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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Time-Resolved Neutron Imaging for Hydrogen Uptake in Subsurface Lithologies

Geologic hydrogen production and underground storage are increasingly important for meeting rising energy demands while providing clean-combustion advantages. However, hydrogen’s high diffusivity and propensity for leakage through porous media necessitate direct evaluation of its transport behavior in subsurface materials. Whereas X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) studies often employ contrast agents or surrogate gases, this study leverages neutron transmission radiography/CT to observe hydrogen migration in situ. This work represents the first demonstration of real-time neutron radiography of hydrogen migration in reservoir and caprock lithologies. Cylindrical cores of Indiana limestone, Amherst Gray sandstone, and Tumey shale were subjected to constant-pressure hydrogen charging and scanned in real time using high-resolution neutron radiography. Results indicate immediate hydrogen infiltration in sandstone and limestone, with homogeneous distribution detected throughout their pore structure. In contrast, hydrogen remained largely absent from fine-grained shale under the same pressure, except in an apparently localized fracture zone, where neutron signatures confirmed the presence of hydrogen. Subsequent neutron CT of the sandstone sample, using image subtraction against an uncharged reference, corroborated hydrogen distribution patterns. Even under lowpressure, single-phase conditions, distinct neutron imaging signatures of hydrogen were achieved. These preliminary findings underscore the potential of neutron imaging for advancing subsurface hydrogen migration research.

08 HYDROGEN↗
NASA NTRS2026

Development of a One-Domain Volume-Averaged Navier–Stokes Solver

The interaction between a high-enthalpy flow and a thermal protection material is inherently multiscale and multiphysics. In conventional aerothermal analyses, the external flow and material response are generally modeled using separate computational domains coupled through boundary conditions at the material surface. Although this approach has supported many practical applications, it requires assumptions about the location and behavior of the interface and may become difficult to apply when material decomposition, internal reactions, and surface recession substantially alter the porous structure. This report presents the development of a one-domain formulation in which the free-fluid and porous-material regions are represented within a single computational domain. The formulation is based on the volume-averaged Navier–Stokes (VANS) equations, derived from the governing equations for reacting, compressible flow and condensed material. Volume averaging transfers the influence of the unresolved material microstructure to the macroscale equations through effective transport properties, interfacial source terms, and dispersion fluxes. Particular attention is given to regions in which porosity and permeability vary rapidly, including the diffuse transition between a porous material and the surrounding fluid. The resulting equations are implemented in the Porous-material Analysis Toolbox based on OpenFOAM (PATO). The report describes the pressure–velocity coupling strategy used by the solver, examines spatial filtering techniques for deriving effective properties, and evaluates the influence of a smoothly varying interface permeability. Numerical demonstrations include canonical porous-flow configurations, a flow-tube configuration representative of FiberForm® permeability experiments, and the oxidation of a porous carbon material. The purpose of this work is to establish a mathematical and computational foundation for a unified treatment of flow and thermal protection material response. The present formulation is intended to support the progressive inclusion of additional physical processes, including multicomponent transport, finite-rate gas–surface chemistry, pyrolysis, internal oxidation, and material recession. It also provides a framework for connecting pore-scale simulations and microstructural characterization with macroscale aerothermal-response calculations. This report is intended for researchers and engineers working in computational fluid dynamics, porous-media transport, material response, and thermal protection system modeling. It documents both the theoretical development and the initial numerical assessment of the one-domain approach, while identifying the closure of effective and dispersion terms as an important subject for continued investigation.

Ablation↗
DOE OSTI2024

Raman enhancement induced by exciton hybridization in molecules and 2D materials

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique for trace-level fingerprinting. Recently, layered two-dimensional (2D) materials have gained significant interest as SERS substrates for providing stable, uniform, and reproducible Raman enhancement with the potential for trace-level detection. Yet, the development of effective 2D SERS substrates is still hindered by the lack of fundamental understanding of the coupling mechanism between target molecules and substrates. Here, we report a systematic excitation-dependent Raman spectroscopy investigation on the coupling between 2D materials such as SnS 2 , MoS 2 , WSe 2 , and graphene and small organic molecules like rhodamine 6G (Rh 6G). Strong coupling between SnS 2 and Rh 6G is found due to their degenerate excitons through Raman excitation profiles (REP), leading to the enhancement of Rh 6G vibrational modes that are observable down to 10 −13 M. Our study shows that exciton coupling in the substrate-adsorbate complex plays a vital role in the Raman enhancement effect, opening a new route for designing SERS substrates for high sensitivity.

