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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2010

Development of a Catalytic Coating for a Shuttle Flight Experiment

A spray-on coating was developed for use on the shuttle wing tiles to obtain data that could be correlated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions to better understand the effect of chemical heating on a fore-body heat shield having a turbulent boundary layer during planetary entry at hypersonic speed. The selection of a spray-on coating was conducted in two Phases 1) screening tests to select the catalytic coating formulation and 2) surface property determination using both arc-jet and side-arm facilities at NASA Ames Research Center. Comparison of the predicted surface temperature profile over a flat-plate with measured values obtained during arc-jet exposure (Phase I study) was used to validate the surface properties obtained during Phase II.

Stewart, David A.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Nano-Engineered Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Nano-engineered catalysts, and a method of fabricating them, have been developed in a continuing effort to improve the performances of direct methanol fuel cells as candidate power sources to supplant primary and secondary batteries in a variety of portable electronic products. In order to realize the potential for high energy densities (as much as 1.5 W h/g) of direct methanol fuel cells, it will be necessary to optimize the chemical compositions and geometric configurations of catalyst layers and electrode structures. High performance can be achieved when catalyst particles and electrode structures have the necessary small feature sizes (typically of the order of nanometers), large surface areas, optimal metal compositions, high porosity, and hydrophobicity. The present method involves electrodeposition of one or more catalytic metal(s) or a catalytic-metal/polytetrafluoroethylene nanocomposite on an alumina nanotemplate. The alumina nanotemplate is then dissolved, leaving the desired metal or metal/polytetrafluoroethylene-composite catalyst layer. Unlike some prior methods of making fine metal catalysts, this method does not involve processing at elevated temperature; all processing can be done at room temperature. In addition, this method involves fewer steps and is more amenable to scaling up for mass production. Alumina nanotemplates are porous alumina membranes that have been fabricated, variously, by anodizing either pure aluminum or aluminum that has been deposited on silicon by electronbeam evaporation. The diameters of the pores (7 to 300 nm), areal densities of pores (as much as 7 x 10(exp 10)sq cm), and lengths of pores (up to about 100 nm) can be tailored by selection of fabrication conditions. In a given case, the catalytic metal, catalytic metal alloy, or catalytic metal/ polytetrafluoroethylene composite is electrodeposited in the pores of the alumina nanotemplate. The dimensions of the pores, together with the electrodeposition conditions, determine the sizes and surface areas of the catalytic particles. Hence, the small features and large surface areas of the porosity translate to the desired small particle size and large surface area of the catalyst (see figure). When polytetrafluoroethylene is included, it is for the purpose of imparting hydrophobicity in order to prevent water from impeding the desired diffusion of gases through the catalyst layer. To incorporate polytetrafluoroethylene into a catalytic-metal/polytetrafluoroethylene nanocomposite, one suspends polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticles in the electrodeposition solution. The polytetrafluoroethylene content can be varied to obtain the desired degree of hydrophobicity and permeability by gas.

Myung, Nosang↗
NASA NTRS1986

An investigation of the adsorption characteristics of 5 prime ATP and 5 prime AMP onto the surface of CaSO sub 4 x 2H sub 2 O

A model has been proposed (Lahev and Chans, 1982) in which solid surfaces can act as a site for catalytic activity of condensation reactions for certain biomolecules. From this model, the adsorption characteristics of 5'ATP and 5'AMP onto the surface of CaSO4 2H2O was chosen for study. It has been proven that 5'ATP and 5'AMP do adsorb onto the surface of CaSO4. Studies were then made to determine the dependence of adsorption versus time, concentration, ionic strength and pH. It was found that the adsorption of the nucleotides is highly pH dependent, primarily determined by the phosphate acid groups of the nucleic acid molecule. From this investigation, the data obtained are discussed in relation to the model for the prebiotic earth.

