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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2025

Validation of Formaldehyde Products From Three Satellite Retrievals (OMI SAO, OMPS-NPP SAO, and OMI BIRA) in the Marine Atmosphere With Four Seasons of Atom Aircraft Observations

Formaldehyde (HCHO) in the atmosphere is an intermediate product from the oxidation of methane and non-methane volatile organic compounds. In remote marine regions, HCHO variability is closely related to atmospheric oxidation capacity and modeled HCHO in these regions is usually added as a global satellite HCHO background. Thus, it is important to understand and validate the levels of satellite HCHO over the remote oceans. Here we intercompare three satellite retrievals of total HCHO columns (OMI-SAO (v004), OMPS-NPP SAO, and OMI BIRA) and validate them against in situ observations from the NASA Atmospheric Tomography Mission (ATom) mission. All retrievals are correlated with ATom integrated columns over remote oceans, with OMI SAO (v004) showing the best agreement. This is also reflected in the mean bias (MB) for OMI SAO (-0.73±0.87) x 10 15 molec cm -2 , OMPS SAO (-0.76±0.88) x 10 15 molec cm -2 , and OMI BIRA (-1.40±1.11) x 10 15 molec cm -2 . We recommend the OMI-SAO (v004) retrieval for remote ocean atmosphere studies. Three satellite HCHO retrievals and in situ ATom columns all generally captured the spatial and seasonal distributions of HCHO in the remote ocean atmosphere. Retrieval bias varies by latitude and season, but a persistent low bias is found in all products at high latitudes and the general low bias is most severe for the OMI BIRA product. Examination of retrieval components reveals slant column corrections have a larger impact on the retrievals over remote marine regions while AMFs play a smaller role. This study informs that the potential latitude-dependent biases in the retrievals require further investigation for improvement and should be considered when using marine HCHO satellite data, and vertical profiles from in situ instruments are crucial for validating satellite retrievals.

Atom↗
DOE OSTI2020

High-speed volumetric imaging of formaldehyde in a lifted turbulent jet flame using an acousto-optic deflector

The development of high-speed volumetric laser-induced fluorescence measurements of formaldehyde (CH 2 O-LIF) using a pulse-burst laser operated at a repetition rate of 100 kHz is presented here. A novel laser scanning system employing an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) enables quasi-4D CH 2 O-LIF imaging at a scan frequency of 10 kHz. The diagnostic capability of time-resolved volumetric imaging is demonstrated in a partially premixed DME/air lifted turbulent jet flame near the flame base. Simultaneous imaging of laser beam profiles is performed to account for the laser pulse energy fluctuation and laser sheet inhomogeneity. With the accurate registration of laser sheet positions, the volumetric reconstruction of CH 2 O-LIF signals is performed within a detection volume of 17.3 × 11.9 × 2.3 mm 3 with an average out-of-plane spatial resolution of 250μm. A surface detection algorithm with adaptive thresholding is used to determine the global maximum intensity gradient by calculating gradient percentiles. The flame topology characteristics are investigated by evaluating the 3D curvatures of CH 2 O surfaces. Curvatures calculated using 2D data systematically underestimate the full 3D curvature due to the lack of out-of-plane information. The inner surfaces near the turbulent fuel jet exhibit higher probabilities of large mean curvature than the outer surfaces. The saddle and cylindrical structures are dominant on both the inner and outer surfaces and the elliptic structures occur with lower probability. The results suggest that the damping of turbulent fluctuations by the temperature increase through the CH 2 O region reduces the curvature, but the local structure topology remains self-similar.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Preliminary Studies of UV Photolysis of Gas-phase CH3I in Air: Time-resolved Infrared Identification of Methanol and Formaldehyde Products

Halogen-bearing compounds are known to photolyze under UV radiation; analysis of degradation products is of interest for both safety and environmental considerations. Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy was used in the laboratory to study the UV-photolysis of methyl iodide. Photolysis products methanol (CH3OH) and formaldehyde (HCHO) were clearly identified in a time-resolved manner. Preliminary kinetic models predict the formation of both CH3OH and HCHO.

