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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 145 records · Page 8

A Hybrid Constant and Oscillatory Field Ion Mobility Analyzer Using Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations

Here we explore the combination of constant and oscillatory fields applied in a single device to affect the continuous separation and filtering of ions based on their mobilities. The device explored allows confining and manipulating ions utilizing a combination of radio frequency (rf), direct current (DC) fields, and traveling waves (TW) in a structures for lossless ion manipulations (SLIM) module. We have investigated theoretically and experimentally a concept for continuous filtering of ions based on their mobilities where ions are mobility separated and selected by passage through two regions, both of which incorporated combined TW and constant fields providing opposing forces on the ions. The SLIM module was composed of two surfaces with mirror-image arrays of electrodes and had two regions where the different TW and opposing DC fields could be applied. The filtering capabilities are determined by the applied DC gradient and the TW parameters, such as speed, amplitude, and the TW sequence (i.e., the duty cycle of the traveling wave). The effects of different parameters on the sensitivity and the ion mobility (IM) resolution of the device have been investigated. By appropriately choosing the DC gradient and TW parameters for the two sections, it is possible to transmit ions of a selected mobility while filtering out others of both higher and lower mobility. The novel device described here provides a basis for the targeted analysis of compounds based upon the continuous selection of ions according to their mobility and without the need for high electric fields or pulsed injection. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Parallel Infrastructure Modeling and Inversion Module for E4D

Electrical resistivity tomography ERT is a method of imaging the electrical conductivity of the subsurface. Electrical conductivity is a useful metric for understanding the subsurface because it is governed by geomechanical and geochemical properties that drive subsurface systems. ERT works by injecting current into the subsurface across a pair of electrodes, and measuring the corresponding electrical potential response across another pair of electrodes. Many such measurements are strategically taken across an array of electrodes to produce an ERT data set. These data are then processed through a computationally demanding process known as inversion to produce an image of the subsurface conductivity structure that gave rise to the measurements. Data can be inverted to provide 2D images, 3D images, or in the case of time-lapse 3D imaging, 4D images. ERT is generally not well suited for environments with buried electrically conductive infrastructure such as pipes, tanks, or well casings, because these features tend to dominate and degrade ERT images. This reduces or eliminates the utility of ERT imaging where it would otherwise be highly useful for, for example, imaging fluid migration from leaking pipes, imaging soil contamination beneath leaking subsurface tanks, and monitoring contaminant migration in locations with dense network of metal cased monitoring wells. The location and dimension of buried metallic infrastructure is often known. If so, then the effects of the infrastructure can be explicitly modeled within the ERT imaging algorithm, and thereby removed from the corresponding ERT image. However, there are a number of obstacles limiting this application. 1) Metallic infrastructure cannot be accurately modeled with standard codes because of the large contrast in conductivity between the metal and host material. 2) Modeling infrastructure in true dimension requires the computational mesh to be highly refined near the metal inclusions, which increases computational demands. 3) The ERT imaging algorithm requires specialized modifications to accommodate high conductivity inclusions within the computational mesh. The solution to each of these challenges was implemented within E4D (formerly FERM3D), which is a parallel ERT imaging code developed at PNNL (IPID #30249). The infrastructure modeling module implement in E4D uses a method of decoupling the model at the metallic interface(s) boundaries, into several well posed sub-problems (one for each distinct metallic inclusion) that are subsequently solved and recombined to form the global solution. The approach is based on the immersed interface method, with has been applied for similar problems in other fields (e.g. semiconductor industry). Comparisons to analytic solutions have shown the results to be very accurate, addressing item 1 above. The solution is implemented about an unstructured mesh, which enables arbitrary shapes to be efficiently modelled, thereby addressing item 2 above. In addition, the algorithm is written in parallel and shows excellent scalability, which also addresses equation 2 above. Finally, because only the boundaries of metallic inclusions are modeled, there are no high conductivity cells within the modeling mesh, and the problem described by item 3 above is no longer applicable.

Johnson, TimC.↗

Parallel vacuum arc discharge with microhollow array dielectric and anode

An electrode configuration with microhollow array dielectric and anode was developed to obtain parallel vacuum arc discharge. Compared with the conventional electrodes, more than 10 parallel microhollow discharges were ignited for the new configuration, which increased the discharge area significantly and made the cathode eroded more uniformly. The vacuum discharge channel number could be increased effectively by decreasing the distances between holes or increasing the arc current. Experimental results revealed that plasmas ejected from the adjacent hollow and the relatively high arc voltage were two key factors leading to the parallel discharge. The characteristics of plasmas in the microhollow were investigated as well. The spectral line intensity and electron density of plasmas in microhollow increased obviously with the decease of the microhollow diameter.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Pseudocapacitive Lithium-Ion Storage in Oriented Anatase TiO2 Nanotube Arrays

