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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

A highly oxygen reduction reaction active and CO 2 durable high-entropy cathode for solid oxide fuel cells

One big obstacle for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrode in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is the poor reaction activity and fast degradations caused by CO 2 poisoning. Here, in this study, we report our design of an active A-site Ca-rich high-entropy Pr 0.1875 Ba 0.1875 Sr 0.1875 La 0.1875 Ca 0.25 CoO 3-δ (PBSLC 25 C) electrode, guided by the O p-band theory. Here, when applied as a cathode in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), it demonstrates high ORR activity and excellent CO 2 tolerance under realistic operating conditions. Ni-YSZ-based anode-supported cells with PBSLC 25 C cathodes demonstrate excellent peak power densities of 1.14 W cm -2 , 1.04 W cm -2 , and 0.77 W cm -2 in the air with 1%, 5%, and 10% CO 2 , respectively, at 750 °C. The engineered high-entropy PBSLC 25 C effectively diminishes the CO 2 poisoning effect and maintains active surfaces for fast oxygen exchange, as confirmed by the cell durability test in air containing CO 2 (5 and 10 vol%), Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Diffusion of acceptor dopants in monoclinic 𝛽−Ga 2⁢ O 3

𝛽−Ga 2 ⁢O 3 is a promising material for next-generation power electronics because of its ultrawide band gap and high critical breakdown voltage. However, realizing its full potential requires precise control over dopant incorporation and stability. In this work, we use first-principles calculations to systematically assess the diffusion behavior of eight potential deep-level substitutional acceptors (Au, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Ni) in 𝛽−Ga 2 ⁢O 3 . We consider two key diffusion mechanisms: (i) interstitial diffusion under nonequilibrium conditions relevant to ion implantation, and (ii) trap-limited diffusion (TLD) under near-equilibrium thermal annealing conditions. Our results reveal a strong diffusion anisotropy along the 𝑏 and 𝑐 axes, with dopant behavior governed by competition between diffusion and incorporation (or dissociation) activation energies. Under interstitial diffusion, Ca$^{2+}_{i}$ and Mg$^{2+}_{i}$ show the most favorable combination of low migration and incorporation barriers, making them promising candidates for efficient doping along the 𝑏 and 𝑐 axes, respectively. In contrast, Au$^{+}_{i}$ diffuses readily, but exhibits an incorporation barrier that exceeds 5 eV, rendering it ineffective as a dopant. From a thermal stability perspective, Co$^{2+}_{i}$ shows poor activation but high diffusion barriers, which may suppress undesirable migration at elevated temperatures. Under trap-limited diffusion, the dissociation of dopant-host complexes controls mobility. Mg$^{2+}_{i}$ again emerges as a leading candidate, exhibiting the lowest dissociation barriers along both axes, whereas Co$^{2+}_{i}$ and Fe$^{2+}_{i}$ display the highest barriers, suggesting improved dopant retention under thermal stress. In conclusion, our findings guide dopant selection by balancing activation and thermal stability, essential for robust semi-insulating substrates.

Defects↗
DOE OSTI2021

Portlandite solubility and Ca2+ activity in presence of gluconate and hexitols

The current paper investigates the impact of gluconate, D-sorbitol, d-mannitol and D-galactitol on calcium speciation at high pH values by i) solubility measurements of portlandite (Ca(OH){sub 2}) and ii) potentiometric titration measurements of calcium salt solutions. Thermodynamic modelling was used to fit the chemical activities of Ca{sup 2+} and OH{sup −} ions and thus to determine the strength and kind of the different Ca-organic-hydroxide complexes. The strength of complex formation with Ca{sup 2+} decreases in the order gluconate ≫ sorbitol > mannitol > galactitol, which follows the same order as sorption on portlandite. Heteropolynuclear gluconate complexes with calcium and hydroxide dominate the Ca-speciation in the presence of portlandite, while for sorbitol ternary CaSorbOH{sup +} complexes were dominant under alkaline conditions. We expect that these results will help in better understanding the influence of gluconate and hexitols on the hydration of alite and Portland cement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Selective posttranslational inhibition of Ca V β 1 -associated voltage-dependent calcium channels with a functionalized nanobody

