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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Nanoscale elemental and morphological imaging of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria

Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria bind atmospheric nitrogen and carbon dioxide using sunlight. This experimental study focused on a laboratory-based model system, Anabaena sp., in nitrogen-depleted culture. When combined nitrogen is scarce, the filamentous prokaryotes reconcile photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation by cellular differentiation into heterocysts. To better understand the influence of micronutrients on cellular function, 2D and 3D synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mappings were acquired from whole biological cells in their frozen-hydrated state at the Bionanoprobe, Advanced Photon Source. To study elemental homeostasis within these chain-like organisms, biologically relevant elements were mapped using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Higher levels of cytosolic K + , Ca 2+ , and Fe 2+ were measured in the heterocyst than in adjacent vegetative cells, supporting the notion of elevated micronutrient demand. P-rich clusters, identified as polyphosphate bodies involved in nutrient storage, metal detoxification, and osmotic regulation, were consistently co-localized with K + and occasionally sequestered Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Fe 2+ , and Mn 2+ ions. Machine-learning-based k-mean clustering revealed that P/K clusters were associated with either Fe or Ca, with Fe and Ca clusters also occurring individually. In accordance with XRF nanotomography, distinct P/K-containing clusters close to the cellular envelope were surrounded by larger Ca-rich clusters. The transition metal Fe, which is a part of nitrogenase enzyme, was detected as irregularly shaped clusters. The elemental composition and cellular morphology of diazotrophic Anabaena sp. was visualized by multimodal imaging using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. This paper discusses the first experimental results obtained with a combined in-line optical and X-ray fluorescence microscope at the Bionanoprobe.

Anabaena sp↗
DOE OSTI2018

Aging Hanford Nuclear Waste Using Carbon Dioxide to Evaluate Corrosion at Lower pH Limits - 18467

Samples of Hanford Nuclear Reservation (HNR) tank waste and simulated Hanford tank waste were exposed to carbon dioxide gas (CO{sub 2}) in the laboratory in order to decrease the pH of the solution. Sodium hydroxide is required to be added to some tanks according to waste handling specifications to keep tanks protected from pitting corrosion, but the maximum-allowed volume in some tanks is currently approaching capacity. Decreasing the pH of tank solutions using CO{sub 2} gas mimics the environmental exposure chemistry, does not add sodium, and allows for testing on solutions currently categorized as out-of-specification according to technical waste handling documents. Legacy alloy A537 Class 1 carbon steel was used to construct the AN tanks on the HNR and was utilized for this testing. The planned testing of three solutions included a simulant for feasibility and a waste solution from Tank 241-AN-102 (AN-102), taken in 2013, which was run in duplicate. The solutions were evaluated for corrosion potential using cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP) scans to determine the propensity for stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion. Results in all solutions showed that pitting potential was low when the pH was above 11 and temperatures were below 40 deg. C. As solution pHs dipped into the 10- 10.5 range, there were mixed results. CPP scans were initially run at the higher temperature of 50 deg. C, accelerating corrosion rates. Solution pHs that did not indicate corrosion were further exposed to CO{sub 2}. Solutions with mixed or positive pitting results were rerun at 40 deg. C. The first failed run on the tank solution was seen when testing the duplicate sample at 50 deg. C and a pH of 13.01. When this solution was retested at 40 deg. C, the CPP scan did not show corrosion. A mixed corrosion result was obtained from a scan run at the final pH of 10 when tested at 50 deg. C. Upon completion of testing a visual inspection of the coupon did not show corrosion products on its surface. These results provide assurance that tanks containing slightly reduced pHs are still protected from pitting corrosion. Tank integrity assurance at a lower pH limit in Tank AN-102 could slow sodium addition and the rising volume of hazardous waste. Other benefits of reducing the pH specification would be reduced costs associated with retrieving and storing smaller volumes of hazardous waste, a reduced number of radiation exposure events (required for pH modification of tank waste), and a potential for a decreased volume required to be immobilized for long-term storage in a vitrified (glass) phase. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Probing ternary solvent effect in high V oc polymer solar cells using advanced AFM techniques

