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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
NASA NTRS2011

Use of Additives to Improve Performance of Methyl Butyrate-Based Lithium-Ion Electrolytes

This work addresses the need for robust rechargeable batteries that can operate well over a wide temperature range. To this end, a number of electrolyte formulations have been developed that incorporate the use of electrolyte additives to improve the high-temperature resilience, low-temperature power capability, and life characteristics of methyl butyrate-based electrolyte solutions. These electrolyte additives include mono-fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), lithium oxalate, vinylene carbonate (VC), and lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), which have been shown to result in improved high-temperature resilience of all carbonate-based electrolytes. Improved performance has been demonstrated of Li-ion cells with methyl butyrate-based electrolytes, including 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MB (20:20:60 v/v %); 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MB (20:20:60 v/v %) + 2% FEC; 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MB (20:20:60 v/v %) + 4% FEC; 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MB (20:20:60 v/v %) + lithium oxalate; 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MB (20:20:60 v/v %) + 2% VC; and 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MB (20:20:60 v/v %) + 0.10M LiBOB. These electrolytes have been shown to improve performance in MCMB-LiNiCoO2 and graphite-LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 experimental Li-ion cells. A number of LiPF6-based mixed carbonate electrolyte formulations have been developed that contain ester co-solvents, which have been optimized for operation at low temperature, while still providing reasonable performance at high temperature. For example, a number of ester co-solvents were investigated, including methyl propionate (MP), ethyl propionate (EP), methyl butyrate (MB), ethyl butyrate (EB), propyl butyrate (PB), and butyl butyrate (BB) in multi-component electrolytes of the following composition: 1.0M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC) + ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) + X (20:60:20 v/v %) [where X = ester co-solvent]. ["Optimized Car bon ate and Ester-Based Li-Ion Electrolytes", NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 32, No. 4 (April 2008), p. 56.] Focusing upon improved rate capability at low temperatures (i.e., 20 to 40 C), this approach was optimized further, resulting in the development of 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MP (20:20:60 v/v %) and 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+EB (20:20:60 v/v %), which were demonstrated to operate well over a wide temperature range in MCMB-LiNiCoAlO2 and Li4Ti5O12(-)LiNiCoAlO2 prototype cells.

Smart, Marshall C.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Capacitive Deionization for the Extraction and Recovery of Butyrate

Separation processes underpin chemical manufacturing, energy and fuel production, resource recovery, and water purification. Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an electrochemical separation technique based on electrosorption of charged species from an aqueous solution. This work reports the development and application of CDI for the extraction and recovery of butyrate, a carboxylate anion that is key to bioenergy production, among other applications. Electrosorption of sodium butyrate was evaluated using a bench-scale CDI system with activated carbon cloth electrodes. Applying an external potential (1.2 V) enhanced the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for butyrate by 250%. Reversible electrosorption was also demonstrated by extracting and recovering butyrate at 1.2 and 0 V, respectively. Performance metrics including butyrate adsorption and desorption capacities, adsorption and desorption rates, charge efficiency, energy consumption, and recovery are reported. Furthermore, this study also investigates the long-term operational stability of the system by cycling the cell more than 1000 times using 1.2 and 0 V for charging and discharging, respectively. Subsequent physicochemical characterization indicates increased oxygen content (from similar to 2% to >8%), decreased specific surface area (by similar to 20%), and decreased pore volume (by similar to 20%), attributed to carbon oxidation. Overall, this work informs the design of CDI for organic anion separation and recovery.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Adsorption Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Column Breakthrough Data for Aqueous Solutions of Binary-Acid and Ternary-Acid Mixtures of Acetic Acid, Butyric Acid, and Lactic Acid on IRN-78 Ion-Exchange Resin at Initial pH Levels of ∼3–7 and at 25–55 °C

