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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
DOE OSTI2022

2,3-Diphenylthieno[3,4-b]pyrazines as Hole-Transporting Materials for Stable, High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

High-performance and durable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have advanced rapidly, enabled in part by the development of superior interfacial hole-transporting layers (HTLs). Here, in this study, a new series of 2,3-diphenylthieno[3,4-b]pyrazine (DPTP)-based small molecules containing bis- and tetrakis-triphenyl amino donors (1–3) was synthesized from simple, low-cost, and readily available starting materials. The matched energy levels, ideal surface topographies, high hole mobilities of 8.57 × 10 –4 cm 2 V –1 S –1 , and stable chemical structures of DPTP-4D (3) make it an effective hole-transporting material, delivering a PCE of 20.18% with high environmental, thermal, and light-soaking stability when compared to the reference HTL materials, doped Spiro-OMeTAD and PTAA in PSC n-i-p planar devices. Overall, these DPTP-based molecules are promising HTM candidates for the fabrication of stable PSCs.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Photoactivated p-Doping of Organic Interlayer Enables Efficient Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

Solution-processed organic semiconductor layers on rough surfaces tend to vary widely in thickness, significantly hindering charge extraction in relevant optoelectronic devices. Herein, we report the photoactivated p-doping of hole-transporting material (HTM) to enhance hole extraction for (textured) perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, making the device performance less sensitive to the variation of hole transport layer thickness. We used the ionic compound 4-isopropyl-4'-methyldiphenyliodonium tetrakis(penta-fluorophenyl-borate) (DPI-TPFB) as a p-type dopant in poly(triaryl amine) (PTAA), which we used as the HTM. We observed that light soaking DPI-TPFB-doped PTAA shows approximately 22 times higher conductivity compared with an undoped PTAA film, which translated into an improved fill factor (FF) for tandem solar cells. Our tandem solar cells achieved an ~80% FF and 27.8% efficiency and operated at their maximum power point for 200 h without loss of performance, in addition to retaining ~83% of initial performance over a month of operation in an outdoor environment.

CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS,S↗
DOE OSTI2024

Triplet Management at Ligand-Perovskite Interface to Enhanced Photovoltaics Performance

Aromatic organic molecules are widely used as passivators in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Efforts have been devoted to improving the energy alignments, band edge states, and defect passivation functionalities. However, potential energy loss through triplet states in such conjugated molecules has not been investigated in the past. Here, we report the observation of charge transfer from FAPbI 3 to the triplet state of a pyrene (Pyr)-based cationic ligand. Such a potential loss channel can be suppressed via delicate triplet management in polycyclic aromatic compounds. Interestingly, a subtle structural modification from Pyr to the triphenylene (TP) core gave rise to shallower triplets that prohibit electron transfer from perovskites. This strategy has led to TP-passivated PSCs achieving an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.69% from 23.10% in Pyr-passivated counterparts. Moreover, the devices retained above 80% initial PCE after 4000 h of light soaking, which likely benefited from the reduced triplet electron trapping at the ligand-perovskite interface.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Self-Heating Conductive Ceramic Composites for High Temperature Thermal Energy Storage

The absence of affordable and deployable large-scale energy storage poses a major barrier to providing zero-emission energy on demand for societal decarbonization. High temperature thermal energy storage is one promising option with low cost and high scalability, but it is hindered by the inherent complexity of simultaneously satisfying all of the material requirements. Here we design a class of ceramic–carbon composites based on co-optimizing mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Further, these composites demonstrate stability in soak-and-hold tests and direct self-heating up to 1,936 °C and 750 thermal cycles from 500 to 1,630 °C without degradation. This thermal performance derives from their composition and microstructural design as verified by in situ high-temperature transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. They offer both higher energy density and lower cost than conventional storage technologies with a projected system Levelized Cost of Storage below the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2030 target 5 ¢/kWh (electric).