This work describes a simple method to develop a high V oc low band gap PSCs. In addition, two new atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanoscale characterization techniques to study the surface morphology and physical properties of the structured active layer are introduced. With the help of ternary solvent processing of the active layer and C 60 buffer layer, a bulk heterojunction PSC with V oc more than 0.9 V and conversion efficiency 7.5% is developed. In order to understand the fundamental properties of the materials ruling the performance of the PSCs tested, AFM-based nanoscale characterization techniques including Pulsed-Force-Mode AFM (PFM-AFM) and Mode-Synthesizing AFM (MSAFM) are introduced. Interestingly, MSAFM exhibits high sensitivity for direct visualization of the donor–acceptor phases in the active layer of the PSCs. Lastly, conductive-AFM (cAFM) studies reveal local variations in conductivity in the donor and acceptor phases as well as a significant increase in photocurrent in the PTB7:ICBA sample obtained with the ternary solvent processing.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Probabilistic Deliverability Assessment of Distributed Energy Resources via Scenario-Based AC Optimal Power Flow

As electric grids decarbonize and distributed energy resources (DERs) become increasingly prevalent, interconnection assessments must evolve to reflect operational variability and control flexibility. This paper highlights key modeling limitations observed in practice and reviews approaches for modeling uncertainty. It then introduces a Probabilistic Deliverability Assessment (PDA) framework designed to complement and extend existing procedures. The framework integrates scenario-based AC optimal power flow (AC OPF), corrective dispatch, and optional multi-temporal constraints. Together, these form a structured methodology for quantifying DER utilization, deliverability, and reliability under uncertainty in load, generation, and topology. Outputs include interpretable metrics with confidence intervals that inform siting decisions and evaluate compliance with reliability thresholds across sampled operating conditions. A case study on Puerto Rico’s publicly available bulk power system model demonstrates the framework’s application using minimal input data, consistent with current interconnection practice. Across staged fossil generation retirements, the PDA identifies high-value DER sites and regions requiring additional reactive power support. Results are presented through mean dispatch signals, reliability metrics, and geospatial visualizations, demonstrating how the framework provides transparent, data-driven siting recommendations. The framework’s modular design supports incremental adoption within existing workflows, encouraging broader use of AC OPF in interconnection and planning contexts.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Three-dimensional structure of brain tissue at submicrometer resolution

Biological objects are composed of submicrometer structures such as cells and organelles that are essential for their functions. Here, we report on three-dimensional X-ray visualization of cells and organelles at resolutions up to 100 nm by imaging microtomography (micro-CT) equipped with Fresnel zone plate optics. Human cerebral tissue, fruit fly cephalic ganglia, and Escherichia coli bacteria labeled with high atomic-number elements were embedded in epoxy resin and subjected to X-ray microtomography at the BL37XU and BL47XU beamlines of the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation facility. The obtained results indicated that soft tissue structures can be visualized with the imaging microtomography.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗
DOE OSTI2020

The early-stage growth and reversibility of Li electrodeposition in Br-rich electrolytes

Significance Spatial variations in chemical composition and transport properties of the material phases (interphases) formed on reactive metals in liquid electrolytes are thought to be responsible for the propensity of metal battery electrodes to electrodeposit in irregular, nonplanar morphologies. Equilibrium theoretical calculations using joint density functional analysis in vacuum and generic liquid media indicate that in-plane transport at such interphases is enhanced substantially if LiX (X = Br > Cl > F) species predominate. This study employs optical visualization experiments and nucleation theory to experimentally investigate nucleation and early-stage growth dynamics of metallic lithium in electrolytes enriched with LiBr. It is shown that the Li-Br–rich interphases formed profoundly alter the morphology of Li electrodeposits by enhancing Li-ion surface diffusion.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography for Structural Analysis of All-Solid-State Battery at Pouch Cell Level

Characterizing the microstructure of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) during fabrication and operation is vital for their advancement, particularly as scaling to pouch cell levels introduces challenges in probing large-scale microstructural evolution. This work highlights the potential of synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (sXCT) as a nondestructive, rapid (<30 min), and high-resolution technique for visualizing and quantifying key microstructural features, including overhang, porosity, contact loss, active surface area, and tortuosity, in all-solid-state pouch cells. The large field of view (up to millimeters) of sXCT enables detailed analysis at an industry-relevant scale, bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial applications. Furthermore, integrating realistic sXCT-derived 3D models into multiphysics simulations could provide insights into chemo-mechanical degradation, particularly at the edges of the pouch cells, offering a pathway for designing robust, high-performance ASSBs. This perspective establishes sXCT as an indispensable tool for advancing both the understanding and the engineering of next-generation energy storage systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Pore-scale investigation on stress-dependent characteristics of granular packs and the impact of pore deformation on fluid distribution

