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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

Non-equilibrium plasma co-upcycling of waste plastics and CO 2 for carbon-negative oleochemicals

Mechanical recycling and chemical upcycling by thermochemical reactions have been the major approaches for recycling end-of-life plastics. Herein, we report an electrified approach to upcycle waste plastics into carbon-negative commodity chemicals using greenhouse gas CO 2 as the oxidant and additional carbon source. In this non-equilibrium plasma process, waste polyolefins were oxidatively depolymerized by plasma-activated CO 2 to produce oleochemicals and hydrocarbon chemicals in a single-step process at high reaction rates. In addition, a mixture of CO 2 and a small amount of O 2 was employed as plasma gases to selectively produce fatty alcohols from polyolefins. Based on this atmospheric pressure, non-solvent, and non-catalyst process, up to 97.6% of fatty alcohols could be produced within minutes. In this article, the co-conversion approach was demonstrated using common polyolefins and real-world mixed waste plastics to obtain comparable results. The techno-economic analysis estimates the internal rate of return to be 42.2% and 43.5% for the plasma-based conversion of waste plastics, depending on the plasma gas composition. Lifecycle assessment indicates the global warming potential is between −3.33 and −3.07 kg CO 2e per kg of plastic.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

FEED Study of CarbonCapture Inc DAC and CarbonCure Utilization Technologies Using United States Steel’s Gary Works Plant Waste Heat (Final Report)

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) led this project to produce a front-end engineering design (FEED) study of an advanced Direct Air Capture and Utilization System (DACUS) system that can remove a minimum of 5,000 tonnes/yr net of carbon dioxide from air (based on cradle-to-gate LCA) and utilizing the CO 2 to produce low carbon intensity ready mix concrete. The designed system, if built, would be larger than any currently existing Direct Air Capture (DAC) collector in the U.S. Such carbon capture technologies are critical to meeting the goals of the DOE’s program to accelerate climate-critical technology. In addition to the power sector, industrial facilities for the manufacture of steel and cement/concrete are among the major sources of anthropogenic CO 2 . DAC is a promising new technology for reducing CO 2 , a potent greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere but is expensive, in part due to the energy required to adsorb and desorb captured CO 2 during cycles. By integrating CarbonCapture Inc. (CCI) DAC modules at United States Steel's Gary Works (USS) and utilizing the site's waste heat, energy, and location this project evaluates the feasibility of utilizing the captured CO 2 and the logistics of transportation. CarbonCapture Inc. has developed an innovative DAC system using novel adsorbents to cost-effectively capture CO 2 . The captured, liquified gas will be trucked to ready-mix concrete plants within the region, the closest of which is approximately 3.5 miles away, where CarbonCure will inject it into concrete during the mixing process at the facilities. The carbon dioxide reacts with concrete, mineralizing into calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), permanently locking the greenhouse gas into the matrix of the building material. This FEED study demonstrated a full CO 2 value chain for DACUS from industrial facilities. It also provided a means for Visage Energy Corp. (Visage) to assess the impact of this holistic approach on job creation, regional economic impact, and environmental justice. The project team also included Sargent & Lundy (S&L) to provide the constructability review and costing of the integration of the DAC with the steel plant. Ecotek Engineering USA, LLC designed the outside battery limit (OSBL) infrastructure to connect the DAC and the plant. Activities performed during the project included: (1) Project Management Plan; (2) Technology Maturation Plan (TMP); (3) Initial Workforce Readiness Plan; (4) Workforce Readiness Plan; (5) Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) Study; (6) Project Design Basis; (7) Hazards and Operability (HAZOP) Study; (8) Constructability Review; (9) Project Cost Assessment; (10) Logistics Analysis of CO 2 Transportation to the Utilization Site; (11) Business Case Analysis; (12) Life Cycle Analysis (LCA); (13) Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Analysis; (14) Environmental Justice Analysis; and (15) Economic Revitalization and Job Creation Outcomes Analysis. This report provides a summary of the outcomes and results of the project, which was performed between Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2024.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

