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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Lighting the way: Compelling open questions in photosynthesis research

Abstract Photosynthesis—the conversion of energy from sunlight into chemical energy—is essential for life on Earth. Yet there is much we do not understand about photosynthetic energy conversion on a fundamental level: how it evolved and the extent of its diversity, its dynamics, and all the components and connections involved in its regulation. In this commentary, researchers working on fundamental aspects of photosynthesis including the light-dependent reactions, photorespiration, and C4 photosynthetic metabolism pose and discuss what they view as the most compelling open questions in their areas of research.

Eckardt, Nancy A. (ORCID:0000000316581412)↗
NASA NTRS1987

Producing Hydrogen With Sunlight

Costs high but reduced by further research. Producing hydrogen fuel on large scale from water by solar energy practical if plant costs reduced, according to study. Sunlight attractive energy source because it is free and because photon energy converts directly to chemical energy when it breaks water molecules into diatomic hydrogen and oxygen. Conversion process low in efficiency and photochemical reactor must be spread over large area, requiring large investment in plant. Economic analysis pertains to generic photochemical processes. Does not delve into details of photochemical reactor design because detailed reactor designs do not exist at this early stage of development.

Biddle, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Prebiotic Polymer Synthesis and the Origin of Glycolytic Metabolism

Our research resulted in several discoveries which contributed to understanding the origin and operation of life. (1) Most importantly, we discovered a new pathway of prebiotic amino acid synthesis in which formaldehyde and glycolaldehyde (formose reaction substrates) react with ammonia to give alanine and homoserine in the presence of thiol catalysts. The thiol-dependent synthesis of amino acids undoubtedly occurs via amino acid thioester intermediates capable of forming peptides. This 'one-pot' reaction system operates under mild aqueous conditions, and like modern amino acid biosynthesis, uses sugar intermediates which are converted to amino acids by energy-yielding redox disproportionation. Preliminary evidence suggests that this type of process can be "evolved" by a serial transfer methods that lead to enrichment of autocatalytic molecules. (2) We established that prebiotic peptide polymers can be made by condensation of amino acid thioesters (homocysteine thiolactone and S-(N-beta-orotidyl- diaminopropionic acid) ethanethiol), and that prebiotic polydisulfide polymers can be generated by oxidation of dithiols with iron(III) in minerals. (3) In our analysis of metabolism we discovered the primary energy source of biosynthesis -- chemical energy made available by the redox disproportionation of substrate carbon groups. We concluded that the energy and reactivity of sugars make them the optimal substrate for the origin and operation of terrestrial (or extraterrestrial) life. (4) Since it is likely that the use of optimal sugar substrates in biosynthesis sets the average oxidation number of functional biocarbon throughout the Universe near 0.0 (the reduction level of formaldehyde), we proposed that a line(s) in the microwave spectrum of formaldehyde could be rationally selected as a frequency for interstellar communication that symbolizes life. (5) Finally, in preparation for the analysis of Martian meteorite samples, we upgraded our HPLC system to one femtomole sensitivity, and developed a new electrophoretic method of sample preparation for HPLC analysis of the meteoritic amino acids. In a sample of the KT boundary layer from Sussex Wyoming, we found about 300 picomoles per gram of meteoritic alpha-aminoisobutyric acid per gram of KT layer.

Weber, Arthur L.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Silicon/Carbon Nanotube Photocathode for Splitting Water

A proof-of-concept device is being developed for hydrogen gas production based on water-splitting redox reactions facilitated by cobalt tetra-aryl porphyrins (Co[TArP]) catalysts stacked on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are grown on n-doped silicon substrates. The operational principle of the proposed device is based on conversion of photoelectron energy from sunlight into chemical energy, which at a later point, can be turned into electrical and mechanical power. The proposed device will consist of a degenerately n-doped silicon substrate with Si posts covering the surface of a 4-in. (approximately equal to 10cm) wafer. The substrate will absorb radiation, and electrons will move radially out of Si to CNT. Si posts are designed such that the diameters are small enough to allow considerable numbers of electrons to transport across to the CNT layer. CNTs will be grown on top of Si using conformal catalyst (Fe/Ni) deposition over a thin alumina barrier layer. Both metallic and semiconducting CNT will be used in this investigation, thus allowing for additional charge generation from CNT in the IR region. Si post top surfaces will be masked from catalyst deposition so as to prevent CNT growth on the top surface. A typical unit cell will then consist of a Si post covered with CNT, providing enhanced surface area for the catalyst. The device will then be dipped into a solution of Co[TArP] to enable coating of CNT with Co(P). The Si/CNT/Co [TArP] assembly then will provide electrons for water splitting and hydrogen gas production. A potential of 1.23 V is needed to split water, and near ideal band gap is approximately 1.4 eV. The combination of doped Si/CNT/Co [TArP] will enable this redox reaction to be more efficient.

