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Results for “Sustainability Strategies”

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
DOE OSTI2022

High-throughput oxygen chemical potential engineering of perovskite oxides for chemical looping applications

Chemical looping (CL) represents a versatile, emerging strategy for sustainable chemical and energy conversion. Designing metal oxide oxygen carriers with suitable redox properties remains one of the most critical challenges to CL due to the considerably different thermodynamic property requirements for different applications. Here, taking SrFeO 3–δ as a base-structure, this study seeks to rationally substitute its A- and/or B-site cations to tailor the equilibrium oxygen partial pressure over 20 orders of magnitude. 2401 Sr x A 1–x Fe y B 1–y O 3–δ perovskite-phase structures were investigated using high-throughput density functional theory (DFT) and 227, 273 high-entropy perovskites were screened via machine learning (ML). This significantly expands the materials design space. While most of the compositions predicted are new and nonobvious, 19 previously reported oxygen carriers, with excellent redox properties, were correctly identified by the algorithm. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrated 15 new oxygen carriers with superior redox performance. These results support the effectiveness of the high-throughput approaches for accelerated materials discovery.

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

Ionic liquid-enhanced recycling of lithium-ion battery black mass via heavy liquid centrifugal separation

Direct recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is of great significance to supply chain security and environmental protection by restoring spent battery materials to their original purpose without destroying their chemical structure. One of the key processes for direct recycling is to separate valuable anode and cathode active materials from black mass. This study evaluates ionic liquid-enhanced Heavy Liquid Centrifugal Separation (HLCS) as an efficient method for separating LIB black mass into its constituent anode and cathode materials. The optimized HLCS process achieved a separation efficiency of over 95%, yielding a graphite-rich upper layer and an NMC-rich lower layer. Characterization by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) confirmed the purity and structural integrity of the recovered fractions. The addition of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide decoupled entangled particles, while subsequent treatment of the anode layer with 1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride further enhanced separation purity. The recycled graphite exhibited comparable battery performance to pristine graphite. These results demonstrate HLCS as a promising LIB recycling strategy, advancing sustainable battery manufacturing.

Adigun, Babafemi [Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, T↗
DOE OSTI2026

Valorization of consolidated bioprocessing residues for bioplastics

This study demonstrates an organic solvent-free processing strategy to valorize consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) residues, from switchgrass and poplar biomass, into functional poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)-based biocomposites using high-shear homogenization (HSH). HSH transformed the switchgrass and poplar CBP residues (CBP-R) into fine, uniformly distributed particles and microfibers. The composites of PBS with homogenized switchgrass residues (H-CBP-R-SG) or homogenized poplar residues (H-CBP-R-P) at a 70/30 weight ratio exhibited improved processability and mechanical integrity, with the Young's modulus for the PBS/H-CBP-R-SG and PBS/H-CBP-R-P nearly doubling to 0.66 ± 0.07 GPa and 0.65 ± 0.04 GPa, respectively, compared to neat PBS (0.36 ± 0.02 GPa). Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) reveals a significant suppression of the tan δ peak magnitude, indicating that HSH-mediated physical activation facilitates stress transfer in composites typical of covalent chemical grafting systems. While the transition to a stiffness-dominated profile reduces ductility, the resulting composites exhibit the dimensional stability and resistance to thermal warping required for high-fidelity FDM 3D printing and injection molding. Beyond material performance, comprehensive techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) confirmed that diverting CBP residues into composite products can improve the economic viability of the biorefinery without substantially increasing biorefinery global warming potential (GWP). At a 30 wt% blend ratio, incorporating residuals into PBS yielded a minimum selling price for the composite of $\$4.07$ per kg compared to the conventional bioplastic price of $\$5.00$ per kg. This approach aligns with circular bioeconomy principles by converting waste streams into value-added products. Furthermore, this innovative strategy addresses key challenges in bioplastic development, including cost, compatibility, and performance, while simultaneously advancing waste minimization strategies for sustainable manufacturing systems.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nonstationarity in the global terrestrial water cycle and its interlinkages in the Anthropocene

Climate change and human activities alter the global freshwater cycle, causing nonstationary processes as its distribution shifting over time, yet a comprehensive understanding of these changes remains elusive. Here, we develop a remote sensing–informed terrestrial reanalysis and assess the nonstationarity of and interconnections among global water cycle components from 2003 to 2020. We highlight 20 hotspot regions where terrestrial water storage exhibits strong nonstationarity, impacting 35% of the global population and 45% of the area covered by irrigated agriculture. Emerging long-term trends dominate the most often (48.2%), followed by seasonal shifts (32.8%) and changes in extremes (19%). Notably, in mid-latitudes, this encompasses 34% of Asia and 27% of North America. The patterns of nonstationarity and their dominant types differ across other water cycle components, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, and gross primary production. These differences also manifest uniquely across hotspot regions, illustrating the intricate ways in which each component responds to climate change and human water management. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering nonstationarity when assessing water cycle information toward the development of strategies for sustainable water resource usage, enhancing resilience to extreme events, and effectively addressing other challenges associated with climate change.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2022

Developing new pathways for energy and environmental decision-making in India: a review