Understanding the effect of changing stress conditions on multiphase flow in porous media is of fundamental importance for many subsurface activities including enhanced oil recovery, water drawdown from aquifers, soil confinement, and geologic carbon storage. Geomechanical properties of complex porous systems are dynamically linked to flow conditions, but their feedback relationship is often oversimplified due to the difficulty of representing pore-scale stress deformation and multiphase flow characteristics in high fidelity. In this work, we performed pore-scale experiments of single- and multiphase flow through bead packs at different confining pressure conditions to elucidate compaction-dependent characteristics of granular packs and their impact on fluid flow. A series of drainage and imbibition cycles were conducted on a water-wet, soda-lime glass bead pack under varying confining stress conditions. Simultaneously, X-ray micro-CT was used to visualize and quantify the degree of deformation and fluid distribution corresponding with each stress condition and injection cycle. Micro-CT images were segmented using a gradient-based method to identify fluids (e.g., oil and water), and solid phase redistribution throughout the different experimental stages. Changes in porosity, tortuosity, and specific surface area were quantified as a function of applied confining pressure. Results demonstrate varying degrees of sensitivity of these properties to confining pressure, which suggests that caution must be taken when considering scalability of these properties for practical modeling purposes. Changes in capillary number with confining pressure are attributed to the increase in pore velocity as a result of pore contraction. Furthermore, this increase in pore velocity was found to have a marginal impact on average phase trapping at different confining pressures.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Land-Based Wind Market Report: 2022 Edition

The U.S. Department of Energy's 2022 edition of its Land-Based Wind Market Report provides an overview of key trends in the U.S. wind power market, with a focus on 2021. You can find a report, data file and presentation on the Files tab, below. Additionally, several data visualizations are available on the Visualizations tab. Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, wind energy in 2021 continued to see strong growth, technology improvements, and low prices in the U.S. Key highlights include: Wind comprises a growing share of electricity supply: U.S. wind power capacity grew at a strong pace in 2021, with the 13.4 GW of new additions representing a $\$20$ billion investment and 32% of all newly added U.S. generation capacity. Wind energy output rose to account for more than 9% of the entire nation’s electricity supply. At least 247 GW of wind are seeking transmission interconnection; 77 GW of this capacity are offshore wind and 19 GW are hybrid plants that pair wind with storage or solar PV. Wind project performance has increased over the decades: The average capacity factor among recently built projects was nearly 40%, considerably higher than projects built earlier. The highest capacity factors are seen in the interior ‘wind belt’ of the country. Turbines continue to get larger: Improved plant performance has been driven by larger turbines mounted on taller towers and featuring longer blades. In 2011, no turbines employed blades that were 115 meters in diameter or larger, but in 2021, 89% of newly installed turbines featured such rotors. Proposed projects indicate that total turbine height will continue to rise. Low wind turbine pricing has pushed down installed project costs over the last decade: Wind turbine prices averaged $\$800$–$\$950$/kW in 2021, a 5% to 10% increase from the year prior but substantially lower than in 2010. The average installed cost of wind projects in 2021 was $\$1,500$/kW, down more than 40% since the peak in 2010, though relatively stable in recent years. The lowest costs were found in Texas and the (non-ISO) West. Wind energy prices are on the rise, but generally remain low, around $\$20$/MWh in the interior of the country with higher prices in the West and East. After topping out above $\$75$/MWh for power purchase agreements (PPAs) executed in 2009, the national average price of wind PPAs has dropped—though supply-chain pressures have resulted in increased prices in recent years. In the interior ‘wind belt’ of the country, recent pricing is around $\$20$/MWh. In the West and East, prices tend to average above $\$30$/MWh. These prices, which are possible in part due to federal tax support, fall below the projected future fuel costs of gas-fired generation. Wind PPA prices are often attractive compared to wind’s grid-system market value: The value of wind in wholesale power markets is affected by the location of wind plants, their hourly output profiles, and how those characteristics correlate with real-time electricity prices and capacity markets. The market value of wind increased in 2021, averaging $\$16$/MWh in MISO, $\$19$/MWh in SPP, $\$23$/MWh in NYISO, $\$31$/MWh in ERCOT, $\$33$/MWh in PJM, $\$44$/MWh in ISO-NE, and $\$48$/MWh in CAISO. The average levelized cost of wind energy was $\$32$/MWh for plants built in 2021: Levelized costs, which exclude the impacts of federal tax incentives, vary across time and geography. The national average stood at $\$32$/MWh in 2021—down substantially historically, though relatively stable in recent years. Levelized costs were lowest in ERCOT, SPP, and the (non-ISO) West. The health and climate benefits of wind in 2021 were larger than its grid-system value, and the combination of all three far exceeds the current levelized cost of wind: Wind generation reduces power-sector emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. These reductions, in turn, provide public health and climate benefits that vary regionally, but together are economically valued at an average of over $\$90$/MWh-wind for plants built in 2021.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Exploring MDSplus data-acquisition software and custom devices