Hughey, Kendall D.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Enhanced electrochemical performance and extended cycling of resorcinol-formaldehyde derived N-doped carbon xerogel for alkali metal-ion (Li/Na/K) batteries

Resorcinol formaldehyde-derived carbon xerogel (RFC) is a versatile material with tuneable properties, synthesized through a simple sol-gel method. This study presents nitrogen-doped RF carbon xerogel (N-RFC) with 11.8 at% nitrogen doping, offering a microporous architecture ideal for alkali metal-ion (Li, Na, K) batteries. The porous N-doped framework enhances electrochemical performance by improving ion transport, increasing active storage sites, and significantly boosting metal-ion adsorption, particularly through pyrrolic nitrogen, as revealed by first-principles calculations supported by XPS analysis. N-RFC anodes showed excellent cycling stability, high-capacity retention, and fast charge/discharge capabilities, rendering them suitable for commercial applications. Notably, the N-RFC anode demonstrates high-rate long-term cycling stability, retaining its capacity of 83.5 % (188 mAh/g at 2 C-rate) and 50 % (133 mAh/g at 1250 mA/g) over 1000 cycles for Li and Na-ion batteries, respectively, favorable for commercial battery applications. Additionally, N-RFC demonstrates a reversible capacity of 120 mAh/g after 394 cycles with a retention of 82 % for K-ion batteries. The ability of the material to accommodate larger ions like Na + and K + further emphasizes its versatility and potential application in diverse alkali metal-ion battery systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Flame stabilization in DME spray flames under engine-relevant conditions characterized by OH* chemiluminescence and formaldehyde laser-induced fluorescence

The transient and quasi-steady flame structures of Dimethyl Ether (DME) fuel sprays, produced by a single-hole injector (Spray D), were investigated using Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) and chemiluminescence imaging in a constant-volume chamber under Engine Combustion Network (ECN) Spray A conditions (900 K ambient temperature, 60 bar ambient pressure, 1500 bar injection pressure, and 22.8 kg/m 3 ambient density). Low-temperature chemical reaction zones were visualized using formaldehyde (CH 2 O) PLIF with 355 nm excitation, while high-temperature flame regions were captured via chemiluminescence imaging of excited-state hydroxyl radicals (OH*). Both transient and quasi-steady flame structures clearly show the transition from CH 2 O to OH*, highlighting the progression from low- to high-temperature combustion, while the position of the flame is displaced for DME compared to reference hydrocarbon n-dodecane. Homogeneous reactor calculations with detailed chemistry and using adiabatic mixing for initial temperature show that CH 2 O peaks are significantly higher for DME at the same equivalence ratio, with a higher heat-release during the cool-flame regime with respect to the fuel heating value. Thus, the cool-flame dynamic as a precursor to high-temperature combustion and flame stabilization exhibit distinct behavior for DME relative to conventional hydrocarbons, and these phenomena are effectively resolved through the soot-free nature of DME and the high-speed, time-resolved diagnostics.

CH2O laser-induced fluorescence↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ampere-level co-electrosynthesis of formate from CO 2 reduction paired with formaldehyde dehydrogenation reactions

Current catalysts face challenges with low formate selectivity at high current densities during the CO 2 electroreduction. Here, we showcase a versatile strategy to enhance the formate production on p-block metal-based catalysts by incorporating noble metal atoms on their surface, refining oxygen affinity, and tuning adsorption of the critical oxygen-bound *OCHO intermediate. The formate yield is observed to afford a volcano-like dependence on the *OCHO binding strength across a series of modified catalysts. The rhodium-dispersed indium oxide (Rh/In 2 O 3 ) catalyst exhibits impressive performances, achieving Faradaic efficiencies (FEs) of formate exceeding 90% across a broad current density range of 0.20 to 1.21 A cm −2 . In situ Raman spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that the oxophilic Rh site facilitates *OCHO formation by optimizing its adsorption energy, placing Rh/In 2 O 3 near the volcano-shaped apex. A bipolar electrosynthesis system, coupling the CO 2 reduction at the cathode with the formaldehyde oxidative dehydrogenation at the anode, further boosts the FE of formate to nearly 190% with pure hydrogen generation under an ampere-level current density and a low cell voltage of 2.5 V in a membrane electrode assembly cell.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrochemically mediated disproportionation for selective formaldehyde upcycling in acid

Formaldehyde (FA) electrolysis is attractive for paired production of value‑added chemicals. However, conventional electrolysis adopts alkaline electrolytes, which triggers FA self-disproportionation and severe feed loss. Here we introduce a sustainable and selective strategy for valorizing FA through electrochemically mediated disproportionation in acidic electrolytes. By leveraging a dual-electrode system consisting of a hydrophobic copper tetraminophthalocyanine layer (CuTAPc-layer) cathode and a Pt 2 Ru bimetallic anode, we efficiently convert FA into methanol and formic acid at high Faradaic efficiencies of 93.2% and 91.3%, respectively. Compared with alkaline FA oxidation, which can lose up to 76% FA and complicate downstream separation, the acidic system suppresses side reactions to ensure high product purity. Mechanism studies reveal that the hydrophobic microenvironment of CuTAPc-layer suppresses hydrogen evolution, while the stronger oxophilicity of Pt 2 Ru enhances FA activation and lowers the key deprotonation barrier for FA oxidation. The integrated device demonstrates application potential in polyoxymethylene upgrading, delivering 374.2 mA at 4 V with ~90% single-pass conversion, establishing a scalable and eco-friendly electrochemical pathway for chemical upcycling.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Do Melamine and Melamine-Formaldehyde Surface Modifiers Improve Fuel Cell Activity and Durability?

