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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 1,441 records · Page 80

Synergies between repositioning and charging strategies for shared autonomous electric vehicle fleets

The emergence of on-demand shared autonomous electric vehicle (SAEV) service requires careful charging station planning and a joint charging and repositioning strategy to mitigate empty travel. This study couples charging and repositioning events as a means of improving service quality (rider wait times), reducing empty travel due to repositioning or charging, and improving fleet utilization (average daily trips per vehicle and charging queues). This synergy is explored for the Austin, Texas region using POLARIS, an agent-based model. On average, wait times were 39% lower, and average daily trips served per SAEV increased up to 6.4 (or 28%) compared to SAEV repositioning with heuristic charging. Coupling repositioning with charging decreased the fleet's percent empty travel on average by 1.6%, relative to the scenario treating them as independent events (which varies by charging station design). Sparser charging stations reduce investment costs, and operators can leverage this framework to keep traveler wait times low.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

A vortex sheet based analytical model of the curled wake behind yawed wind turbines

Motivated by the need for compact descriptions of the evolution of non-classical wakes behind yawed wind turbines, we develop an analytical model to predict the shape of curled wakes. Interest in such modelling arises due to the potential of wake steering as a strategy for mitigating power reduction and unsteady loading of downstream turbines in wind farms. We first estimate the distribution of the shed vorticity at the wake edge due to both yaw offset and rotating blades. By considering the wake edge as an ideally thin vortex sheet, we describe its evolution in time moving with the flow. Vortex sheet equations are solved using a power series expansion method, and an approximate solution for the wake shape is obtained. The vortex sheet time evolution is then mapped into a spatial evolution by using a convection velocity. Apart from the wake shape, the lateral deflection of the wake including ground effects is modelled. Our results show that there exists a universal solution for the shape of curled wakes if suitable dimensionless variables are employed. For the case of turbulent boundary layer inflow, the decay of vortex sheet circulation due to turbulent diffusion is included. Finally, we modify the Gaussian wake model by incorporating the predicted shape and deflection of the curled wake, so that we can calculate the wake profiles behind yawed turbines. Model predictions are validated against large-eddy simulations and laboratory experiments for turbines with various operating conditions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Probing Operando Electrochemical Strain Generation in α-NaFeO 2 Composite Cathodes during Cycling of Na-Ion Batteries

The transition metal oxide (TMO) cathodes in Na-ion batteries suffer from low-capacity retention. Chemo-mechanical instabilities lead to the deterioration of the electrochemical performance of TMO cathodes in Li-ion batteries. However, there is not much known about the chemo-mechanical instabilities in the TMO cathodes for Na-ion batteries. Understanding the governing forces behind the interplay between the electrochemical performance and mechanical stability in TMO cathodes is critical for the development of Na-ion batteries. Here, we synchronize the digital image correlation (DIC) technique with electrochemical analysis to capture the real-time deformation behavior of the α-NaFeO 2 cathodes during cycling. When the charge cutoff voltage is 3.6 V, the cathode experiences reversible deformations (except for the first cycle). There is negative strain (shrinkage) generation during Na extraction and positive strain (expansion) generation during the subsequent Na insertion. A detailed analysis of the potential-dependent strain rate evolution points out complicated phase transformations and nonequilibrium conditions in the α-NaFeO 2 cathodes during cycling. When the charge cutoff voltage was increased to 4.2 V, there was a rapid capacity loss and large plastic deformations in the α-NaFeO 2 cathodes. We provide an in-depth discussion about the possible mechanisms behind the chemo-mechanical instabilities in the α-NaFeO 2 . In conclusion, the correlation is critical to develop material-based strategies to mitigate instability mechanisms in TMO cathodes for Na-ion batteries.