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Higher Wood Density Lowers Feedstock Cost and Has Minimal Impact on Biomass Conversion to Biofuels

Poplar and other woody feedstocks have the potential to provide up to 200 million tons of biomass per year that can be converted to liquid fuels. Most forestry strategies that aim to increase biomass productivity per hectare rely on short rotation plantations of fast-growing varieties. The improvement of the wood density as a key trait itself has largely been overlooked. We evaluated natural variation in wood density across a population of genetically diverse Populus trichocarpa trees grown in a common garden. Wood density varies greatly within this population but is heritable; higher wood density was not systematically associated with reduced growth, challenging assumptions of a trade-off between wood density and biomass accumulation. Furthermore, denser wood led to significant improvements throughout the supply chain including lowering biomass production and transportation costs. Higher density did not correlate with changes in biomass composition. Density did not impact bioconversion in the two feedstock-to-fuel pipelines tested (pretreatment by ionic liquids and fermentation to bisabolene or soaking in aqueous ammonia and fermentation to ethanol) on a representative subset of poplars. These findings highlight wood density as a promising breeding target for accelerating the development of high-yielding, conversion-efficient bioenergy crops and as an avenue for increasing landuse efficiency and reducing biomass transportation cost.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effects of Polymer Morphology on Solvent and Catalyst Accessibility during Polyethylene and Polystyrene Autoxidation

Efficient catalytic deconstruction of plastics requires facile solvent and catalyst access to polymer substrates to minimize mass transfer effects. Autoxidation using Co(II) acetate, Mn(II) acetate, and a radical carrier in acetic acid is a promising strategy to deconstruct mixed plastic waste, yet the role of polymer morphology in governing solvent and catalyst accessibility remains poorly understood. Here, in situ simultaneous small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), complemented by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging and high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were used to elucidate interactions between acetic acid, a Co/Mn catalyst solution, and semicrystalline polyethylene (PE) and amorphous polystyrene (PS) from room temperature to 160 °C. In PE, acetic acid and catalyst access were confined to amorphous regions and cryomilled particle interfaces at room temperature, while crystalline lamellae remained intact after soaking for up to 34 h. Increasing temperature enabled solvent uptake into PE, followed by solvent-assisted softening above 100 °C, and a modest melting-point depression that removed lamellar transport barriers upon melting. Conversely for PS, acetic acid penetrated the glassy polymer without inducing chain mobility until the glass transition was reached, above which the observed structural changes were consistent with enhanced segmental mobility which enabled bulk penetration. These results suggest that polymer morphology and thermally activated physical transitions arising from diffusion and polymer–solvent interactions can influence whether autoxidation of plastics is transport-limited or kinetically controlled, providing a framework for aligning reaction conditions with reaction outcomes.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Link Between CO 2 –Induced Wettability and Pore Architecture Alteration

Changes in pore (throat) size, surface roughness and mineralogy induced by supercritical-CO 2 -water-rock reactions impact petrophysical properties such as porosity, permeability, and especially wettability. Herein, we show that these changes directly impact relative permeability and capillary pressure curves, a fact rarely studied in the literature. In this work, we show that CO 2 contact angle changes emerge after Madison Limestone samples were soaked for 400 hours in CO 2 -enriched brine. Coreflooding results show that the water production rate and cumulative water production increased after the rock was exposed to carbonic acid. Moreover, the mercury capillary pressure decreased in meso- and macro-pores, indicating the increase of size in these pores due to reactions. This compounded wettability and pore network alteration can directly affect CO 2 injectivity, migration and storage capacity. Furthermore, this fundamental insight into CO 2 geological storage processes should aid practitioners to reduce uncertainties in forecasting CO 2 distribution via injection simulation.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multifunctional entinostat enhances the mechanical robustness and efficiency of flexible perovskite solar cells and minimodules

Flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs), prized for their nature of soft and high power-weight compatibility, have attracted intensive attention. However, inferior buried perovskite-substrate interfaces due to low interfacial adhesion between perovskites and substrates and large deformation of flexible substrates have greatly limited the performance of F-PSCs. Here, we add organic molecule Entinostat (ET) into hole extraction material Poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA) to enhance the adhesion at the perovskite/substrate interface using the interactions of ET with perovskites, PTAA and indium tin oxide (ITO) through its multiple function groups. Meanwhile, ET added into perovskites reduces the voids at the bottom perovskite film, due to its capability to tune the crystallization of perovskites by forming adduct with lead. Consequently, the inverted small area F-PSCs achieved an efficiency of 23.4%. The flexible perovskite minimodule with an area of 9 cm 2 achieved an aperture efficiency of ~19.0% certified by National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Furthermore, the optimized unencapsulated flexible minimodule retained 84% of the initial efficiency after 5000 bending cycles and retained 90% of the initial PCE (T90) after light soaking for >750 hours.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

On-device lead sequestration for perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells, as an emerging high-efficiency and low-cost photovoltaic technology face challenges on their way towards commercialization. Substantial improvements have been made to device stability but potential issues with lead toxicity and leaching from devices remain relatively unexplored. The potential for lead leakage could be perceived as an environmental and public health risk when using perovskite solar cells in building-integrated photovoltaics. Here we present a chemical approach for on-device sequestration of more than 96 per cent of lead leakage caused by severe device damage. A coating of lead-absorbing material is applied to the front and back sides of the device stack. On the glass side of the front transparent conducting electrode, we use a transparent lead-absorbing molecular film containing phosphonic acid groups that bind strongly to lead. On the back (metal) electrode side, we place a polymer film blended with lead-chelating agents between the metal electrode and a standard photovoltaic packing film. The lead-absorbing films on both sides swell to absorb the lead, rather than dissolve, when subjected to water soaking, thus retaining structural integrity for easy collection of lead after damage.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Atomic layer deposition for surface area determination of solid oxide electrodes

Surface area measurements are important for characterizing porous solids, but commonly used methods such as Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) gas adsorption and computed nanotomography are lacking for certain applications such as the development of solid oxide fuel cell electrodes, which often have absolute surface areas <1 m 2 and contain nanoscale features. Presented is a novel method for the surface area determination of samples with total measurable areas of 1–1000 cm 2 with a standard deviation ± 1 cm 2 , utilizing the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al 2 O 3 over microstructurally complex internal porosity. The volume of alumina is then quantified using plasma spectroscopy and converted to an area using the known ALD layer thickness. Under the modest ALD reactor soak times used (8.5 s), the precursor penetration depth is found to be ~50 μm, exceeding the requirement for uniformly coating SOFC functional layers. A model system, (La 0.8 Sr 0.2 ) 0.98 MnO 3–δ /Ce 0.9 Gd 0.1 O 1.95 (LSM/GDC) scaffolds of ~2.7 m 2 g –1 , was measured using the technique and compared against the BET method, and comparable results were obtained but with 1000 times less material needed. The technique is demonstrated for measurements in two example areas of active SOFC research: exsolved (Ni, Fe) nanoparticles on an Sr(Ti, Fe, Ni)O 3–δ electrode and PrO x catalyst nanoparticles infiltrated onto LSM/GDC scaffolds. Finally, the technique may be broadly useful wherever the accurate surface area determination of small absolute quantities of porous ceramic structures on the order of 0.1–50 m 2 g –1 is sought.

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

Evidence for I 2 loss from the perovskite–gas interface upon light-induced halide segregation