Materials Science↗
DOE OSTI2026

Valorization of consolidated bioprocessing residues for bioplastics

This study demonstrates an organic solvent-free processing strategy to valorize consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) residues, from switchgrass and poplar biomass, into functional poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)-based biocomposites using high-shear homogenization (HSH). HSH transformed the switchgrass and poplar CBP residues (CBP-R) into fine, uniformly distributed particles and microfibers. The composites of PBS with homogenized switchgrass residues (H-CBP-R-SG) or homogenized poplar residues (H-CBP-R-P) at a 70/30 weight ratio exhibited improved processability and mechanical integrity, with the Young's modulus for the PBS/H-CBP-R-SG and PBS/H-CBP-R-P nearly doubling to 0.66 ± 0.07 GPa and 0.65 ± 0.04 GPa, respectively, compared to neat PBS (0.36 ± 0.02 GPa). Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) reveals a significant suppression of the tan δ peak magnitude, indicating that HSH-mediated physical activation facilitates stress transfer in composites typical of covalent chemical grafting systems. While the transition to a stiffness-dominated profile reduces ductility, the resulting composites exhibit the dimensional stability and resistance to thermal warping required for high-fidelity FDM 3D printing and injection molding. Beyond material performance, comprehensive techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) confirmed that diverting CBP residues into composite products can improve the economic viability of the biorefinery without substantially increasing biorefinery global warming potential (GWP). At a 30 wt% blend ratio, incorporating residuals into PBS yielded a minimum selling price for the composite of $\$4.07$ per kg compared to the conventional bioplastic price of $\$5.00$ per kg. This approach aligns with circular bioeconomy principles by converting waste streams into value-added products. Furthermore, this innovative strategy addresses key challenges in bioplastic development, including cost, compatibility, and performance, while simultaneously advancing waste minimization strategies for sustainable manufacturing systems.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Toward Tunable Magnetic Dirac Semimetals: Mn Doping of Cd 3 As 2

Magnetic impurities provide a route toward increasing functionality in electronic materials, often enabling new device concepts and architectures. In the case of topological semimetals, dilute magnetic doping presents a particularly attractive approach for inducing a Dirac to Weyl phase change via time reversal symmetry breaking. However, efforts to realize changes in the electronic structure have been limited by challenges in incorporating magnetic impurities into crystals with sufficiently high electron mobilities to detect them via transport or spectroscopic techniques. Here, we demonstrate incorporation of Mn into Cd 3 ⁢As 2 Dirac semimetal thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Using As-rich growth conditions and [001] oriented thin films, Mn compositions of >10% are achieved. Films contain uniform distributions of Mn with no evidence of secondary phases and exhibit electron mobilities greater than 10 000–30 000 cm 2 /Vs up to 5% Mn. An evolution in the magnetization behavior along with the emergence of a second quantum oscillation frequency at low Mn concentrations provide preliminary evidence of Mn-induced changes in the electronic structure that are consistent with a Weyl phase. This work demonstrates the potential of magnetically doping topological semimetal thin films and a pathway for synthesizing them.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA's Innovative Entry Systems and TPS Technologies Enabling Commercial Space Missions

For over six decades, the NASA Ames Entry Systems and Technology Division has been a cornerstone of U.S. space exploration, delivering critical atmospheric entry solutions since Project Mercury and now increasingly supporting the commercial space sector. The Division provides reliable entry system solutions through a unique blend of expertise, national facilities, and systems integration knowledge, a combination that is difficult to replicate outside a dedicated government entity. Consistently successful, the TS Division remains central to NASA’s exploration objectives and significantly contributes to the transfer of technology to the commercial space sector, supporting more than ten commercial space companies and supplying flight heatshields to three of them in the past five years. Its strengths in Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials, aerothermodynamics, ground test facilities, and Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems engineering drive rapid development and sustained U.S. competitiveness in space. The Division's expertise in reusable and ablative thermal protection systems, as well as mechanically deployable entry systems primarily developed for NASA missions, now benefits commercial space missions. This presentation will highlight the vision and needs of these commercial space companies, how NASA-invented technologies meet mission requirements, and how these technologies enable and distinguish their efforts.

