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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 OSTI2015

Operational electrochemical stability of thiophene-thiazole copolymers probed by resonant Raman spectroscopy

We report on the electrochemical stability of hole polarons in three conjugated polymers probed by resonant Raman spectroscopy. The materials considered are all isostructural to poly(3-hexyl)thiophene, where thiazole units have been included to systematically deepen the energy level of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). We demonstrate that increasing the thiazole content planarizes the main conjugated backbone of the polymer and improves the electrochemical stability in the ground state. However, these more planar thiazole containing polymers are increasingly susceptible to electrochemical degradation in the polaronic excited state. We identify the degradation mechanism, which targets the C=N bond in the thiazole units and results in disruption of the main polymer backbone conjugation. The introduction of thiazole units to deepen the HOMO energy level and increase the conjugated backbone planarity can be beneficial for the performance of certain optoelectronic devices, but the reduced electrochemical stability of the hole polaron may compromise their operational stability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

On the Mechanisms of Formation of Memory Channels and Development of Negative Differential Resistance in Solid Solutions of the ТlInТe{sup 2}–ТlYbТe{sup 2} System

The behavior of an electronic subsystem is investigated in the course of formation and development of a memory channel in solid solutions of the TlInTe2–TlYbTe2 system. An analysis of the current-voltage characteristics allows getting an insight into the reason for a sharp change in electrical conductance of the specimens under study during their transition from the high-resistance to high-conductance state and the reasons for the well known instability of threshold converters, which makes it possible to design devices with high threshold voltage stability.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Seeding Iron Trifluoride Nanoparticles on Reduced Graphite Oxide for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Enhanced Loading and Stability

Development of electric vehicles and portable electronic devices during the past decade calls for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with enhanced energy density and higher stability. Integration of FeF 3 phases and carbon structures leads to promising cathode materials for LIBs with high voltage, capacity, and power. In this study, FeF 3 ·0.33H 2 O nanoparticles were synthesized on reduced graphite oxide (rGO) nanosheets using an in situ approach. By chemically tuning the interfacial bonding between FeF 3 ·0.33H 2 O and rGO, we successfully achieved high particle loading and enhanced cycling stability. Specifically, a discharge capacity of ~208.3 mAh g –1 was observed at a current density of 0.5 C. The FeF 3 ·0.33H 2 O/rGO nanocomposites also demonstrate great cycle capability with a reversible discharge capacity of 133.1 mAh g –1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g –1 ; the capacity retention is about 97%. Furthermore, this study provides an alternative strategy to further improve the stability and performance of iron fluoride/carbon nanocomposite materials for LIB applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Effect of toroidal magnetic field on n = 1 mode stability in rotamak plasmas

To study the effect of toroidal magnetic field on n = 1 mode stability, a series of experiments with linearly ramping the axial current I{sub z}, which makes field-reversed configuration (FRC) to spherical tokamak (ST) transition, have been conducted in rotamak. Results clearly demonstrate that the tilt mode can be completely suppressed by small I{sub z} around 0.4 kA (in comparison with 2.0 kA plasma current). An unknown new mode with larger magnetic perturbations is triggered when I{sub z} reaches 0.5 kA. This instability mode keeps saturation while plasma current is boosted when I{sub z} is in the range of 0.6-1.4 kA. When I{sub z} exceeds 1.6 kA, the new mode suddenly disappears and discharge is free from instability modes.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1987

Recent advances in preparative electrophoresis

Various approaches for preparative electrophoresis, and three new instruments for preparative electrophoresis are discussed. Consideration is given to isoelectric focusing, isotachophoresis, and zone electrophoresis, three gel-based electrophoresis methods. The design, functions, and performance of the Elphor VaP 21 device of Hannig (1982), the shear-stabilized BIOSTREAM separator of Thompson (1983), and the recycling isoelectric focusing device are described.

Mosher, Richard A.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Flexible and efficient perovskite quantum dot solar cells via hybrid interfacial architecture

All-inorganic CsPbI 3 perovskite quantum dots have received substantial research interest for photovoltaic applications because of higher efficiency compared to solar cells using other quantum dots materials and the various exciting properties that perovskites have to offer. These quantum dot devices also exhibit good mechanical stability amongst various thin-film photovoltaic technologies. We demonstrate higher mechanical endurance of quantum dot films compared to bulk thin film and highlight the importance of further research on high-performance and flexible optoelectronic devices using nanoscale grains as an advantage. Specifically, we develop a hybrid interfacial architecture consisting of CsPbI 3 quantum dot/PCBM heterojunction, enabling an energy cascade for efficient charge transfer and mechanical adhesion. The champion CsPbI3 quantum dot solar cell has an efficiency of 15.1% (stabilized power output of 14.61%), which is among the highest report to date. Building on this strategy, we further demonstrate a highest efficiency of 12.3% in flexible quantum dot photovoltaics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Origins of Photoluminescence Instabilities at Halide Perovskite/Organic Hole Transport Layer Interfaces