Amashukeli, Xenia↗
NASA NTRS1994

Computed Potential Energy Surfaces and Minimum Energy Pathways for Chemical Reactions

Computed potential energy surfaces are often required for computation of such parameters as rate constants as a function of temperature, product branching ratios, and other detailed properties. For some dynamics methods, global potential energy surfaces are required. In this case, it is necessary to obtain the energy at a complete sampling of all the possible arrangements of the nuclei, which are energetically accessible, and then a fitting function must be obtained to interpolate between the computed points. In other cases, characterization of the stationary points and the reaction pathway connecting them is sufficient. These properties may be readily obtained using analytical derivative methods. We have found that computation of the stationary points/reaction pathways using CASSCF/derivative methods, followed by use of the internally contracted CI method to obtain accurate energetics, gives usefull results for a number of chemically important systems. The talk will focus on a number of applications including global potential energy surfaces, H + O2, H + N2, O(3p) + H2, and reaction pathways for complex reactions, including reactions leading to NO and soot formation in hydrocarbon combustion.

Walch, Stephen P.↗
NASA NTRS1966

Solar and chemical power systems.

Dynamic conversion of solar and chemical energy, discussing power conditioning, Brayton-cycle system with inert gas and spacecraft batteries

SOLAR ENERGY THERMIONIC /SET/ PROGRAM↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPR studies of ferredoxin in spinach and cyanobacterial thylakoids related to photosystem I-driven NADP + reduction

Photosynthetic light-dependent reactions occur in thylakoid membranes where embedded proteins capture light energy and convert it to chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH for use in carbon fixation. One of these integral membrane proteins is Photosystem I (PSI). PSI catalyzes light-driven transmembrane electron transfer from plastocyanin (Pc) to oxidized ferredoxin (Fd). Electrons from reduced Fd are used by the enzyme ferredoxin-NADP + reductase (FNR) for the reduction of NADP + to NADPH. Fd and Pc are both small soluble proteins whereas the larger FNR enzyme is associated with the membrane. To investigate electron shuttling between these diffusible and embedded proteins, thylakoid photoreduction of NADP + was studied. As isolated, both spinach and cyanobacterial thylakoids generate NADPH upon illumination without extraneous addition of Fd. These findings indicate that isolated thylakoids either (i) retain a “pool” of Fd which diffuses between PSI and membrane bound FNR or (ii) that a fraction of PSI is associated with Fd, with the membrane environment facilitating PSI-Fd-FNR interactions which enable multiple turnovers of the complex with a single Fd. To explore the functional association of Fd with PSI in thylakoids, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic methodologies were developed to distinguish the signals for the reduced Fe-S clusters of PSI and Fd. Temperature-dependent EPR studies show that the EPR signals of the terminal [4Fe-4S] cluster of PSI can be distinguished from the [2Fe-2S] cluster of Fd at > 30 K. At 50 K, the cw X-band EPR spectra of cyanobacterial and spinach thylakoids reduced with dithionite exhibit EPR signals of a [2Fe-2S] cluster with g-values g x = 2.05, g y = 1.96, and g z = 1.89, confirming that Fd is present in thylakoid preparations capable of NADP + photoreduction. Quantitation of the EPR signals of P 700 + and dithionite reduced Fd reveal that Fd is present at a ratio of ~ 1 Fd per PSI monomer in both spinach and cyanobacterial thylakoids. Light-driven electron transfer from PSI to Fd in thylakoids confirms Fd is functionally associated (< 0.4 Fd/PSI) with the acceptor end of PSI in isolated cyanobacterial thylakoids. Furthermore, these EPR experiments provide a benchmark for future spectroscopic characterization of Fd interactions involved in multistep relay of electrons following PSI charge separation in the context of photosynthetic thylakoid microenvironments.