Ethiraj Venkatapathy↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems: Recent and Upcoming Technology Demonstrations and Development Efforts

NASA’s Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems (SSDS) program strengthens U.S. ability to conduct unique missions by rapidly developing and demonstrating capabilities for SmallSat exploration, science, and commercial space. In collaboration with NASA Centers, other government agencies, commercial industry, and academia, SSDS advances next generation SmallSat technologies like power, processing, propulsion, communications, autonomous navigation, architectures (swarms), and applications (AI/ML/Edge Computing)—to extend missions beyond LEO into cislunar and planetary space. Various investment mechanisms exist for SSDS to select and fund projects that will ultimately advance NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture. Presented here are the latest achievements and findings from recently completed SSDS projects, along with updates from ongoing efforts and planned future work. Successful missions like Starling and CAPSTONE continue to demonstrate their capability after several years on-orbit. Advancements in next generation swarm configurations are being implemented by Starling for space traffic monitoring and management applications. Findings from recent SSDS flight projects are discussed: DiskSat, a unique SmallSat platform alternative to canisterized nanosatellites, launched December 2025 and is gathering data; the PTD series of missions concluded in December 2025. Current SSDS efforts are focused on addressing NASA Shortfalls relating to rendezvous and proximity operations, neuromorphic computing, and space situational awareness.

Roger Hunter↗
NASA NTRS1993

Micromechanics of crenulated fibers in carbon/carbon composites

The influence of crenulated noncircular fibers on the micromechanical stress states due to a transverse strain and to a temperature change in carbon/carbon composites is examined using the finite element method. Stresses at the interface of both fully bonded and fully disbonded fibers having two crenulation amplitudes and with two fiber volume fractions are presented. In each case, these interface stresses are compared to stresses at the interface of circular fibers which have the same degree of disbond and fiber volume fraction and are under the same loading conditions. For the disbonded cases, deformed meshes showing locations of fiber/matrix contact are also included. In addition to the interface stress states, selected composite properties are also computed and compared in each case examined. Interest in studying noncircular fibers stems from a desire to increase the transverse properties of carbon/carbon by introducing a mechanical interlocking between the fiber and the matrix. Results presented here indicate that this interlocking does in fact occur. Evidence from the interface stress data suggests, however, that any possible advantage of this interlocking may be outweighed by the disadvantage of stress concentrations which arise at the interface due to the crenulated geometry of the fibers.

E. E. Carapella↗
DOE OSTI2026

BISON analyses of TRISO fuel performance, its dependence on time-at-temperature, and possible implications for fuel design and qualification

The Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) program has established a substantial technical foundation to support private entry into the U.S. high-temperature gas-cooled reactor market. However, emerging tristructural isotropic (TRISO)-fueled reactor applications include small modular reactors and microreactors with longer fuel residence times, which may expose fuels to higher time-at-temperature (TAT) values than were explored by the AGR program. Increased TAT could affect diffusive and thermomechanical behaviors such as Pd penetration, fission gas release, creep, and fission product transport. In this work, we applied multiscale best-estimate BISON fuel performance modeling to assess these effects within a representative design space based on the AGR-5/6/7 experiment and analyzed trends in predicted particle and compact fuel performance metrics with possible implications for near-term fuel design and qualification. BISON unambiguously predicted that TRISO fuel performance is sensitive to TAT. Increasing TAT was not predicted to increase the magnitude of failure-inducing tangential stresses in particle coating layers. Predictions obtained using a mechanistic model for Pd penetration indicated that penetration depth does not depend strongly on TAT. While these observations suggest that AGR testing provides a conservative upper bound for the steady-state operation of TRISO particles at lower powers and higher residence times, BISON also predicted that the release of poorly retained Ag would increase with TAT. Because these analyses applied models to extrapolate beyond the available experimental data, the authors recommend performing targeted experiments to confirm these predictions. Nevertheless, these predictions may provide reactor developers with enough confidence to make near-term design decisions associated with the potential fuel performance trade-offs of increasing TAT.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Insights into mixing of non-isothermal multi-polymer melts for complex plastics recycling

