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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Promising performance of sulfide catholytes compared to halide alternatives in NMC811 cathodes for sheet-type sulfide solid-state batteries

Sulfide-based solid-state batteries (SSBs) show promise in achieving energy densities over 350 Wh/kg, yet challenges persist with their incorporation of high-voltage, nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes, such as LiNi₀.₈Mn₀.₁Co₀.₁O₂ (NMC811), due to the poor oxidation stability of sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) like Li₆PS₅Cl (LPSCl). Although halide SSEs such as Li₃InCl₆ (LIC) and Li₃YCl₆ (LYC) have previously shown promise in stabilizing high-voltage NMC cathodes, our research reveals that sulfide SSE catholytes, particularly when combined with surface-coated NMC cathodes, deliver superior performance. Here, this investigation assesses the cycling stability of various catholytes—LPSCl, LIC, Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂ (LGPS), combined LIC-LPSCl, and LYC-LPSCl—in SSBs with LiNbO₃-coated NMC811 cathodes against sheet-type LPSCl separators. Findings indicate that while LGPS-based cathodes maintain higher capacity retention, they yield lower deliverable capacity, and LIC cathodes experience significant electrochemical degradation. Importantly, our results underscore that sulfide SSE catholytes, in conjunction with LiNbO₃-coated cathodes, optimize the cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI), enhancing both kinetics and mass transport. These insights provide a strategic direction for optimizing catholyte composition in the development of sheet-type sulfide-based SSBs.

Catholyte↗
DOE OSTI2025

Investigation of MO x (M = Cr, Mn, Re, and Mo) coated stainless-steel electrodes for oxygen evolution reaction in natural seawater electrolysis

Seawater electrolysis is considered a potential strategy for large-scale of affordable H 2 production. However, poor durability of the anode for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in natural seawater is a remaining concern due to chloride-induced reaction. Herein, the effect of various MO x (M = Mn, Cr, Re, and Mo) coated stainless steel (SS) electrodes on OER in direct natural seawater electrolysis was comprehensively studied. It is found that the Mo-coated SS electrode is superior to all others in terms of durability, followed by Re-coated SS, while the Cr and Mn-coated SS electrodes show the poorest durability. Additionally, the durability and activity of the Mo/SS electrode can be boosted remarkably in 1 M KOH/seawater compared to the natural seawater, resulting in an overpotential at 10 mA cm −2 decrease from 830 to 399 mV. Meanwhile, no degradation is observed at 1000 mA cm −2 for 100 h in 1 M KOH seawater, which is among the best stability, based on the literature review. Moreover, the improved durability and activity with Mo coating were extended to the Inconel 718 substrate, and around 40 % improvement in durability and 25 mV overpotential decrease at 10 mA cm −2 are observed, which indicates that Mo coating can be considered as a universal approach to improve the anode durability and activity. The improved performance with Mo coating may be attributed to the continuous Mo oxide layer formation or in situ generated MoO 4 2− in the OER process. In conclusion, this work provides a holistic strategy to enhance the anode durability and activity under harsh conditions, offering valuable insights for designing corrosion-resistant electrodes in direct seawater electrolysis.

Direct seawater electrolysis↗
DOE OSTI2021

Simultaneous immobilization of aqueous co-contaminants using a bismuth layered material

The remediation of co-located contaminants in the vadose zone can be challenging due to accessibility and different responses of different contaminants to remedial actions. At the Hanford Site (WA, USA), multiple contaminants are present in the vadose zone and groundwater, including I, Tc, U, Cr, and NO3. We used a bismuth layered oxide in a series of batch experiments to test aqueous removal of multiple contaminants, including Tc, Cr, and U, as well as potentially competing anions, including NO3 and I. The results demonstrated successful removal of all four contaminants (>98% removal from the aqueous phase after 30 days) when tested individually. When contaminants were combined, a slight decrease in Tc removal occurred (-6%). The addition of sediment decreased the removal for Tc and I, but U and Cr removal was unaffected. Competition with anions released from the sediment likely caused the decreased removal of Tc and I and indicated that bismuth is less selective for these two contaminants. The results of these batch tests demonstrated that the bismuth based oxy-hydroxide material is a promising material for sequestering multiple contaminants in situ.

