pores, which is demonstrated here using the separation of C6 isomers in Ca(H 2 tcpb) as a test case. The developed framework and analysis not only reveal the reason why separation occurs but also predict the temperatures at which it takes place, thus opening the door to newly designed MOFs with tailor‐made precision.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-voltage water-scarce hydrogel electrolytes enable mechanically safe stretchable Li-ion batteries

Soft Li-ion batteries, based on conventional organic electrolytes, face performance degradation challenges due to moisture penetration and safety concerns due to possible leakage of toxic fluorine compounds and flammable solvents under mechanical damage. We design a water-scarce hydrogel electrolyte with fluorine-free lithium salt to achieve wide electrochemical stability window (up to 3.11 volts) in ambient air without hermetic packaging while balancing high stretchability (1348%), ion conductivity (41 millisiemens per centimeter), and self-healing capabilities for mechanically and chemically safe stretchable Li-ion batteries. Molecular synergy between hydrophilicity and lithiophilicity of zwitterionic polymer backbone is revealed by molecular dynamics simulations. The battery exhibits capacity retention under harsh mechanical stresses—enduring stretching, twisting, folding, and multiple through-punctures by a needle—while self-healing from repeated through cuts by a razor blade. Stable ambient operation for 1 month over 500 charge-discharge cycles (average coulomb efficiency, 95%) is achieved. A prototype self-healing electronic system with embedded soft batteries demonstrates practical application as a durable embodied energy source.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2026

Reduced-order CFD modeling of cryogenic hydrogen isotope extrusion for pellet fueling

This study presents a reduced-order model (ROM) for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of cryogenic hydrogen isotope extrusions, focusing on protium (H₂) and deuterium (D₂) piston extruders. Using a 2D axisymmetric ROM in ANSYS-Polyflow, significant computational savings were achieved (runtime reduced from 9∼24 h to 3∼5 min), with extrusion force discrepancies between the 2D ROM and 3D models being on the order of 1%. Parametric studies identified optimal cutoff shear rates in the viscosity model (0.01/s for H₂ and 0.001/s for D₂), providing recommendations for future simulations. Finally, a comprehensive comparison of ROM results with experimental data was performed across varying geometries, cryogenic materials, temperatures, extrusion lengths, and piston velocities. Predictions at low extrusion temperatures met the objective of providing quick and efficient solutions with an acceptable extrusion force error of approximately 10% or less, validating the effectiveness of the 2D ROM approach. However, at high temperatures closer to the triple point, extrusion force error grows, which necessitates developing an improved model that accounts for temperature effects, e.g. melting. Nevertheless, the findings still represent a significant improvement in efficiency of CFD modeling of cryogenic hydrogenic extrusion. The ROM framework can also be extended to tritium (T2) and screw extruders, which will ultimately provide a fast and effective tool for optimizing pellet injector design for ITER and future reactor systems.

Fan, Joy [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000229751735)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Long-range magnetic order and relaxor ferroelectricity in a hexagonal high-entropy ferrite

Multiferroics that combine ferroelectricity and magnetic order are attractive for electronic and spintronic technologies, yet chemical disorder that promotes relaxor ferroelectricity usually suppresses long-range magnetic order. Here, we report entropy-stabilized relaxor multiferroicity in epitaxial hexagonal (Tb0.2Dy0.2Ho0.2Lu0.2Yb0.2)FeO3 thin films. Structural, magnetic, dielectric, and synchrotron spectroscopic measurements show the coexistence of relaxor ferroelectricity and long-range ferromagnetic order. We find that improper ferroelectricity remains robust against A-site configurational disorder, while the Fe sublattice preserves magnetic exchange. This separation of the microscopic origins of the polar and magnetic responses enables chemically disordered multiferroicity. Our results establish entropy engineering in hexagonal ferrites as a route toward multifunctional oxide thin films and provide a general design strategy for high-entropy multiferroics.

Miertschin, Duncan [Baylor University]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Decadal-Scale Hydrothermal Alteration of Basalt: Implications for Long-Term Reactivity in Subsurface Technologies

Global demands to secure critical mineral supply chains and managing water resources require innovative resource management strategies. Subsurface basalt reservoirs offer a dual-purpose application, where CO2 enhanced critical metal recovery can be coupled with water remediation strategies for the extraction of economically important and environmentally relevant elements. This study utilizes static batch experiments conducted on Columbia River Basalt Group samples to evaluate long-term fluid–rock interactions relevant to coupled subsurface applications. Samples were reacted under elevated temperature and pressure conditions, for 296 and 4,061 days, providing a unique dataset to assess geochemical evolution, element partitioning, and aqueous chemistry over decadal timescales. The alteration was dominated by silicate, aluminosilicate, and oxide phases. Progressive hydrothermal alteration increased the cation exchange capacity through the formation of secondary minerals (e.g. clays and zeolites), influencing solute retention, ion exchange behavior, and aqueous chemistry. Grain-scale and bulk analyses revealed selective cation release and retention patterns, establishing a mechanistic baseline for predicting element mobility. These geochemical constraints inform the prospective use of CO2-enhanced metal recovery for critical resources (e.g. Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Ti, Fe) and associated water-quality impacts, providing a foundation for the design and management of engineered fluid–rock systems in basalt reservoirs.

