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Results for “innovative material synthesis”

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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

A High-Ceramic-Loading LATP–PVDF–Al 2 O 3 Composite Film for Lithium-Ion Batteries With Favorable Porous Microstructure and Enhanced Thermal Stability

A separator plays a crucial role in a Li-ion battery to carry liquid electrolytes while preventing short-circuiting between electrodes. Nevertheless, conventional commercial separators often exhibit poor wettability and are prone to shrink at elevated temperatures due to their limited thermal stability. Herein, we report a heat-resistant LATP–PVDF–Al 2 O 3 composite film with outstanding wetting performance. The thin film was prepared using ball mill mixing and tape-casting processes. Two solvents, NMP and glycerol, were applied to prepare the slurry, and a favorable microstructure in the film was created after drying. Here, the ionic conductivity of the film was tested at 1.39 mS cm –1 when paired with liquid electrolyte, almost double that of the commercial counterpart. The high ceramic loading of 70% improved both the thermal shrinkage resistance and dendrite inhibition of the membrane. When assembled in an NMC half-cell, the cycling capacity retentions of 92.8% and 92.1% are achieved after 50 cycles at 0.5 C and 1 C, demonstrating its capability to be used in Li-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Identifying Bounds of Inorganic Content in Solventless Processing of Hybrid Solid Electrolytes

Solid-state lithium batteries require safe, robust electrolytes to enable higher energy densities and improved safety over conventional cells. Hybrid polymer–ceramic electrolytes are a promising solution, combining the processability of polymers with the high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength of inorganic fillers. In this work, we demonstrate a solventless, UV-curing method to produce hybrid solid electrolytes using a poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME)-based photocurable matrix incorporating Li 1.5 Al 0.5 Ge 1.5 (PO 4 ) 3 (LAGP) or Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) ceramic electrolyte. Inorganic filler loadings up to ∼55 wt.% could be successfully incorporated via this process which was the highest inorganic content at which the slurry remains processable and cured into a uniform film. The resulting UV-cured composite electrolytes remain flexible and exhibit room-temperature ionic conductivities on the order of 10 −4 S·cm −1 , along with notably improved lithium-ion transference numbers compared to conventional polymer electrolytes. Similar performance and processing limits were observed for both LAGP and LLZO, indicating that ceramic filler chemistry does not significantly affect the UV-curing process or the electrolyte's ion transport properties in this regime. Eliminating solvents from fabrication not only simplifies processing and mitigates environmental concerns but also enables higher solid contents that enhance mechanical strength and help suppress lithium dendrite formation. In conclusion, this scalable approach thus paves the way for manufacturing robust composite solid electrolytes for next-generation solid-state batteries (SSBs).

Batteries↗
DOE OSTI2026

Stabilizing Cathode–Electrolyte Interphase of Nickel-Rich Single-Crystal Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Nickel-rich single-crystal (SC) layered oxides are promising cathode candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high energy density and structural robustness against intergranular cracking. However, their intrinsic surface reactivity with liquid electrolytes accelerates parasitic reactions at the cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI), leading to transition-metal dissolution, gas generation, and impedance buildup. In this work, we synthesized SC-Li x Ni 0.9 Mn 0.05 Co 0.05 O 2 (NMC9055, 1 ≤ x ≤ 1.2) using a eutectic-assisted method and investigated interface stabilization strategies. A nickel-deficient Li x Ni 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC622, 1 ≤ x ≤ 1.2) coating was applied via evaporation-based deposition to suppress CEI degradation pathways. Structural and compositional analyses confirmed uniform shell formation and preserved particle integrity. Half-cell electrochemical testing against lithium metal revealed ∼10% higher capacity retention and improved reversibility compared with pristine SC NMC9055, particularly under high-voltage operation. In conclusion, these results highlight the critical role of controlled surface chemistry in mitigating CEI instability in nickel-rich SC cathodes, offering a pathway toward enabling durable high-energy LIBs.