Catalytic recycling or upcycling of plastics is often limited not by catalyst performance, but by transport, arising from highly viscous, non-Newtonian polymer melts. In this work, we develop a reactor-scale framework that integrates rheological measurements, constitutive modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experiments to quantify mixing, heat transfer, and dispersion in surrogate hydrocarbon melts representing mixed plastics systems. Temperature- and shear rate-dependent viscosity of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is measured to create two surrogate polymers (PLD and PHD) that capture the dominant shear-thinning flow behavior while neglecting strong elastic effects, enabling tractable simulation of non-isothermal, polymer-melt mixing using a Carreau-Arrhenius generalized Newtonian framework. Three-dimensional CFD simulations are employed to evaluate impeller performance in PLD using mixing time, cavern volume, thermal uniformity, and interfacial area for regimes in which viscoelastic effects are not dominant. We show that magnetic stir bars commonly used in lab-scale studies produce large thermal gradients (~60 °C) and poor mixing, even under idealized power delivery and polymer flow conditions. In contrast, close-clearance anchor impellers achieve near-isothermal operation, reduce mixing times by up to 5×, and provide >90% active circulation volume. We further demonstrate that, at low pseudo-Deborah number (De*), motor power requirements can be predicted directly from shear rate-dependent rheology using the Carreau-Arrhenius framework, enabling rational selection of operating conditions. Extension to surrogate immiscible multi-polymer systems based on PLD and PHD shows that interfacial area is highly sensitive to operating conditions and impeller design, with coaxial anchor-turbine configurations enhancing dispersion by up to 4 × .

Close-clearance impellers↗
DOE OSTI2026

Pressure-Stabilized MnSb2 with Complex Incommensurate Magnetic Order

Marcasite-type compounds have been proposed as promising hosts of exotic magnetic quantum states, yet experimental realizations in stoichiometric, disorder-free systems remain limited. Here, we report the high-pressure stabilization and magnetic characterization of MnSb2, a marcasite-type compound that is thermodynamically metastable under ambient pressure. Single crystals were synthesized using a cubic multianvil press at 3.3 GPa and 490 °C for 24 h, and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirm the orthorhombic Pnnm structure. These crystals are stable at ambient pressure for a long time up to between 450 and 500 K. Heat-capacity measurements reveal phase transitions at approximately T0 ∼ 118 K and T1 ∼ 220 K. Neutron diffraction uncovers an unconventional magnetic state below T1 ∼ 220 K. Magnetic powder neutron diffraction refinements reveal possible multiple magnetic configurations that provide comparably acceptable fits to the experimental data. While most solutions are consistent with a spin-density-wave (SDW) description, helical models systematically yield inferior agreement factors. Across a broad range of models, the Mn ordered moment reaches a maximum value of approximately 2 μB and remains predominantly collinear, with minimal canting along the c-axis. At 200 K, the magnetic propagation vector is q = (0, 0.3975, 0.3783); upon cooling, the b component increases toward 0.5, reflecting a temperature-dependent evolution of the modulation. The need for modification of the magnetic model between high and low temperatures further highlights the complex and strongly temperature-dependent nature of the magnetic order in this system. These results establish MnSb2 as a pressure-stabilized marcasite magnet with a tunable, complex magnetic state and a compelling stoichiometric platform for exploring unconventional magnetic behavior, including potential altermagnetism.

Xu, Mingyu [Michigan State University , , , ,; Iow↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Controls for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion

Advanced electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) concepts with integrated power, propulsion, and thermal systems require the development of equally sophisticated controllers to fly safe and efficient missions. Hybrid electric aircraft utilize electric machines mechanically coupled to the engine shafts to extract and insert power for a variety of purposes. Additionally, electric machines may drive propulsive fans pulling from a combination of on-board energy storage devices and engine extracted power. NASA’s investment in hybrid electric aircraft hardware-in-the-loop testing enables controls research on representative engine models using a novel emulation and scaling methodology. High-voltage, high-power electrical powertrain presents several technical risks at altitude. High-power requires high efficiency to minimize losses. Superconducting electric machines and power distribution research at NASA has identified key challenges with potential controls solutions. These risks necessitate the development of controllers robust to model uncertainty, disturbances, and fault conditions. System health management and fault detection schemes play an important role in a multi-layer controls approach that utilizes a supervisor which oversees inner loops for the highly coupled power, propulsion, and thermal systems. Such a supervisory controller enables coordinates energy transfer between engines, energy storage devices, electric machines, propulsors, and heat exchangers. Existing methods have shown an improvement in engine operability using the hybrid electric powertrain.