Lawter, Amanda R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Electrochemical deposition of amorphous aluminum oxides on lead pipes to prevent lead leaching into the drinking water

Over 5000 public drinking water systems in the US are out of compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule. Lead leaching from lead pipes is limited by the solubility of a naturally occurring scale. Changes in water quality may cause this scale to become more soluble, releasing lead into the drinking water. We propose a novel electrochemical method to prevent lead leaching from lead pipes. In this method, an aluminum wire and an alkaline phosphate electrolyte are inserted into the pipes. The pipes are then anodized for 2 h by using an external power supply, resulting in the electrodeposition of an insoluble aluminum oxide layer on top of the preexisting scale. This technology was tested on lead pipes from the EBMUD water distribution systems located in Berkeley, CA, using recirculating synthetic and actual tap water for 120 days. The untreated pipes leached an average of 23 ppb and 38 ppb of lead respectively, when using free chlorine and monochloramine as disinfection residuals. In contrast, the treated pipes leached 3 ppb and 5 ppb respectively. These results suggest that the proposed treatment has the potential to prevent lead leaching regardless of the disinfection residual and thus should be further explored in a field trial.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Discerning the effect of various irradiation modes on the corrosion of Zircaloy-4

Using proton irradiation, this study investigates the individual influence of several factors on the corrosion kinetics of Zircaloy-4 in a hydrogenated water environment simulating a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). Using both simultaneous irradiation-corrosion and autoclave corrosion, we separately examine: (i) the effect of pre-irradiation on modifying the structure of the material, (ii) the impact of irradiation on creating defects in the growing oxide layer during corrosion, and (iii) the influence of irradiation on increasing the corrosion potential through radiolysis during corrosion. To replicate neutron-irradiated microstructure, two proton pre-irradiation schedules were employed: Schedule 1 (isothermal irradiation at 350 °C to 5 dpa) to simulate high-temperature PWR conditions, and Schedule 2 (two-step process: irradiation to 2.5 dpa at -10 °C followed by 2.5 dpa at 350 °C) to simulate lower temperature PWR and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) conditions. Long-term autoclave corrosion testing over 360 days at 320 °C revealed no significant difference between unirradiated samples and those pre-irradiated according to either schedule, with all samples exhibiting sub-cubic kinetics within the pre-transition regime. Irradiated samples underwent Simultaneous Irradiation Corrosion (SIC) tests, corroding in 320 °C water while being irradiated with protons. Corrosion was found to accelerate in all SIC-tested samples relative to autoclave conditions, with the greatest increase observed in non-pre-irradiated samples. Pre-irradiation with either schedule resulted in a slower corrosion rate compared to non-pre-irradiated regions under SIC conditions. The degree of radiolysis observed in the SIC tests surpassed typical PWR conditions, approaching levels found in BWRs. Radiolysis products were identified as the primary contributors to accelerated corrosion, corroborated by radiolysis bar tests. Furthermore, these findings underscore the intricate interactions between irradiation, corrosion, and water chemistry in determining Zircaloy-4 corrosion kinetics within nuclear reactor environments.

Pressurized Water Reactor↗
DOE OSTI2023

Cracking vs. surface reactivity in high-nickel cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

High-nickel layered oxide cathodes LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 (NMC) experience microcracks during cycling. This can expose fresh cathode surfaces for parasitic reactions and isolate active cathode material from the conductive electrode matrix, resulting in impedance increase and capacity fade. The commonly held belief attributes microcracks to anisotropic lattice volume changes of primary particles during cycling. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest that certain electrolytes might reduce microcracks in NMC cathodes during deep cycling. This raises a crucial question on the origin of microcracks: do microcracks exacerbate surface stability, or does poor surface stability contribute to microcrack formation? This perspective aims to provide context and expound this “chicken or egg” dilemma. We contend that the consequence of surface reactivity on the cycle life of high-Ni cathodes is more pronounced than that of particle cracking. Here, we hypothesize that particle cracking is more of a symptom of severe surface reactivity rather than a cause of capacity fade.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Visualizing electrode assembly movement and lithiation heterogeneity in lithium-metal batteries using operando energy dispersive X-ray diffraction

