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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 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Spectra-Orthogonal Optical Anisotropy in Wafer-Scale Molecular Crystal Monolayers

Controlling the spectral and polarization response of two-dimensional (2D) crystals is vital for developing ultrathin platforms for compact optoelectronic devices. However, independently tuning optical anisotropy and spectral response remains challenging in conventional semiconductors due to the intertwined nature of their lattice and electronic structures. Here, we report spectra-orthogonal optical anisotropy─where polarization anisotropy is tuned independently of spectral response─in wafer-scale, one-atom-thick 2D molecular crystal (2DMC) monolayers synthesized on monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) crystals. Utilizing the concomitant spectral consistency and structural tunability of perylene derivatives, we demonstrate tunable optical polarization anisotropy in 2DMCs with similar spectral profiles, as confirmed by room-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and cross-polarized reflectance microscopy. Additional angle-dependent analysis of the single-crystal and polycrystalline molecular domains reveals an epitaxial relationship between the 2DMC and TMD. In conclusion, our results establish a scalable, molecule-based 2D crystalline platform for unique and tunable functionalities unattainable in covalent 2D solids.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2025

Highly dense atomic Fe–Ni dual metal sites for efficient CO 2 to CO electrolyzers at industrial current densities

Carbon-supported, atomically dispersed, nitrogen-coordinated metal sites (e.g., Fe and Ni) are arguably the most promising catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 to CO due to their unique catalytic properties and the use of earth-abundant elements. However, conventional single metal sites are constrained by their structural simplicity, causing either too weak or too strong absorption/desorption of multiple critical intermediates (e.g., *COOH and *CO). Current catalysts also suffer from ultra-low loadings (<1.0 wt%) of atomic metal active sites in catalysts, leading to inadequate performance for CO 2 -to-CO conversion. Here, we develop dual Ni/Fe metal site catalysts with significantly increased atomically dispersed metal loadings (up to 4.8 wt%). A gas-phase chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach to introducing single Ni sites was integrated with Fe 2 O 3 /ZIF-8 precursors, followed by an optimal thermal activation. The optimized CVD-Ni/Fe–N–C catalyst exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic performance for the CO 2 reduction to CO in a continuous membrane-electrode-assembly electrolyzer, achieving a maximum CO faradaic efficiency (FE CO ) of 96% at a current density of 700 mA cm −2 in a near-neutral electrolyte. Furthermore, a desirable but challenging acidic flow-cell electrolyzer was designed using this dual metal site catalyst to improve CO 2 utilization, accomplishing a FE CO of up to 95% at a CO partial current density close to 600 mA cm −2 . Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest a synergetic effect between Fe–Ni pairs facilitating *COOH intermediate formation and *CO desorption simultaneously during CO 2 to CO conversion. This is key to breaking the linear scaling relationship of conventional single-metal site catalysts during the CO 2 reduction reaction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1970

Two-phase flow and heat transfer in porous beds under variable body forces, part 7

The design of an experiment to determine the behavior of two-phase vapor-liquid and gas-liquid flow through porous beds in low gravity environments is discussed. The selection of porous materials, liquids, and gases is described. The parameters necessary for the design and development of a flight experimental system are examined. The general specifications for system elements requiring additional development are identified.

Henry, H. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), Westinghouse phase 1. Volume 7: Metal vapor Rankine topping-steam bottoming cycles

Adding a metal vapor Rankine topper to a steam cycle was studied as a way to increase the mean temperature at which heat is added to the cycle to raise the efficiency of an electric power plant. Potassium and cesium topping fluids were considered. Pressurized fluidized bed or pressurized (with an integrated low-Btu gasifier) boilers were assumed. Included in the cycles was a pressurizing gas turbine with its associated recuperator, and a gas economizer and feedwater heater. One of the ternary systems studied shows plant efficiency of 42.3% with a plant capitalization of $66.7/kW and a cost of electricity of 8.19 mills/MJ (29.5 mills/kWh).

Deegan, P. B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The role of thermophysics in the design, optimization and understanding of semiconductor crystal growth in space

The compound semiconductor material PbSnTe has been investigated by NASA Langley Research Center as part of the Material Processing in Space (MPS) experiment in the framework of the Space Shuttle program. The long-range goal of the research is the improving of the performance of infrared detectors for use in remote sensing experiments. Three distinct techniques will be used in the low-g environment of space: two techniques involving bulk growth from melt and a vapor growth technique. In order to establish realistic estimates of the required time for experiments and to determine the thermal gradients that will be required to avoid constitutional supercooling, the diffusion coefficients must be accurately measured, however more data especially in the vapor-solid phase relations are needed.

Crouch, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

He-3 cooling systems for space

The development of a space-compatible He(3) refrigerator would provide a significant improvement in several areas of research in the 0.3 to 1 K temperature range. There are several methods of achieving these temperatures on Earth: He(3) refrigeration, dilution refrigeration, and adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration. The progress of adapting He(3) refrigeration for use in space is described. Various cycles and possible embodiments of He(3) refrigerators are described. Also included is an analysis of the liquid confinement and liquid-vapor phase-separation system. A possible configuration is then analyzed. Finally, the results of ground-based experiments will be discussed.

Kittel, P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Separator plugs for liquid helium

Work performed during Summer 1984 (from June to Sept. 30) in the area of porous media for use in low temperature applications is discussed. Recent applications are in the area of vapor - liquid phase separation, pumping based on the fountain effect and related subsystems. Areas of potential applications of the latter are outlined in supplementary work. Experimental data have been developed. The linear equations of the two-fluid model are inspected critically in the light of forced convection evidence reported recently. It is emphasized that the Darcy permeability is a unique throughput quantity in the porous media application areas whose use will permit meaningful comparisons of data not only in one lab but also within a group of labs doing porous plug studies.