Ca 2+ influx through high-voltage-activated calcium channels (HVACCs) controls diverse cellular functions. A critical feature enabling a singular signal, Ca 2+ influx, to mediate disparate functions is diversity of HVACC pore-forming α1 and auxiliary Ca V β 1 –Ca V β 4 subunits. Selective Ca V α 1 blockers have enabled deciphering their unique physiological roles. By contrast, the capacity to post-translationally inhibit HVACCs based on Ca V β isoform is non-existent. Conventional gene knockout/shRNA approaches do not adequately address this deficit owing to subunit reshuffling and partially overlapping functions of Ca V β isoforms. Here, we identify a nanobody (nb.E8) that selectively binds Ca V β 1 SH3 domain and inhibits Ca V β 1 -associated HVACCs by reducing channel surface density, decreasing open probability, and speeding inactivation. Functionalizing nb.E8 with Nedd4L HECT domain yielded Chisel-1 which eliminated current through Ca V β 1 -reconstituted Ca V 1/Ca V 2 and native Ca V 1.1 channels in skeletal muscle, strongly suppressed depolarization-evoked Ca 2+ influx and excitation-transcription coupling in hippocampal neurons, but was inert against Ca V β 2 -associated Ca V 1.2 in cardiomyocytes. The results introduce an original method for probing distinctive functions of ion channel auxiliary subunit isoforms, reveal additional dimensions of Ca V β 1 signaling in neurons, and describe a genetically-encoded HVACC inhibitor with unique properties.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

2,4,6-Triphenylpyridinium-Substituted Neutral Nickel Catalysts: Ethylene Polymerization, Influence of Activator, Catalyst Decomposition, and End-Group Analysis

The reactivity of 2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium-substituted nickel(II)-salicyliminato catalysts in ethylene polymerization has been explored. Here, the known complex 6a equipped with a 2,6-diisopropylphenyl group affords polyethylene with M n = 10-12 kDa at 19 ⁰C, while 8a possessing the bulkier 2,6-diphenylphenyl moiety gives polymer with M n = 270-310 kDa. The stability of catalyst 6a depends on the borane activator. If B(C 6 F 5 ) 3 is employed, enhanced stability is observed compared with using 3H 2 O·B(C 6 F 5 ) 3 activator. Catalyst 6a decomposes forming a hydroxyl-bridged dimer 14 which may be reac-tivated, albeit inefficiently, by excess borane activator. Polymer formed by 6a contains ca. 3-6% of 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, pentafluorophenyl, and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl end groups combined. The pentafluoro-phenyl end group originates from reaction of 6a with borane activator, and from reactivation of hydroxyl-bridged dimer 14. 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl end groups are likely formed in a reaction sequence initiated by protonation of one aryl group in NaBArF which creates B[C 6 H 3 (CF 3 ) 2 ] 3 . The triarylborane can then react with 6a or 14 transferring the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group to nickel.

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

An investigation of the physical and chemical changes of Pd nanoparticles on carbon supports in response to the release of hydrogen from aqueous formate solutions

Palladium nanoparticles on carbon supports (Pd/C) are effective for catalyzing hydrogen release from aqueous formate solutions but typically suffer from a gradual decrease of activity. This study finds two primary factors influencing activity: (i) the number of available surface Pd sites, and (ii) metal-support interactions which depend on the nature of the C support. We propose that the Pd/C catalyst is structure insensitive and undergoes Ostwald ripening to yield an active ‘conditioned’ catalyst with dispersion plateauing between ca. 15–20 %. Contrary to earlier studies, in-situ XANES experiments show that PdO is not an active catalyst for formate dehydrogenation. Calcination of Pd/C before dehydrogenation increases the catalytic activity which suggests a beneficial, albeit temporary, modification of the metal support interaction. N-containing supports minimize nanoparticle growth and also increase activity through a metal-support interaction. In conclusion, these findings advance our understanding of catalyst evolution and stability in formate dehydrogenation systems.

Formate dehydrogenation↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multivariate Bayesian Optimization of CoO Nanoparticles for CO 2 Hydrogenation Catalysis