Sunlight-induced halide segregation in (CH 3 NH 3 )Pb(Br x I 1−x ) 3 (1 > x > 0.2), which limits obtainable voltages from solar cells with these perovskite absorbers, reverses upon resting in the dark. However, sustained illumination at ca. 1 sun opens a new decomposition pathway, leading to irreversible I 2 loss in an open system. We conclusively show I 2 off-gassing from halide-segregated (CH 3 NH 3 )Pb(Br 0.75 I 0.25 ) 3 by trapping gaseous I 2 and tracking the electronic conductivity of the perovskite, which increases from electron-doping as iodides are oxidized to iodine. Importantly, we show that this reaction occurs across the perovskite-air solid–gas interface, without confounding effects from solvent or reactive solid interfaces. This characterization was conducted under a nitrogen atmosphere, avoiding vacuum- and oxygen-driven I 2 loss pathways. Consistent observations of I 2 loss upon light-soaking CsPb(Br 0.75 I 0.25 ) 3 films show that this reaction is intrinsic to the inorganic framework. We propose that the disruption of iodide-rich domains in the halide-segregated films through I 2 loss can masquerade as a light-induced healing or apparent remixing of the segregated film, when in fact it leads to irreversible decomposition. Although I 2 off-gassing is less likely in bromide-rich solid solutions, light-induced halide segregation brings the iodides into proximity and forms electronic states that are energetically poised to trap and accumulate holes, providing a driving force for I 2 loss. Thus, even bromide-rich mixed-halide perovskite absorbers will benefit from I 2 -impermeable encapsulation for long-term stability.

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

Influence of crossover on capacity fade of symmetric redox flow cells

Volumetrically unbalanced compositionally symmetric cell cycling with potentiostatic (CV) or galvanostatic-with-potential-hold (CCCV) protocols is a rigorous technique for evaluating the calendar lifetime of reactants for redox flow batteries. Here, we evaluate the influence of reactant crossover through the membrane on symmetric cell cycling behavior. We tested symmetric cells of anthraquinone disulfonic acid (AQDS) with Nafion membranes of varied thickness and manufacture (NR211, NR212, N115, and N117, ranging 25–183 μm). Membranes were tested both as-received and pretreated with a common procedure of soaking in water at elevated temperature and then in dilute hydrogen peroxide. We found no significant difference in capacity fade rates of symmetric cells with any of the membranes as-received, indicating a negligible influence of crossover. However, we observed increased capacity fade with increased permeability through pretreated membranes. Supported by zero-dimensional modeling and operando UV-vis spectrophotometry, we propose a mechanism for net crossover in AQDS symmetric cells based on a higher time-averaged concentration of quinhydrone dimers in the non-capacity limiting side (NCLS) compared to the capacity limiting side (CLS), driving net crossover of AQDS reactants out of the CLS. Further, we illustrate other hypothetical scenarios of net crossover using the zero-dimensional model. Overall, many membrane–electrolyte systems used in symmetric cell studies have sufficiently low crossover flux as to avoid the influence of crossover on capacity fade, but under conditions of higher crossover flux, complex interactions of crossover and chemical reactions may result in diverse capacity fade trajectories, the mechanisms of which may be untangled with operando characterization and modeling.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Demonstration of and future perspective on scaling ultrafast-laser-ablation microstructuring of Li-ion battery electrodes to roll-to-roll production and large-format cells

This work demonstrates integration of an ultrafast laser onto a roll-to-roll machine, the laser structuring of a double-sided, 700 m long roll of graphite battery anode and its subsequent manufacture into 27 Ah prismatic cells. The electrode was ablated with a novel hybrid-microstructure composed of both hexagonally arranged pores for enhanced rate performance and channels for fast electrolyte wetting. Subsequently, this anode and a non-ablated baseline anode are paired with an NMC111 cathode for cell building and electrochemical characterization. Compared to the baseline, laser ablated cells demonstrated a reduction in soaking time of at least 60%, an improvement in fast charge capability with >30% more capacity accepted during 6C charging, and an extension of cycle life of >40% during 0.5C cycling. Further, a perspective is provided on scaling ultrafast laser ablation of battery electrodes to industrial throughputs. Additionally, lessons learned from this pilot-scale demonstration are provided in regards to optical architecture, debris removal, and system control. A techno-economic analysis is used to demonstrate that laser ablation can be integrated into existing electrode manufacturing facilities with only ≈$\$$1.3 per kWh increase (≈2%) in manufacturing cost. Preemptive electrode design for laser ablation is discussed as a further method for enhancing performance. Finally, an analysis of available laser systems and beam-scanning architectures is used to determine design requirements to scale process throughput to a state-of-the-art speed of 50 m min −1 . This analysis demonstrates that laser ablating Li-ion battery electrodes has multiple benefits to manufacturing and battery performance, that the technology already exists to achieve high laser-ablation throughputs, and that integrating ultrafast laser ablation to electrode manufacturing will not create a cost or processing bottleneck.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluating the industrial potential of emerging biomass pretreatment technologies in bioethanol production and lipid recovery from transgenic sugarcane