A molecular view of peptoid-induced acceleration of calcite growth

The extensive deposits of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) generated by marine organisms constitute the largest and oldest carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reservoir. These organisms utilize macromolecules like peptides and proteins to facilitate the nucleation and growth of carbonate minerals, serving as an effective method for CO 2 sequestration. However, the precise mechanisms behind this process remain elusive. In this study, we report the use of sequence-defined peptoids, a class of peptidomimetics, to achieve the accelerated calcite step growth kinetics with the molecular level mechanistic understanding. By designing peptoids with hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks, we systematically investigated the acceleration in step growth rate of calcite crystals using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), varying peptoid sequences and concentrations, CaCO 3 supersaturations, and the ratio of Ca 2+ / HCO 3 − . Mechanistic studies using NMR, three-dimensional fast force mapping (3D FFM), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) were conducted to reveal the interactions of peptoids with Ca 2+ and HCO 3 − ions in solution, as well as the effect of peptoids on solvation and energetics of calcite crystal surface. Our results indicate the multiple roles of peptoid in facilitating HCO 3 − deprotonation, Ca 2+ desolvation, and the disruption of interfacial hydration layers of the calcite surface, which collectively contribute to a peptoid-induced acceleration of calcite growth. These findings provide guidelines for future design of sequence-specific biomimetic polymers as crystallization promoters, offering potential applications in environmental remediation (such as CO 2 sequestration), biomedical engineering, and energy storage where fast crystallization is preferred.

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

Method for direct conversion of carbon dioxide to dialkyl carbonates using ethylene oxide as feedstock

A method for co-production of high purity dimethyl carbonate and mono-ethylene glycol by applying a reactor, such as a membrane reactor and/or an adsorbent-catalytic reactor by capturing and reacting carbon dioxide with methanol and ethylene oxide. Carbon dioxide may be recovered from primary sources (utilities and industrial processes) by a membrane or solid adsorbent, and subsequently converted to an intermediate hydroxy-ethyl-methyl carbonate by reacting with ethylene oxide and methanol. For high-purity carbon dioxide (obtained by carbon capture technologies or from an ethanol fermentation process), the membrane reactor is replaced with a catalytic reactor for direct conversion of carbon dioxide to hydroxy-ethyl-methyl carbonate by reacting with ethylene oxide and methanol. The hydro-ethyl-methyl carbonate is further reacted with methanol for conversion to dimethyl carbonate. A combination of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts is implemented for an effective conversion of carbon dioxide. An integrated reactive distillation process using side reactors is used for facilitating catalytic reaction for production of high purity dimethyl carbonate.

Panchal, Chandrakant B.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Autonomous measurements of carbon dioxide uptake in a blue carbon habitat

A better understanding of carbon cycling dynamics in coastal ecosystems is critical to quantify “blue carbon” storage. However, obtaining the necessary measurements is complicated due to the dynamic conditions that characterize these ecosystems, and requires both spatially and temporally resolved measurements of carbon dioxide concentrations and complementary water quality parameters. In this study, we evaluate the use of a utility-class autonomous surface vehicle as a platform for measuring carbon dioxide dynamics in a shallow, intertidal, blue carbon ecosystem. We integrated a carbon dioxide sensor, a water quality sonde, and hydroacoustic sensors with an autonomous surface vehicle and performed measurements in and around a meadow of Zostera marina eelgrass. Results demonstrate the utility of this system to provide insight into complex carbon cycling dynamics in and around a shallow, intertidal blue carbon habitat.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Biochemical Conversion of Herbaceous Biomass to Renewable Diesel: Net Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollutant Trade-offs

This study examines greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air pollutant (CAP) emissions trade-offs for renewable diesel across 12 scenarios, involving different biochemical conversion designs, biorefinery scales, and feedstocks. A conventional design uses lignin for on-site heat and power, which exports excess power to the grid. An alternative design exports lignin pellets, offsetting other pellet production methods but requiring grid electricity to meet biorefinery power demands. Net emissions were quantified in Iowa and Georgia, selected considering feedstock availability, coproduct displacement, and regional power grids, assuming grid-exported power avoids coal or low-carbon electricity. Results for the conventional design remained consistent across the electricity displacement scenarios. When comparing lignin utilization strategies, pelletizing lignin reduces sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (net emissions –0.66 mg MJ –1 , 25 mg MJ –1 , 25 mg MJ –1 , 7.8 mg MJ –1 , respectively). However, lignin pelletization increases net particulate matter (fine and coarse) and ammonia (net emissions of 4.7 mg MJ –1 , 13 mg MJ –1 , and 0.26 mg MJ –1 , respectively), alongside indirect GHG emissions due to grid electricity dependence. Additionally, processing 2000 tonnes corn stover daily minimizes emissions for both designs. Only lignin pelletization with renewable electricity and additional particulate matter and ammonia controls reduces all CAP and GHG emissions simultaneously.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Coarse Woody Debris Decomposition Assessment Tool: Model validation and application