The hydrogenation of CO 2 holds promise for transforming the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. However, the challenge lies in developing robust and selective catalysts for this process. Transition metal oxide catalysts, particularly cobalt oxide, have shown potential for CO 2 hydrogenation, with performance heavily reliant on crystal phase and morphology. Achieving precise control over these catalyst attributes through colloidal nanoparticle synthesis could pave the way for catalyst and process advancement. Yet, navigating the complexities of colloidal nanoparticle syntheses, governed by numerous input variables, poses a significant challenge in systematically controlling resultant catalyst features. We present a multivariate Bayesian optimization, coupled with a data-driven classifier, to map the synthetic design space for colloidal CoO nanoparticles and simultaneously optimize them for multiple catalytically relevant features within a target crystalline phase. The optimized experimental conditions yielded small, phase-pure rock salt CoO nanoparticles of uniform size and shape. These optimized nanoparticles were then supported on SiO 2 and assessed for thermocatalytic CO 2 hydrogenation against larger, polydisperse CoO nanoparticles on SiO 2 and a conventionally prepared catalyst. The optimized CoO/SiO 2 catalyst consistently exhibited higher activity and CH 4 selectivity (ca. 98%) across various pretreatment reduction temperatures as compared to the other catalysts. This remarkable performance was attributed to particle stability and consistent H* surface coverage, even after undergoing the highest temperature reduction, achieving a more stable catalytic species that resists sintering and carbon occlusion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Enhancing the Carbon Monoxide Oxidation Performance through Surface Defect Enrichment of Ceria-Based Supports for Platinum Catalyst

Effective synthesis and application of single-atom catalysts on supports lacking enough defects remain a significant challenge in environmental catalysis. Herein, we present a universal defect-enrichment strategy to increase the surface defects of CeO 2 -based supports through H 2 reduction pretreatment. The Pt catalysts supported by defective CeO 2 -based supports, including CeO 2 , CeZrO x , and CeO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (CA), exhibit much higher Pt dispersion and CO oxidation activity upon reduction activation compared to their counterpart catalysts without defect enrichment. Specifically, Pt is present as embedded single atoms on the CA support with enriched surface defects (CA-HD) based on which the highly active catalyst showing embedded Pt clusters (Pt C ) with the bottom layer of Pt atoms substituting the Ce cations in the CeO 2 surface lattice can be obtained through reduction activation. Embedded PtC can better facilitate CO adsorption and promote O 2 activation at Pt C –CeO 2 interfaces, thereby contributing to the superior low-temperature CO oxidation activity of the Pt/CA-HD catalyst after activation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Systematic observations of enhanced oil recovery and associated changes at carbonate-brine and carbonate-petroleum interfaces

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from carbonates is obtained by injection of controlled ionic strength brines containing “active ions” (e.g., SO 4 2- , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ ). It is generally believed that this occurs through the interaction of the active ions at the carbonate-brine interface (e.g., within a thin brine layer separating the petroleum and the carbonate phases). Here, in-situ observations show how one active ion, SO 4 2- , alters behavior at the carbonate-petroleum interface. Displacement of petroleum from initially oil-wet carbonate rocks using brines with variable SO 4 concentrations systematically changes oil recovery, in situ contact angles, and connectivity of the oil phase, confirming that the active ion alters interactions at the oil/brine/carbonate interface, as expected. Measurements of model calcite-fluid interfaces show that there is no measurable sorption of SO 4 to carbonate-brine interfaces but reveals that the carbonate-petroleum interface is altered by previous exposure to SO 4 -containing brines. These results suggest that EOR in carbonates is controlled indirectly by active ions. We propose that this may be due to a reduced oleophilicity of the carbonate caused by chemical complexation between the active ion and petroleum’s acidic and basic functional groups. This mechanism explains how both anions and cations act as active ions for EOR in carbonates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Four-decade follow-up of a plutonium-contaminated puncture wound treated with Ca-DTPA

Contaminated wounds are a common route of internal deposition of radionuclides for nuclear and radiation workers. They may result in significant doses to radiosensitive organs and tissues in an exposed individual's body. The United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries' whole-body donor (Case 0303) accidentally punctured his finger on equipment contaminated with plutonium nitrate. The wound was surgically excised and medically treated with intravenous injections of Ca-DTPA. A total of 16 g Ca-DTPA was administered in 18 treatments during the 2 months following the accident. Ninety-three urine samples were collected and analysed over 14 years following the accident. An estimated 239 Pu activity of 73.7 Bq was excreted during Ca-DTPA treatment. Post-mortem radiochemical analysis of autopsy tissues indicated that 40 years post-accident 21.6 ± 0.2 Bq of 239 Pu was retained in the skeleton, 12.2 ± 0.3 Bq in the liver, and 3.7 ± 0.1 Bq in other soft tissues; 1.35 ± 0.02 Bq of 239 Pu was measured in tissue samples from the wound site. To estimate the plutonium intake, late urine measurements, which were unaffected by chelation, and post-mortem radiochemical analysis results were evaluated using the IMBA Professional Plus software. The application of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements wound model with an assumption of intake material as a predominantly strongly retained soluble plutonium compound with a small insoluble fraction adequately described the data (p = 0.46). The effective intake was estimated to be 50.2 Bq of plutonium nitrate and 1.5 Bq of the fragment. Here, the prompt medical intervention with contaminated tissue excision and subsequent Ca-DTPA decorporation therapy reduced 239 Pu activity available for uptake and long-term retention in this individual's systemic organs by a factor of 38.