There is renewed interest in Li-metal anodes in order to increase the energy density of battery cells. Here, we demonstrate an operando X-ray crystallography method to visualize lithiation gradients and electrode assembly movement during electrochemical cycling of a Li-metal cell containing a Ni-Mn-Co layered oxide cathode (NMC811). During charge, deposition of Li + ions from the cathode increases the Li foil thickness; during discharge, the thickness decreases as Li + ions are stripped off the foil. Additionally, the resulting periodic movement is observed through tracking of Bragg peaks from the ordered phases of the cathode and separator. In addition to this 3.6 μm/mAh displacement, continuous mossy Li build-up on the anode causes an irreversible drift of the assembly, which is similar to 11.3 μm/cycle. Furthermore, our data indicate significant lithiation gradients in the NMC811 cathode during the oxide relithiation, which is not observed during the delithiation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Gaining insight into lithium-ion battery degradation by a calorimetric approach

With the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in transportation and renewable energy sectors, ensuring reliability and mitigating degradation are crucial challenges for their widespread deployment. Here this study investigates the relationship between thermal characteristics and degradation/reliability by developing an in-situ heat measurement methodology for LIBs operating under grid services. Using adiabatic mode-based calorimetry, we examine the thermal behavior of two commercial cells with different cathode chemistries (Ni-rich layered oxide and olivine) before and after two years of grid service (peak shaving) and demonstrate a strong correlation between thermal characteristics and electrochemical performance and its degradation. By further analyzing the heat sources separation (differentiating between irreversible and reversible heat), we disclose the underlying degradation mechanisms of LIBs. These findings emphasize the critical role of thermal characteristics in determining LIB reliability and deterioration, while the obtained heat data can aid in the development and calibration of LIB state-of-health models for grid applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Solvation-guided inhibition of manganese dissolution of lithium- and manganese- rich cathode via cyclic carbonate molecular engineering

Lithium and manganese-rich (LMR) layered oxides represent a leading class of high-energy cathode materials, but their practical realization is fundamentally limited by severe manganese (Mn) dissolution, a process that triggers structural degradation and rapid capacity fade. While mitigation efforts have predominantly focused on interfacial engineering, the intrinsic contribution of bulk electrolyte solvation to this degradation pathway remains largely unexplored, primarily due to the difficulty of deconvolving its effects from concurrent cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) formation. Here, we report an experimental design to isolate the role of solvation. We systematically varied the electrolyte solvent solvation power by substituting the strongly coordinating ethylene carbonate (EC) with its weaker coordinating fluorinated derivatives, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and trans-4,5-Difluoro-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (DFEC), while maintaining a consistent interfacial chemistry. Remarkably, the electrolyte formulated with the weakest solvent, DFEC, exhibits superior cycling stability, suppressing Mn dissolution by up to 63% relative to the conventional EC-based system. Post-mortem analysis unequivocally attributes this performance enhancement to the preservation of the LMR cathode's structural integrity, a direct consequence of mitigated Mn dissolution. This work provides conclusive evidence that modulating bulk electrolyte solvation is a potent and direct strategy for stabilizing LMR cathodes, establishing a vital design principle for next-generation battery systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microstructure and texture evolution of friction stir lap welded dissimilar multi-aluminum stack

Here this work investigates the microstructural evolution of a dissimilar multiple-aluminum alloy stack (AA7055, AA7055, AA6022) produced by friction stir lap welding (FSLW). A through-thickness analyses of grain orientation map, grain size and distribution, strain distribution, and texture evolution by electron backscattered diffraction-based characterization technique were performed. Two different welding parameters (combination of tool rotation and traverse speed) were used to study the effects of the welding parameters on these microstructural characteristics. The study shows that higher welding speed and higher rotation speed of the FSLW tool yield finer grains. FSLW resulted in shear texture formation in the weld regions due to high welding speeds. This texture development in the nugget zone is consistent with shear deformation, and (111) pole figures show ideal shear texture components. The Stir Zone (SZ) exhibits shear texture (A/A ̅ and B/B ̅ components), consistent with other shear-assisted processes. Recrystallization mechanisms observed are CDRX in SZ and DDRX in TMAZ (Thermo-Mechanically Affected Zone). Interface analysis reveals the presence of oxide layers between different aluminum sheets, affecting joint mechanical performance. The mechanical property of the lap welded joints was presented in terms of microhardness distribution across the weld cross section. Slightly higher hardness in higher speed welding setup was observed throughout the SZ and AA6022 layer, indicating greater grain refinement and uniform grain structure distribution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Oxide derived Cu nanofibril assembly for enhanced nonenzymatic glucose sensing