Wable, Minal [University of Maryland Baltimore Cou↗

Tin–Lead Alloying for Efficient and Stable All-Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells

Cesium containing all-inorganic perovskites have received considerable interest in photovoltaics research because of their potential for improved stability compared to their organic-inorganic hybrid counterparts. However, the inorganic perovskites studied thus far still suffer from lower power conversion efficiency and long-term instability, due to an unfavorable bandgap and either phase instability or air-sensitivity. Herein, A strategy to mitigate these concerns is investigated by alloying tin and lead on the B site to form tin-lead alloyed low-bandgap (~1.34 eV) inorganic CsSn 0.3 Pb 0.7 I 3 perovskites. Solar cells made using this material in an inverted full-structured architecture with a PEDOT:PSS hole transport materials (HTM) attain power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 9.41% (stabilized PCE 7.23%). Furthermore, a simple HTM-free device without PEDOT:PSS layer is demonstrated more stable than the full-structured device and exhibits a PCE of 7.60% (stabilized PCE 7.31%) – the highest efficiency to date for an inorganic perovskite with a bandgap below 1.40 eV. This simplified device structure shows good reproducibility and stability. Finally, this work provides a possible route for fabricating low-cost, high stability devices with competitive efficiencies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

The Role of Secondary Particle Structures in Surface Phase Transitions of Ni-Rich Cathodes

Nanometer-thick reconstruction layers on layered cathode surfaces have been widely observed on both pristine and cycled materials. However, the mechanisms of reconstruction and the role that these structures play in electrochemical performance are not fully understood. From a crystallographic perspective, such surface reconstruction layers result from cation site-mixing between Li and transition-metal ions, but it remains far from clear as to what the critical factors are that control such cation mixing for various cathode chemistries. In this paper, we report observations on surface transformations during cycling of a Ni-rich cathode-oxide that are governed by direct contact with the liquid electrolyte. Specifically, within a secondary particle, the three-dimensional hierarchical aggregate of primary particles leads to the formation of grain boundaries of different characteristics, including open grain boundaries that allow the permeation of liquid electrolyte, and closed grain boundaries that exclude liquid electrolyte penetration. Upon battery cycling, surfaces in direct contact with the liquid electrolyte showed a surface reconstruction layer while the surfaces that did not have contact with the electrolyte showed no such reconstructions. In addition, the critical role of oxygen in reconstruction of grain boundaries is demonstrated, and the unexpected oxygen depletion at twin boundaries result in severe phase transitions. The present work provides further insights into phase transitions at solid-solid and solid-liquid interfaces within secondary cathode particles and suggests strategies for mitigating surface/interfacial degradation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Elucidation of Structure and Physical Properties of Pyrolytic Sugar Oligomers Derived from Cellulose Depolymerization/Dehydration Reactions: A Density Functional Theory Study

Fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic materials is a promising research area to produce renewable fuels and chemicals. Dehydration is known to be among the most important reaction families during cellulose pyrolysis; water is the most important product. Together with water, dehydration reactions also form a range of poorly known oligomer species of varying molecular sizes, often collected as part of bio-oil water-soluble (WS) fraction. In this work, we used electronic structure calculations to evaluate the relative thermodynamic stabilities of several oligomer species resulting from up to three consecutive dehydration events from cellulose depolymerization intermediates. A library of the thermodynamically favored candidate molecular structures was compiled. Results revealed that most of the water molecules are eliminated from the non-reducing end, forming thermodynamically more stable conjugated compounds. This is consistent with results reported by other researchers in literature where dehydration reactions occur preferably at the non-reducing ends of oligomers. The physical-chemical properties of the proposed structures were estimated using quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) and quantitative property-property relationships (QPPRs). The anhydro-sugars derived from cellulose are often blamed for coke formation during bio-oil hydrotreatment. Understanding their chemical structure could help to develop rational strategies to mitigate coke formation. Furthermore, the thermo-physical properties reported (boiling point, melting point, Gibb’s free energy of formation, enthalpy of formation, and solubility parameters among others) are also fundamental to conducting first principle engineering calculations to design and analyze new pyrolysis reactors and bio-oil up-grading units.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thin Water Films Enable Low-Temperature Magnesite Growth Under Conditions Relevant to Geologic Carbon Sequestration