Lee, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Utilization of FEP energetics

The research and development work on Fountain Effect Pump Systems (FEP systems) has been of interest in the competition between mechanical pumps for He II and FEP units. The latter do not have moving parts. In the course of the work, the energetics have been addressed using one part of a simple four-changes-of-state cycle. One option is the FEP ideal change of state at constant chemical potential (mu). The other option is the two-state sequence mu-P with a d mu=0 state change followed by an isobar. Questions of pump behavior, of flow rate response to temperature difference at the hot end, and related questions of thermodynamic cycle completion and heat transfer have been addressed. Porous media data obtained elucidate differences between vapor-liquid phase separation (VLPS) and Zero Net Mass Transfer (ZNMF).

Frederking, T. H. K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Space cryogenics components based on the thermomechanical (TM) effect

He II vapor-liquid phase separation (VLPS) is discussed, with emphasis on fluid-related transport phenomena. The VLPS system has been studied for both linear and nonlinear regimes, demonstrating that well-defined convection patterns exist in porous plug phase separators. In the second part, other components based on the thermomechanical effect are discussed in the limit of ideal conditions. Examples considered include the heat pipe transfer of zero net mass flow, liquid transfer pumps based on the fountain effect, mechanocaloric devices for cooling purposes, and He II vortex refrigerators.

Yuan, S. W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

On graphite in primitive meteorites, chondritic interplanetary dust, and interstellar dust

Vapor phase-condensed primary and secondary graphites require prolonged solid-state thermal annealing and are less likely than amorphous graphitizable carbons to occur in the interstellar medium as dust. Some unknown fraction of this amorphous carbon may be converted to secondary graphite by radiative annealing due to UV photons. Grain size distribution may differentiate between primary and secondary graphites; secondary graphite should, moreover, be associated with poorly graphitized carbon. Small, as-yet undetected amounts of small secondary graphite particles may exist in carbon-rich astrophysical environments.

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Nucleation and particle coagulation experiments in microgravity

Measurements of the conditions under which carbon, aluminum oxide, and silicon carbide smokes condense and of the morphology and crystal structure of the resulting grains are essential if the nature of the materials ejected into the interstellar medium and the nature of the grains which eventually became part of the proto solar nebular are to be understood. Little information is currently available on the vapor-solid phase transitions of refractory metals and solids. What little experimental data do exist are, however, not in agreement with currently accepted models of the nucleation process for more volatile materials. The major obstacle to performing such experiments in earth-based laboratories is the susceptibility of these systems to convection. Evaporation of refractory materials into a low-pressure environment with a carefully controlled temperature gradient will produce refractory smokes when the critical supersaturation of the system is exceeded. Measurement of the point at which nucleation occurs, via light scattering or extinction, can not only yield nucleation data but also, information on the chemical composition and crystal structure of the condensate. Experimental requirements are presented.

Nuth, J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Integrated fountain effect pump device for fluid management at low gravity

A new device for fluid management at low gravity is described. The system is basically the same as the enclosed capillary device using screens, in which the screens along the gallery channels are replaced by porous plugs which are responsible for both the fluid retention and pumping of He II; in this device, no downstream pump is needed. The plugs in contact with liquid He on both sides act as a fountain-effect pumps (FEPs), while plugs exposed to vapor on one side behave as vapor-liquid phase separators (VLPSs). The total net rate of He II transfer into the receiving tank equals the mass flow rate through the FEP plugs minus the liquid loss from the VLPS plugs. The results of the performance analysis of this integrated FEP device are presented together with its schematic diagram.

Yuan, S. W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Mechano-caloric cooling device

The mechano-caloric effect is potentially useful in the He II temperature range. Aside from demonstration work, little quantification effort appears to have been known since other refrigeration possibilities have been available for some time. Successful He II use-related system examples are as follows: in space, the utilization of the latent heat of vaporization has been quite successful in vapor-liquid phase separation (VLPS) in conjunction with thermomechanical force application in plugs. In magnet cooling systems, the possibility of using the mechano-caloric cooling effect in conjunction with thermo-mechanical circulation pump schemes, has been assessed (but not quantified yet to the extent desirable). A third example is quoted in conjunction with superfluid wind tunnel studies and liquid helium tow tank for surface vessels respectively. In all of these (partially future) R and D areas, the question of refrigerator effectiveness using the mechano-caloric effect appears to be relevant, possibly in conjunction with questions of reliability and simplicity. The present work is concerned with quantification of phenomena including simplified thermodynamic cycle calculations.

Frederking, T. H. K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Superfluid transport and its applications in space

Various transport modes in superfluid helium are discussed. They include zero net mass flow and finite mass flow for pure superfluid and normal fluid flow. An attempt is made to characterize these transport modes in a common frame of reference. Two dimensionless numbers are used, namely, the dimensionless heat flux number and the dimensionless driving force number. The equations are generalized by the use of a characteristic length so that they can be applied to the transport of HE II in any geometry. The theories are then extended to applications in space. In particular, fountain effect pumps and superfluid management at zero g by vapor-liquid phase separators are discussed in detail.

Yuan, S. W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Low energy gamma ray attenuation in multiphase water

A gauging system is proposed to enable monitoring of slush density, solid-liquid interface, and slush level as well as its flow rate. It is based on the principle that the electromagnetic radiation mass attenuation coefficient of a multiphase chemical compound is constant for all relative phase concentrations. Results showing the essential constancy of mass attenuation coefficients for single-phase water vapor, liquid water, ice, and multiphase mixtures of water/ice are described.

Singh, Jag J.↗