In this report, we have prepared copper nanofibril assembly via thermal oxidation followed by electrochemical reduction processes, exhibiting superior glucose detection ability. The morphological analysis evidenced the formation of rough islands or nanofibril structure on the Cu surface depending on initial thermal oxidation temperature. The glucose detection performance was investigated by performing cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry with varying glucose concentration. A high sensitivity (4131.57 μA mM – 1 cm – 2 ), low detection limit (1.41 μM), wider linear range (0–3.9 mM) and long–term stability (30 days) have been recorded for electrode thermally oxidized at 400 °C followed by electrochemical reduction process (rCu_400). The sensitivity is almost three times higher in comparison to the planner Cu surface. This significantly enhanced glucose sensing ability rCu_400 has been attributed to the nanofibril morphology, origination of Cu (111) facet and formation of a stable oxide layer evidenced by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Despite higher sensitivity, rCu_400 electrode does not show any response to the chloride ion, dopamine, ascorbic acid and uric acid. Finally, these results indicate that the Cu nanofibril structure prepared via simple oxidation/reduction process can be an excellent candidate to be used as an electrode for glucose sensing application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Preparation and characterization of isotopically pure Mo targets for nuclear science measurements

Isotopically pure molybdenum targets are essential in various nuclear science measurements. For studies of cross sections of capture reactions on molybdenum, uniform targets with areal densities of hundreds of g/cm 2 are desired. Mechanical rolling of enriched metal pieces or vacuum sputtering methods used in previous studies to prepare molybdenum targets are challenging and involve labor- and time-intensive processes. Therefore, reliable and straightforward methods to produce molybdenum targets are crucial. We have developed a new double-step method to produce targets meeting these needs. The first step consists of evaporating isotopically enriched MoO 3 onto gold backings. The second step involves the reduction of the oxide layer in a 5% H 2 -Ar environment to obtain molybdenum targets. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam milling, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the targets. These methods show that the targets exhibit a uniform coverage of Mo over the gold backings. Furthermore, significant volume shrinkage occurring during the reduction of MoO 3 creates a porous Mo layer where the gold diffuses due to the high processing temperatures, resulting in mixed Mo–Au layers.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Margin to onset of nucleate boiling and flow instability studies for preliminary MITR design-demonstration element thermal-hydraulics

This study covers the onset of flow instability (OFI) preliminary results obtained from leveraging correlations, in addition to the preliminary thermal hydraulics results such as pressure, flow velocity, temperature, and oxide layer over the design demonstration experiment (DDE) for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor (MITR). Current computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models in fluid structure interaction (FSI) have added the capability of assessing margins to onset of nucleate boiling (ONB). This study initiates the capability to model the margin to OFI and ONB presented for the MITR. Such study is supportive of the United States High Performance Research Reactor (USHPRR) program. Previous studies provided preliminary thermal-hydraulic and mechanical analyses of the hydrodynamic effects in the MITR DDE under conservative approximations for plate power distribution. In conclusion, this study focuses on providing insights into the OFI future research direction optimizing the transport of thermal energy, mass-flow rates, flow-channel geometries, and boundary conditions.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mechanisms of phosphate removal by Micron-Scale Zero-Valent iron