Injecting supercritical CO2 (scCO2) into basalt formations for long-term storage is a promising strategy for mitigating CO2 emissions. Mineral carbonation can result in permanent entrapment of CO2; however, carbonation kinetics in thin H2O films in humidified scCO2 is not well understood. We investigated forsterite (Mg2SiO4) carbonation to magnesite (MgCO3) via amorphous magnesium carbonate (AMC; MgCO3·xH2O, 0.5 < x < 1), with the goal to establish the fundamental controls on magnesite growth rates at low H2O activity and temperature. Experiments were conducted at 25, 40, and 50 °C in 90 bar CO2 with a H2O film thickness on forsterite that averaged 1.78 ± 0.05 monolayers. In situ infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor forsterite dissolution and the growth of AMC, magnesite, and amorphous SiO2 as a function of time. Geochemical kinetic modeling showed that magnesite was supersaturated by two to three orders of magnitude and grew according to a zero-order rate law. The results indicate that the main drivers for magnesite growth are sustained high supersaturation coupled with low H2O activity, a combination of thermodynamic conditions not attainable in bulk aqueous solution. This improved understanding of reaction kinetics can inform subsurface reactive transport models for better predictions of CO2 fate and transport.

Kerisit, Sebastien N.↗

Evaluation of U.S. Manufacturing Subsectors at Risk of Physical Water Shortages

The potential impact of water shortages on U.S. manufacturing is unknown. While water for manufacturing constitutes an estimated 6% of U.S. water intake, the data (i.e., location, quantity, and purpose of water intake) needed to determine this impact does not exist. This paper will identify manufacturing subsectors at risk of physical water shortages by applying a method for estimating U.S. manufacturing water intake at the necessary spatial and sectoral resolutions. First, the data requirements to quantify a manufacturing facility’s water footprint within the context of the watershed are developed. Second, using international data, water intake at the national, state, and county-levels by each U.S. manufacturing subsector is estimated. Third, manufacturing subsectors that are most vulnerable to risks of physical water shortages are identified. Based on the results, the Paper, Primary Metals, Chemical, Petroleum and Coal Products, and Food subsectors have the largest intake, respectively. However, the Primary Metals, Fabricated Metals, Transportation Equipment, Petroleum and Coal Products, and Plastics and Rubber subsectors are at the greatest risk of physical water shortages based on concentrations of water intake in water-stressed regions. Lastly, the results can be used to develop strategies to mitigate the risks of water shortages on the U.S. manufacturing sector.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Effects of Temperature on Flow Fouling of Smooth and Nonwetting Surfaces

Mineral fouling (scaling) of heat transfer surfaces is a pervasive problem in heat exchangers, chemical reactors, and other equipment in energy, environmental, and process industrial applications. Many of the applications involve dynamic flow of fluids with the impurity minerals and, furthermore, operate at elevated temperature. Strategies to mitigate fouling under these conditions are of much value in industrial applications. This paper presents a comparative study of temperature-dependent mineral fouling deposition on smooth surfaces and nonwetting superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused surfaces under dynamic flow conditions. The surfaces are represented in a unified manner using the viscosity ratio of the infused material within the porous asperities on a surface to that of the flowing fluid such that the spectrum of surfaces from superhydrophobic to smooth is captured by the range of viscosity ratios from 0 to ∞. Using a forced convection experimental setup, deposition of calcium sulfate on the surfaces is quantified in terms of asymptotic fouling resistance over a range of temperature, Reynolds number, and mineral foulant supersaturation. Through a systematic set of accelerated fouling experiments, an empirical relationship for the asymptotic fouling resistance is developed in terms of Reynolds number, foulant concentration, temperature, and surface type. The empirical model is validated with a comprehensive set of experimental data from this study as well as from the literature. Optimum nonwetting surface designs for minimizing fouling resistance compared to conventional smooth surfaces are developed as a function of temperature. The results of the study offer insight into the temperature-dependent fouling of surfaces under flow conditions and a rational design of fouling-resistant nonwetting surfaces that can be readily translated to practice.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Quantum Time Dynamics Mediated by the Yang–Baxter Equation and Artificial Neural Networks