Electron paramagnetic resonance↗
DOE OSTI2024

Photosynthetic biohybrid systems for solar fuels catalysis

Photosynthetic reaction center (RC) proteins are finely tuned molecular systems optimized for solar energy conversion. RCs effectively capture and convert sunlight with near unity quantum efficiency utilizing light-induced directional electron transfer through a series of molecular cofactors embedded within the protein core to generate a long-lived charge separated state with a useable electrochemical potential. Of current interest are new strategies that couple RC chemistry to the direct synthesis of energy-rich compounds. This Feature Article highlights recent work from our lab on RC and RC-inspired hybrid systems that capture the Sun's energy and convert it to chemical energy in the form of H2, a carbon-neutral energy source derived from water. Further, biohybrids made from the Photosystem I (PSI) RC are among the best photocatalytic H2-producing protein hybrids to date. Targeted self-assembly strategies that couple abiotic catalysts to PSI translate to catalyst incorporation at intrinsic PSI sites within thylakoid membranes to achieve complete solar water-splitting systems. RC-inspired biohybrids interface synthetic photosensitizers and molecular catalysts with small proteins to create photocatalytic systems and enable the spectroscopic discernment of the structural features and electron transfer processes that underpin solar-driven proton reduction. In total, these studies showcase the incredible scientific opportunities photosynthetic biohybrid research provides for harnessing the optimal qualities of both artificial and natural photosynthetic systems and developing materials that capture, convert, and store solar energy as a fuel.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electrically enhanced thermochemical cycles for hydrogen generation

In two-step metal-oxide (MO) solar thermochemical cycles, high temperature solar thermal energy is first converted to chemical energy in the form of a reduced MO. The reduced MO is then reoxidized in a second step with steam (or carbon dioxide) to produce hydrogen (or carbon monoxide) at a lower temperature. Solar thermochemical cycles of this type circumvent heat-to-electrical conversion required for electrochemical water splitting and promise high efficiencies. However, significant challenges remain to implementation. Ultra-high temperatures and efficiency-sapping low per-cycle conversion stand out as particularly difficult hurdles. Hybrid approaches utilizing both thermal and electrical energy provide some of the advantages of each, and can facilitate lower temperature operation and offer better per-pass utilization than thermochemical alone. However, early concepts for implementing the thermo-electrochemical approach introduced substantial new challenges including difficult separations, corrosive environments, and energy losses from large temperature swings and phase changes. We are currently investigating two different options for implementation. In the first, a MO that reduces at lower temperature is selected. As the reduced MO lacks the full thermodynamic driving force to effectively split water, the reaction is driven forward by an electrically-assisted proton-conducting membrane that separates and recovers hydrogen as it is produced. This approach produces a pure hydrogen stream, is mechanically simple, and has unique thermodynamic advantages. The second option seeks to more directly couple the electrical boost to the solid MO to drive either the reduction or oxidation step, or both, through the utilization of layered MO materials and advanced reactors. This approach could be applied to both water and carbon dioxide splitting. The results of process modeling and optimization will be presented, and progress towards demonstrating the concepts at the laboratory scale will be discussed.

08 HYDROGEN↗
NASA NTRS1994

Heat dissipation in water-cooled reflectors

The energy balance of a lamp varies with the thermal and optical characteristics of the reflector. The photosynthetic radiation efficiency of lamps, defined as input power divided by photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400-700 nm) emitted from the lamp ranges between 0.17 and 0.26. The rest of the energy input is wasted as longwave (3000 nm and over) and non-PAR shortwave radiation (from 700 nm to 3000 nm), convective, and conductive heat from the lamp, reflector, and ballast, and simply for increasing the cooling load. Furthermore, some portion of the PAR is uselessly absorbed by the inner walls, shelves, vessels, etc. and some portion of the PAR received by the plantlets is converted into sensible and latent heat. More than 98% of the energy input is probably converted into heat, with only less than 2% of the energy input being converted into chemical energy as carbohydrates by photosynthesis. Therefore, it is essential to reduce the generation of heat in the culture room in order to reduce the cooling load. Through use of a water-cooled reflector, the generation of convective and conductive heat and longwave radiation from the reflector can be reduced, without reduction of PAR.

