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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Seasonal buffering of atmospheric pressure on Mars

An isothermal reservoir of carbon dioxide in gaseous contact with the Martian atmosphere would reduce the amplitude and advance the phase of global atmospheric pressure fluctuations caused by seasonal growth and decline of polar CO2 frost caps. Adsorbed carbon dioxide in the upper roughly 10 m of Martian regolith is sufficient to buffer the present atmosphere on a seasonal basis. Available observations and related polar cap models do not confirm or refute the operation of such a mechanism. Implications for the amplitude and phase of seasonal pressure fluctuations are subject to direct test by the upcoming Viking mission to Mars.

Dzurisin, D.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Guanidine compounds for carbon dioxide capture

A method for removing carbon dioxide from a gaseous source, the method comprising: (i) contacting said gaseous source with an aqueous solution of a carbon dioxide sorbent that reacts with carbon dioxide to form an aqueous-soluble carbonate or bicarbonate salt of said carbon dioxide sorbent; (ii) contacting the aqueous solution from step (i) with a bis-iminoguanidine carbon dioxide complexing compound, which is different from the carbon dioxide sorbent, to result in precipitation of a carbonate or bicarbonate salt of said carbon dioxide complexing compound and regeneration of the carbon dioxide sorbent; and (iii) removing the precipitated carbonate or bicarbonate salt from the aqueous solution in step (ii) to result in a solid form of said carbonate or bicarbonate salt of the carbon dioxide complexing compound. The method may further include a step (iv) of regenerating the carbon dioxide complexing compound by subjecting the precipitated salt to sufficient heat and/or vacuum.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advances in Carbon Electrode Integration for Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules

Carbon-electrode-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have emerged as a cost-effective and scalable alternative to noble-metal-based PSCs, addressing critical challenges related to device stability, fabrication complexity, and commercialization potential. This review explores the recent progress in C-PSC development, focusing on the benefits of carbon electrodes (CEs), including their hydrophobicity, chemical inertness to halide corrosion, and compatibility with low-temperature cost-effective solution-based deposition methods. Despite relatively lower power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) than their metal (e.g., Au/Ag) counterparts, recent advances in carbon paste formulation, interfacial contact engineering, and work function modification have elevated C-PSC efficiencies above 22%. This review further examines strategies to enhance electrode conductivity, interfacial properties, and charge selectivity to further increase C-PSC performance. Progress in carbon-electrode-based perovskite solar modules (C-PSMs), particularly within mesoporous and planar architectures, is also analyzed, revealing significant developments in active area scaling and long-term stability. Notably, the limited research in inverted (PIN) C-PSCs is also highlighted as a compelling opportunity for innovation, given the architecture's inherent advantages in flexibility, tandem integration, and low-temperature processing. Collectively, these insights affirm the potential of C-PSCs and C-PSMs to deliver affordable, stable, and high-performance photovoltaics suitable for scalable deployment.

Carbon Electrodes↗
DOE OSTI2025

Modular Processing of Flare Gas for Carbon Nanoproducts

This project demonstrated the technical viability and economic promise of a modular system for converting flared natural gas into valuable carbon nanoproducts (CNPs) through catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD). All major project milestones were successfully completed, including reactor design and commissioning, catalyst development, process optimization, technoeconomic analysis, and application testing in concrete systems. The overarching goal was to create a scalable, field-deployable process that valorizes stranded methane by producing high-value carbon materials for use in cementitious composites. At the lab scale, the team designed and built a fluidized bed reactor optimized for use with silica fume-supported nickel catalysts synthesized via atomic layer deposition (ALD). A statistically designed sintering study enabled precise tuning of nickel nanoparticle size, identifying the influence of oxygen partial pressure, time, and temperature on catalyst morphology and performance. These insights allowed the team to target catalyst conditions that maximize carbon nanofilament growth. Subsequent CVD experiments achieved up to 31.8 wt% carbon deposition under optimized conditions, with TEM confirming the presence of nanofilament structures and sustained hydrogen evolution during reaction. Reactor upgrades and empirical fluidization studies supported the development of reliable, repeatable experimental protocols. The modular pilot-scale skid reactor was fully constructed, instrumented, and commissioned. Capable of operating at 675–800°C and pressures up to 290 psig, the system was designed for continuous operation at a carbon production rate of 1 kg/hr. Initial demonstration runs confirmed solids handling, thermal control, and system leak-tightness, although a critical reactor component (the downfeed tube) was inadvertently omitted during final assembly. This omission limited gas–solid contact and prevented meaningful carbon deposition during pilot-scale CVD runs. Nonetheless, the system operated safely under design conditions, and the root cause of performance limitations was clearly identified. Complementary work on UHPC formulations demonstrated that small additions of carbon nanoproducts, including those derived from flare gas, can significantly enhance mechanical performance while preserving workability. A comprehensive study of CNF dispersion techniques and mix design optimization led to a clear protocol for integrating these nanomaterials into concrete. Incorporation of CNPs improved flexural toughness and reduced porosity, supporting their use in high-performance infrastructure applications. A technoeconomic analysis (TEA) confirmed that this process can produce CNP-loaded catalyst material at a levelized cost below $\$$7/kg across a range of catalyst loadings and reaction yields. With estimated market values for the carbon composite product ranging from $\$$14 to over $\$$60/kg, and the ability to blend CNPs into concrete at sub-percent levels with less than 10% added cost, the system presents a compelling economic case. While additional engineering work is needed to optimize fluidization and heat transfer at scale, this project establishes a strong foundation for commercial development. The process is not only technically sound but also economically promising, representing a viable pathway for flare gas mitigation through modular carbon nanomaterial production.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Enhanced electro-osmosis in propylene carbonate salt solutions