This work is part of an effort to develop thermophysical property data and models supporting adsorptive process development for organic acid separation from a dilute aqueous solution of fermentation broth. It presents systematic experimental measurements for aqueous-phase adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and column breakthrough for three binary-acid aqueous mixtures (acetic acid + lactic acid, butyric acid + lactic acid, and acetic acid + butyric acid) and one ternary-acid aqueous mixture (acetic acid + butyric acid + lactic acid) on Amberlite IRN-78 ion-exchange resin. The equilibrium measurements covered broad ranges of the initial acid concentration (100–400 mmol/L), initial pH (∼3–7), and temperature (25–55 °C). The equilibrium data for the binary-acid and ternary-acid aqueous mixtures indicate selective adsorption of lactic acid at initial pH levels of ∼3 and 4, while acetic acid and butyric acid are selectively adsorbed at initial pH levels of 5, 6, and 7. The subsequent kinetics and column breakthrough experiments were performed at 200 mmol/L with equimolar ratios, an initial pH of 6, and 25 °C. In conclusion, the measurements provide essential data sets for rigorous thermodynamic modeling and process simulation of adsorptive separation processes for organic acid separation from fermentation broth.

Adsorption↗
DOE OSTI2022

Co‑cultivation of anaerobic fungi with Clostridium acetobutylicum bolsters butyrate and butanol production from cellulose and lignocellulose

A system for co-cultivation of anaerobic fungi with anaerobic bacteria was established based on lactate cross-feeding to produce butyrate and butanol from plant biomass. Several co-culture formulations were assembled that consisted of anaerobic fungi (Anaeromyces robustus, Neocallimastix californiae, or Caecomyces churrovis) with the bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum. Co-cultures were grown simultaneously (e.g., ‘one pot’), and compared to cultures where bacteria were cultured in fungal hydrolysate sequentially. Fungal hydrolysis of lignocellulose resulted in 7–11 mM amounts of glucose and xylose, as well as acetate, formate, ethanol, and lactate to support clostridial growth. Under these conditions, one-stage simultaneous co-culture of anaerobic fungi with C. acetobutylicum promoted the production of butyrate up to 30 mM. Alternatively, two-stage growth slightly promoted solventogenesis and elevated butanol levels (∼4–9 mM). Transcriptional regulation in the two-stage growth condition indicated that this cultivation method may decrease the time required to reach solventogenesis and induce the expression of cellulose-degrading genes in C. acetobutylicum due to relieved carbon-catabolite repression. Overall, this study demonstrates a proof of concept for biobutanol and bio-butyrate production from lignocellulose using an anaerobic fungal-bacterial co-culture system.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Thermodynamic modeling of aqueous acetic acid, butyric acid, and lactic acid solutions

Based on the activity coefficient – fugacity coefficient approach, a rigorous thermodynamic modeling study is presented for accurate correlation of vapor-liquid equilibrium data of aqueous solutions of acetic acid (293 to 391 K), butyric acid (325 to 436 K), lactic acid (378 to 409 K), and acetic acid + butyric acid binary mixture (358 to 421 K). In addition, the pH data of the three aqueous, single carboxylic acid solutions were measured at 298 to 328 K and successfully correlated. Given that these aqueous carboxylic acid solutions exhibit various degrees of association behavior in both vapor and liquid phases, the thermodynamic models considered for this study include the Redlich-Kwong equation of state (RK-EoS) and the Hayden-O’Connell equation of state (HOC-EoS) for the vapor phase fugacity coefficients and the electrolyte non-random two-liquid model (eNRTL) and the association electrolyte non-random two-liquid model (AeNRTL) for the liquid phase activity coefficients. The combination of the HOC-EoS for the vapor phase and the AeNRTL model for the liquid phase is found to provide the best correlation results, consistent with the fact that the HOC-EoS and the AeNRTL model explicitly account for association behaviors in the vapor phase and the liquid phase, respectively.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Process Intensification for the Biological Production of the Fuel Precursor Butyric Acid from Biomass

The production of fuels from lignocellulosic biomass is key to reduce our reliance on petroleum and to promote a sustainable bioeconomy. Butyric acid (BA) is a promising chemical precursor for the production of renewable diesel and jet fuels. BA can be biologically produced from lignocellulosic sugars. However, challenges associated with product selectivity and recovery must be overcome to achieve industrially relevant metrics. Here, we evaluate various fermentation configurations and demonstrate near-homo-butyrate production by using the biocatalyst Clostridium tyrobutyricum. We also develop an advanced in situ product recovery process based on hybrid extraction-distillation (HED-ISPR) and conduct techno-economic analyses and life cycle assessments. We demonstrate that the HED-ISPR process lowers the overall capital and operating expenses and environmental impact compared to other traditional fermentation processes. Overall, BA minimum product selling price from biomass is 55% of the current BA selling price from petroleum, a significant decrease toward viable renewable fuel production.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1991