Calderon, J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Potential energy surfaces of MH2 (M = Co, Fe, and Cu)

In many important catalytic processes, the dissociation of the hydrogen molecule is a fundamental step, and the chemisorption of dihydrogen by metal surfaces has been studied. However, quantitative results from theoretical treatments are not very encouraging. Blomberg and Siegbahn (1983) have found that the negative binding energy for NiH2 obtained with the aid of the commonly used Hartree-Fock approximation differs greatly from the result found on the basis of a more sophisticated calculation, including electron correlation. Another study showed the great importance of d orbitals in the dissociation process. A study, similar to the one on NH2, has been conducted for three other metals, including cobalt, iron, and copper. The present investigation is concerned with the results of this study. The potential surfaces of CoH2, FeH2, and CuH2 are discussed, taking into account the lowest atomic states, the bent low spin complex, the bent high spin saddle points, and the linear states.

Siegbahn, P. E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Mach 6 electroformed nickel nozzle refurbishment: FNAS investigation of ultra-smooth surfaces

The task objective has been to apply a coating of nickel-phosphorous alloy to a laminar flow wind tunnel nozzle by catalytic deposition and then polish and inspect the inside surface using optical device processes. The surface of the nozzle was coated with a nickel-phosphorous alloy of sufficient hardness and corrosion resistance to improve the durability. Due to plating defects that were clearly process related and not inherent, the final polished part was less than the desired quality. Surface finishing processes and lapping media were identified which produced a submicron surface finish on the interior plated surface. Defects apparently manifested by the first plating attempt were repaired using a small brush plating process demonstrating that individual small defects can be repaired. Measurement and analysis by profilometry demonstrated that quantitative control of the surface can be achieved.

Rood, Robert↗
NASA NTRS1985

A color graphics presentation of the Space Shuttle Orbiter windward surface entry temperature distribution

The windward surface temperature response measured during the fifth entry of the Space Shuttle Columbia is presented as solid filled color contour plots. These plots show the data from 92 instruments, at selected points in time, in a manner which makes the temperature extremes and gradients immediately obvious. Several physical phenomena, such as separated flow caused by the deflected body flap, local heating at the elevon-elevon gap, an overview of the propagation of boundary-layer transition over the Orbiter windward surface, and the thermal response of eight catalytically coated tiles, can be observed or inferred from the displayed temperatures. In addition, the maximums from each instrument have been contoured and are presented with a companion plot showing the percentage of surface area covered by each contour level. Also, the flight data are presented using the colors which correspond to the surface emittance as a function of temperature. To show the temperature transients, a computer-generated movie has been produced showing the temperature contours from 100 s to 1500 s after entry interface.

Martin, F. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1966

Surface physics and chemistry

Electron paramagnetic resonance techniques for studying surface chemistry and physics pertinent to catalysis

CATALYTIC ACTIVITY↗
NASA NTRS1998

Synthesis of Contributed Simulations for OREX Test Cases

A synthesis is presented of the computer simulations of the flow over the Orbital Reentry Vehicle (ORV) at the 92.8 km and 63.6 km Earth altitude trajectory points that were discussed at the First Europe-U.S. High Speed Flow Field Database Workshop Part 2, Napoli, Italy, November 1997. For the materials used on the surface of ORV, the non-catalytic wall condition is appropriate at 92.8 km and the finite-rate catalytic wall condition at 63.6 km. Additional simulations are required for establishing the independency of the discussed results from numerics. The proper modeling of natural phenomena needs further sensitivity studies. The uncertainties of inferred flight data are lacking for a proper evaluation of the presented results.

Mehta, Unmeel B.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Surface Plasmon Resonance Evaluation of Colloidal Metal Aerogel Filters

We have fabricated aerogels containing gold, silver, and platinum nanoparticles for gas catalysis applications. By applying the concept of an average or effective dielectric constant to the heterogeneous interlayer surrounding each particle, we extend the technique of immersion spectroscopy to porous or heterogeneous media. Specifically, we apply the predominant effective medium theories for the determination of the average fractional composition of each component in this inhomogeneous layer. Hence, the surface area of metal available for catalytic gas reaction is determined. The technique is satisfactory for statistically random metal particle distributions but needs further modification for aggregated or surfactant modified systems. Additionally, the kinetics suggest that collective particle interactions in coagulated clusters are perturbed during silica gelation resulting in a change in the aggregate geometry.