Quantum computing shows great potential, but errors pose a significant challenge. This study explores new strategies for mitigating quantum errors using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and the Yang–Baxter equation (YBE). Unlike traditional error mitigation methods, which are computationally intensive, we investigate artificial error mitigation. We developed a novel method that combines ANNs for noise mitigation combined with the YBE to generate noisy data. This approach effectively reduces noise in quantum simulations, enhancing the accuracy of the results. The YBE rigorously preserves quantum correlations and symmetries in spin chain simulations in certain classes of integrable lattice models, enabling effective compression of quantum circuits while retaining linear scalability with the number of qubits. This compression facilitates both full and partial implementations, allowing the generation of noisy quantum data on hardware alongside noiseless simulations using classical platforms. By introducing controlled noise through the YBE, we enhance the data set for error mitigation. We train an ANN model on partial data from quantum simulations, demonstrating its effectiveness in mitigating errors in time-evolving quantum states, providing a scalable framework to enhance quantum computation fidelity, particularly in noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) systems. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach by performing quantum time dynamics simulations using the Heisenberg XY Hamiltonian on real quantum devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Elucidating the Initial Steps in α-Uranium Hydriding Using First-Principles Calculations

Hydrogen embrittlement of uranium, which arises due to the formation of a structurally weak pyrophoric hydride, poses a major safety risk in material applications. Previous experiments have shown that hydriding begins on the top or near the surface (i.e., subsurface) of α-uranium. However, the fundamental molecular-level mechanism of this process remains unknown. Here, in this work, starting from pristine α-U bulk and surfaces, we present a systematic investigation of possible mechanisms for the formation of metal hydride. Specifically, we address this problem by examining the individual steps of hydrogen embrittlement, including surface adsorption, subsurface absorption, and the interlayer diffusion of atomic hydrogen. Furthermore, by examining these processes across different facets, we highlight the importance of both (1) hydrogen monolayer coverage and (2) applied tensile strain on hydriding kinetics. Taken together, by studying previously overlooked phenomena, this study provides foundational insights into the initial steps of this overall complex process. We anticipate that this work will guide near-term future development of multiscale kinetic models for uranium hydriding and subsequently identify potential strategies to mitigate this undesired process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Metal–Organic Framework-derived Atomic Metal Sites Promoting Sulfur Cathode for All-Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) offer high energy density and intrinsic safety; however, they still face major challenges, including sluggish redox kinetics and poor sulfur utilization. Incorporating conductive materials into sulfur cathodes is an effective strategy to mitigate these limitations. Here, a highly conductive cobalt–nitrogen–doped carbon (Co–NC) derived from a metal–organic framework (MOF) is introduced to accelerate charge transfer and promote reversible sulfur conversion. Co−NC provides atomically dispersed Co–N sites and conductive carbon pathways that correlate with improved charge transfer, sulfur utilization, and rate capability. Co–NC@S cathode delivers 1499 mAh g–1 at C/20 with a high sulfur loading (5 mg cm–2) and retains 1292 mAh g–1 after five cycles (vs 443 mAh g–1 without Co–NC). Moreover, Co–NC derived ASSLSB achieves 903 mAh g–1 at 5C at 60 °C. This work provides a practical and effective approach to develop high energy, high-rate ASSLSBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Mechanistic Analysis of Microstructural Attributes to Lithium Plating in Fast Charging