Abstract India faces a dual challenge of economic development and responding to climate change. Although India’s per capita emissions are well below global average, the country is one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. Indian policymakers and stakeholders require high-quality data and research to assess low-emissions, sustainable development strategies. Peer-reviewed literature is a key source of this information and also a key venue for conversation amongst research leaders. This paper examines the recent peer-reviewed literature on India’s 2030 and 2050 pathways. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify key quantitative national modeling studies. From the 34 studies identified, we synthesized scenario data to draw common conclusions and identify critical research gaps. The main focus was on examining the coverage and the state of information available on low-carbon pathways. Overall, we find a few scenarios that are potentially consistent with a 2070 net-zero goal, but more limited assessment of pathways to reach net-zero emissions before this date. Mitigation pathways with greater ambition are required across all energy sectors to ensure a smooth transition to net-zero emissions by or before 2070. The scenarios confirm that reducing emissions to below 2 GtCO 2 yr −1 by mid-century would necessitate significant transformations of the Indian energy sector, such as, a decrease in unabated coal power capacity, transportation modal shift, and industrial process switching. The assessment also finds substantial differences in final energy estimates reported across studies, particularly in transportation. The lack of consistency in, and transparency about underlying drivers, assumptions, and even outputs across studies points to the critical need for the sorts of coordinated, multi-model studies that have proven exceptionally valuable for decision makers in other major emitting countries.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Adaptive responses of Trichlorobacter lovleyi to nitrite detoxification reveal overlooked contributions of Geobacterales to nitrate ammonification

Abstract Poorly understood microorganisms “short-circuit” the nitrogen cycle via the dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium to retain the element in agricultural lands and stimulate crop productivity. The prevalence of Geobacterales closely related to Trichlorobacter lovleyi in nitrate ammonification hotspots motivated us to investigate adaptive responses contributing to ammonification rates in the laboratory type strain T. lovleyi SZ. Here, we describe the identification of tightly regulated pathways for efficient nitrate foraging and respiration with acetate, an important intermediate of organic matter degradation that Geobacterales efficiently assimilate and oxidize. Challenging the established dogma that high carbon/nitrate ratios stimulate the reduction of nitrate to ammonium, T. lovleyi doubled rapidly across a wide range of ratios provided nitrate concentrations were low enough to prevent the accumulation of the toxic nitrite intermediate. Yet, excess electrons during hydrogenotrophic growth alleviated nitrite toxicity and stimulated the reduction of nitrate to ammonium even under conditions of severe acetate limitation. These findings underscore the importance of nitrite toxicity in the ammonification of nitrate by Geobacterales and provide much needed mechanistic understanding of microbial adaptations contributing to soil nitrogen conservation. This information is critical to enhance the predictive value of genomic-based traits in environmental surveys and to guide strategies for sustainable management of nitrogen fertilization as well as mitigation of green-house emissions and agrochemical leaching from agricultural lands.

Environmental Sciences & Ecology↗
DOE OSTI2024

Uncertainties in greenhouse gas emission factors: A comprehensive analysis of switchgrass‐based biofuel production

Abstract This study investigates uncertainties in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factors related to switchgrass‐based biofuel production in Michigan. Using three life cycle assessment (LCA) databases—US lifecycle inventory (USLCI) database, GREET, and Ecoinvent—each with multiple versions, we recalculated the global warming intensity (GWI) and GHG mitigation potential in a static calculation. Employing Monte Carlo simulations along with local and global sensitivity analyses, we assess uncertainties and pinpoint key parameters influencing GWI. The convergence of results across our previous study, static calculations, and Monte Carlo simulations enhances the credibility of estimated GWI values. Static calculations, validated by Monte Carlo simulations, offer reasonable central tendencies, providing a robust foundation for policy considerations. However, the wider range observed in Monte Carlo simulations underscores the importance of potential variations and uncertainties in real‐world applications. Sensitivity analyses identify biofuel yield, GHG emissions of electricity, and soil organic carbon (SOC) change as pivotal parameters influencing GWI. Decreasing uncertainties in GWI may be achieved by making greater efforts to acquire more precise data on these parameters. Our study emphasizes the significance of considering diverse GHG factors and databases in GWI assessments and stresses the need for accurate electricity fuel mixes, crucial information for refining GWI assessments and informing strategies for sustainable biofuel production.

Kim, Seungdo↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey

# 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey The 2022 Kauai Ground Transportation Survey was designed to improve understanding of the transportation preferences of residents and visitors of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For residents of Kauai, the survey focused on mode-choice decisions for commute, leisure, and shopping activities and whether they would consider using alternative modes instead of driving if such options were available. For visitors, the survey focused on whether they would consider alternatives to rental cars if such options were available. Ultimately, survey results will inform the development of sustainable transportation strategies for the island. ## Data Collection Agency NREL and the Kauai Office of Economic Development conducted the study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project. ## Survey Methodology The survey was conducted July—October 2022. Respondents were recruited via direct email invitation, a press release on the Kauai County website and Facebook page, and posters at community outreach events. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,437 participants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Transactive Energy Practices Survey

For nearly two decades, the idea of using market-based approaches in field deployments that coordinate the flexible operation of electricity customer assets has occupied the efforts of transactive energy practitioners. While the purported benefits of this distributed decision-making approach encourage transactive energy designs have been well explored, the practical aspects of implementing such a system to address real-world problems are just beginning to emerge. This report surveyed 24 field-deployed programs and interviewed experts instrumental in these deployments. The results of the survey and interviews reveal the diversity of designs and applications. They highlight the technical promise of the approaches as well as challenges with system integration, sustainable business strategy, and regulatory policy obstacles. Insights from the survey offer considerations to direct future effort and investment.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