Coating processes↗
DOE OSTI2024

Final Technical Report

The capture of CO2 and its simultaneously conversion to useful chemical fuels driven by solar energy represents one of the best solutions to resolve our growing energy and environmental concerns. The most critical challenge to this endeavor is the rational design of a photocatalytic architecture that can effectively couple a given photosensitizer (PS) with an appropriate catalyst, thereby enabling efficient photosensitization of a multi-electron reduction catalysis. This research program aims to address this challenge using an interdisciplinary approach that combines innovative material design and synthesis, fundamental mechanistic studies, and photocatalytic performance evaluation. The strategies include 1) constructing and investigating a novel class of 2D COF hybrid photocatalysts with an effective photoactive organic building block as PS and a precisely incorporated CO2 reduction molecular catalyst (MC); and 2) mechanistic origins of CO2 photoreduction using a set of complementary time-resolved and in situ spectroscopic techniques. The novelty of the proposed hybrid system lies in the unprecedented combination of the unique advantage of porous crystalline COF PS with the precise catalytic function of MC for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. In the periods of the support (09/01/2019-12/31/2022), we have made research progress in four projects: 1) Exploring 2D COFs with incorporated Mn complex for light driven CO2 reduction; 2) The dependence of excited state and charge transfer dynamics on monomer structure of 2D COFs; and 3) Control over Charge Separation by Imine Structural Isomerization in Covalent Organic Frameworks with Implications on CO2 Photoreduction; and 4) The impact of monomer structure on the photoluminescence properties of COFs. We found that both monomer structure and linker chemistry can effectively impact the excited state dynamics, charge transfer properties, and photoluminescence quantum yields, the important properties that dictate their applications in photocatalysis. In addition, we found that the direction of imine linker determines charge transfer direction and thus controls the types of catalytic reactions (e.g. water oxidation or CO2 reduction reactions). The result from these fundamental studies provides important information for correlating the structure of the COF photocatalysts with their photophysical properties and catalytic functions, paving the way for their novel application in photocatalysis. We expect that our findings will contribute to addressing current shortcomings of semiconductor- and molecular-based photocatalytic systems that suffer from inefficient light harvesting and charge separation and poor adsorption and activation of reactants. In turn, this research will contribute towards the development of novel photocatalytic systems for CO2 reduction to generate renewable chemical fuels and simultaneously address the problem of mitigating climate change due to CO2 accumulation. In addition, the experimental approaches employed in this research can be easily transferred to other energy technologies and are expected to broadly impact fields involving photocatalysis, optoelectronic devices, and solar energy conversion. The proposed research has also been integrated with educational activities and serve as a basis to raise awareness around the critical issues of global energy production and consumption, and to develop the next generation of solar energy scientists.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ultrafast materials synthesis and manufacturing techniques for emerging energy and environmental applications

Energy and environmental issues have attracted increasing attention globally, where sustainability and low-carbon emissions are seriously considered and widely accepted by government officials. In response to this situation, the development of renewable energy and environmental technologies is urgently needed to complement the usage of traditional fossil fuels. While a big part of advancement in these technologies relies on materials innovations, new materials discovery is limited by sluggish conventional materials synthesis methods, greatly hindering the advancement of related technologies. To address this issue, this review introduces and comprehensively summarizes emerging ultrafast materials synthesis methods that could synthesize materials in times as short as nanoseconds, significantly improving research efficiency. We discuss the unique advantages of these methods, followed by how they benefit individual applications for renewable energy and the environment. We also highlight the scalability of ultrafast manufacturing towards their potential industrial utilization. Finally, we provide our perspectives on challenges and opportunities for the future development of ultrafast synthesis and manufacturing technologies. Here, we anticipate that fertile opportunities exist not only for energy and the environment but also for many other applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

A NEA review on innovative structural materials solutions, including advanced manufacturing processes for nuclear applications based on technology readiness assessment

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Expert Group on Innovative Structural Materials (EGISM) was established in 2008 under the guidance of the Nuclear Science Committee (NSC). Its objectives are to conduct joint and comparative studies to support the development, selection and characterisation of innovative structural materials that can be implemented in advanced nuclear fuel cycles, under long service lifetime and extreme conditions, such as high temperature, high dose/dose rate and corrosive chemical environments. In this context of growing interest and initiatives, the EGISM initiated at the beginning of 2018 an activity among its members to: Identify, in a non-exhaustive way, the currently existing programs on innovative materials and fabrication processes in NEA member countries and China; Establish a first cartography of the activities that are underway on these topics and identify common subjects and thematic; Propose a Technology Readiness Level scale to estimate the maturity of both innovative materials and fabrication processes; Carry out a reflection on what the enablers are to quickly climb this TRL scale, as well as the obstacles, in order to identify solutions to overcome them. This paper first gives definitions shared between the EGISM members on what are considered as advanced structural materials solutions. Next, some international initiatives for the accelerated development of high performance materials are presented both in non-nuclear and nuclear fields. Then, the methodology adopted for technology readiness assessment is explained. A non-exhaustive synthesis of the projects identified among the EGISM members on innovative structural materials and advanced manufacturing solutions such as additive manufacturing is presented. The TRL level of these projects is evaluated. A focus is also made on some of these projects to illustrate and explain the TRLs chosen as well as highlighting enablers or obstacles identified to climbing up the TRL scale.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Revolutionizing Energy Storage: AI, Automation, and Advanced Modeling as Catalysts for Next-Generation Breakthroughs