MDSplus is a software tool designed for data acquisition, storage, and analysis of complex scientific experiments. Over the years, MDSplus has primarily been used for data management for fusion experiments. This paper demonstrates that MDSplus can be used for a much wider variety of systems and experiments. We present a step-by-step tutorial describing how to create a simple experiment, manage the data, and analyze it using MDSplus and Python. To this end, a custom example device was developed to be used as the data source. This device was built on an opensource electronic hardware platform, and it consists of a microcontroller and two sensors. We read data from these sensors, store it in MDSplus, and use JupyterLab to visualize and process it. This project and code demo are available on the GitHub site at this URL: https://github.com/santorofer/MDSplusAndCustomeDevices

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Operando X-Ray Tomography Imaging of Solid-State Electrolyte Response to Li Evolution under Realistic Operating Conditions

Solid-state Li-ion conductors are a next-generation battery technology that are particularly promising for electric vehicles, offering the capacitive benefits of Li metal anodes with nonflammable electrolytes. Microstructural evolution in these solid-state batteries, especially the Li anode, requires deeper understanding of the conditions under which certain undesired behaviors are more likely to occur. This study utilizes operando X-ray computed tomography to visualize the behavior of lithium in response to device operation, considering variables that are relevant to a realistic battery: stack pressure, microscale defects such as pores, and temperature. This work demonstrates that experimental and operational conditions, especially temperature, affect the fundamental driving forces of realistic solid electrolyte systems and provides visual insight into possible mechanisms of Li migration. In particular, the effect of these variables on Li propagation from the anode through pre-existing defects and Li nucleation within the imperfectly electron-insulating electrolyte is highlighted.

battery↗
DOE OSTI2019

Crack Growth Rate and Large Plate Demonstration of Chloride-induced Stress Corrosion Cracking in Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Canisters

This report describes the body of work involving testing and analyses performed in FY18 and FY19 at the Savannah River National Laboratory and at Korea University to determine chloride-induced stress corrosion crack (CISCC) growth rates in weldments of austenitic stainless steel plate material. The primary work involved: several separate crack growth rate test campaigns with new testing setups using laboratory-scale corrosion specimens; analyses to estimate the stress intensity factors for flaws postulated to be present in the residual stress fields of axial and circumferential weldments in a prototypic dry storage canister; and establishment of a “large plate” (approximately 51×46 cm with thickness 16 mm and weight about 30 kg) CISCC test that uses a plate with a circumferential weldment harvested from the Sandia National Laboratories’ full-size mockup dry storage canister. The tests for crack growth rate were conducted on ASTM E1861 bolt-load compact tension specimens in a setup designed to allow initially dried salt deposits to deliquesce and infuse the brine to the crack front under conditions relevant to the canister storage environments (e.g., temperature and humidity). The crack growth rate test results matched previous experimental data in the open literature. These literature data had been compiled by SNL and EPRI to develop a temperature-dependent (K-insensitive) crack growth rate model to support flaw disposition in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Section XI Code Case N-860, “Examination Requirements and Acceptance Standards for Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage and Transportation Containment Systems.” The knowledge of the salt, temperature, humidity conditions for CISCC including the threshold stress intensity factor, $K_{ISCC}$, were used to setup the large plate test in which a set of partthrough- wall and through-wall electrical discharge machined (EDM) defects were positioned in the weld residual stress field of the welded plate material from the mockup canister. A salt solution was applied to this plate specimen with an air-brush spray, then dried, and then exposed to a constant 75% RH condition at an ambient room temperature of 22 °C. The salt loading and environmental condition is expected to be aggressive to cause CISCC. The visual results at the surface of the plate show corrosion product staining (brown rust appearance) but with no CISCC emanating from the machined notches after approximately 5 months exposure to date. The plate test will continue in FY20 and phased-array ultrasonic testing and other NDE techniques will be applied to identify and characterize CISCC that may emanate from the machined defects. The notches and any CISCC from them will be sectioned at the conclusion of the test to verify NDE characterization, and to develop effective through-wall crack growth rates from cracks that would likely be branched.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Multiscale Solar Water Heating (MSWH) v1.0