Gibson, Marie N.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Formation of Bimetallic Nanoparticles via Exsolution Using a Reducible Metal Oxide Capping Layer

Bimetallic nanoparticles are promising catalysts that can improve performance in heterogeneous catalysis and solid-state electrochemistry. Exsolution is a useful method for forming such nanoparticles; however, it is limited by the elements present within the host oxide lattice. Here, in this work, we develop and demonstrate a strategy to form bimetallic particles from La 0.5 Sr 0.5 Ti 0.94 Ni 0.06 O 3 (LSTN) exsolution and using a reducible SnO 2 capping layer, expanding the range of elements available for bimetallic nanoparticle formation. Using this capping layer strategy, we formed nickel–tin (Ni 0 –Sn 0 ) bimetallic nanoparticles via exsolution. We used in situ near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to monitor surface chemical changes during exsolution, showing that first, SnO 2 volatilized. This SnO 2 loss exposed the perovskite surface of LSTN to reducing conditions, which induced Ni exsolution, and compounded with SnO 2 reduction led to the formation of bimetallic Ni 0 –Sn 0 particles. To evaluate the associated microstructural evolution, we measured grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), which confirmed the loss of the SnO 2 capping layer, and scattering simulations suggested the formation of bimetallic particles. We confirmed the bimetallic nanoparticle composition and morphology by Auger spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The resulting bimetallic nanoparticles were smaller and more thermally stable than the monometallic Ni counterparts on LSTN. This capping layer and exsolution approach allow synthesizing multimetallic nanoparticles and can be applied to other reducible metal oxides and perovskite hosts, broadening the compositional space for advanced catalytic materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Multitarget Rydberg gates via spatial blockade engineering

Multi-target gates offer the potential to reduce gate depth in syndrome extraction for quantum error correction. Although neutral-atom quantum computers have demonstrated native multi-qubit gates, existing approaches that avoid additional control or multiple atomic species have been limited to single-target gates. We propose single-control-multi-target CZ^n gates on a single-species neutral-atom platform that require no extra control and have gate durations comparable to standard CZ gates. Our approach leverages tailored interatomic distances to create an asymmetric blockade between the control and target atoms. Using a GPU-accelerated pulse synthesis protocol, we design smooth control pulses for CZZ and CZZZ gates, achieving fidelities of up to 99.55% and $99.24\%$, respectively, even in the presence of simulated atom placement errors and Rydberg-state decay. Our approach is most effective for N=2 (CZZ) and N=3 targets (CZZZ); for larger N, increasing spatial crowding of the targets introduces significant challenges for maintaining the required blockade asymmetry. This work presents a practical path to implementing low-overhead multi-target gates in single-species neutral-atom systems, significantly reducing the resource overhead for syndrome extraction. To motivate the impact of these gates, we apply a greedy scheduling algorithm and we demonstrate that our proposed gates can reduce the number of atom reconfiguration costs by up to 50% for color code syndrome extraction of code distances greater than 5.

Stein, Samuel A.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Revealing the Hidden Third Dimension of Point Defects in Two-Dimensional MXenes

Point defects govern many important functional properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. However, resolving the three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of these defects in multi-layer 2D materials remains a fundamental challenge, hindering rational defect engineering. Here, we overcome this limitation using an artificial intelligence-guided electron microscopy workflow to map the 3D topology and clustering of atomic vacancies in Ti3C2TX MXene. Our approach reconstructs the 3D coordinates of vacancies across hundreds of thousands of lattice sites, generating robust statistical insight into their distribution that can be correlated with specific synthesis pathways. This large-scale data enables us to classify a hierarchy of defect structures-from isolated vacancies to nanopores-revealing their preferred formation and interaction mechanisms, as corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations. This work provides a generalizable framework for understanding and ultimately controlling point defects across large volumes, paving the way for the rational design of defect-engineered functional 2D materials.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2026

DNA Crystals as a Template for Patterned Functional Materials

DNA nanotechnology offers a wide toolkit of molecular functionalities and scales, including intricate motifs less than 10 nm and periodic structures exceeding 100 µm. At larger scales, however, there are often significant tradeoffs for DNA structures, namely stability and mechanical strength. This work describes the design, synthesis, and characterization of a functionalized DNA crystal. Using a ligated DNA crystal grants significant freedom for various functional materials to be applied, in this case, semiconducting cadmium sulfide and palladium metal. Properties investigated in this study include stability, mechanical strength, and optoelectronic properties such as photoluminescence (PL) and electric conductivity. Significant changes are observed based on the functional material applied to DNA crystals. The Young's modulus of the crystal varies by about five orders of magnitude when functionalized with palladium. PL and semiconductive behaviors were observed when cadmium sulfide was attached. These crystals represent an expansion of the capabilities of DNA structures at these length scales, and additionally a platform for future studies exchanging the materials or altering the ligation scheme.

CdS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Correlated Ion Transport Governed by Dynamic Local Structure in High Concentration and Localized High Concentration Electrolytes

Understanding the dynamics of cluster formation and network percolation provides the mechanistic link between microscopic solvation structure and transport in concentrated electrolytes, including localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs). Although recent studies have shown LHCEs to form micelle-like aggregates at specific compositions, a quantitative understanding of how solvation structures and transport properties depend on salt–solvent–diluent ratios remains limited. Here, we integrate molecular dynamics with Onsager transport analyses to chart the evolution of solvation microstructure and associated ionic transport in LiFSI/DMC/TTE, achieving good agreement with experimental conductivities across composition. We show that micelle formation arises from a dynamic instability of the cation–anion network, and that network percolation is the primary determinant of conductivity. Two compositional thresholds emerge: A critical network concentration (CNC) and a critical micelle concentration (CMC) that delineate transitions from extended percolating networks to micelle-like clusters and then to fragments. These structural transitions rationalize the nonintuitive conductivity decrease at intermediate dilution despite monotonically decreasing viscosity and provide composition-level design rules for LHCEs.

Mohanakrishnan, Rohith Srinivaas [University of Ca↗