Halle E Buescher↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Lessons Learned From A Cryogenic Motor Configuration Study for Aircraft Propulsion

Cryogenic electric machines are a promising technology for multi megawatt electric aircraft drivetrains. Superconducting stators that make use of low AC loss superconducting wires are considered to be a key component for these cryogenic machines. NASA has undertaken 6-year technical challenge to address this need by designing a 5 MW superconducting motor and cryogenic drive and developing multi-MW prototypes. This poster shares the lessons learned from a completed design study that evaluated several configurations of a 5 MW cryogenic motor for this application. The lessons are drawn from a qualitative study of 16 configurations and a quantitative study of 8 down selected configurations. The quantitative study involved using a motor design code based on analytical calculations (electromagnetic, thermofluid, mechanical, and motor sizing) to determine each configuration’s Pareto front of total efficiency and total specific power. This poster builds upon preliminary results that were previously presented by (1) reporting final results based on a revised design code for each configuration, including a considerable increase in fidelity for a novel radial flux motor and (2) making a down selection of the configuration for future detailed design and demonstration and documenting the rationale for the selection.

Superconductors↗
DOE OSTI2024

Isotropic negative thermal expansion in ZrW 2 O 8 and HfW 2 O 8 from 1100 to 1275°C

Abstract ZrW 2 O 8 (ZrO 2 •2WO 3 ) and HfW 2 O 8 (HfO 2 •2WO 3 ) have been the focus of thermal expansion studies due to their isotropic negative thermal expansion (NTE) measured previously at temperatures below 775°C. This work presents measurements of these materials at their thermodynamically stable temperature ranges of 1105 and 1257°C for ZrW 2 O 8 and 1105–1276°C for HfW 2 O 8 , where they were characterized with in situ, powder X‐ray diffraction. The linear coefficients of thermal expansion were measured to be −5.52 × 10 −6 and −4.87 × 10 −6 °C −1 for ZrW 2 O 8 and HfW 2 O 8 , respectively. The mechanism leading to this NTE is discussed. Powder samples were synthesized by a solution‐based process called the organic–inorganic steric entrapment method. In situ characterization in air was carried out at the National Synchrotron Light Source II using a hexapole lamp, optical furnace and the Advanced Photon Source using a quadrupole lamp, optical furnace to achieve elevated temperatures.

Materials Science↗
NASA NTRS1994

The Growth of Zeolites A, X and Mordenite in Space

Zeolites are a class of crystalline aluminosilicate materials that form the backbone of the chemical process industry worldwide. They are used primarily as adsorbents and catalysts and support to a significant extent the positive balance of trade realized by the chemical industry in the United States (around $19 billion in 1991). The magnitude of their efforts can be appreciated when one realizes that since their introduction as 'cracking catalysts' in the early 1960's, they have saved the equivalent of 60 percent of the total oil production from Alaska's North Slope. Thus the performance of zeolite catalysts can have a profound effect on the U.S. economy. It is estimated that a 1 percent increase in yield of the gasoline fraction per barrel of oil would represent a savings of 22 million barrels of crude oil per year, representing a reduction of $400 million in the United States' balance of payments. Thus any activity that results in improvement in zeolite catalyst performance is of significant scientific and industrial interest. In addition, due to their 'stability,' uniformity, and, within limits, their 'engineerable' structures, zeolites are being tested as potential adsorbents to purify gases and liquids at the parts-per-billion levels needed in today's electronic, biomedical, and biotechnology industries and for the environment. Other exotic applications, such as host materials for quantum-confined semiconductor atomic arrays, are also being investigated. Because of the importance of this class of material, extensive efforts have been made to characterize their structures and to understand their nucleation and growth mechanisms, so as to be able to custom-make zeolites for a desired application. To date, both the nucleation mechanics and chemistry (such as what are the 'key' nutrients) are, as yet, still unknown for many, if not all, systems. The problem is compounded because there is usually a 'gel' phase present that is assumed to control the degree of supersaturation, and this gel undergoes a continuous 'polymerization' type reaction during nucleation and growth. Generally, for structure characterization and diffusion studies, which are useful in evaluating zeolites for improving yield in petroleum refining as well as for many of the proposed new applications (e.g., catalytic membranes, molecular electronics, chemical sensors) large zeolites (greater than 100 to 1000 times normal size) with minimum lattice defects are desired. Presently, the lack of understanding of zeolite nucleation and growth precludes the custom design of zeolites for these or other uses. It was hypothesized that the microgravity levels achieved in an orbiting spacecraft could help to isolate the possible effects of natural convection (which affects defect formation) and minimize sedimentation, which occurs since zeolites are twice as dense as the solution from which they are formed. This was expected to promote larger crystals by allowing growing crystals a longer residence time in a high-concentration nutrient field. Thus it was hypothesized that the microgravity environment of Earth orbit would allow the growth of large, more defect-free zeolite crystals in high yield.