The main purpose of the software is to model energy use for individual and community scale solar water heating projects in California. Usage The user provides a climate zone for a project, an occupancy for each household and whether any of the occupants stay at home during the day. The software can then load a set of example California specific hourly domestic hot water end-use load profiles from a database, size and locate the systems. The user can now simulate the hourly system performance over a period of one representative year, visualize and explore the simulation results using time-series plots for temperature profiles, heat and power rates, or look at annual summaries. Similarly the user can model individual household solar water heating projects and base case conventional gas tank water heater systems, such that the results can be compared between the individual, community and base case systems. This functionality is readily available through a Jupyter notebook and a Django web framework, depending on what level of detail the user would like to access. Features - Python module to calculate solar irradiation on a tilted surface - Python module with simplified component models for Converter (solar collectors, electric resistance heater, gas burner, photovoltaic panels, heat pump), Storage (solar thermal tank, heat pump thermal tank, conventional gas tank water heater), and Distribution (distribution and solar pump, piping losses) components - Python module with preconfigured system simulation models for: base case gas tank water heaters, solar thermal water heaters (solar collector feeding a storage tank, with a tankeless gas water heater backup in a new installation cases and a base case gas tank water heater in a retrofit case) and solar electric water heaters (heat pump storage tank with an electric resistance backup) - Database with component performance parameters, California specific weather data and domestic hot water end-use load profiles - Django web framework to configure project, parametrize components and run simulation from a web browser The package contains functional and unit tests and it is structured so that it can be extended with further technologies, applications and locations.

Grahovac, Milica↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Integration and Mapping of an Open-Source National Well Resource to Inform Geologic Carbon Storage Site Selection and Risk Prevention: The CO2-Locate Database

Geologic carbon storage (GCS) offers a way to capture and permanently store CO₂ from fossil fuel operations in underground geologic structures, aiding in the transition to a carbon-neutral energy economy. However, CO₂ injection sites can experience gas leakage through existing wells that penetrate storage reservoirs, making knowledge of well locations and characteristics crucial for permitting, infrastructure reusability, and risk assessment in GCS. Currently, public wellbore data from state, federal, and tribal entities are inconsistent and fragmented, with gaps and redundancies. To address this, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) developed CO2-Locate, an open-source, geospatial database and online application. CO2-Locate integrates over 50 data sources from federal, state, and tribal entities, creating a standardized national well database. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the database is publicly available through the Energy Data eXchange (EDX) and viewable via the CO2-Locate web mapping application. This tool allows users to query, filter, and visualize well data to support GCS planning, permitting, and risk assessments. This presentation covers the methods used to create CO2-Locate, including data acquisition, processing, attribute mapping, and integration, much of which is automated for future updates. The web mapping application and its role in GCS site selection will also be discussed.

Tetteh, Daniel A.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Inspection and assessment of the H-Canyon ventilation system at the Savannah River Site - 15385

Innovative methods and unique equipment were required to perform the inspection of a large inaccessible sand filter tunnel in an aging facility. Among the singular methods utilized was a specialized robot that addressed the difficulties encountered while performing mandatory structural integrity inspections of the Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) H-Canyon Sand Filter Tunnel. There were many unanticipated hazards related to degraded conditions. Novel approaches and support equipment were used, including new measurement techniques, high-strength Kevlar{sup TM} cable, a boom-mounted camera, and a larger, more robust robot. With each evolution, additional analysis mandated requirements and considerations for future inspections. Because this was a visual inspection, many photos were taken to document the mission and lessons learned from the earlier incomplete robotic attempts to inspect these areas. Anyone working with aging facilities that have inaccessible structures, systems and components will find the technical process, with resulting solutions, useful. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

Characterization of Highly Active Cells in Preparation for Post Operational Clean Out at Sellafield - 18139