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is a significant component of the forest biomass pool; hence a model is warranted to predict CWD decomposition and its role in forest carbon (C) and nutrient cycling under varying management and climatic conditions. A process-based model, CWDDAT (Coarse Woody Debris Decomposition Assessment Tool) was calibrated and validated using data from the FACE (Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment) Wood Decomposition Experiment utilizing pine ( Pinus taeda ), aspen ( Populous tremuloides ) and birch ( Betula papyrifera ) on nine Experimental Forests (EF) covering a range of climate, hydrology, and soil conditions across the continental USA. The model predictions were evaluated against measured FACE log mass loss over 6 years. Four widely applied metrics of model performance demonstrated that the CWDDAT model can accurately predict CWD decomposition. The R 2 (squared Pearson’s correlation coefficient) between the simulation and measurement was 0.80 for the model calibration and 0.82 for the model validation ( P <0.01). The predicted mean mass loss from all logs was 5.4% lower than the measured mass loss and 1.4% lower than the calculated loss. The model was also used to assess the decomposition of mixed pine-hardwood CWD produced by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 on the Santee Experimental Forest in South Carolina, USA. The simulation reflected rapid CWD decomposition of the forest in this subtropical setting. The predicted dissolved organic carbon (DOC) derived from the CWD decomposition and incorporated into the mineral soil averaged 1.01 g C m -2 y -1 over the 30 years. The main agents for CWD mass loss were fungi (72.0%) and termites (24.5%), the remainder was attributed to a mix of other wood decomposers. These findings demonstrate the applicability of CWDDAT for large-scale assessments of CWD dynamics, and fine-scale considerations regarding the fate of CWD carbon.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

MCM (Marine Carbon Management) [SWR-24-122]

The marine carbon management software is an open-source Python based software that contains generic models for marine carbon capture, marine carbon dioxide removal, marine carbon capture and utilization, marine carbon capture and storage. The models include design parameters, operational conditions and scenarios and technology costs.

Niffenegger, James↗
DOE OSTI2020

CO 2 to Bioplastics: Beneficial Re-use of Carbon Emissions from Coal-fired Power Plants using Microalgae

This project sought to address the technical and economic barriers to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture and utilization using microalgae. Specifically, a dual photobioreactor (PBR)/open raceway pond (ORP) cultivation system was evaluated with respect to capital and operational costs, productivity, and culture health, and compared to an ORP-only cultivation system. In the dual (or “hybrid”) system, a cyclic flow PBR was used to provide inoculum for two open raceway ponds after each harvest, with the hypothesis that this PBR + pond system should result in improved performance compared to traditional raceway ponds. Two other raceway ponds were operated conventionally as a control, the experiments being performed at Duke Energy’s East Bend Station in northern KY using coal-derived flue gas as the CO 2 source. Although algae productivity achieved was mediocre due to the fact that the experiments had to be performed late in the growing season when climatic conditions were not optimal for high growth, the hybrid cultivation system showed a higher level of algae productivity (statistically significant) compared to the traditional ponds. In order to realize the maximum value of the algal biomass produced, fractionation of the biomass was examined. Bioplastic compounding and material characterization was subsequently performed using three feed stocks: whole biomass, lipid-extracted biomass and the proteinaceous residue from full fractionation. In general, the whole and lipid-extracted biomass gave similar results in terms of the properties of the resulting bioplastics, while the proteinaceous residue showed promise for the production of a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) blend. Finally, sustainability assessment of a putative biorefinery system was conducted, including techno-economic and life cycle impact assessment. Nine different production scenarios were considered, comprising combinations of the three different biomass growth architectures (ORP, PBR and dual PBR-ORP systems) coupled with three different algae biomass processing pathways (drying only, lipid extraction and fractionation). Results show that the minimum selling price of the bioplastic feed stock (BPFS) is within the realm of economic competition with prices as low as $970 USD tonne -1 . Additionally, life cycle impact assessment results indicate drastic improvements in performance of the produced BPFS, with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions ranging between 67 and 116% compared to a petroleum based plastic feedstock.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2020

