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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Novel Zwitterionic Chromatography to Separate Lithium from Unconventional Resources

Since lithium (Li) is a key element for clean energy technologies, the global lithium demand is anticipated to increase rapidly. As a result, efficient lithium extraction technologies that allow the exploitation of unconventional lithium resources, such as geothermal brines and inland brine streams, are essentially needed to meet the Li demand and keep supply chains stable. However, because of low Li concentration, low ratio of Li/Mg or Li/Ca, and complex feed compositions in these feedstocks, using conventional hydrometallurgy or current Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) processes are often chemical-intensive, requiring substantial amounts of reagent chemicals to recover Li at scale, resulting in large chemical footprints. Therefore, we developed a novel Zwitterionic Chromatography (ZIC) process to separate Li from these resources. Because Li can be partitioned from divalent salts on ZIC under water elution without using chemicals, exploiting the unconventional resources via a ZIC approach can be environmentally benign and sustainable. In this work, we will present the development of the ZIC process for DLE applications. Simulation studies for the Li separation mechanism in ZIC and the demonstration of a continuous ZIC process to separate Li from domestic inland brine and mining wastewater will be presented. Finally, the chemical and energy footprints of ZIC in comparison to other DLE processes will be discussed.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fully Distributed Acoustic and Magnetic Field Monitoring Via a Single Fiber Line for Optimized Production of Unconventional Resource Plays

This is the final technical report for the Virginia Tech Center for Photonics Technology (VT-CPT) research project entitled “Fully Distributed Acoustic and Magnetic Field Monitoring Via a Single Fiber Line for Optimized Production of Unconventional Resource Plays”. In the the four-year effort, VT-CPT collaborated with the Departments of Mathmatics at VT and Sentek Instrument, LLC (Sentek) to develop a fiber-optic sensing system capable of real-time simultaneous distributed measurement of multiple subsurface, drilling, and production parameters. The ultra-sensitive fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing technology, picoDAS, developed by Sentek was integrated with a novel multi-material optical sensing fiber fabricated by CPT-VT to obtain distributed acoustic and magnetic field measurements with ultrahigh sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The sensing technology successfully developed and demonstrated under this research program is truly unique has application beyond subsurface imaging to include carbon storage and electrical grid monitoring, as well as healthcare and nuclear fusion. The project, sponsored by the Advanced Technology Program, began in 2019 and had the original goal of developing the next generation of harsh environment sensing systems. Exhaustive theoretical modeling was performed to optimize the multi-material optical fiber design. VT developed the processing techniques employed to successfully fabricate single mode fibers with metal cladding wires. Sensing fibers with nickel and Metglas cladding wires were fully characterized, inscribed with sensors, and fully integrated with the picoDAS system. Laboratory scale testing was performed to demonstrate performance upon exposure to lateral and transverse magnetic fields. Preliminary field trials were performed for prototype magnetic and acoustic sensing systems upon near surface deployment at VT. The distributed acoustic and magnetic field sensing system was advanced from a (Technology Readiness Level) TRL=2 to a TRL=5 via laboratory scale system validation in relevant environments. The truly one-of-its kind distributed magnetic and acoustic sensing system is expected to find immediate applications that require subsurface monitoring, to include carbon storage site monitoring, and has the potential to be a distributive technology in healthcare and electric grid markets. The technologies developed by Virginia Tech’s Center for Photonics Technology will support the mission of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to drive innovation and deliver solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future by ensuring affordable, abundant, and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security. Technical accomplishments during the program are summarized briefly here and described in detail in the remainder of the report.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Novel Zwitterionic Chromatography Approach to Separate Lithium from Unconventional Resources