We report on the synthesis and electrochemical properties of oriented anatase TiO{sub 2} nanotube (NT) arrays as electrodes for Li-ion batteries. The TiO{sub 2} NT electrodes displayed both pseudocapacitive Li{sup +} storage associated with the NT surface and the Li{sup +} storage within the bulk material. The relative contribution of the pseudocapacitive and bulk storages depends strongly on the scan rate. While the charges are stored primarily in the bulk at low scan rates (<< 1 mV/s), the surface storage dominates the total storage capacity at higher scan rates (>1 mV/s). The storage capacity of the NT electrodes as a function of charge/discharge rates showed no dependence on the NT film thickness, suggesting that the Li{sup +} insertion/extraction processes occur homogeneously across the entire length of NT arrays. These results indicated that the electron conduction along the NT walls and the ion conduction within the electrolyte do not cause significant hindering of the charge/discharge kinetics for NT electrode architectures. As a result of the surface pseudocapacitive storage, the reversible Li{sup +} storage capacities for TiO{sub 2} NT electrodes were higher than the theoretical storage capacity for bulk anatase TiO{sub 2} materials.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Metallic and porous Ti nanorod arrays for visible-IR light absorption and dendrite-free stable lithium-metal batteries

It is still a challenging task to prepare highly porous nanorod arrays of metals formed on substrates for optical and energy storage applications. Herein, we demonstrate the design and synthesis of black color, metallic and highly porous Ti nanorod arrays as novel current collectors for dendrite-free and highly stable Li-metal anodes. The high porosity of metallic nanorod arrays provides numerous heterogeneous nucleation sites and huge contact area and large space for the accommodation of Li metal. The conductive metallic Ti nanorod arrays enhance electrode integration. Effectively, it eliminates formation Li dendrites and demonstrates superior cycling stability over 300 cycles. Additionally, the unique porous structures of the nanorod arrays can decrease the amplitude of forced vibration in narrow space leading to light absorption. Interestingly, the metal is black instead of metallic color. The black metallic nanorod arrays can absorb more than 96% of both visible and infra-red lights. Furthermore, this black color metallic porous nanorod arrays may find additional applications in aerospace, energy, biomedical, defence, and chemical industries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Methods and devices for measuring orbital angular momentum states of electrons

A device for measuring electron orbital angular momentum states in an electron microscope includes the following components aligned sequentially in the following order along an electron beam axis: a phase unwrapper (U) that is a first electrostatic refractive optical element comprising an electrode and a conductive plate, where the electrode is aligned perpendicular to the conductive plate; a first electron lens system (L1); a phase corrector (C) that is a second electrostatic refractive optical element comprising an array of electrodes with alternating electrostatic bias; and a second electron lens system (L2). The phase unwrapper may be a needle electrode or knife edge electrode.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

EGS Collab Project Electrical Resistivity Tomography Characterization and Monitoring

The EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) Collab project is performing stimulation experiments in highly monitored and well-characterized intermediate-scale (~10-20 m) field test beds. The characterization and monitoring system includes an array of electrodes grouted in place within six monitoring wells, with 16 electrodes per well. The electrodes enable characterization of the 3D low-frequency electrical properties of the host rock, and changes in those properties during stimulation and tracer testing using both static and time-lapse Electrical Resistivity Tomography. In this talk we present: 1) ERT array design and installation, 2) baseline (pre-stimulation) imaging results, 3) time-lapse data collected during stimulation operations, and 4) real-time imaging during clean water injections intended to illuminate flow paths as a decrease in bulk electrical conductivity. We will also discuss aspects and lessons learned for conducting ERT imaging operations in the presence of high fluid pressure gradients during stimulation and flow operations. Results to date reveal a highly heterogeneous rock fabric, ranging over four orders of magnitude in bulk electrical conductivity, and high polarization capacity. Baseline imaging results are consistent with borehole logs and core studies. Time-lapse imaging results to identify major flow paths during tracer studies are forthcoming and will be discussed during this presentation. Ultimately the ERT imaging data sets provide useful information for validating and verifying model predictions in preparation for research at DOE’s Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE).