Performance analysis of hybrid power configurations: Impact on primary energy intensity, carbon dioxide emissions, and life cycle costs

In this work, utilization of Natural gas and Hydrogen to support current and future building energy needs to offset the total electric demand while improving the grid resiliency and energy efficiency was investigated. Demand side energy management will play an important role in efficiently managing the available energy resources. Performance assessment of different power generation and energy management configurations is presented in this paper. Development of solutions in addressing grid resiliency by providing the ability to design suitable configurations for meeting individual building energy needs is discussed. Primary movers (PM) such as internal combustion engines (ICE) and fuel cells (FC) along with small scale auxiliary renewable energy source such as photovoltaics (PV) were considered. Key attributes of total carbon foot-print, life cycle costs including capital and operational expenditure, electric grid offset or peak shaving capability, thermal energy availability and its further potential to offset total electric demand, and primary energy intensity are analyzed and discussed in detail.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Direct Air Capture and Sequestration of CO 2 by Accelerated Indirect Aqueous Mineral Carbonation under Ambient Conditions

Mineralization of gaseous carbon dioxide into solid carbonates using alkaline industrial residues such as coal fly ash has a dual advantage of reducing the carbon dioxide footprint of coal power plants and improving ash utilization. However, the slow mineral carbonation rate under atmospheric conditions is a major challenge, especially when using natural minerals or industrial residues for direct air capture (DAC) of CO 2 . In this study, using coal fly ash samples and concentrated alkali carbonate aqueous solutions as a recyclable solvent, we show the feasibility of coupling mineral carbonation with DAC under atmospheric conditions. Findings show that carbonation efficiency is best under alkaline conditions, achieving as high as ~80% conversion to calcium carbonates within 1 h in a 1.9 M sodium carbonate solution. Based on the experimental results, a process coupling DAC and mineral carbonation that operates entirely under ambient conditions is proposed. Here, the techno-economic and life cycle assessments for the proposed process project a levelized cost of $\$116$–133/t-CO 2 -sequestered (US $\$2019$) and process carbon emissions (GWP) in the range of 0.03–0.25 t-CO 2 e/t-CO 2 -sequestered. Considering the low cost, simplicity, and gigaton-scale sequestration potential, we believe that DAC based on alkaline industrial residue carbonation can be considered a “low-hanging fruit” in the pursuit of negative emissions to combat climate change.

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

Decarbonization of Residential Building Energy Supply: Impact of Cogeneration System Performance on Energy, Environment, and Economics

Electrical and thermal loads of residential buildings present a unique opportunity for onsite power generation, and concomitant thermal energy generation, storage, and utilization, to decrease primary energy consumption and carbon dioxide intensity. This approach also improves resiliency and ability to address peak load burden effectively. Demand response programs and grid-interactive buildings are also essential to meet the energy needs of the 21st century while addressing climate impact. Given the significance of the scale of building energy consumption, this study investigates how cogeneration systems influence the primary energy consumption and carbon footprint in residential buildings. The impact of onsite power generation capacity, its electrical and thermal efficiency, and its cost, on total primary energy consumption, equivalent carbon dioxide emissions, operating expenditure, and, most importantly, thermal and electrical energy balance, is presented. The conditions at which a cogeneration approach loses its advantage as an energy efficient residential resource are identified as a function of electrical grid’s carbon footprint and primary energy efficiency. Compared to a heat pump heating system with a coefficient of performance (COP) of three, a 0.5 kW cogeneration system with 40% electrical efficiency is shown to lose its environmental benefit if the electrical grid’s carbon dioxide intensity falls below 0.4 kg CO 2 per kWh electricity.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

13 C-metabolic flux analysis of Clostridium ljungdahlii illuminates its core metabolism under mixotrophic culture conditions