Metallic lithium deposition on graphite anodes is a critical degradation mode in lithium-ion batteries, which limits safety and fast charge capability. A conclusive strategy to mitigate lithium deposition under fast charging yet remains elusive. Herein, we examine the role of electrode microstructure in mitigating lithium plating behavior under various operating conditions, including fast charging. The multilength scale characteristics of the electrode microstructure lead to a complex interaction of transport and kinetic limitations that significantly governs the cell performance and the occurrence of Li plating. We demonstrate, based on a comprehensive mesoscale analysis, that the performance and degradation can be significantly modulated via systematic design improvements at the hierarchy of length scales. It is found that the improvement in kinetic and transport characteristics achievable at disparate scales can dramatically affect Li plating propensity.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Restorable Neutralization of Poly(acrylic acid) Binders toward Balanced Processing Properties and Cycling Performance for Silicon Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Neutralization of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-based binders using lithium hydroxide is a common strategy for fabricating silicon anode laminates, which improves rheological properties of slurries toward high-quality electrode laminates. However, the significantly increased basicity causes degradation of Si particles while the irreversible conversion of carboxylic acid groups to lithium carboxylates undermines the binding strength, collectively leading to adverse cycling performance of the fabricated Si anodes. Herein, a novel neutralization process for PAA binders is developed. A weak base, ammonia (NH 3 ), was discovered as a neutralizing agent that still promotes rheological response of binder solutions but results in a reduced pH increase. Interestingly, the resulting ammonium carboxylate groups may cleave during the drying process to restore the neutralized PAA (PAA-NH 3 ) binders to their pristine states. The best-performing composition of 50% neutralization (PAA-50%NH 3 ) provides comparable rheological response as a PAA-Li binder as well as much improved cycling performance. Additionally, the half-cells using the PAA-50%NH 3 binder can deliver 60% capacity retention over 100 cycles at C/3 rate, affording a 23.8% increase compared to PAA-Li half-cells. This restorable neutralization process of PAA binders represents an innovative strategy of mitigating issues from slurry processing of Si particles to achieve concurrent improvements in high-quality lamination and cycling performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Exploring the Promise of Multifunctional “Zintl-Phase-Forming” Electrolytes for Si-Based Full Cells

Li-M-Si ternary Zintl phases have gained attention recently due to their high structural stability, which can improve the cycling stability compared to a bulk Si electrode. Adding multivalent cation salts (such as Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ) in the electrolyte was proven to be a simple way to form Li-M-Si ternary phases in situ in Si-based Li-ion cells. To explore the promise of Zintl-phaseforming electrolytes, we systematically investigated their application in pouch cells via electrochemical and multiscale postmortem analysis. The introduction of multivalent cations, such as Mg 2+ , during charging can form Li x M y Si ternary phases. They can stabilize Si anions and reduce side reactions with electrolyte, improving the bulk stability. More importantly, Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ incorporate into interfacial side reactions and generate inorganic-rich solid- electrolyte interphase, thus enhancing the interfacial stability. Therefore, the full cells with Zintl-phase-forming electrolytes achieve higher capacity retentions at the C/3 rate after 100 cycles, compared to a baseline electrolyte. Additionally, strategies for mitigating the electrode-level fractures of Si were evaluated to make the best use of Zintl-phase-forming electrolytes. In conclusion, this work highlights the significance of synergistic impact of multifunctional additives to stabilize both bulk and interface chemistry in high-energy Si anode materials for Li-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Efficient electrochemical CO 2 conversion powered by renewable energy