Lithium (Li) is a key element for clean energy technologies, and, accordingly, the global lithium demand has been increasing rapidly. Therefore, to meet the Li demand and maintain supply chain stability, it is critical to develop efficient lithium extraction technologies that allow exploitation of unconventional lithium resources, such as geothermal brines and inland brine streams. However, the recovery of Li from these resources is challenging due to low Li concentration, low ratios of Li/Na, Li/Mg, or Li/Ca, and complex feed compositions. To address this, we introduced a new Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process using Zwitterionic Chromatography (ZIC) to separate Li from other salts. Since salts are partitioned on ZIC under water elution, no reagent chemicals are needed, and the Li separation is not limited by the adsorption capacity. We prepared 13 different zwitterionic (ZI) resins to investigate the salt retention on various ZI groups and then screened out promising sorbents for efficient Li separation. It was found that salt retention was synergistically affected by the pore size and ZI configurations. Using carboxybetaine (QAC3CA) sorbents, multicomponent separations showed that Li can be partitioned from divalent salts or Na with selectivities of 1.8 or 1.9, respectively. Although the selectivity is relatively low, in real brine tests, Li was separated from Ca and Mg with 79.2 % yield, showing the potential for a continuous process to achieve high productivity and high yield. Simulation studies suggest the salt elution mechanism is related to the hydration reaction energy and the effective hydrated radius of cations.

critical minerals↗
DOE OSTI2023

Pyrolysis of Oils from Unconventional Resources

In this study, oils from various sources were subjected to pyrolysis conditions; that is, without oxidizer, as the samples were heated to 500 °C, and held at that temperature. The oils studied included: (1) heavy oil from Grassy Creek, Missouri; (2) oil from tar sands of Asphalt Ridge in Utah; (3) mid-continent oil shales of three formations (two of Chattanooga formation, Pennsylvanian (age) formation, and Woodford formation); and (4) a Colorado Piceance Basin shale. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with either gas chromatography (GC) or mass spectrometry (MS) were used to quantify the produced gases evolved in the tests. Purge gases of helium, argon, and humid carbon dioxide were utilized. Larger scale pyrolysis tests were conducted in a tube furnace coupled to a MS and a GC. The results consistently showed that pyrolysis occurred between 300 °C and 500 °C, with the majority of gases being mainly hydrogen and light alkanes. This behavior was essentially consistent, regardless of the oil source.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Technical Geothermal Roadmap for Indonesia

The technical geothermal roadmapping exercise described by this report is part of the NZW Collaborative Work Program with the Government of Indonesia. Indonesia currently has the second largest installed geothermal power generation capacity in the world and has abundant undeveloped resources that allow for continued expansion of its geothermal resource development, which can serve to contribute to the country’s goal of achieving net zero emissions for power generation by 2060. The DOE GeoVision study (2019) highlighted the importance of technical improvements as the key for accelerating the development of geothermal resources in the United States by reducing the costs and risks to make geothermal more competitive, and this also applies to Indonesia. The main objective of the roadmap is to identify and discuss key technical challenges and discuss how implementation of geothermal technology advances could reduce the risks, costs, and time associated with geothermal exploration and development activities and expand the potential resource base to include unconventional resource types, thus accelerating geothermal deployment in Indonesia.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Multi-scale, Geo-data Science Method for Assessing Unconventional Critical Mineral Resources

Critical minerals (CM) supply raw materials that constitute many of our essential infrastructure, defense, technology, and electrification needs. Currently, production and refinement of these materials from conventional sources is limited to few regions globally, which makes supply of these resources particularly venerable to disruption. To help overcome these risks and meet growing demand, attention has focused on identifying and developing resource potential of unconventional geologic CM sources, such as rare-earth elements in sedimentary systems. However, the unconventional nature of these types of sources means they are often poorly characterized and/or under-explored with respect to conventional counterparts. We present a regional case study for an Unconventional Rare-earth and Critical minerals (URC) assessment method for predicting and identifying REE resource potential and occurrence in unconventional systems in the Central Appalachian Basin (CAB). The method utilizes a geologic and geospatial data-driven approach, informed and guided by knowledge of REE enrichment processes, to systematically predict and identify areas of higher enrichment. Results from the test case indicate locations with potential for different types of coal-REE deposits, demonstrating its utility for reducing the area of exploration and identifying sites for more detailed investigation. Building upon the regional scale assessment capability, ongoing science-based enhancements to the method will allow for finer-scale (e.g., mine-scale) predictions required to support technical and economic assessments.