Carbon dioxide-fixing acetogenic bacteria (acetogens) utilizing the Wood-Ljungdahl Pathway (WLP) play an important role in CO 2 fixation in the biosphere and in the development of biological processes – alone or in cocultures, under both autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions – for production of chemicals and fuels. To date, limited work has been reported in experimentally validating and quantifying reaction fluxes of their core metabolic pathways. Here, the core metabolic model of the acetogen Clostridium ljungdahlii was interrogated using 13 C-metabolic flux analysis ( 13 C-MFA), which required the development of a new defined culture medium. Autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic growth in defined medium was possible by adding 1 mM methionine to replace yeast extract. Our 13 C-MFA found an incomplete TCA cycle and inactive core pathways/reactions, notably those of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, Entner-Doudoroff pathway, and malate dehydrogenase. 13 C-MFA during mixotrophic growth using the parallel tracers [1– 13 C]fructose, [1,2– 13 C]fructose, [1,2,3– 13 C]fructose, and [U– 13 C]asparagine found that externally supplied CO 2 contributed the majority of carbon consumed. All internally-produced CO 2 from the catabolism of asparagine and fructose was consumed by the WLP. While glycolysis of fructose was active, it was not a major contributor to overall production of ATP, NADH, and acetyl-CoA. Gluconeogenic reactions were active despite the availability of organic carbon. Asparagine was catabolized equally via conversion to threonine and subsequent cleavage to produce acetaldehyde and glycine, and via deamination to fumarate and then the anaplerotic conversion of malate to pyruvate. Both pathways for asparagine catabolism produced acetyl-CoA, either directly via pyruvate or indirectly via the WLP. Cofactor stoichiometry based on our data predicted an essentially zero flux through the ferredoxin-dependent transhydrogenase (Nfn) reaction. Instead, nearly all of NADPH generated from the hydrogenase reaction was consumed by the WLP. Reduced ferredoxin produced by the hydrogenase reaction and glycolysis was mostly used for ATP generation via the RNF/ATPase system, with the remainder consumed by the WLP. NADH produced by RNF/ATPase was entirely consumed via the WLP.

13C metabolic flux analysis↗
DOE OSTI2023

Efficiency and Demand Flexibility in Large Office Buildings: The Potential for Cost Savings and CO 2 Reductions from Lighting and Cooling Measures

This report presents the estimated impact of lighting and cooling efficiency and demand flexibility measures in large office buildings in each state in the contiguous United States. It provides modeled results for three different metrics: bill savings, regional grid operational costs savings, and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions reductions. Lighting efficiency and demand flexibility are estimated to reduce load by up to 80 MWh/yr in a single large office building. These load reductions result in customer bill savings of up to $8,800/yr per building, with the highest savings in southern and midwestern states. Grid operating cost savings are estimated at up to $3,240/yr/building, with greatest benefit in southern and northeastern states. CO 2 emissions reduction potential is highest in the Dakotas, Nebraska, across the Midwest, in West Virginia, and in Mississippi (<48,200 kg/yr/building). Comparatively, cooling measures are found to have less load reduction potential (<28.5 MWh/yr/building), with the greatest potential in southern states including Texas, which ranks top of the list across several of the metrics studied. In numerous states, shifting cooling load to off-peak hours is found to increase costs and CO 2 emissions because precooling results in increased load during high-cost or high-CO 2 emissions periods. In general, focusing on cooling efficiency and load shedding has the potential for more savings. In all cases, the specific rate structure is a significant determinant in actual bill savings, which are up to $4,000/yr/building. To realize the full potential for bill savings through an energy measure, building operators must identify how the measure will change the building load pattern and the interaction of this load change with the applicable rate tariff. To realize CO 2 emissions reductions, industry and state coordination is needed to verify which fuel source is on the margin and then to create incentives for end users to reduce load during high-CO 2 emissions hours. Regular updates to data sets and analyses are critical. Regulators and policymakers are well positioned to facilitate the necessary coordination between the electric industry and building energy managers to develop appropriate price signals and incentives.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mechanical ventilation and indoor air quality in recently constructed U.S. homes in marine and cold-dry climates