The selection of pretreatment methods is critical to achieving high product yields during bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass. Hydrothermal, soaking-in-aqueous ammonia, and ionic liquid pretreatment methods are viable candidates for minimizing sugar decomposition, permitting the effective hydrolysis of structural carbohydrates, and producing a fermentable substrate suitable for achieving industrial ethanol titers and yields. In this study, the effect of these three pretreatment methods on non-modified sugarcane cultivar CP88-1762 and two transgenic lipid-accumulating sugarcane lines, oilcane 1565 and oilcane 1566, were investigated and compared in terms of lipid recovery, sugar yield, and ethanol yields within the lignocellulosic biomass conversion pipeline. Fed-batch enzymatic hydrolysis at high solid loading yielded hydrolysates capable of supporting industrial bioethanol titers across all conditions. The highest sugar yields were obtained on ammonia-pretreated biomass hydrolysate (253.73 g L −1 ), followed by hydrothermally pretreated hydrolysate (213.10 g L −1 ) and ionic liquid-pretreated hydrolysate (154.20 g L −1 ). Commercially viable ethanol titers of 100.62 g L −1 , 64.47 g L −1 , and 52.95 g L −1 were achieved from ammonia, hydrothermal, and ionic liquid pretreated hydrolysate with the corresponding ethanol productivities of 2.08 g L −1 h −1 , 0.53 g L −1 h −1 , and 0.36 g L −1 h −1 . The lower acetic acid concentration in ammonia-pretreated hydrolysate may have enhanced its fermentability relative to the hydrothermal pretreatment condition, as indicated by the differences in ethanol titer and productivity. Lower sugar yields and ethanol productivities under the ionic liquid conditions likely resulted from the inhibitory effect of cholinium lysinate. Oilcane 1565 and oilcane 1566 bagasse accumulated over 16- and 3 times higher lipids than the non-modified sugarcane CP88-1762. The total fatty acid content in the oilcane samples was reduced in ammonia and ionic liquid-pretreated bagasse relative to the hydrothermal pretreatment condition. While all pretreatment techniques tested are industrially viable, the observed differences in titer, productivity, and lipid content indicate that careful selection and validation of upstream processing methods can contribute to improved economic and environmental outcomes.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Reliable operation of Cr 2 O 3 :Mg/ $β$-Ga 2 O 3 p–n heterojunction diodes at 600 °C

Beta gallium oxide (β-Ga 2 O 3 )-based semiconductor heterojunctions have recently demonstrated improved performance at high voltages and elevated temperatures and are, thus, promising for applications in power electronic devices and harsh environment sensors. However, the long-term reliability of these ultra-wideband gap (UWBG) semiconductor devices remains barely addressed and may be strongly influenced by chemical reactions at the p–n heterojunction interface. Here, we experimentally demonstrate operation and evaluate the reliability of Cr 2 O 3 :Mg/β-Ga 2 O 3 p–n heterojunction diodes during extended operation at 600 °C, as well as after 30 repeated cycles between 25 and 550 °C. The calculated pO 2 -temperature phase stability diagram of the Ga-Cr-O material system predicts that Ga 2 O 3 and Cr 2 O 3 should remain thermodynamically stable in contact with each other over a wide range of oxygen pressures and operating temperatures. The fabricated Cr 2 O 3 :Mg/β-Ga 2 O 3 p–n heterojunction diodes show room-temperature on/off ratios >104 at ±5 V and a breakdown voltage (V Br ) of -390 V. The leakage current increases with increasing temperature up to 600 °C, which is attributed to Poole–Frenkel emission with a trap barrier height of 0.19 eV. Over the course of a 140-h thermal soak at 600 °C, both the device turn-on voltage and on-state resistance increase from 1.08 V and 5.34 mΩ cm 2 to 1.59 V and 7.1 mΩ cm 2 , respectively. This increase is attributed to the accumulation of Mg and MgO at the Cr 2 O 3 /Ga 2 O 3 interface as observed from the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis. These findings inform future design strategies of UWBG semiconductor devices for harsh environment operation and underscore the need for further reliability assessments for β-Ga 2 O 3 -based devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Thermally induced PtOx interfacial layer enhances stability of Pt/β-Ga2O3 vertical Schottky diodes