239Pu↗
DOE OSTI2021

Comparison of liquid absorption-release of superabsorbent polymers in alkali-activated slag and Portland cement systems: An NMR study combined with additional methods

In this study, {sup 1}H low-field NMR was used to compare the liquid absorption-release behaviour of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in Portland cement (PC) paste, NaOH-activated slag (SH-AAS) paste, and water glass-activated slag (WG-AAS) paste. The liquid absorption of SAPs in the PC paste was lower than that in the SH-AAS paste and the WG-AAS paste. The liquid release was also faster, which was mainly due to the higher Ca{sup 2+} concentration in the pore fluid of the PC system. In the AAS system, although the Ca{sup 2+} concentration in the pore fluid was low, the Na{sup +} concentration was much higher than that in the PC system due to the activator. The Ca{sup 2+} in the PC system is an important factor affecting the swelling of SAPs, while in the AAS system, the swelling limitation of SAPs is the result of the combined effects of Ca{sup 2+} and Na{sup +}, with Na{sup +} being dominant.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

An Electrochemically Activated Nanofilm for Sustainable Mg Anode with Fast Charge Transfer Kinetics

Highly reversible Mg plating/stripping is key for rechargeable Mg batteries and has typically been successfully demonstrated using transient electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry measurements. Furthermore, little effort has been invested in studying the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface over an extended time. We report here the development of an in situ generated surface film for Mg anodes based on electrodeposited bismuth (E_Bi). This film improves the interfacial stability of Mg in contact with the electrolyte, particularly over an extended time, and possesses fast charge-transfer kinetics (<30 Ω∙cm 2 ) and low non-time-sensitive interfacial film resistance (ca. 5 Ω∙cm 2 ) for active Mg species.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Thermodynamic modeling of calcium carbonate scale precipitation: aqueous Na + -Ca 2+ -Cl – -HCO 3 – -CO 3 2– -CO 2 system

To allow for accurate calculations of calcium carbonate scaling in highly saline produced waters, we present a comprehensive thermodynamic model based on the electrolyte nonrandom two-liquid (eNRTL) activity coefficient equation for the aqueous Na ⁺ -Ca ²⁺ -Cl – -HCO 3 – -CO 3 ²– -CO 2 system. The eNRTL binary interaction parameters for the H 2 O:(Na ⁺ -CO 3 2– ) pair, the H 2 O:(Na ⁺ -HCO 3 – ) pair, the (Na⁺-Cl–):(Na ⁺ -CO 3 2– ) pair, and the (Na ⁺ -Cl – ):(Na ⁺ -HCO 3 – ) pair are identified in this work via the regression of thermodynamic, calorimetric, and phase equilibria experimental data. The binary interaction parameters associated with the H 2 O:(Na ⁺ -Cl – ) pair, the CO 2 :(Na ⁺ -Cl – ) pair, the H 2 O:(Ca ²⁺ -Cl – ) pair, and the (Na ⁺ -Cl – ):(Ca ²⁺ -Cl – ) pair are retrieved from the literature. The remaining binary interaction parameters are retrieved from Aspen Plus or set to zero. In addition, the solubility product constants are identified for Na 2 CO 3 ·10H 2 O (s) , Na 2 CO 3 · 7H 2 O (s) , Na 2 CO 3 ·H 2 O (s) , Na 2 CO 3 ·NaHCO 3 2H 2 O (s) , Na 2 CO 3 ·3NaHCO 3 (s) , and CaCO 3(s) via regression of solubility data. Here, the model is capable of accurately calculating all phase equilibria and calorimetric properties at temperatures up to 473.15 K and salt concentrations up to saturation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Monitoring Potential Transport of Radioactive Contaminants in Shallow Ephemeral Channels: FY2019