Smith, David D.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Surface Plasmon Resonance Evaluation of Colloidal Metal Aerogel Filters

Surface plasmon resonance imaging has in the past been applied to the characterization of thin films. In this study we apply the surface plasmon technique not to determine macroscopic spatial variations but rather to determine average microscopic information. Specifically, we deduce the dielectric properties of the surrounding gel matrix and information concerning the dynamics of the gelation process from the visible absorption characteristics of colloidal metal nanoparticles contained in aerogel pores. We have fabricated aerogels containing gold and silver nanoparticles. Because the dielectric constant of the metal particles is linked to that of the host matrix at the surface plasmon resonance, any change 'in the dielectric constant of the material surrounding the metal nanoparticles results in a shift in the surface plasmon wavelength. During gelation the surface plasmon resonance shifts to the red as the average or effective dielectric constant of the matrix increases. Conversely, formation of an aerogel or xerogel through supercritical extraction or evaporation of the solvent produces a blue shift in the resonance indicating a decrease in the dielectric constant of the matrix. From the magnitude of this shift we deduce the average fraction of air and of silica in contact with the metal particles. The surface area of metal available for catalytic gas reaction may thus be determined.

Smith, David D.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Noble Metal Immersion Spectroscopy of Silica Alcogels and Aerogels

We have fabricated aerogels containing gold and silver nanoparticles for gas catalysis applications. By applying the concept of an average or effective dielectric constant to the heterogeneous interlayer surrounding each particle, we extend the technique of immersion spectroscopy to porous or heterogeneous media. Specifically, we apply the predominant effective medium theories for the determination of the average fractional composition of each component in this inhomogeneous layer. Hence, the surface area of metal available for catalytic gas reaction is determined. The technique is satisfactory for statistically random metal particle distributions but needs further modification for aggregated or surfactant modified systems. Additionally, the kinetics suggest that collective particle interactions in coagulated clusters are perturbed during silica gelation resulting in a change in the aggregate geometry.

Smith, David D.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Zeolite Crystal Growth (ZCG) Flight on USML-2

The extensive use of zeolites and their impact on the world's economy has resulted in many efforts to characterize their structure, and improve the knowledge base for nucleation and growth of these crystals. The zeolite crystal growth (ZCG) experiment on USML-2 aimed to enhance the understanding of nucleation and growth of zeolite crystals, while attempting to provide a means of controlling the defect concentration in microgravity. Zeolites A, X, Beta, and Silicalite were grown during the 16 day - USML-2 mission. The solutions where the nucleation event was controlled yielded larger and more uniform crystals of better morphology and purity than their terrestrial/control counterparts. The external surfaces of zeolite A, X, and Silicalite crystals grown in microgravity were smoother (lower surface roughness) than their terrestrial controls. Catalytic studies with zeolite Beta indicate that crystals grown in space exhibit a lower number of Lewis acid sites located in micropores. This suggests fewer structural defects for crystals grown in microgravity. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) of zeolite Beta crystals also show that crystals grown in microgravity were free of line defects while terrestrial/controls had substantial defects.