electrical resistivity tomography, geophysics, geo↗

Electrostatic powder spreading for metal powder bed fusion applications

Typical powder bed fusion processes spread each layer of powder by pushing it across the build area with a spreader bar or roller. While simple, these methods require good flowing powder and do not have the ability to place more than one powder type per layer. This naturally limits the ability to incorporate more than one material onto each powder layer in powder bed additive manufacturing processes. Here we demonstrate electrostatic powder spreading, a method to deposit a powder layer without mechanical contact with the previous layers. Electrostatic powder spreading (ESPS) uses an electric field formed between a powder container and a counter electrode to move powder particles from the container to the powder bed. We show that the rate at which powder is deposited can be controlled by adjusting the strength of the electric field. Correspondingly, the deposited layer thickness is controlled by the strength of the electric field and the recoating speed. To demonstrate the feasibility of ESPS for laser powder bed fusion powder spreading, nearly fully dense (> 99.8%) coupons were built in a commercial L-PBF machine using the ESPS setup. Finally, we achieve 2D patterning of a single layer by using an array of electrodes and switching the applied electric field on and off. ESPS represents a method to produce an arbitrary patterned multi-material powder bed without complicated powder removal steps and easy implementation into existing L-PBF machines. Furthermore, ESPS presents an opportunity to build parts with 3D gradients in material properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Rational fabrication of carbon nanotubes arrays on porous nickel matrix as advanced electrode materials of supercapacitors

Highlights: • Construct self-supported porous Ni/CNTs composite arrays. • Porous Ni/CNTs arrays show superior capacitive performance. • Ni/CNTs arrays structure boosts fast electron/ion transfer. - Abstract: Rational synthesis of advanced carbon materials is of great importance to the development of supercapacitors. In this work, we propose a facile combined electrodeposition-chemical vapor deposition for tailored construction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) arrays on highly porous Ni matrix forming integrated 3D Ni/CNTs electrode. Interconnected CNTs with diameters of 20–30 nm are strongly anchored on the cross-linked porous Ni branches consisting of nanoparticles of 500–600 nm. Capacitive performance of the obtained porous Ni/CNTs electrode is thoroughly characterized by electrochemical means including charge/discharge tests and cyclic voltammetry. The 3D Ni/CNTs electrode shows good high-rate performance with a capacitance of 186 F g{sup −1} at 2.5 A g{sup −1}, and excellent cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 99% after 10,000 cycles. The integrated conductive network composed of 3D Ni/CNTs offers large active area, good electronic conductivity and fast transportation paths of ions/electrons, leading to superior capacitive performance.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Laser machined plastic laminates. Towards portable diagnostic devices for use in low resource environments

Despite significant progress in development of bioanalytical devices cost, complexity, access to reagents and lack of infrastructure have prevented use of these technologies in resource-limited regions. To provide a sustainable tool in the global effort to combat infectious diseases the diagnostic device must be low cost, simple to operate and read, robust, and have sensitivity and specificity comparable to laboratory analysis. Thus, in this mini-review we describe recent work using laser machined plastic laminates to produce diagnostic devices that are capable of a wide variety of bioanalytical measurements and show great promise towards future use in low-resource environments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

All-aerosol-jet-printed highly sensitive and selective polyaniline-based ammonia sensors: a route toward low-cost, low-power gas detection

In this work, we report the design and scalable fabrication of a low-cost and low-power polyaniline-based (PANI) ammonia (NH3) gas sensor on polyimide (PI) substrates using additive manufacturing techniques. The silver interdigitated electrode (IDE) arrays and conducting polymer films are printed onto PI using a direct-write technology of aerosol-jet printing. Morphological characteristics are examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis which reveal homogeneously printed PANI film on the IDE platform. The gas sensing performance is evaluated in the analytical early leak detection range of 5–1000 ppm NH3 in air as a function of both thermal (23 °C, 50 °C, 80 °C) and relative humidity (RH = 0%, 30%, 50%) exposures. The sensor exhibits sensitivity down to 5 ppm NH3 with a sub-ppm detection limit and good repeatability. We observe rapid NH3 detection at 0% RH with very extended times for equilibration and recovery. However, at both 30 and 50% RH, the room temperature response and recovery times are reduced to only about 1 min and 5 min, respectively. Experiments also reveal good sensitivity toward the analyte even at higher operating temperatures. Present results merit the practical application of aerosol-jet-printed, low-power sensors for industrial applications where low-level hazardous gas detection is essential.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Study of Electrochemical Reactions Using Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

The combination of electrochemistry (EC) and mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical tool for studying mechanisms of redox reactions, identification of products and intermediates, and online derivatization/recognition of analytes. This work reports a new coupling interface for EC/MS by employing nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI), a recently developed ambient ionization method. We demonstrate online coupling of nano-DESI-MS with a traditional electrochemical flow cell, in which the electrolyzed solution emanating from the cell is ionized by nano-DESI for MS analysis. Furthermore, we show first coupling of nano-DESI-MS with an interdigitated array (IDA) electrode enabling chemical analysis of electrolyzed samples directly from electrode surfaces. Because of its inherent sensitivity, nano-DESI enables chemical analysis of small volumes and concentrations of sample solution. Specifically, good-quality signal of dopamine and its oxidized form, dopamine ortho-quinone, was obtained using 10 μL of 1 μM solution of dopamine on the IDA. Oxidation of dopamine, reduction of benzodiazepines, and electrochemical derivatization of thiol groups were used to demonstrate the performance of the technique. Our results show the potential of nano-DESI as a novel interface for electrochemical mass spectrometry research.