Melatonin and its precursors in Y79 human retinoblastoma cells: Effect of sodium butyrate

The release of melatonin and the production of its precursors, S-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin, in cultured Y79 human retinoblastoma cells were studied. This biosynthetic capability was found to be dependent on cell differentiation, which was initiated by culturing Y79 cells for 7 days in dishes coated with poly-D-lysine to promote cell adhesion to the surface of the culture dishes. Differentiation was further induced by exposing the cell monolayer to sodium butyrate (3 mM) for 3 days. This protocol dramatically increased the release of melatonin, and the syntheses of 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin in response to forskolin stimulation. Exposure to dopamine (10 micro-M) or L-DOPA (100 micro-M) markedly diminished the forskolin-stimulated release of melatonin, as well as the production of 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin. These observations indicate that Y79 cells represent a primitive cell line which, following appropriate differentiation (e.g. treatment with sodium butyrate) can display biochemical characteristics similar to those of the human retina. Moreover, serotonin synthesis and melatonin release appear to be coupled in Y79 cells. The inhibition of melatonin release by dopamine supports the hypothesis that in these cells, melatonin and dopamine are components of a retinal feedback loop.

Deng, Mei Hua↗
NASA NTRS2002

4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(indole-3-)butyric acid promotes root elongation in Lactuca sativa independent of ethylene synthesis and pH

We studied the mode of action of 4,4,4-trifluoro-3- (indole-3-) butyric acid (TFIBA), a recently described root growth stimulator, on primary root growth of Lactuca sativa L. seedlings. TFIBA (100 micromoles) promoted elongation of primary roots by 40% in 72 h but inhibited hypocotyl growth by 35%. TFIBA induced root growth was independent of pH. TFIBA did not affect ethylene production, but reduced the inhibitory effect of ethylene on root elongation. TFIBA promoted root growth even in the presence of the ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor L-alpha-(2-aminoethoxyvinyl)glycine. TFIBA and the ethylene-binding inhibitor silver thiosulphate (STS) had a similar effect on root elongation. The results indicate that TFIBA-stimulated root elongation was neither pH-dependent nor related to inhibition of ethylene synthesis, but was possibly related to ethylene action.

Non-NASA Center↗
DOE OSTI2023

Butyric Acid Production from Delignified Corn Stover Using Thermophilic Bacterial Co-Cultures

Butyric acid (BA) is a valuable platform chemical in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and it is also a potential precursor for the production of biobutanol and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). BA is mainly synthesized from petroleum; thus, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives for its production are attracting the interest of several sectors. The present work proposes a solids-to-acids bioprocess to produce BA from corn stover utilizing a co-culture that consists of two thermophilic bacteria, Clostridium thermocellum, a well-known efficient degrader of insoluble and oligomeric cellulosic substrates, and Clostridium thermobutyricum, a highly efficient BA producer from monomeric sugars. After initial proof of concept experiments, a series of optimization studies were carried out to evaluate the process limits of this co-culture. First, the co-cultivation of both microorganisms at different inoculum sizes in deacetylated and mechanically refined corn stover (DMR) was evaluated. No significant differences were found on the solids deconstruction and carbohydrates utilization among all the treatments. In addition, BA production was similar under all conditions, ranging between 2.1 and 2.4 g/L. Next, the deconstruction, and BA production capabilities of the co-culture at increased DMR solids contents (3, 4.5, and 6% (w/v)) were tested. Although no difference was observed in the solids deconstruction and carbohydrates utilization among treatments, BA production increased concomitantly to solids loading; the maximum values observed were 2.8, 3.6, and 6.2 g/L in the 3, 4.5, and 6% treatments, respectively. In fact, BA production did not reach its absolute maximum in the 6% treatment after 160 h of fermentation. Lastly, a fed-batch experiment was performed to investigate the co-culture capabilities and possible system constraints to achieve higher BA titers. Data on substrate modifications and product formation as well as on the growth of each microorganism will be shown. Results from this work demonstrate a promising bioprocess approach for the production of BA from lignocellulosic biomass using a thermophilic bacterial co-culture.

bacteria↗
DOE OSTI2022

Dietary Sodium Butyrate Supplementation Attenuates the Detrimental Effects of High-Fat Diets on Growth Performance, Liver Health, and Disease Resistance in Grass Carp