Sacco, Albert, Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Self-organizing biochemical cycles

I examine the plausibility of theories that postulate the development of complex chemical organization without requiring the replication of genetic polymers such as RNA. One conclusion is that theories that involve the organization of complex, small-molecule metabolic cycles such as the reductive citric acid cycle on mineral surfaces make unreasonable assumptions about the catalytic properties of minerals and the ability of minerals to organize sequences of disparate reactions. Another conclusion is that data in the Beilstein Handbook of Organic Chemistry that have been claimed to support the hypothesis that the reductive citric acid cycle originated as a self-organized cycle can more plausibly be interpreted in a different way.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗
NASA NTRS2014

Magnetite as Possible Template for the Synthesis of Chiral Organics in Carbonaceous Chondrites

The main goal of the Japanese Aerospace Ex-ploration Agency (JAXA) Hayabusa-2 mission is to visit and return to Earth samples of a C-type asteroid (162173) 1999 JU3 in order to understand the origin and nature of organic materials in the Solar System. Life on Earth shows preference towards the set of organics with particular spatial arrangements, this 'selectivity' is a crucial criterion for life. With only rare exceptions, life 'determines' to use the left- (L-) form over the right- (D-) form of amino acids, resulting in a L-enantiomeric excess (ee). Recent studies have shown that L-ee is found within the alpha-methyl amino acids in meteorites [1, 2], which are amino acids with rare terrestrial occurrence, and thus point towards a plausible abiotic origin for ee. One of the proposed origins of chiral asymmetry of amino acids in meteorites is their formation with the presence of asymmetric catalysts [3]. The catalytic mineral grains acted as a surface at which nebular gases (CO, H2 and NH3) were allowed to condense and react through Fisher Tropsch type (FTT) syntheses to form the organics observed in meteorites [4]. Magnetite is shown to be an effective catalyst of the synthesis of amino acids that are commonly found in meteorites [5]. It has also taken the form as spiral magnetites (a.k.a. 'plaquettes'), which were found in various carbonaceous chondrites (CCs), including C2s Tagish Lake and Esseibi, CI Orgueil, and CR chondrites [e.g., 6, 7, 8]. In addition, L-ee for amino acids are common in the aqueously altered CCs, as opposed to the unaltered CCs [1]. It seems possible that the synthesis of amino acids with chiral preferences is correlated to the alteration process experienced by the asteroid parent body, and related to the configuration of spiral magnetite catalysts. Since C-type asteroids are considered to be enriched in organic matter, and the spectral data of 1999 JU3 indicates a certain de-gree of aqueous alteration [9], the Hayabusa-2 mission serves as a perfect chance to attest this argument. In order to understand the distribution of spiral magnetites among different meteorite classes, as well as to investigate their spiral configurations and correlation to molecular asymmetry, we observed polished thin sections of CCs using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. Individual magnetite grains were picked, embedded in epoxy, thin-sectioned using an ultra-microtome, and studied with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in order to reconstruct the crystal orientation along the stack of magnetite disks.

Chan, Q. H. S.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Sol-Gel Process for Making Pt-Ru Fuel-Cell Catalysts

A sol-gel process has been developed as a superior alternative to a prior process for making platinum-ruthenium alloy catalysts for electro-oxidation of methanol in fuel cells. The starting materials in the prior process are chloride salts of platinum and ruthenium. The process involves multiple steps, is time-consuming, and yields a Pt-Ru product that has relatively low specific surface area and contains some chloride residue. Low specific surface area translates to incomplete utilization of the catalytic activity that might otherwise be available, while chloride residue further reduces catalytic activity ("poisons" the catalyst). In contrast, the sol-gel process involves fewer steps and less time, does not leave chloride residue, and yields a product of greater specific area and, hence, greater catalytic activity. In this sol-gel process (see figure), the starting materials are platinum(II) acetylacetonate [Pt(C5H7O2)2, also denoted Pt-acac] and ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate [Ru(C5H7O2)3, also denoted Ru-acac]. First, Pt-acac and Ru-acac are dissolved in acetone at the desired concentrations (typically, 0.00338 moles of each salt per 100 mL of acetone) at a temperature of 50 C. A solution of 25 percent tetramethylammonium hydroxide [(CH3)4NOH, also denoted TMAH] in methanol is added to the Pt-acac/Ruacac/ acetone solution to act as a high-molecular-weight hydrolyzing agent. The addition of the TMAH counteracts the undesired tendency of Pt-acac and Ru-acac to precipitate as separate phases during the subsequent evaporation of the solvent, thereby helping to yield a desired homogeneous amorphous gel. The solution is stirred for 10 minutes, then the solvent is evaporated until the solution becomes viscous, eventually transforming into a gel. The viscous gel is dried in air at a temperature of 170 C for about 10 hours. The dried gel is crushed to make a powder that is the immediate precursor of the final catalytic product. The precursor powder is converted to the final product in a controlled-atmosphere heat treatment. Desirably, the final product is a phase-pure (Pt phase only) Pt-Ru powder with a high specific surface area. The conditions of the controlled- atmosphere heat are critical for obtaining the aforementioned desired properties. A typical heat treatment that yields best results for a catalytic alloy of equimolar amounts of Pt and Ru consists of at least two cycles of heating to a temperature of 300 C and holding at 300 C for several hours, all carried out in an atmosphere of 1 percent O2 and 99 percent N2. The resulting powder consists of crystallites with typical linear dimensions of <10 nm. Tests have shown that the powder is highly effective in catalyzing the electro-oxidation of methanol.