Desert Research Institute (DRI) conducted a field assessment of the potential for contaminated soil to be transported from the Smoky Site Contamination Area (CA) because of storm runoff. This activity supported U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management Nevada Program (EM NV) efforts to establish post-closure monitoring plans for the Smoky Site Soils Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 550. The work was intended to confirm the likely mechanism of transport and determine the meteorological conditions that might cause the movement of contaminated soils, as well as determine the particle size fraction most closely associated with transported radionuclide-contaminated soils. These data will facilitate the design of the appropriate post-closure monitoring program. In 2011, DRI installed a meteorological monitoring station on the west side of the Smoky Site CA and a hydrologic (runoff) monitoring station within the CA, near the east side. The meteorological station collected air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, precipitation, solar radiation, barometric pressure, soil temperature, and soil water content data. The maximum, minimum, and average or total values (as appropriate) for each of these parameters were recorded for each 10-minute interval. The maximum, minimum, and average water depth in the flume installed at the hydrologic station were also recorded for each 10-minute interval. This report presents the data collected from these stations during fiscal year (FY) 2019. During the FY2019 reporting period, the warmest months were June, July, and August and the coldest were December and February. The highest monthly solar radiation (i.e., sunshine) values were recorded in June, July, and August, whereas December through February had the lowest solar radiation values. Monthly mean wind speeds were highest in the spring (April) and early summer (June). Winds were predominantly from the north, except in February, July, August, and September when winds were mostly from the west. The monthly average relative humidity ranged from 17 percent to approximately 60 percent. Humidity was lowest in the summer and highest in the winter. Monthly total precipitation ranged from 0.0 during August and September to 2.22 inches (in) (56.39 millimeters [mm]) in February. Total precipitation for FY2019 was 7.83 in (198.88 mm). During the reporting period, a single, nonzero, flow event was recorded at the flume. This occurred over two days between March 6 and 7, 2019, in response to 1.16 in (29.46 mm) of precipitation falling within 9.3 hours on March 6, 2019. This event produced a peak water depth of 0.39 in (0.99 centimeters [cm]) in the flume, and runoff was measured for approximately 23.5 hours. However, the maximum recorded flow depth was less than the limit for flow discharge and velocity that can be calculated for the six-inch (15 cm) throat of a Parshall flume. The runoff event produced insufficient flow velocities through the natural channel to cause local erosion and transport of bedload materials. No bedload samples were collected for radiological analysis. Observing meteorological and environmental conditions that lead to storm runoff will help identify the parameters and threshold conditions that should be incorporated into post-closure monitoring plans for this and similar Soils CAU sites. Routine monitoring of meteorological and hydrologic parameters at the Smoky Site CA has been discontinued at the request of EM NV, effective at the conclusion of FY2019. Environmental data acquisition was completed and the meteorological and runoff monitoring stations were removed from the Smoky Site on October 15, 2019.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Polymer Size–Catalytic Activity Relationships in Solution by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

Measuring the catalytic activity of specific sizes of polymers with active catalysts in solution is typically challenging, due to limited instrument detection sensitivity and/or dynamic range. Here, a fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) method is developed to determine the catalytic activity of living polymers of a specific apparent size in solution. Deviation from a single-component FCS data fitting, as assessed by χ2, is also introduced and developed as a “speciation index”—a method to evaluate and track changes in the relative amount of distinct polymer sizes with reaction progress. These methods are enabled by incorporating a selectively reactive fluorescent monomer into growing polydicyclopentadiene or polynorbornene during ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Compared to polynorbornene, data showed that catalysts in aggregates of polyDCPD retained higher activity for longer—outcomes not directly inferable from simple diffusional-access predictions. Here, the ability to assign catalytic activity to polymers of specific sizes, and then to determine how this activity evolves with reaction progress, support long-term goals in the development and measurement of nano-objects that possess size-dependent catalytic activity.