Metal halide perovskites are promising for optoelectronic device applications; however, their poor stability under solar illumination remains a primary concern. While the intrinsic photostability of isolated neat perovskite samples has been widely discussed, it is important to explore how charge transport layers—employed in most devices—impact photostability. Here, in this paper, we study the effect of organic hole transport layers (HTLs) on light-induced halide segregation and photoluminescence (PL) quenching at perovskite/organic HTL interfaces. By employing a series of organic HTLs, we demonstrate that the HTL’s highest occupied molecular orbital energy dictates behavior; furthermore, we reveal the key role of halogen loss from the perovskite and subsequent permeation into organic HTLs, where it acts as a PL quencher at the interface and introduces additional mass transport pathways to facilitate halide phase separation. In doing so, we both reveal the microscopic mechanism of non-radiative recombination at perovskite/organic HTL interfaces and detail the chemical rationale for closely matching the perovskite/organic HTL energetics to maximize solar cell efficiency and stability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1990

Iridium Film For Charge-Coupled Device

Usability extended to different environments. Application of thin film of iridium to back surface of back-surface-illuminated charge-coupled device expected to increase and stabilize quantum efficiency at wavelengths less than 4,500 Angstrom. Enhances quantum efficiency according to principle discussed in "Metal Film Increases CCD Output" (NPO-16815). Does not react with hydrogen, so device need not be kept in oxygen: Advantage where high absorption of ultraviolet light by oxygen undesirable; for example, when device used to make astronomical observations from high altitudes.

Hecht, Michael H.↗
DOE OSTI2014

A novel coaxial Ku-band transit radiation oscillator without external guiding magnetic field

A novel coaxial transit radiation oscillator without external guiding magnetic field is designed to generate high power microwave at Ku-band. By using a coaxial structure, the space-charge potential energy is suppressed significantly, that is good for enhancing efficient beam-wave interaction. In order to improve the transmission stability of the unmagnetized intense relativistic electron beam, a Pierce-like cathode is employed in the novel device. By contrast with conventional relativistic microwave generators, this kind of device has the advantages of high stability, non-guiding magnetic field, and high efficiency. Moreover, with the coaxial design, it is possible to improve the power-handing capacity by increasing the radial dimension of the Ku-band device. With a 550 keV and 7.5 kA electron beam, a 1.25 GW microwave pulse at 12.08 GHz has been obtained in the simulation. The power conversion efficiency is about 30%.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-performance carbon nanotube electronic ratchets

The rapid advancements in low-power portable/wearable electronic devices require concurrent development of technologies that can provide power without the need for bulky, heavy battery storage. Electronic ratchets, asymmetric transistor-based devices that can convert AC signals or electronic noise into DC power, have been proposed as one solution to this growing need. Here, the recent demonstration of conjugated polymer-based electronic ratchets offers a route toward lightweight, flexible power sources for portable applications. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of the first electronic ratchets where the active channel component consists of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs), which can transform electronic noise or AC signals to a stable DC current with higher output power (up to ca. 14 mW for a chemically doped device) than their polymer-based analogs. We also show that patterning of the dopant profile in the s-SWCNT channel enables reasonable power conversion performance (ca. 3.5 mW) with improved stability relative to homogeneously doped devices. Our findings demonstrate the promise for s-SWCNT electronic ratchets as energy harvesting devices for portable, low-power applications.

ENGINEERING,MATERIALS SCIENCE,NANOSCIENCE AND NANO↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-575: Novel Quality Assurance Procedure for the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform Using Commercial OSLDs

Purpose: To support radiobiological research with the Xstrahl small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) by developing a simple and effective method using commercially available optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) that ensures dose output consistency. Methods: The SARRP output is calibrated according to the vendor standards and TG-61 protocol utilizing an ADCL calibrated ion chamber and electrometer at 2 cm depth of solid water. A cross calibration is performed by replacing the ion chamber with five OSLDs at the 2 cm depth. The OSLDs are irradiated to 500 cGy with 220 keV at 13 mA (78s delivery time) with a copper filter for an uncollimated 17×17 cm{sup 2} aperture. Instead of the absolute dose, the total amount of raw counts are collected from the OSLD reader and used for analysis. This constancy procedure was performed two more times over the course of three weeks with two OLSDs for validity. Results: The average reading for all OSLDs is 494939 with a 1-sigma standard deviation of the 5.8%. With an acceptable dose output range of ±10%, the OSLD readings have a counts range of [445445, 544433]. Conclusion: This method of using nanoDot™ OSLDs to perform output constancy checks for the SARRP ensures the output of the device is within 10% from the time of calibration and is convenient as well as time efficient. Because this, the frequency of output checks can be increased, which can improve the output stability for research with this device. The output trend of the SARRP will continue to be monitored in the future to establish a timeline for constancy checks and recalibration.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