Creason, Christopher↗
DOE OSTI2025

Rare Earth Element Detection and Quantification in Coal and Rock Mineral Matrices

As global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) increases, maintaining the production and supply chain is critical. Technologies capable of being used in the field and in situ in the subsurface for rapid REE detection and quantification facilitates the efficient mining of known resources and exploration of new and unconventional resources. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising technique for rapid elemental analysis both in the laboratory and in the field. Multiple articles have been published evaluating LIBS for detection and quantification of REEs; however, REEs in their natural deposits have not been adequately studied. In this work, detection and quantification of two REEs, La and Nd, have been studied in both synthetic and natural mineral matrices at concentrations relevant to REE extraction. Measurements were performed on REE-containing rock and coal samples (natural and synthetic) utilizing different LIBS instruments and techniques, specifically a commercial benchtop instrument, a custom benchtop instrument (single- and double-pulse modes), and a custom LIBS probe currently being developed for in situ, subsurface, borehole wall detection and quantification of REEs. Plasma expansion, emission intensity, detection limits, and double-pulse signal enhancement were studied. The limits of detection (LOD) were found to be 10/14 ppm for La and 15/25 ppm for Nd in simulated coal/rock matrices in single-pulse mode. Signal enhancement of 3.5 to 6-fold was obtained with double-pulse mode as compared to single-pulse operation.

La detection↗
DOE OSTI2026

Climatic imprint on interfacially-controlled platinum-palladium resources

Abstract Iron oxide-rich laterites, soils, and regolith formed from the weathering of ultramafic rocks represent untapped unconventional resources for the critical minerals platinum and palladium, but the fundamental surficial geochemistry of these elements remains poorly understood. Depletion of Pd relative to Pt occurs in some weathering zones in semi-arid climates. The accepted model attributes this platinum-palladium chemical fractionation to preferential complexation of Pd by dissolved chloride. However, similar fractionation is not observed in laterites of humid equatorial regions despite substantial wet deposition of chloride. The established mechanistic model for Pt and Pd behavior during weathering thus inaccurately predicts the distribution of these critical minerals in many settings, hindering global resource assessment. We show through mineral-fluid partitioning experiments coupled to element-specific spectroscopy that this canonical explanation for platinum-palladium fractionation is invalid: chloride complexation does not differentially mobilize Pd versus Pt. Instead, mineral-specific interfacial reactions control Pd and Pt accumulation. Modeling of platinum-palladium fractionation in representative weathering zone profiles demonstrates sub-equal retention in goethite-rich settings and Pd depletion in hematite-rich zones, accurately predicting trends observed in soils and laterites. Iron oxide mineralogy, reflecting modern and past regional climate conditions, is likely the primary determinant of Pt and Pd endowment in weathering zone resources. This new model for Pt and Pd mobilization and accumulation behavior provides a mechanistic foundation for exploration and recovery of platinum group elements from novel ultramafic regolith deposits.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Critical review of lithium recovery from geothermal brines with implications for Smackover Formation, USA

The rapidly growing demand for lithium, a critical element for energy storage and national security technologies, has intensified concerns over the long-term availability and environmental impact of conventional lithium sources, such as hard-rock mining. To meet future demand, it is vital to explore unconventional resources that can provide sustainable domestic supplies. Geothermal brines, produced as a byproduct of geothermal energy generation, offer a promising alternative for lithium recovery by leveraging existing infrastructure and renewable energy production. In particular, the Smackover Formation, an extensive reservoir of high-salinity brines spanning Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama in the U.S. Gulf Coast, holds significant untapped lithium reserves. Co-producing geothermal energy and lithium from these brines aligns with sustainable extraction objectives while addressing resource scarcity. This review synthesizes current knowledge of lithium occurrence in the Smackover Formation and geothermal resources in the region, while also exploring how emerging tools such as machine learning can enhance resource targeting and co-production efficiency. Finally, we discuss key technical challenges and outline future research directions needed to advance lithium extraction from geothermal brines and secure a resilient domestic supply chain.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluation of coal-associated sediments, wastes, and AMD sludge in the Southern Appalachian Basin as feedstock materials for REE and Li recovery