Data were collected to characterize whole-house mechanical ventilation (WHMV) and indoor air quality (IAQ) in 55 homes in the Marine climate of Oregon and the Cold-Dry climate of Colorado in the U.S. Sixteen homes were monitored for two weeks, with and without WHMV operating. Ventilation airflows; airtightness; time-resolved CO 2 , PM2.5 and radon; and time-integrated NO 2 , NO X and formaldehyde were measured. Participants provided information about IAQ-impacting activities, perceptions and ventilation use. All homes had operational cooktop ventilation and bathroom exhaust. Thirty homes had equipment that could meet the ASHRAE 62.2–2010 standard with continuous or controlled runtime and 34 had some WHMV operating as found. Thirty-five of 46 participants with WHMV reported they did not know how to operate it, and only half of the systems were properly labeled. Two-week homes had lower formaldehyde, radon, CO 2 and NO (NO X -NO 2 ) when operated with WHMV, and had faster PM 2.5 decays following indoor emission events. Overall IAQ satisfaction was similar in Oregon and Colorado, but more Colorado participants (19% vs 3%) felt their IAQ could be improved and more reported dryness as a problem (58% vs. 14%). The collected data indicate that there are benefits of operating WHMV, even when continuous use may not be needed because outdoor pollutant concentrations are low and indoor sources do not present substantial challenges.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Repeal of the Clean Power Plan: Social Cost and Distributional Implications

The Clean Power Plan (CPP) was repealed due to concerns about the “unnecessary, costly burdens” it may impose on electric utilities, thereby delaying efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions (CO 2 ) from the electricity sector. This paper examines the greenhouse gas and welfare implications of this repeal while incorporating the presence of the state renewable portfolio standards (RPS) in the US as the status quo. We assess the carbon abatement and welfare costs with the CPP relative to two alternative baselines: a no–policy baseline and a pre–existing policy baseline with the RPS. The CPP is implemented as a regional mass–based standard, a regional rate–based standard, or as a national mass–based standard with trading of emissions across regions over the 2022–2030 period. We find that the incremental discounted welfare costs per metric ton of CO 2 that would have been abated by the CPP relative to the RPS would be substantially lower than the global social cost of CO 2 . However, the overall costs of carbon abatement with the CPP added to the RPS would have become higher than the social cost of carbon when estimated relative to a no–policy baseline, except with a national mass–based CPP. Across all policy combinations and choice of baselines, the aggregate welfare costs were lowest under a national mass–based standard and highest under the regional rate–based standard. Here, we also find that the CPP would have imposed large welfare costs on consumers and fossil fuel producers while benefiting the renewable fuel producers.

, Q42↗
DOE OSTI2024

CO2 Transport Planning Database

The CO2 Transport Planning Database v3.0 is a geospatial resource, containing over 70 gigabytes of data representing critical considerations for the spatial routing of pipelines and transport of CO2, from source to sink. Considerations include state-specific legislation, land use requirements, existing infrastructure, and hazard prevention areas. Built to support strategic domestic energy transport planning and development, more than 60 layers of this database have been weighted (Weight fields) according to current legislation and pipeline construction recommendations. Weighted values range from zero to one, where zero represents potentially more acceptable areas for transport based on the various considerations, and a value of one represents areas that should be avoided. This geospatial database provides a baseline for the Smart CO2 Transport Planning Tool.

Boundaries↗
DOE OSTI2023

A scalable membrane electrode assembly architecture for efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formic acid

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid is a promising pathway to improve CO 2 utilization and has potential applications as a hydrogen storage medium. In this work, a zero-gap membrane electrode assembly architecture is developed for the direct electrochemical synthesis of formic acid from carbon dioxide. The key technological advancement is a perforated cation exchange membrane, which, when utilized in a forward bias bipolar membrane configuration, allows formic acid generated at the membrane interface to exit through the anode flow field at concentrations up to 0.25 M. Having no additional interlayer components between the anode and cathode this concept is positioned to leverage currently available materials and stack designs ubiquitous in fuel cell and H 2 electrolysis, enabling a more rapid transition to scale and commercialization. The perforated cation exchange membrane configuration can achieve >75% Faradaic efficiency to formic acid at <2 V and 300 mA/cm 2 in a 25 cm 2 cell. More critically, a 55-hour stability test at 200 mA/cm 2 shows stable Faradaic efficiency and cell voltage. Technoeconomic analysis is utilized to illustrate a path towards achieving cost parity with current formic acid production methods.

08 HYDROGEN↗