Active catalyst↗
DOE OSTI2024

Porosity in Sr 1-x Ca x FeO 3-δ oxygen carriers: The role of surface area and pretreatment on storage activity

Perovskite oxides have generated interest as robust, low-temperature oxygen carrier materials for a variety of clean energy applications, including chemical looping gasification and air separations. Methods to improve O 2 desorption kinetics are vital to allow these carriers to compete economically with traditional metal oxide carriers or cryogenic separations. In this report we investigated the cumulative roles that surface area, pretreatment, and elemental composition have on the oxygen storage properties of a state-of-the-art carrier system, Sr 1-x Ca x FeO 3-δ (x = 0.20, 0.25, 0.30) synthesized using multiple methods. Porous materials synthesized by the Pechini, or citrate, method had their surface area controlled using the synthesis temperature. The high surface area of the Sr 0.7 Ca 0.3 FeO 3-δ materials is most beneficial at low operating temperatures, such as 350 and 400 °C, as their reduction rates are twice as fast as those obtained with their bulk counterparts. These effects are observed at higher operating temperatures and within a single composition, but temperature tunability using variable Ca 2+ substitution in the Sr 1-x Ca x FeO 3-δ overshadows the improvements gained from higher surface areas. Additionally, we establish that pretreatment in N2 at an elevated temperature is necessary to enhance kinetics further. For maximum efficiency, pretreatment at the synthesis temperature is suggested for the Pechini method-synthesized systems, whereas 800 °C is adequate for bulk materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Carbon aerogels with integrated engineered macroporous architectures for improved mass transport

Carbon aerogels (CAs) combine unique properties including ultra-high surface area, high electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and robust mechanical properties making them ideal materials for electrochemical applications. Traditional CA synthesis results in isotropic, random nanoporous networks that work well for applications relying on diffusional mass transport. However, many applications would benefit from integration of engineered macroporous network structures that enable directed pressure-gradient-driven mass transport. In this study, we report on using 3D-printed sacrificial polymeric templates to generate templated CAs (t-CAs) with integrated engineered nonrandom macroporous network structures. Specifically, we used projection micro-stereo-lithography (PμSL) and two-photon polymerization direct laser writing (2PP-DLW) to fabricate millimeter-to-centimeter-sized 3D sacrificial polymeric templates with features ranging from tens of microns (PμSL) to 100s of nanometers (2PP-DLW). T-CAs were fabricated by infiltrating the templates with resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) precursor solution, followed by carbonization at 1050 °C to simultaneously convert the RF gel to a CA and decompose the 3D-printed template, leaving an embedded templated macroporous network structure behind. X-ray computer tomography confirms integration of the macroporous architecture defined by the template. The templated macroporous architecture improves mass transport in t-CAs compared to traditional bulk CA as demonstrated by more uniform activation and their response in electrochemical cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

FY2020 Savannah River Site Composite Analysis Annual Summary Review

This document provides the Department of Energy (DOE) Order 435.1 and its manual, Radioactive Waste Management (DOE 2021a, 2021b) required Annual Review for the Savannah River Site (SRS) Composite Analysis (CA). Progress made to-date toward addressing the secondary issue from the LFRG review of the 2010 SRS CA has focused primarily upon inventory estimate improvements. Inventory impacts dose in a linear fashion and reduces the uncertainty with the CA conclusions. Maintenance items are addressed, as funding allows, based on the relative risk associated with meeting the performance objectives. Currently, there is minimal risk in exceeding the DOE 100 mrem/yr CA primary dose limit or the DOE 30 mrem/yr dose constraint (administrative limit). Proposed activities, discoveries, new information and changes potentially affecting the 2010 SRS CA are documented in this and earlier Annual Summary reports, and a consolidated list of changes since the 2010 CA is documented in this report. The impact to the CA of changes arising from updated performance assessment (PA) baselines [i.e., Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF), E-Area Low-Level Waste Facility (ELLWF), and F & H Tank Farm (FTF & HTF) closures] is expected to be minor for the following reasons: The primary contributors to the SRS CA dose impact at the Upper Three Runs (UTR) point of assessment (POA) are the H-Canyon and Mixed Waste Management Facility (MWMF), contributing 68% and 9%, respectively, to the dose impact at that POA. The combined contribution to the UTR dose impact from all PA’s (SDF, ELLWF, FTF and HTF) is ~2% of this total. The 2010 SRS CA model validation performed indicates that the CA projected dose, while generally conservative, provides a reasonable representation of the maximum annual doses. Doses evaluated are well below the SRS established 15 mrem/yr administrative limit (Crapse et al. 2011). Based on the assessment presented within this annual review and collective engineering judgement, the conclusions of the 2010 SRS CA remain valid and there is reasonable assurance that SRS will meet the performance objectives delineated in DOE Manual 435.1-1. The 2010 SRS CA should be updated to incorporate PA changes, proposed changes to inventories and sources and model improvements accumulated since the 2010 CA. The timing will be dependent on the completion of the ongoing E-Area PA revision.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