Properties of solid–liquid interfaces and surface charge characteristics mediate ionic and molecular transport through porous systems, affecting many processes such as separations. Herein, we report experiments designed to probe the electrochemical properties of solid–liquid interfaces using a model system of a single polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pore in contact with aqueous and propylene carbonate solutions of LiClO 4 . First, the existence and polarity of surface charges were inferred from current–voltage curves recorded when a pore was placed in contact with a LiClO4 concentration gradient. Second, the electro-osmotic transport of uncharged polystyrene particles through the PET pore provided information on the polarity and the magnitude of the pore walls’ zeta potential. Our experiments show that the PET pores become effectively positively charged when in contact with LiClO 4 solutions in propylene carbonate, even though in aqueous LiClO 4 , the same pores are negatively charged. Additionally, the electro-osmotic velocity of the particles revealed a significantly higher magnitude of the positive zeta potential of the pores in propylene carbonate compared to the magnitude of the negative zeta potential in water. The presented methods of probing the properties of solid–liquid interfaces are expected to be applicable to a wide variety of solid and liquid systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1990

Studies of mechano-chemical interactions in the tribological behavior of materials

Mechano-chemical interaction studies can contribute to the understanding of wear and friction of materials. Specific examples of experimental results relative to the subject are discussed. There are two parts: one describes the synergistic effect of corrosion and wear of iron sliding on sapphire in sulfuric acid, and the other describes the effect of surface films on the wear and friction of plasma-deposited diamondlike carbon (amorphous hydrogenated carbon) films in sliding contact with silicon nitride. The concentration of acid (pH) is an important factor in controlling the iron loss caused by wear-corrosion processes in sulfuric acid. The mechanical action can cause chemical reactions to proceed much faster than they would otherwise. The diamondlike carbon (DLC) films are shown to behave tribologically much like bulk diamond. In a dry nitrogen environment, a mechano-chemical reaction produces a substance which greatly decreases the coefficient of friction. In a moist air environment, mechano-chemical interactions drastically reduce the wear life of DLC films and water vapor greatly increases friction.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗
NASA NTRS1990

Studies of mechanochemical interactions in the tribological behavior of materials

Mechanochemical interaction studies can contribute to the understanding of wear and friction of materials. Specific examples of experimental results relative to the subject are discussed. There are two parts: one describes the synergistic effect of corrosion and wear of iron sliding on sapphire in sulfuric acid, and the other describes the effect of surface films on the wear and friction of plasma-deposited diamondlike carbon (amorphous hydrogenated carbon) films in sliding contact with silicon nitride. The concentration of acid (pH) is an important factor in controlling the iron loss caused by wear-corrosion processes in sulfuric acid. The mechanical action can cause chemical reactions to proceed much faster than they would otherwise. The diamondlike carbon (DLC) films are shown to behave tribologically much like bulk diamond. In a dry nitrogen environment, a mechanochemical reaction produces a substance which greatly decreases the coefficient of friction. In a moist air environment, mechanochemical interactions drastically reduce the wear life of DLC films and water vapor greatly increases friction.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗
NASA NTRS2007

Wear Behavior of Low-Cost, Lightweight TiC/Ti-6Al-4V Composite Under Fretting: Effectiveness of Solid-Film Lubricant Counterparts