A naphthalene diimide side-chain polymer as an electron-extraction layer for stable perovskite solar cells

Poly(N-(5-(5-norbornene-2-carbonyl)oxy)pentyl)-N'-n-hexyl-naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) has been synthesized by esterification of (N-(5-hydroxypentyl)-N'-n-hexyl-naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide)) with exo-5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid, and has been polymerized using the first-generation Grubbs initiator. This side-chain polymer exhibits good transparency throughout the visible (absorption onset at ca. 400 nm), good solubility in common low- and medium-polarity organic solvents, good resistance to dimethylformamide, and appropriate electron affinity for use as an electron-extraction layer in lead-halide perovskite solar cells. The performance of this polymer in n-i-p perovskite solar cells was compared to that of several small-molecule naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) derivatives and of SnO 2 . Solar cells using the polymer exhibited open-circuit voltages of up to 1.02 V, short-circuit currents of over 21 mA cm –2 , and power conversion efficiencies (PCE) reaching 14% which stabilize at 13.8% upon 90 s of illumination. Meanwhile control SnO 2 devices exhibited a PCE of ca. 16%, and small-molecule devices gave PCE values of less than 10%. Here, the devices employing the polymer exhibited improved long-term stability relative to the SnO 2 control devices under continuous illumination.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Tethered Small-Molecule Acceptors Simultaneously Enhance the Efficiency and Stability of Polymer Solar Cells

For polymer solar cells (PSCs), the mixture of polymer donors and small-molecule acceptors (SMAs) is fine-tuned to realize a favorable kinetically trapped morphology and thus a commercially viable device efficiency. However, the thermodynamic relaxation of the mixed domains within the blend raises concerns related to the long-term operational stability of the devices, especially in the record-holding Y-series SMAs. Here, a new class of dimeric Y6-based SMAs tethered with differential flexible spacers is reported to regulate their aggregation and relaxation behavior. In their polymer blends with PM6, it is found that they favor an improved structural order relative to that of Y6 counterpart. Most importantly, the tethered SMAs show large glass transition temperatures to suppress the thermodynamic relaxation in mixed domains. For the high-performing dimeric blend, an unprecedented open circuit voltage of 0.87 V is realized with a conversion efficiency of 17.85%, while those of regular Y6-base devices only reach 0.84 V and 16.93%, respectively. Most importantly, the dimer-based device possesses substantially reduced burn-in efficiency loss, retaining more than 80% of the initial efficiency after operating at the maximum power point under continuous illumination for 700 h. In conclusion, the tethering approach provides a new direction to develop PSCs with high efficiency and excellent operating stability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Grid-Interactive Electric Vehicle and Building Coordination Using Coupled Distributed Control: Preprint

As an increasing number of controllable devices are introduced onto the grid, they can individually provide ancillary services in support of grid stability. However, the goals of each device differ due to their type and individual objectives, causing instances where they may conflict. To reduce the chances of these devices contributing to grid instability, these devices must effectively communicate in a cooperative manner to both meet their own needs while providing services to the grid. Previous work demonstrates that the NALD (Network Lasso-ADMM - Limited Communication - DMPC) algorithm allows coordination between two subsystems that use different control algorithms (building and charging stations) to provide services to the grid and individually optimize their performance in a specific scenario. The ideal NALD algorithm should be generalized to allow plug-and-play capabilities across devices of differing characteristics. This paper takes a step toward generalizability by updating the electric vehicle charging objective and re-defining the communication scheme compared to prior work to generalize the coordination and, as a result, improve the performance of the NALD algorithm.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY CONSERVATION, C↗
NASA NTRS1994