A Sacco, Jr↗
DOE OSTI2025

Single‐photon emitters in PECVD‐grown silicon nitride films: from material growth to photophysical properties

Abstract Silicon nitride (SiN) is a key material for quantum photonics due to its wide transparency window, high refractive index, low optical losses, and semiconductor foundry compatibility. We study the formation of single‐photon emitters in SiN films grown by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), exploring their photophysical properties and dependence on growth conditions. Emitters were observed across the entire range of nitrogen‐to‐silicon precursor ratios, from silicon‐rich to nitrogen‐rich conditions, enabled by the low background fluorescence. We demonstrate single‐photon emitters in SiN films with a higher refractive index (1.8–1.9) compared to our previous reports (∼1.7). Notably, nitrogen‐rich, thinner films yield particularly bright emitters with shorter emission lifetimes, likely due to more efficient annealing. Silicon‐rich SiN films exhibit red‐shifted emission, suggesting that composition may provide a mechanism for wavelength tuning. These findings establish the feasibility of emitters formation in foundry standard PECVD tools, advancing the scalability and lab‐to‐fab transition of SiN‐based quantum photonic technologies.

Materials Science↗
NASA NTRS2020

An Ultra-long Life, High-performance, Flexible Li-CO2Battery Based on Multifunctional Carbon Electrocatalysts

Integrating CO2 utilization and renewable energy delivery/storage, the rechargeable Li–CO2 battery has been considered as a promising candidate for next-generation secondary batteries. However, high-performance catalyst(s) for efficient formation and decomposition of the discharge product, Li2CO3, are an imperative part of a Li–CO2 battery. The development of flexible Li–CO2 batteries extends their applications into compliant and wearable devices/systems, but at the same time imposes a big challenge for battery fabrication and lifetime enhancement. In this study, a rechargeable quasi-solidus flexible Li–CO2 battery was designed and fabricated using highly active N,S-doped carbon nanotubes (N,S-doped CNTs) as the cathode catalyst, and a smart polymer gel as the flexible electrolyte. This newly-developed flexible Li–CO2 battery exhibited a capacity as high as 23560 mAh g−1 based on the catalyst mass and an ultra-long lifetime of up to 538 cycles with excellent mechanical flexibility. This work provides a platform for the design and development of high-performance flexible Li–CO2 batteries from low-cost, earth-abundant, carbon-based multifunctional cathode catalysts.

Superior stability↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Bosch Carbon Catalyst Regeneration in Water III: Experiments for and Related to Thermal Shock

Bosch technology has the potential to close the atmospheric revitalization loop by providing theoretically 100% regeneration of metabolic carbon dioxide into oxygen. The main obstacle to using Bosch technology is over-pressurization issues in the carbon formation reactor. Prior work on Bosch catalyst regeneration established that agitating carbon coated beads in water broke up pressure causing clogs and regenerated the catalyst surface. This process proved to be time consuming with experiments taking at least one hour to regenerate ten grams of carbon coated beads. In an attempt to shorten the processing time, thermally shocking the carbon coated beads prior to mechanical agitation was tested. Agitating the carbon coated beads after exposure to a saturated steam environment was also tested to ensure that the steam generated by thermally shocking the carbon coated beads would not cause adverse effects. The rationale behind thermally shocking the carbon coated beads is that the bead would pull away from the carbon shell due to a difference in the thermal expansion coefficients. The results of this project show that the processing time can be cut in half when compared to previous work, and that saturated steam has little to no effect on regeneration.

Bosch Process↗