The wear behavior of low-cost, lightweight 10-wt% TiC-particulate-reinforced Ti-6Al-4V matrix composite (TiC/Ti- 6Al-4V) was examined under fretting at 296, 423, and 523 K in air. Bare 10-wt% TiC/Ti-6Al-4V hemispherical pins were used in contact with dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), magnetron-sputtered diamondlike carbon/chromium (DLC/Cr), magnetron-sputtered graphite-like carbon/chromium (GLC/Cr), and magnetron-sputtered molybdenum disulphide/titanium (MoS2/Ti) deposited on Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb, and nickel-based superalloy 718. When TiC/Ti-6Al-4V was brought into contact with bare Ti-6Al-4V, bare Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb, and bare nickel-based superalloy 718, strong adhesion, severe galling, and severe wear occurred. However, when TiC/Ti-6Al-4V was brought into contact with MWNT, DLC/Cr, GLC/Cr, and MoS2/Ti coatings, no galling occurred in the contact, and relatively minor wear was observed regardless of the coating. All the solid-film lubricants were effective from 296 to 523 K, but the effectiveness of the MWNT, DLC/Cr, GLC/Cr, and MoS2/Ti coatings decreased as temperature increased.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗
DOE OSTI2020

Nanometal-Interconnected Carbon Conductors (NICCS) for Advanced Electric Machines (RIT Final Technical Report)

Recent advancements in carbon nanotube (CNT) research have enabled lightweight, conductive wires as a transformative technology. Metal-carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid conductors aim to combine the high conductivity of traditional metals with the low mass and temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of carbon nanotubes. The high conductivity of copper makes it a promising candidate to combine with CNTs in a hybrid structure, but there is limited physical and electrical interaction between copper and CNTs. The use of an interfacial layer offers one method of improving the interconnection of a Cu-CNT hybrid conductor. Over the course of this grant, a joule heating-driven chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique was developed to deposit nanometal seeds throughout a porous, low-density (0.12 g/cm 3 , ~10 tex or mg/m) CNT roving template. Modification of the applied current to the CNT roving allows for the tuning of depositions towards either hot-spot site-specificity or overall uniformity. The effects of temperature, pressure, precursor mass, and the interval of applied current were investigated, demonstrating nanometal depositions ranging from less than 5 % w/w to over 85 % w/w. The versatility of CVD allows for a wide variety of metals to be deposited including copper, titanium, nickel, silver, tungsten, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium. One preferred demonstration involved using platinum depositions to improve the electrical properties of metal-seeded CNTs across all mass loadings studied. Moreover, when the metal-seeded CNT wires were electroplated with copper, densified, and annealed under hydrogen/argon; the result was a Cu-CNT hybrid conductor with the highest conductivities reported to date. The good interconnection of the metal and CNT portions results in a stable conductor. An electrical conductivity of 16-20 MS/m was achieved for multiple Cu-CNT hybrid conductors at 150 °C, which exceeds the program goal for conductivity of greater than 15 MS/m for a 1 m long CNT wire. Overall, the research outcomes from the project showed improvements in CNT wire fabrication from roll-to-roll CVD grown carbon nanotube wires using nanometal interconnects to bridge CNT-to-CNT junctions, thus mitigating network contact resistances. Advanced nanometal interconnected carbon conductors (NICCs) were developed as a means to achieve novel light-weight wiring appropriate for applications that require the conductivity of metallic (i.e., Cu, Al, etc.) wires at elevated temperatures. High conductivity, low TCR electrical conductors such as the nanometal interconnected Cu-CNT hybrids have numerous future applications towards high efficiency motors, generators, and transformers. Specifically, the advanced wires have the ability to operate at lower resistance during conditions for standard electric motors at 150 °C, which would improve the electrical efficiency while lowering energy needs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Adjusting the pH of a pretreatment solution using carbon dioxide useful for integrating saccharification and fermentation

The present invention provides for a method of fermenting or saccharifying a biomass comprising: (a) (i) contacting a biomass comprising a polysaccharide, and an ionic liquid (IL) to form a first solution, or (ii) providing the first solution comprising the biomass and the IL, (b) contacting the first solution and carbon dioxide such that the first solution results in a lower pH, (c) introducing (i) an enzyme capable of enzymatically to breakdown at least one bond in the polysaccharide or a breakdown product of the polysaccharide, and/or (ii) a microorganism that capable of producing the enzyme and/or fermenting the polysaccharide or a breakdown product of the polysaccharide, such that the polysaccharide is at least partially broken down and the first solution is transformed into a second solution.