Critical minerals (CM) such as rare earth elements (REE+) and Lithium (Li) are essential to technological innovation, energy transitions, global economic and defense security, necessitating the search for unconventional resources and efficient recovery methods to avert supply chain disruptions. Here, this study evaluates coal-associated sediments (underclay and roof rock) and wastes from the Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation of the Southern Appalachian Basin (SAB) as potential feedstocks for CM recovery. A total of 34 samples (15 underclays, 12 roof rocks, 5 Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) sludges, and 2 coal mining wastes) were characterized using XRD, XRF, ICP-MS, and μ-XRF analytical methods. The REE+ and Li concentrations of these materials ranged from 46.8 to 334.4 ppm and from 11.1 to 519 ppm, respectively, with one underclay sample (Hendrix 3456) yielding the highest values for both. Bulk mineralogy for all samples was dominated by aluminosilicate clay phases, particularly illite and kaolinite. All samples exhibited REY def, rel% values >26% and C outl indices that ranged from 0.69 to 0.94, classifying their REE ore potential as Category II (Promising) as defined by Seredin and Dai (2012). Extractability tests (EPA method 3051 A) yielded low REE+ and Li recoveries, with maximum values of 3.3% and 3.6%, respectively, suggesting associations with resistant minerals like clay and phosphates. Elemental mapping indicates that REE+ is associated with phosphate, whereas statistical analysis suggests that REE+ are associated with aluminosilicates, suggesting heterogeneous associations or minimal phosphate contribution. Li also correlated positively with Al 2 O 3 , indicating an aluminosilicate host. This study highlights the potential of coal-associated sediments in the SAB.

Clay minerals↗
DOE OSTI2024

Revealing complex subsurface dynamics with continuous seismic monitoring: Observations using distributed acoustic sensing and surface orbital vibrators during hydraulic fracturing

Understanding hydraulic fracturing is crucial to improving the stimulation of unconventional reservoirs and increasing fluid production. This study develops a novel seismic monitoring technology using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and surface orbital vibrators (SOV) to capture fracture seismic response and mechanical properties at high temporal intervals. We analyze continuous time-lapse vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data acquired every hour during the first nine days of treatment of an unconventional reservoir in the Austin Chalk/Eagle Field Laboratory. The VSP data contain clear seismic signals scattered from the activated fractures. The spatiotemporal changes of the fracture reflectivity revealed by the SOV/DAS data correlate well with the observations of fracture locations inferred from low-frequency DAS data. These results capture the fracture opening and closure processes, as well as highlight potential prestage activations of the fractures due to hydraulic connectivity with preexisting fracture systems. Therefore, analysis of the presented data set provides a unique opportunity to understand fracture initiation and subsequent evolution, not only in the context of unconventional resources but also in enhanced geothermal systems.

Correa, Julia↗
DOE OSTI2024

Unconventional Quantum Advantages for Computation (U-QuAC)

While quantum computing offers the promise of exponential advantages, limited quantum speedups are known, especially for practical applications. To open new avenues for quantum advantages, we propose Unconventional Quantum Advantages for Computation (U-QuACs), with respect to unconventional resources such as space (number of bits or quantum bits of memory required to solve a problem), accuracy of solution, communication, or energy consumption. We focus on space-efficient quantum algorithms, where we seek to design algorithms that solve a problem using much less space than the total size of the input. A natural setting in which space is critical is the streaming model of computation, where the input data arrives sequentially in pieces that must each be processed individually. Streaming is motivated by a variety of problems including analysis of internet traffic or social networks. We design the first exponential quantum space advantage for a natural streaming problem, which also constitutes the first quantum advantage for approximating a discrete optimization problem, albeit with respect to space.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Geo-Data Science Method for Assessing Unconventional Rare-Earth Element Resources in Sedimentary Systems