Abstract An 8-week experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (NaBT) inclusion in high-fat (HF) diets on growth performance, liver health, and disease resistance in Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. Three diets (Control diet containing crude lipid at 58 g/kg, HF diet with 108-g/kg crude lipid, and NaBT diet with 108-g/kg crude lipid and 1-g/kg NaBT) were randomly assigned to nine tanks with 30 fish (9.50 ± 0.06 g) in each tank. After the feeding trial, disease resistance was assessed by injecting the fish with Aeromonas hydrophila. Compared to the Control diet group, the HF diet group showed lower specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and survival rate (15.7%) after the A. hydrophila challenge; significantly higher activity levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in plasma; higher malondialdehyde content; higher messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of interleukin-8, cysteinyl aspartate specific protease (caspase) 9, and caspase 3; lower activity level of glutathione peroxidase; and lower mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in liver. However, the NaBT diet significantly increased fish growth performance and survival rate (39.7%) after the A. hydrophila challenge and reduced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis compared to the HF diet. In conclusion, NaBT can ameliorate the detrimental effects of HF diets on fish growth performance and fish health.

Gao, Shiyang↗
DOE OSTI2024

Adsorption Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Column Breakthrough Data of Acetic Acid, Butyric Acid, and Lactic Acid on IRN-78 Ion-exchange Resin at Initial pH ~3 – 7 and Temperature 25 – 55 °C

This work presents systematic aqueous-phase adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and column breakthrough measurements with three key biointermediates that are common compounds in many bioprocesses. Adsorption equilibrium experiments were carried out with acetic acid, butyric acid, and lactic acid on a commercial ion-exchange resin, Amberlite IRN-78, at wide ranges of acid concentration (8-500 mmol/L), initial pH (similar to 3-7), and temperature (25-55 degrees C), simulating the effluent characteristics from different fermenter operations. The kinetics and column breakthrough experiments were conducted at an initial pH of 6 and a concentration of 200 mmol/L. The equilibrium study shows a higher loading at the initial pH < pK(a) and a lower loading at the initial pH > pK(a). Overall removal varies between 16 and 99% depending on the initial pH, temperature, and organic acid concentration and type. The study further indicates monolayer adsorption at the equilibrium pH > 10 and multilayer adsorption at the equilibrium pH < 6. The thermodynamic modeling of adsorption isotherm data was carried out using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. IRN-78 presents fast adsorption kinetics as the maximum loading was attained in <= 10 min and nearly the same breakthrough time for all three organic acids involved in this study.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1973

Performance of cellulose acetate butyrate membranes in hyperfiltration of sodium chloride and urea feed solution

Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) membranes are shown to give high salt and urea rejection with water flux of about 3 gallons/sq ft per day at 600 psig. Membranes prepared from a formulation containing glyoxal show a significant increase in flux and decrease in salt and urea rejection with drying time. Zero drying time gives maximum urea and salt rejection and is therefore most suitable for hyperfiltration of sodium chloride and urea feed solution.

Wydeven, T.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Discoloration of Polyvinyl Butyral

Report presents results of study of discoloration in polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Clear PVB gradually turns yellowish brown in simulated-aging tests and outdoor environmental tests. Discoloration severely reduces solar-cell output. Using methods of modern analytical chemistry - transmission absorption, Fourier transform infrared absorption, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and scanning-electron microscopy - study uncovered major cause of yellowing.

Kim, Q.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Discoloration of poly(vinyl butyral) in cells exposed to real and simulated solar environments

The discoloration of poly(vinl butyral) (PVB) films used in solar cell modules is described. Transmission absorption, Fourier transformation IR absorption and atomic absorption spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy were used for this study. The discoloration of the PVB has been found to be affected by oxygen, moisture, temperature and light. However, the most severe discoloration observed is clearly associated with the migration of positive silver ions, which can be accelerated in the presence of electric fields. The metallization is the source of the silver, and the data are consistent with an interfacial reaction between the silver and PVB followed by transport into the polymer.