The Highly Active Liquor Evaporation and Storage (HALES) Plant at Sellafield receives highly active (HA) raffinate liquors from the Magnox and Thermal Oxide (THoRP) Reprocessing Plants. These liquors are concentrated through evaporation into Highly Active Liquor (HAL), conditioned and stored in HALES before immobilisation in glass in the Waste Vitrification Plant (WVP). Reprocessing operations at Sellafield are nearing completion and hence these liquor feeds will soon cease. Therefore, HALES is starting its planning and preparation phases for Post Operational Clean Out (POCO) and decommissioning. POCO is a transitional phase between operations and decommissioning and encompasses activities undertaken to remove residual inventory and activity from the facility. Key drivers for POCO include risk and hazard reduction and facilitating subsequent decommissioning activities (including potential surveillance and maintenance or care and maintenance regimes). Characterization is a critical enabler for development and implementation of effective POCO. In addition to the key drivers above characterization within HALES will be used to: - Define the start and end points of POCO (radiological condition, inventory sources and location, configuration, etc.); - Develop and technically underpin the wash out strategy (volumes, rates, reagent types, etc.; - Monitor the effectiveness of POCO activities (reduction in inventory/activity, points of diminishing return, confirmation of end points for POCO). There are a number of significant challenges that present to characterization of the HALES facilities. Perhaps the most significant of these is the radiological status of the facility. HALES is an HA facility meaning that the high dose rates limit not only the technology selection for characterization (i.e. those with a very high radiation tolerance) but also place constraints on the access and deployment for the selected technology. Additionally, parts of the facility are circa 60 years old which brings its own challenges such as poor quality construction drawings and limited operational knowledge. Finally, limited sampling capability and minimal data regarding historic operations has resulted in uncertainties that will need to be addressed in order to undertake POCO as efficiently and effectively as possible. The solution to this challenge requires a novel and innovative approach and an example of this is the technique which is described in this paper. This is a radiometric characterization technique which utilizes remotely deployed dosimetry to determine the activity distribution within the vessels of interest to POCO. The results to date have been extremely promising, and the ability to produce concise visual representation of these results has already begun to facilitate better informed discussions around the POCO of the facility. It is expected that in the future this technique will be applicable to other areas of Sellafield which face similar characterization challenges. This paper presents a summary of the development and implementation of the solution along with the results obtained so far. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2020

Exploring MDSplus data-acquisition software and custom devices

MDSplus is a software tool designed for data acquisition, storage, and analysis of complex scientific experiments. Over the years, MDSplus has primarily been used for data management for fusion experiments. This paper demonstrates that MDSplus can be used for a much wider variety of systems and experiments. We present a step-by-step tutorial describing how to create a simple experiment, manage the data, and analyze it using MDSplus and Python. To this end, a custom example device was developed to be used as the data source. This device was built on an open-source electronic hardware platform, and it consists of a microcontroller and two sensors. Finally, we read data from these sensors, store it in MDSplus, and use JupyterLab to visualize and process it.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Depth-Dependent Understanding of Cathode Electrolyte Interphase (CEI) on the Layered Li-Ion Cathodes Operated at Extreme High Temperature

The high-temperature operation of Li-ion batteries is highly dependent on the stability of the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) formed during lithiation-delithiation reactions. However, knowledge on the nature of the CEI is limited and its stability under extreme temperatures is not well understood. Therefore, herein, we investigate a proof-of-concept study on stabilizing CEI on model LiNi 0.33 Mn 0.33 Co 0.33 O 2 (NMC333) at extreme operation condition of 100 oC using thermally stable pyrrolidinium based ionic liquid electrolyte. The electrochemical lithiation-delithiation reactions at 100 oC and the CEI evolution upon different cycling conditions are investigated. Further, the depth-dependent CEI chemistry was investigated using energy tunable synchrotron-based hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). Overall, the results reveal that the high temperature operation accelerated the CEI formation compared to room temperature, and the surface of the interphase layer is rich in boron-based inorganic moieties than the deeper surface. Further, bulk sensitive X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to investigate the transition metal redox contributors during high temperature electrochemical reactions, similar to room temperature, the Ni2+/4+redox couple is the only charge compensating redox couple during high temperature operation. Finally, the physical nature of the conformal CEI on the cathode particles was visualized with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, which confirms that the significant degradation of cathode particles without conformal CEI is due to the transformation of layer to spinel formation at extreme temperature. In this study, understanding this high temperature interfacial chemistry of NMC cathodes through advanced spectroscopy and microscopy will shed light on transforming ambient temperature Li-ion chemistry to high temperature applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