Extensive studies have been carried out on phosphate removal by zero valent iron (ZVI). Different mechanisms of phosphate removal by ZVI such as phosphate adsorption and precipitation of ferric phosphate and vivianite (Fe 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ·8H 2 O) have been reported. In this study, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) were used to elucidate the mechanisms of phosphate removal by micron-scale zero-valent (mZVI). Time-series ATR-FTIR analysis revealed that phosphate was removed by ZVI in two steps: a) adsorption of phosphate in the first 3 days, and b) slow conversion of the adsorbed phosphate into the precipitated form in 6 days. XRD and XANES analysis determined that iron oxides, ferric ion, and ZVI with oxide layer inhibited the formation of vivianite, resulting in the formation of phosphate precipitates, such as H 2 Fe(II)P 2 O 7 . The results suggested that phosphate is removed by ZVI mainly through precipitation under aerobic conditions. In conclusion, the knowledge gained in this study improves the fundamental understanding of the phosphate removal processes via ZVI.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Experimental investigation of low velocity and high temperature solid particle impact erosion wear

Next generation Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants utilizing solid particles as the heat transfer medium (HTM) are expected to achieve greater operational efficiencies. However, the erosion from the solid particles can cause significant damage to component materials. Low particle speeds (1–2 m/s) are proposed as a means of preventing excessive damage to containment materials. Within the current investigation, solid particle erosion of three potential containment materials, stainless-steel grade 316L, a nickel alloy (Inconel 740H), and a refractory material (Tufcrete 60 M), are examined at a particle impact speed of 1.6 m/s. CarboBead-HSP 40/70 particles, a candidate HTM for CSP systems, impact the specimens at a relatively high impact angle of 60° based on containment design criteria. Experiments were conducted at ambient temperature and 800 °C to examine erosion of the materials at very low impact speeds and determine how temperature effects erosion. Initial results revealed surprising outcomes inconsistent with available literature: ambient temperature erosion of SS316L is an order of magnitude lower than IN740H, but erosion (erosion-corrosion) of SS316L at 800 °C surpasses IN740H by two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, results suggest removal of oxide layers (erosion-corrosion) is responsible for the significant erosion that was observed even at these low particle speeds.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tribological behavior of hybrid Aluminum-TiB 2 metal matrix composites for brake rotor applications

Here, this research investigates the feasibility of hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites (MMC) incorporating TiB 2 particles for brake rotor applications. The composites were produced by incorporating both in-situ, submicron-sized TiB 2 particles and regular micron-sized TiB 2 powders via stir and squeeze casting techniques into A206 aluminum alloy matrix. Systematic adjustments in the fractions of in-situ and ex-situ TiB 2 particles were conducted to evaluate their impact on wear behavior and mechanisms. Combination of both particle types allowed composites with up to 10 vol% of reinforcements. Composites with higher proportions of ex-situ particles demonstrated increased wear resistance compared to those solely composed of in-situ particles, control specimens without TiB 2 , and conventional cast iron counterparts. The lowest wear rate for the hybrid composites sliding against phenolic brake pads was 1.1 × 10 -5 mm 3 /Nm, signifying a 3-fold reduction relative to cast iron sliding against the same pads. Wear analysis elucidated distinctive mechanisms within the hybrid composites, characterized by mild fragmented abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and plastic deformation, accompanied by the formation of an intermixed tribo-oxide layer.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

High safety and cycling stability of ultrahigh energy lithium ion batteries

High-nickel layered oxide Li-ion batteries (LIBs) dominate the electric vehicle market, but their potentially poor safety and thermal stability remain a public concern. Here, we show that an ultrahigh-energy LIB (292 Wh kg –1 ) becomes intrinsically safer when a small amount of triallyl phosphate (TAP) is added to standard electrolytes. TAP passivates the electrode-electrolyte interfaces and limits the maximum cell temperature during nail penetration to 55°C versus complete cell destruction (>950°C) without TAP. The downside of this reliable safety solution is higher interfacial impedance and hence lower battery power; however, thermal modulation for battery operation around 60°C can restore power completely. When cycled at 60°C, the cell stabilized with TAP achieved 2,413 cycles at 76% capacity retention. Such an unconventional combination of interface-passivating electrolyte additive with cell thermal modulation renders the most energy-dense LIBs even safer than LiFePO 4 chemistry, while enjoying high power and cycling stability concurrently.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