Abstract Rare-earth elements (REEs) supply raw materials that constitute many of our modern critical infrastructure, defense, technology, and electrification needs. Despite REE accumulations occurring in conventional bedrock and ion-adsorption deposits sourced from weathering of igneous rocks, unconventional host materials such as coal and related sedimentary strata have been identified as promising sources of REEs to meet growing demand. To maximize the potential of unconventional resources such as REE-coal systems, new approaches are needed overcome challenges from mineral systems with no known deposits and areas with sparse geochemical data. This article presents a systematic knowledge-data resource assessment method for predicting and identifying REE resource potential and occurrence in these unconventional systems. The method utilizes a geologic and geospatial knowledge-data approach informed and guided by REE accumulation mechanisms to systematically assess and identify areas of higher enrichment. An assessment of the Powder River Basin is presented as a test case to demonstrate the method workflow and results. The key output is a potential enrichment score map reported with varying confidence levels based on the amount of supporting evidence. Results from the test case indicate several locations with promising potential for different types of coal-REE deposits, demonstrating the viability of the method for exploration and assessment of unconventional REE resources. The method is flexible by design and, with sufficient applicable knowledge and data, can be adapted for assessing critical mineral systems in other sedimentary systems as well.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

National Critical Minerals Data Dashboard

The Critical Minerals (CM) Data Dashboard provides data-driven insights to help unlock the potential of conventional and unconventional CM resources in the United States. The dashboard focuses on 12 CM essential for producing zero-emission transportation and clean power technology. More information about these CM and potential resources is available in our CM Story Map. Dashboard data sets can be filtered geographically using the options provided along the top of the dashboard. Data sets can also be filtered by various attributes using the options in the expandable side panel on the left side of the screen. The data sets in this dashboard were compiled from multiple sources including the USGS, USEPA, OSMRE, and DHS., Users are encouraged to provide feedback/suggestions on the function and content of the dashboard, as well as any issues that may arise.

Conventional Resources↗
DOE OSTI2023

Experimental and numerical investigation of proppant embedment and conductivity reduction within a fracture in the Caney Shale, Southern Oklahoma, USA

The current worldwide energy supply is insufficient to meet the rising demand. As a result, the energy prices are expected to keep soaring despite the recent increases in a variety of renewable energy resources. Although not renewable, shale oil and gas — “unconventional” hydrocarbon resources are relatively clean forms of energy resources, which still hold a vast share of the energy market. For many oil and gas companies, meeting profitable production goals from shale reservoirs is sometimes challenging, due to the loss of fracture conductivity and premature declines in the production. In this paper we investigate the stress-dependent changes in the hydraulic conductivity of proppant-filled fractures and mechanical fracture–proppant interactions in Caney Shale, a calcareous, organic-rich mudrock, through laboratory experiments and numerical modeling. American Petroleum Institute (API) fracture conductivity tests were conducted using 2% KCl on five locations within the Caney Shale that consisted of selecting three brittle (reservoir) zones and two ductile zones. Confining pressures ranged from 1,000 psi to 12,000 psi at 210 °F. Conductivity, permeability as well as embedment were measured during the test. Also, an additional, laboratory in-situ visualization test was conducted to examine the detailed proppant-shale matrix interaction under elevated stress (3,920 psi effective stress) and temperature (252 °F), with a synthetic reservoir fluid. Our experimental results have confirmed that improved fracture conductivity is attributed to proppant size, and that the increase in porosity of the proppant pack, closure pressure changes and the reduction in fracture conductivity are a function of many factors such as fracture closure stress.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Novel 'Smart Microchip Proppants' Technology for Precision Diagnostics of Hydraulic Fracture Networks (Edited Final Report)

This project introduces innovative technology to improve subsurface characterization, visualization, and diagnostics of unconventional reservoirs (fossil resources). Through a collaborative effort involving the University of Kansas, UCLA, MicroSilicon Inc., and EOG Resources, the project aims to deliver precision diagnostics for hydraulic fractures using novel high-resolution imaging technology based on smart microchip proppants. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the accuracy and predictability of integrated numerical, and machine-learning modeling techniques for hydraulic fracture characterization and simulation. This groundbreaking technology addresses significant gaps in understanding unconventional and tight reservoir behavior and optimizing well-completion strategies, enabling more cost-efficient recovery of unconventional resources.

02 PETROLEUM↗