Ambient ionization↗

Wall current probe: A non-invasive in situ plasma diagnostic for space and time resolved current density distribution measurement

In the context of low temperature plasma research, we propose a wall current probe to determine the local charged particle fluxes flowing to the chamber walls. This non-intrusive planar probe consists of an array of electrode elements which can be individually biased and for which the current can be measured separately. We detail the probe properties and present the ability of the diagnostic to be used as a space and time resolved measurement of the ion and electron current density at the chamber walls. This diagnostic will be relevant to study the electron transport in magnetized low-pressure plasmas.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Experimental analysis on the effects of DC arc discharges at various flow regimes

This paper addresses the control of the boundary layer on a compression ramp by means of DC electrical arc discharges. The development and realization of the control system are first described and then assessed in the wind tunnel. The objective of the research was to control the supersonic flow using the minimum amount of energy. The array of electrodes was located at the base of a ramp, where a low momentum flow develops. The electrical discharge was generated by a custom designed electronic facility based on high-voltage ignition coils. The slanted tungsten electrodes were insulated by mounting them in a ceramic support. The discharge evolution was studied through high-speed flow visualizations, while electrical measurements at the high-voltage section of the circuitry allowed to estimate the energy release. The development of a high-speed short exposure Schlieren imaging technique, based on a very short duration laser pulse illumination and a double shot CCD camera, allowed to observe the macroscopic effects associated with the arc establishment between the electrodes (glow, sound wave and heat release). Due to the long residence time, the thermal perturbation spread along the streamwise direction. Cross correlation of Schlieren images with short time separation revealed that in supersonic conditions, the discharges led to an overall acceleration of the flow field underneath the oblique shock wave.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Propagation characteristics of atmospheric-pressure He+O{sub 2} plasmas inside a simulated endoscope channel

Cold atmospheric-pressure plasmas have potential to be used for endoscope sterilization. In this study, a long quartz tube was used as the simulated endoscope channel, and an array of electrodes was warped one by one along the tube. Plasmas were generated in the inner channel of the tube, and their propagation characteristics in He+O{sub 2} feedstock gases were studied as a function of the oxygen concentration. It is found that each of the plasmas originates at the edge of an instantaneous cathode, and then it propagates bidirectionally. Interestingly, a plasma head with bright spots is formed in the hollow instantaneous cathode and moves towards its center part, and a plasma tail expands through the electrode gap and then forms a swallow tail in the instantaneous anode. The plasmas are in good axisymmetry when [O{sub 2}] ≤ 0.3%, but not for [O{sub 2}] ≥ 1%, and even behave in a stochastic manner when [O{sub 2}] = 3%. The antibacterial agents are charged species and reactive oxygen species, so their wall fluxes represent the “plasma dosage” for the sterilization. Such fluxes mainly act on the inner wall in the hollow electrode rather than that in the electrode gap, and they get to the maximum efficiency when the oxygen concentration is around 0.3%. It is estimated that one can reduce the electrode gap and enlarge the electrode width to achieve more homogenous and efficient antibacterial effect, which have benefits for sterilization applications.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Getting all the Light Out: Eliminating Plasmon Losses in High Efficiency (Final Report)

In this program we demonstrated three cost-effective and practical means for extracting light from an organic light emitting diode (OLED) based lighting fixture. Conventional OLEDs emit only 20% of the light produced in their active regions due to light trapping and losses of the light incident on metal contacts. Our methods for light extraction, that eliminate both of these substantial losses, include placement of a grid-mirror at the substrate side of top-emitting OLEDs, using an ultralow cost diffusing surface at the substrate side of top-emitting OLEDs, and employing high index of refraction sub-electrode microlens arrays (SEMLA). All of these methods result in light emission that is wavelength and viewing angle independent, does not interfere with the OLED structure itself, and is of potentially low cost. By combining the SEMLA solution with substrate outcoupling such as microlens arrays or index matching fluid, up to 70% of the light can be extracted from the OLEDs, thus meeting all of the program objectives. Furthermore, the solutions have been transferred to the industrial sector where efforts at commercialization are underway with the continued involvement of the inventors.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