Handling qualities of the High Speed Civil Transport

The low speed handling qualities of a High Speed Civil Transport class aircraft have been investigated by using data of the former Advanced Supersonic Transport (AST) 105. The operation of such vehicles in the airport terminal area is characterized by 'backside' performance. Main objectives of this research effort were: (Q) determination of the nature and magnitude of the speed instability associated with the backside of the thrust required curve; (2) confirmation of the validity of existing MIL-SPEC handling qualities criteria; (3) safety of operation of the vehicle in the event of autothrottle failure; and (4) correlation of required engine responsiveness with level of speed instability. Preliminary findings comprise the following: (1) The critical velocity for speed instability was determined to be 196 knots, well above the projected approach speed of 155 knots. This puts the vehicle far on the backside of its thrust required curve. While the aircraft can be configured to have static and dynamic stability at this trim point, a significant speed instability emerges, if a pilot or autopilot attempts flight path control with elevator and/or canard control surfaces only. This requires a properly configured autothrottle and/or variable aerodynamic drag devices which can provide speed stability; (2) An AST 105 type vehicle meets MIL-SPEC criteria only in part. While the damping criteria for phugoid and short period motion are met easily, the AST 105 falls short of the required minimum short period frequency, meaning that the HSCT is too sluggish in pitch to meet the military criteria. Obviously the military specification do not consider a vehicle with such high pitch inertia. With regard to speed stability and flight path stability criteria, the vehicle meets levels 2 and 3 of the military requirements, indicating that it would be landed safety with manual controls in case of an autothrottle failure, even though the pilot workload would be high; and (3) This requires quick thrust response to throttle adjustment, however. If the engine responsiveness is slow, the aircraft handling qualities are further deteriorated. Progress has been made in correlating required engine responses dyanmics with the given level of speed instability of the vehicle.

Solies, U. Peter↗
DOE OSTI2014

Air processed P3HT:PCBM photovoltaic cells: Morphology correlation to annealing, degradation, and recovery

ABSTRACT Systematically varied annealing, encapsulation, and solvent vapor treatments are conducted to produce stable OPV devices with controlled film morphology and high performance when produced in air. Active layer films are analyzed by AFM, nanomechanical mapping, UV–vis spectroscopy, and XRD. Devices prepared with isopropanol solvent vapor annealing (SVA) combined with thermal annealing (TA) show the highest environmental resistance and performance. Such devices yield average PCE of 3.3%, with stability to atmospheric exposure of up to 60 min prior to encapsulation. Encapsulated devices exposed to the laboratory environment for 30 days exhibit a decrease in PCE of ∼15%. On application of a second TA step PCE is recovered to over 90% of the original value. The unprecedented air stability of the cells is attributed to the formation of an active layer with a stable, favorable morphology during the SVA process, which is associated with lower oxygen content films. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014 , 52 , 1511–1520

Wu, Qi↗
DOE OSTI2024

Template-Assisted Growth of High-Quality α-Phase FAPbI 3 Crystals in Perovskite Solar Cells Using Thiol-Functionalized MoS 2 Nanosheets

Formamidinium lead iodide (FAPI) has gained attention for hybrid perovskite solar cell (PSC) applications due to its enhanced stability and narrow bandgap. However, a significant challenge remains in inducing and stabilizing the elusive perovskite “black phase”—photoactive cubic α-FAPI—as the relatively bulky FA + cations tend to favor the thermodynamically stable nonphotoactive “yellow phase”. Here, in this study, we present a templated growth strategy employing thiol-functionalized MoS 2 nanosheets as templates. By introduction of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-functionalized MoS 2 as a growth template, precise control over crystal formation was achieved, favoring the growth of high-quality α-FAPI films. These advanced templated films exhibited substantial improvements in charge transport properties, efficient light absorption, and enhanced charge extraction. As a result, the PSCs achieved a significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to the nontemplated control device, increasing from 20.6 to 22.5%. The MoS 2 -incorporated device also demonstrated excellent shelf stability, maintaining 91% of the initial PCE even after 1600 h of storage without device encapsulation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1991

LDEF attitude measurement using a pinhole camera with a silver/oxygen atom detector

A small device designed to measure the orbital attitude stability of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) spacecraft is examined. The device used the reaction of Ag with O atoms, which convert the metal to a nonconducting black appearing oxide with high efficiency. The atmosphere at LDEF altitudes consists of more than 90 pct. atomic O. The device is a small hemispheric Ag surface facing a pinhole in a metal plate on the front surface of the satellite. It was expected that the stream of O atoms, travelling at a relatively velocity of 8 km/s would pass through the pinhole and strike the Ag surface at the geometric center, producing a circular black spot. In fact, the position of the spot has clearly shown that the LDEF was rotated by 8.0 + or - 0.4 deg from its nominal attitude, but that it was remarkably stable about this offset. The ellipticity of the recorded spot was attributed to a yaw oscillation of + or - 0.2 deg, however it was previously noted, that the co-rotation of the Earth's atmosphere should produce a sweeping of the atom beam vector of ca. + or - 1.5 deg about the surface normal. Such an effect was not visible in this experiment.

Gregory, John C.↗