Kim, Q.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Melatonin and its precursors in Y79 human retinoblastoma cells - Effect of sodium butyrate

We studied the release of melatonin and the production of its precursors, 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin, in cultured Y79 human retinoblastoma cells. This biosynthetic capability was found to be dependent on cell differentiation, which was initiated by culturing Y79 cells for 7 days in dishes coated with poly-D-lysine to promote cell adhesion to the surface of the culture dishes. Differentiation was further induced by exposing the cell monolayer to sodium butyrate (3 mM) for three days. This protocol dramatically increased the release of melatonin, and the syntheses of 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin in response to forskolin stimulation. Exposure to dopamine or L-DOPA markedly diminished the forskolin-stimulated release of melatonin, as well as the production of 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin. These observations indicate that Y79 cells represent a primitive cell line which, following appropriate differentiation can display biochemical characteristics similar to those of the human retina. Moreover, serotonin synthesis and melatonin release appear to be coupled in Y79 ceils.

Deng, Mei H.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Transport of the two natural auxins, indole-3-butyric acid and indole-3-acetic acid, in Arabidopsis

Polar transport of the natural auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is important in a number of plant developmental processes. However, few studies have investigated the polar transport of other endogenous auxins, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), in Arabidopsis. This study details the similarities and differences between IBA and IAA transport in several tissues of Arabidopsis. In the inflorescence axis, no significant IBA movement was detected, whereas IAA is transported in a basipetal direction from the meristem tip. In young seedlings, both IBA and IAA were transported only in a basipetal direction in the hypocotyl. In roots, both auxins moved in two distinct polarities and in specific tissues. The kinetics of IBA and IAA transport appear similar, with transport rates of 8 to 10 mm per hour. In addition, IBA transport, like IAA transport, is saturable at high concentrations of auxin, suggesting that IBA transport is protein mediated. Interestingly, IAA efflux inhibitors and mutations in genes encoding putative IAA transport proteins reduce IAA transport but do not alter IBA movement, suggesting that different auxin transport protein complexes are likely to mediate IBA and IAA transport. Finally, the physiological effects of IBA and IAA on hypocotyl elongation under several light conditions were examined and analyzed in the context of the differences in IBA and IAA transport. Together, these results present a detailed picture of IBA transport and provide the basis for a better understanding of the transport of these two endogenous auxins.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2011

Li-Ion Cells Employing Electrolytes With Methyl Propionate and Ethyl Butyrate Co-Solvents

Future NASA missions aimed at exploring Mars and the outer planets require rechargeable batteries that can operate at low temperatures to satisfy the requirements of such applications as landers, rovers, and penetrators. A number of terrestrial applications, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) also require energy storage devices that can operate over a wide temperature range (i.e., -40 to +70 C), while still providing high power capability and long life. Currently, the state-of-the-art lithium-ion system has been demonstrated to operate over a wide range of temperatures (-30 to +40 C); however, the rate capability at the lower temperatures is very poor. These limitations at very low temperatures are due to poor electrolyte conductivity, poor lithium intercalation kinetics over the electrode surface layers, and poor ionic diffusion in the electrode bulk. Two wide-operating-temperature-range electrolytes have been developed based on advances involving lithium hexafluorophosphate-based solutions in carbonate and carbonate + ester solvent blends, which have been further optimized in the context of the technology and targeted applications. The approaches employed include further optimization of electrolytes containing methyl propionate (MP) and ethyl butyrate (EB), which are effective co-solvents, to widen the operating temperature range beyond the baseline systems. Attention was focused on further optimizing ester-based electrolyte formulations that have exhibited the best performance at temperatures ranging from -60 to +60 C, with an emphasis upon improving the rate capability at -20 to -40 C. This was accomplished by increasing electrolyte salt concentration to 1.20M and increasing the ester content to 60 percent by volume to increase the ionic conductivity at low temperatures. Two JPL-developed electrolytes 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+MP (20:20:60 v/v %) and 1.20M LiPF6 in EC+EMC+EB (20:20:60 v/v %) operate effectively over a wide temperature range in MCMB-LiNiCoAlO2 and Li4Ti5O12-LiNi-CoAlO2 prototype cells. These electrolytes have enabled high rate performance at low temperature (i.e., up to 2.0C rates at -50 C and 5.0C rates at -40 C), and good cycling performance over a wide temperature range (i.e., from -40 to +70 C). Current efforts are focused upon improving the high temperature resilience of the methyl propionatebased system through the use of electrolyte additives, which are envisioned to improve the nature of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers.

Smart, Marshall C.↗