Kozai, Toyoki↗
NASA NTRS1999

Initial Test Firing Results for Solid CO/GOX Cryogenic Hybrid Rocket Engine for Mars ISRU Propulsion Applications

ORBITEC is developing methods for producing, testing, and utilizing Mars-based ISRU fuel/oxidizer combinations to support low cost, planetary surface and flight propulsion and power systems. When humans explore Mars we will need to use in situ resources that are available, such as: energy (solar); gases or liquids for life support, ground transportation, and flight to and from other surface locations and Earth; and materials for shielding and building habitats and infrastructure. Probably the easiest use of Martian resources to reduce the cost of human exploration activities is the use of the carbon and oxygen readily available from the CO2 in the Mars atmosphere. ORBITEC has conducted preliminary R&D that will eventually allow us to reliably use these resources. ORBITEC is focusing on the innovative use of solid CO as a fuel. A new advanced cryogenic hybrid rocket propulsion system is suggested that will offer advantages over LCO/LOX propulsion, making it the best option for a Mars sample return vehicle and other flight vehicles. This technology could also greatly support logistics and base operations by providing a reliable and simple way to store solar or nuclear generated energy in the form of chemical energy that can be used for ground transportation (rovers/land vehicles) and planetary surface power generators. This paper describes the overall concept and the test results of the first ever solid carbon monoxide/oxygen rocket engine firing.

Rice, Eric E.↗
NASA NTRS2011

In-Space Propulsion Engine Architecture Based on Sublimation of Planetary Resources: From Exploration Robots to NED Mitigation

The purpose of this NIAC study is to identify those volatile and mineral resources that are available on asteroids, comets, moons and planets in the solar system, and investigate methods to transform these resources into forms of power that will expand the capabilities of future robotic and human exploration missions to explore planetary bodies beyond the Moon and will mitigate hazards from NEOs. The sources of power used for deep space probe missions are usually derived from either solar panels for electrical energy, radioisotope thermal generators for thermal energy, or fuel cells and chemical reactions for chemical energy and propulsion.

Sibille, Laurent↗
NASA NTRS1995

Minimum Energy Pathways for Chemical Reactions

Computed potential energy surfaces are often required for computation of such parameters as rate constants as a function of temperature, product branching ratios, and other detailed properties. We have found that computation of the stationary points/reaction pathways using CASSCF/derivative methods, followed by use of the internally contracted CI method to obtain accurate energetics, gives useful results for a number of chemically important systems. The talk will focus on a number of applications to reactions leading to NOx and soot formation in hydrocarbon combustion.

Walch, S. P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Computed Potential Energy Surfaces and Minimum Energy Pathway for Chemical Reactions

Computed potential energy surfaces are often required for computation of such observables as rate constants as a function of temperature, product branching ratios, and other detailed properties. We have found that computation of the stationary points/reaction pathways using CASSCF/derivative methods, followed by use of the internally contracted CI method with the Dunning correlation consistent basis sets to obtain accurate energetics, gives useful results for a number of chemically important systems. Applications to complex reactions leading to NO and soot formation in hydrocarbon combustion are discussed.

Walch, Stephen P.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Computed potential energy surfaces for chemical reactions

The minimum energy path for the addition of a hydrogen atom to N2 is characterized in CASSCF/CCI calculations using the (4s3p2d1f/3s2p1d) basis set, with additional single point calculations at the stationary points of the potential energy surface using the (5s4p3d2f/4s3p2d) basis set. These calculations represent the most extensive set of ab initio calculations completed to date, yielding a zero point corrected barrier for HN2 dissociation of approx. 8.5 kcal mol/1. The lifetime of the HN2 species is estimated from the calculated geometries and energetics using both conventional Transition State Theory and a method which utilizes an Eckart barrier to compute one dimensional quantum mechanical tunneling effects. It is concluded that the lifetime of the HN2 species is very short, greatly limiting its role in both termolecular recombination reactions and combustion processes.

Walch, Stephen P.↗
DOE OSTI2025

New Materials for Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion

This review concerns light-to-chemical energy conversion, focusing on approaches that could be driven by terrestrial sunlight to produce hydrogen and/or reduce carbon dioxide. Recent advances in photocatalytic (PC) and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) materials are covered. In both approaches, the electron-hole pairs that are created by photon absorption must travel in specific directions to the sites that mediate multielectron bond making/breaking redox reactions. Thermodynamic requirements for materials stability are described, although some recently discovered materials appear to be exceptions. For PC materials, the importance of rate matching between reduction and oxidation processes and the mass transfer of intermediates and products is emphasized. Surprisingly, metal sulfides appear to be promising for PC carbon dioxide reduction. For PEC materials, recent work elucidating the elementary step mechanism for oxygen evolution on metal oxides and the discovery of chalcogen-based photocathode materials capable of sustained light-driven CO 2 reduction are discussed.

energy conversion↗