Narayanan, Sekharipuram↗
NASA NTRS1982

Catalytic recombination and Space Shuttle heating

The measurement of surface temperatures on the thermal protection materials of the Space Shuttle Orbiter during reentry provides the basis for an important test of the prediction techniques developed over the past 10 years for reacting flows over reentry vehicles. The present investigation is concerned with comparisons of calculated temperatures with those measured during the second and third Space Shuttle missions. The general trends of the calculations compared favorably with the measurements. However, the calculations overpredicted the temperatures on the forward part of the windward centerline. Agreement was better farther aft, especially at the later times in the entry. The investigation has pointed out the significance of surface chemical reactions on the heat flux to the surface of the Orbiter and the need for further understanding.

Scott, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

In-space technology development: Atomic oxygen and orbital debris effects

Earlier Shuttle flight experiments have shown atomic oxygen within the orbital environment can interact with many materials to produce surface recession and mass loss and combine catalytically with other constituents to generate visible and infrared glows. In addition to these effects, examinations of returned satellite hardware have shown many spacecraft materials are also susceptible to damage from high velocity impacts with orbital space debris. These effects are of particular concern for large, multi-mission spacecraft, such as Space Station and SDI operational satellites, that will operate in low-Earth orbit (LEO) during the late 1990's. Not only must these spacecraft include materials and exterior coatings that are resistant to atomic oxygen surface interactions, but these materials must also provide adequate protection against erosion and pitting that could result from numerous impacts with small particles (less than 100 microns) of orbital space debris. An overview of these concerns is presented, and activities now underway to develop materials and coatings are outlined that will provide adequate atomic protection for future spacecraft. The report also discusses atomic oxygen and orbital debris flight experiments now under development to expand our limited data base, correlate ground-based measurments with flight results, and develop an orbital debris collision warning system for use by future spacecraft.

Visentine, James T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cooling system and insulation concept for a Mach 5 turbo-ramjet aircraft

A cooling system and insulation concept for a Mach 5 cruise aircraft, using non-cryogenic fuel is presented. Catalytic endothermic reaction of petroleum fuel is used as the heat sink for engine cooling. A secondary closed-loop coolant circuit removes heat from the engine and transfers this heat to the catalytic reactor. Insulation on the engine flow path surfaces reduces the cooling requirements. A high temperature insulation system, which is capable of a surface temperature of 4,000 F, is used for the combustor and nozzle. A complete closed-loop cooling system design is shown in detail. Main features of this system include a fuel preheater, a catalytic fuel reactor, and engine wall cooling panels. A silicone-based liquid polymer, designed for extended use at 750 F, is used as the coolant. The preheater and reactor design are based on the results of recent experimental work. The cooling panels are designed using a thermal fluid analysis computer program, which was originally developed for the National Aero-Space Plane (NASP). Major components are analyzed structurally as well as thermally and weights are presented.

Jones, S. C.↗