Here, the catalytic conversion of CO 2 into industrially relevant chemicals is one strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Along these lines, electrochemical CO 2 conversion technologies are attractive because they can operate with high reaction rates at ambient conditions. However, electrochemical systems require electricity, and CO 2 conversion processes must integrate with carbon-free, renewable-energy sources to be viable on larger scales. We utilize Au 25 nanoclusters as renewably powered CO 2 conversion electrocatalysts with CO 2 → CO reaction rates between 400 and 800 L of CO 2 per gram of catalytic metal per hour and product selectivities between 80 and 95%. These performance metrics correspond to conversion rates approaching 0.8–1.6 kg of CO 2 per gram of catalytic metal per hour. We also present data showing CO 2 conversion rates and product selectivity strongly depend on catalyst loading. Optimized systems demonstrate stable operation and reaction turnover numbers (TONs) approaching 6 × 10 6 mol CO 2 molcatalyst–1 during a multiday (36 hours total hours) CO 2 electrolysis experiment containing multiple start/stop cycles. TONs between 1 × 10 6 and 4 × 10 6 molCO 2 molcatalyst–1 were obtained when our system was powered by consumer-grade renewable-energy sources. Daytime photovoltaic-powered CO 2 conversion was demonstrated for 12 h and we mimicked low-light or nighttime operation for 24 h with a solar-rechargeable battery. This proof-of-principle study provides some of the initial performance data necessary for assessing the scalability and technical viability of electrochemical CO 2 conversion technologies. Specifically, we show the following: (1) all electrochemical CO 2 conversion systems will produce a net increase in CO 2 emissions if they do not integrate with renewable-energy sources, (2) catalyst loading vs activity trends can be used to tune process rates and product distributions, and (3) state-of-the-art renewable-energy technologies are sufficient to power larger-scale, tonne per day CO 2 conversion systems.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Strontium Manganese Oxide Getter for Capturing Airborne Cr and S Contaminants in High-Temperature Electrochemical Systems

Traces (ppm to ppb level) of airborne contaminants such as CrO 2 (OH) 2 and SO 2 irreversibly degrade the electrochemical activity of air electrodes in high-temperature electrochemical devices such as solid oxide fuel cells by retarding oxygen reduction reactions. The use of getter has been proposed as a cost-effective strategy to mitigate the electrode poisoning. However, owing to the harsh operating conditions (i.e., exposure to heat and moisture), the long-term durability of getter materials remains a considerable challenge. In this study, we report our findings on strontium manganese oxide (SMO) as a robust getter material for cocapture of airborne Cr and S contaminants. The SMO getter with a 3D honeycomb architecture, fabricated via slurry dip-coating, successfully maintains the electrochemical activity of solid oxide cells under the flow of gaseous Cr and S species, validating the getter's capability of capturing traces of Cr and S contaminants. Investigations found that both Sr and Mn cations contribute to the absorption reaction and that the reaction processes are accompanied by morphological elongation in the form of SrSO 4 nanorods and SrCrO 4 whiskers, which favors continued absorption and reaction of incoming S and Cr contaminants. The SMO getter also displays robust stability at high temperatures and in humid environments without phase transformation and hydrolysis. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the use of SMO getter under severe operating conditions representative of high-temperature electrochemical systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chemically and Mechanically Recyclable Vitrimers from Carbon Dioxide-Based Polycarbonates

Designing thermoset materials with dynamic crosslinks is an important strategy to mitigate rising global carbon dioxide emission levels. The development of polymers from sustainable feedstocks, with efficient manufacturing methods, for high-value applications, and with circular end-of-use solutions is essential for advancing material technologies. One approach involves exploiting carbon dioxide itself as feedstock to create high performance, sustainable materials, by enchaining 50 mol% CO2 via copolymerization with epoxides to yield polycarbonates. This work describes the synthesis, end-functionalization, and curing of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and poly(cyclohexene carbonate) (PCHC) into beta-hydroxy ester vitrimers. These vitrimers demonstrate the ability to be mechanically reprocessed up to 3 times with retention of the material’s properties through dynamic transesterification exchange reactions. The polycarbonate vitrimers with gel fractions exceeding 90 % exhibit high tensile strength (> 50 MPa) and Young’s modulus (> 2 GPa), achieved by varying repeat unit structure in the polymer backbone from the low Tg PPC to the more rigid high Tg PCHC structures. Owing to an entropically favorable chain back-biting mechanism, the network chains can be cleaved and depolymerized into cyclic small molecules. In the case of PCHC, this process enables repolymerization back to polycarbonates with 69 wt.% CO2 retention through life-cycles. The promising mechanical performance and recyclability of these CO2-based polycarbonate vitrimers indicate their potential for sustainable, high-performance materials, paving the way for future innovations in circular polymer technologies and carbon capture utilization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