Precious group metal-based catalysts based on Pt- and Pt-alloys are currently used as catalysts for the kinetically sluggish Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) on the cathode of fuel cells. The activity of Pt or Pt-alloy catalysts towards ORR is severely compromised by the adsorption of spectator-species such as sulfonate anions from perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomer or Pt-O(H) ad via water activation. Considering recent evidence pointing to the improvement in ORR activity via the use of melamine organic molecule or melamine-formaldehyde copolymeric additives as surface blocking agents for the prevention of sulfonate or Pt-OH ad adsorption, we evaluated these additives in fuel cells. The catalysts were modified with either of these additives and characterized using ex situ and in situ methods to verify successful adsorption and eventual performance in fuel cells. These surface modifying agents were found to suppress Pt-OH ad formation as well as suppress ORR activity. There was no evidence to point out that these additives improved ORR activity and H 2 /air polarization performance in a fuel cell MEA on supported, polycrystalline Pt catalyst.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

One-Pot Synthesis of Melamine Formaldehyde Resin-Derived N-Doped Porous Carbon for CO 2 Capture Application

The design and synthesis of porous carbons for CO 2 adsorption have attracted tremendous interest owing to the ever-soaring concerns regarding climate change and global warming. Herein, for the first time, nitrogen-rich porous carbon was prepared with chemical activation (KOH) of commercial melamine formaldehyde resin (MF) in a single step. It has been shown that the porosity parameters of the as-prepared carbons were successfully tuned by controlling the activating temperature and adjusting the amount of KOH. Thus, as-prepared N-rich porous carbon shows a large surface area of 1658 m 2 /g and a high N content of 16.07 wt%. Benefiting from the unique physical and textural features, the optimal sample depicted a CO 2 uptake of up to 4.95 and 3.30 mmol/g at 0 and 25 °C under 1 bar of pressure. More importantly, as-prepared adsorbents show great CO 2 selectivity over N 2 and outstanding recyclability, which was prominently important for CO 2 capture from the flue gases in practical application. An in-depth analysis illustrated that the synergetic effect of textural properties and surface nitrogen decoration mainly determined the CO 2 capture performance. However, the textural properties of carbons play a more important role than surface functionalities in deciding CO 2 uptake. In view of cost-effective synthesis, outstanding textural activity, and the high adsorption capacity together with good selectivity, this advanced approach becomes valid and convenient in fabricating a unique highly efficient N-rich carbon adsorbent for CO 2 uptake and separation from flue gases.

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

Role of chemical production and depositional losses on formaldehyde in the Community Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Multiphase Mechanism (CRACMM)

Abstract. Formaldehyde (HCHO) is an important air pollutant with direct cancer risk and ozone-forming potential. HCHO sources are complex because HCHO is both directly emitted and produced from oxidation of most gas-phase reactive organic carbon. We update the secondary production of HCHO in the Community Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Multiphase Mechanism (CRACMM) in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Production of HCHO from isoprene and monoterpenes is increased, correcting an underestimate in the current version. Simulated June–August surface HCHO during peak photochemical production (11:00–15:00 LT, local time) increased by 0.6 ppb (32 %) over the southeastern USA and by 0.2 ppb (13 %) over the contiguous USA. The increased HCHO compares more favorably with satellite-based observations from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and from aircraft-based observations. Evaluation against hourly surface observations indicates a missing nighttime sink that can be improved by increased nighttime deposition, which reduces June–August nocturnal (20:00–04:00 LT) surface HCHO by 1.1 ppb (36 %) over the southeastern USA and 0.5 ppb (29 %) over the contiguous USA. The ability of CRACMM to capture peak levels of HCHO at midday is improved, particularly at sites in the northeastern USA, while peak levels at sites in the southeastern USA are improved, although still lower than observed. Using established risk assessment methods, lifetime exposure of the population in the contiguous USA (∼ 320 million) to ambient HCHO levels predicted here may result in 6200 lifetime cancer cases, with 40 % from controllable anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen oxides and reactive organic compounds. Chemistry updates will be available in CRACMM version 2 (CRACMM2) in CMAQv5.5.

Skipper, T. Nash↗