This study investigates the long-term stability of Pt/β-Ga2O3 field-plated Schottky barrier diodes at high temperatures, with extended thermal cycling and soaking stress. The device characteristics reveal a strong dependence on operating temperature, leading to an ON/OFF current ratio of ∼10× at ±3 V and 600 °C. Extensive thermal cycling (25 cycles over 100 h) between room temperature and 350 °C shows that leakage currents stabilize after the initial ten cycles. This stabilization is likely due to the formation of a thin PtOx layer at the Pt/β-Ga2O3 interface, as confirmed by high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Further exposure to a constant 350 °C environment for 10 h reveals a slight increase in the leakage current from 10−7 to 10−6 A at −5 V and degradation of the forward current, due to potential thermodynamic instability of the Ohmic contacts. This study provides insights into the changes in the Pt/β-Ga2O3 diode performance with thermal stress, offering a basis for predicting the device’s operational reliability at high temperatures for sensing and power applications.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Initial Assessment of 3D-Printed Molybdenum Lattices as a Substrate for Liquid Metal Plasma-Facing Components

Many liquid metal plasma-facing component concepts for fusion reactors require a capillary porous material to wick the liquid metal to the surface of the component. In this work, samples of 3D-printed molybdenum lattices designed to have pore sizes ranging from 100 to 1000 µm were fabricated by two different suppliers. The dimensions of the lattice structures were characterized using an optical microscope, revealing that the lattice walls were almost systematically thicker than they were designed to be and in turn the pores are all smaller than they were designed to be. In many cases the pores were completely clogged. Several spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the chemical composition of the materials, collectively indicating the presence of a thick layer of oxygen-rich material extending more than 1 µm below the surface. Compression testing revealed significant asymmetry in the mechanical behavior depending on which direction the force was applied relative to the print direction. Lastly, lithium wetting tests of several lattice samples were performed, and a sample with ~250-µm pores was found to soak up lithium quickly after initial wetting of the surface occurred. The implications of these results for future liquid metal plasma-facing component design are discussed.

Parsons, Matthew S. [Princeton Plasma Physics Labo↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modification of Wool Fibers via Base/Cationic Detergent Pretreatment and Transglutaminase-mediated Reaction of Keratin

The surface modification of wool fibers is an important part of the textile industry to add functionality and stability to wool products. In this study, we developed a process utilizing a base/cationic surfactant solution pretreatment followed by an enzyme-mediated keratin crosslinking reaction to modify the wool fibers. Changes in water contact angle demonstrated the successful transformation of the hydrophobic wool surface to a more hydrophilic one after soaking in sodium carbonate solution containing hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The treated fabrics were further characterized by colorimetry and fluorescent spectrometry. Results showed that the pretreatment increased the yellowness of fabrics and caused some structural changes among certain amino acids, such as tryptophan and cystine. Keratin extracted from coarse wool fibers was further applied on pretreated fabrics through a microbial transglutaminase (mTGase) mediated reaction under mild conditions. Morphological characterization via SEM demonstrated the effective coverage of keratin on the scales of wool. The current method may provide an alternative processing protocol to modify wool fibers and improve the quality and performance of wool products.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