Sun, Jian↗
DOE OSTI2024

Method of adjusting the pH of a pretreatment solution using carbon dioxide useful for integrating saccharification and fermentation of a biomass

The present invention provides for a method of fermenting or saccharifying a biomass comprising: (a) (i) contacting a biomass comprising a polysaccharide, and an ionic liquid (IL) to form a first solution, or (ii) providing the first solution comprising the biomass and the IL, (b) contacting the first solution and carbon dioxide such that the first solution results in a lower pH, (c) introducing (i) an enzyme capable of enzymatically to breakdown at least one bond in the polysaccharide or a breakdown product of the polysaccharide, and/or (ii) a microorganism that capable of producing the enzyme and/or fermenting the polysaccharide or a breakdown product of the polysaccharide, such that the polysaccharide is at least partially broken down and the first solution is transformed into a second solution.

Sun, Jian↗
DOE OSTI2020

Oxy-fuel combustion and power generation system

Integration of an oxyfuel combustion boiler at elevated pressures and a heat exchanger is achieved to produce carbon dioxide by feeding flue gas comprising carbon dioxide and water from the oxyfuel combustion boiler to a direct contact cooler column wherein water is condensed at a temperature of 0 to 10° C. lower than its dew point; feeding a portion of the condensed water from the direct contact cooler column to the oxyfuel combustion boiler; feeding a portion of the carbon dioxide from the direct contact cooler column to the oxyfuel combustion boiler; and recovering a portion of the carbon dioxide from the direct contact cooler column.

Alekseev, Alexander↗
DOE OSTI2021

Poly(ether‐block‐amide) membrane with deformability and adjustable surface hydrophilicity for water purification

Abstract Freshwater resources are currently insufficient, and another form of freshwater resources, namely, ice, is very interesting except for the issue of how to use new materials for effective purification during the processing procedure. In this article, a new membrane material with multisize pore structure in the cross‐section and intact thin skin layer on the upper and lower surfaces was successfully prepared by adding porogen, filler and setting heating environment during the phase separation process. The membrane exhibits excellent axial deformability, and its elongation at break can reach to 160% strain. Meanwhile, they all show elastic deformation behavior in the range from −60 to 100°C. Even if high content of hydrophobic filler is compounded into these membranes, that is, 5.7 wt% carbon tube content, water contact angle of membrane's surface is only 72.5°, demonstrating obvious hydrophilicity. In addition, in the water purification process, the adsorption rate constant reached ideal value of 0.26 s −1 , and the equilibrium adsorption capacity was about 2.8 g/g, showing fast and efficient water purification ability. In the mode of external heating source or the membrane's heat dissipation, these prepared membranes can melt the ice to obtain purified water and exhibit a controllable purification ability in this process.

Ge, Chengbiao↗
NASA NTRS1992

Environmental effects on friction and wear of diamond and diamondlike carbon coatings

Reciprocating sliding friction experiments were conducted with a natural diamond flat, diamond film, and low and high density diamondlike carbon (DLC) films in contact with pin specimens of natural diamond and silicon nitride (Si3N4) both in humid air and dry air nitrogen. The results indicated that for natural diamond pin contacts the diamond films and the natural diamond flat were not susceptible to moisture but that moisture could increase both the coefficient of friction and the wear factors of the DLC films. The coefficients of friction and wear factors of the diamond films were generally similar to those of the natural diamond flat both in humid air and dry air nitrogen. In dry nitrogen the coefficients of friction of the high density DLC films in contact with pin specimens of both diamond and Si3N4 were generally low (about 0.02) and similar to those of the natural diamond flat and the diamond films. The wear factors of the materials in contact with both natural diamond and Si3N4 were generally in the ascending order of natural diamond flat, diamond film, high density DLC film, and low density DLC film. The moisture in the environment increased the coefficients of friction for Si3N4 pins in contact with all the materials. This increase in friction is due to the silicon oxide film produced on the surface of Si3N4 pins in humid air.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗
NASA NTRS1993

Fabrication of very-low-density, high-stiffness carbon fiber/aluminum hybridized composite with ultra-low density and high stiffness (M-11)

Fabrication of a composite material with ultra-low density and high stiffness in microgravity is the objective of the investigation. The composite structure to be obtained is a random three-dimensional array of high modulus, short carbon fibers bonded at contact points by an aluminum alloy coated on the fibers. The material is highly porous and thus has a very low density. The motivation toward the investigation, simulation experiments, choice of the component materials, and on-flight experiment during ballistic trajectory of a NASDA rocket, are described.

Suzuki, Tomoo↗
DOE OSTI2022

Alloy based electrochemical catalyst for conversion of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons

An electrocatalyst comprising (i) carbon nanospikes and (ii) copper alloy nanoparticles containing copper and at least one noble metal and residing on and/or between the carbon nanospikes. Also disclosed herein is a method of producing the electrocatalyst. Also described herein is a method for converting carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons by use of the above-described electrocatalyst. The method for producing hydrocarbons more specifically involves contacting the electrocatalyst with an aqueous solution of a bicarbonate salt while the aqueous solution is in contact with a source of carbon dioxide, and electrically powering the electrocatalyst as a cathode at negative potential condition while the cathode is in electrical communication with a counter electrode electrically powered as an anode, to convert the carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons containing at least four carbon atoms and composed of only carbon and hydrogen.

Rondinone, Adam J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Carbon Management Projects (CONNECT) Database and Explorer

Overview The Carbon Management Projects (CONNECT) Toolkit is an online exploratory visualization tool developed by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) with support from other federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). It provides a single point of access to authoritative information on federal agency investment in a portfolio of research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects that have been publicly announced to advance technologies for point source carbon capture, carbon dioxide removal, transport, storage, and conversion, collectively referred to as carbon management. The RD&D programs covered in this tool are authorized by annual congressional appropriations ("Base Program") and the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The tool also incorporates public information on other federal initiatives, such as the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, and public information released by other government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) and Primacy States’ Underground Injection Control Class VI permits and EPA’s facility level greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Developed in a geographic information system, the tool organizes carbon management projects into five groups based on the primary technology that a project aims to advance, each visually represented as a digital layer ("carbon management project layer"). Only federally funded projects are included, which can be awarded projects that are completed or ongoing, or projects that have been selected but are currently under negotiation. Project information can be viewed in the map or in the attribute table below it when turned on. In the map view, each project is displayed at either its host site (for field work), where available, or its performer site (project lead's location, further explained in the table below). Host sites and performer sites are represented in distinct icons. Several reference layers offer additional public information on infrastructural and natural resource environment for carbon management. These reference layers, combined with multiple geographical basemaps, enable users to visualize the carbon management project layers in context. Carbon management project information will be updated monthly based on feedback and information availability. Carbon management project layers Point Source Carbon Capture (PSC) This layer contains DOE-funded projects focused on capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from power plants or industrial facilities. Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) This layer contains DOE-funded projects focused on capturing CO2 from the atmosphere, including direct air capture (DAC) and DAC hubs, direct ocean capture, enhanced mineralization, and biomass carbon removal and storage. For projects with multiple host sites, each of the sites are displayed individually with the project cost and cost sharing information representing the total for the entire project. Carbon Transport This layer contains DOE- and DOT-funded projects focused on CO2 transport. The Transport Research and Development sublayer contains projects that do not involve physical infrastructure; the Proposed Transport Corridor sublayer contains projects for which either a route for the transport infrastructure has been proposed or a general area for the transport infrastructure has been identified. Carbon Storage This layer contains DOE-funded key projects focused on CO2 storage. For projects with multiple field-work sites, each of the sites are displayed individually on the map with the project cost and cost sharing information representing the overall total for the entire project. Carbon Conversion This layer contains DOE-funded projects focused on converting CO2 into economically valuable products. Reference layers The following layers provide additional information in the geographic proximity of carbon management projects. Users should reference the original sources for more details (weblinks provided below and in pop-up windows on the map). Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub and Facility These layers illustrate the approximate areas of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs announced by DOE's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) and the approximate locations of individual facilities that constitute the hubs (see "Where are the H2Hubs located?" on the webpage linked above). EPA Facility Level GHG Emissions (direct emitter) This layer shows direct CO2 emissions from stationary sources in 2022, using data extracted from EPA's Facility Level Information on GreenHouse gases Tool (FLIGHT). Captured and injected CO2 are not deducted from direct emitters’ total emissions. Contact EPA for additional details. Underground Injection Control Class VI permit/permit application This layer shows the locations of CO2 injection wells that are granted or in the process of applying for an Underground Injection Control Class VI permit by EPA or a Primacy State (currently Louisiana, North Dakota, and Wyoming). The URLs for the permits or permit applications are provided in the pop-up windows associated with the well locations. Contact EPA for additional details. Carbon Storage Resource This layer contains information on prospective CO2 storage resources in saline formations and oil and gas reservoirs provided by the National Carbon Sequestration Database and Geographic Information System (NATCARB) spatial database. Contact NETL for additional details. Existing CO2 pipeline This layer shows active CO2 pipelines based on information digitized from the map issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Contact PHMSA for additional details.

Carbon Conversion↗