The Presidential Symposium (PRES) at the 2025 Fall Meeting, hosted by the President’s Office and Energy and Fuels Division, American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington, DC, brought together a diverse group of chemists, engineers, and materials scientists working in battery materials & systems, automation and artificial intelligence from academia, industry, and national laboratories. The accelerating demand for high-performance, scalable, and sustainable energy storage has catalyzed a paradigm shift in how materials are dis-covered, devices are engineered, and systems are optimized. This Presidential Symposium, entitled “Revolutionizing Energy Storage: AI, Automation, and Advanced Modeling Driving Next-Gen Breakthroughs”, brings together global leaders to unveil transformative strategies anchored in the AAA framework: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Advanced Modeling. Artificial Intelligence is redefining the frontiers of energy storage by enabling predictive design, real-time optimization, and intelligent control across diverse chemistries and architectures. Automation is streamlining the synthesis, characterization, and testing of battery materials, dramatically accelerating innovation cycles and unlocking scalable solutions for grid and mobility applications. Advanced Modeling, spanning atomic to system-level scales, provides unprecedented insight into electrochemical dynamics, degradation pathways, and thermal behavior, particularly when coupled with physics-informed machine learning and digital twin technologies. Digital twins, in turn, leverage the AAA framework by integrating real-time data, physics-based models, and AI predictions into dynamic virtual replicas, enabling proactive diagnostics, optimization, and system resilience. Together, these synergistic pillars are not only re-shaping the scientific landscape but also forging a new era of reproducible, data-driven, and resilient energy storage innovation. In conclusion, this symposium marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of computational intelligence and experimental rigor, charting the course for next-generation breakthroughs in lithium-ion, solid-state, and flow battery technologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)↗
DOE OSTI2020

An outlook into the flat land of 2D materials beyond graphene: synthesis, properties and device applications

Abstract The field of two-dimensional (2D) and layered materials continues to excite many researchers around the world who are eager to advance and innovate viable routes for large scale synthesis, doping and integration of monolayers and the development of unique characterization approaches for studying and harnessing exotic properties that will enable novel device applications. There has been a large interest in 2D materials beyond graphene, with particular emphasis on monoelemental materials (phosphorene, silicene, tellurene, etc. ), 2D compounds (MXenes, oxides, nitrides, carbides and chalcogenides), their alloys and layered van der Waals heterostructures. This is not only indicated by the significant increase in the number of peer reviewed publications each year in this area of research, but also by the surging number of conference sessions focusing on 2D materials beyond graphene. This Perspective article highlights some of the recent advances in the field from a diverse international community of theoretical and experimental researchers who participated in the symposium ‘Beyond Graphene 2D Materials—Synthesis, Properties and Device Applications’ at the Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall 2019 meeting.

McCreary, Amber (ORCID:0000000299885800)↗
DOE OSTI2022

Magnetically recyclable nanocomposites via lanthanide-based MOFs grown on natural sea sponge: Screening hydrogenation of nitrophenol to aminophenol

Catalysts have played a significant role in chemical industries and received significant attention as a result. Unfortunately, many common catalytic systems are comprised of a small number of elemental species or use similar synthetic strategies, which potentially limit innovation in areas such as the discovery of new transformations. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been established as versatile materials employed in various applications that include catalysis; however, the majority of MOFs have been synthesized using transition metal building blocks, possibly hindering advances towards innovative materials with unique properties. Here this work reports the synthesis of MOFs based on lanthanide elements (Ln = Ce, Gd, La, and Sm), which demonstrate great potential yet are often overlooked. The Ln-based MOFs were grown in situ on natural sea sponge supports and Fe ion containing solution, followed by a thermal carbonization treatment to generate FeLn metal nanoparticles (NPs) embedded on carbon support (FeLn@C). These nanostructured products exhibited good crystallinity and well-confined particle sizes. We then demonstrate that these hybrid materials can be used as effective heterogeneous nanocatalysts for the hydrogenation of nitrophenol to aminophenol in aqueous media. Besides, FeLn@C catalysts had a magnetic property due to Fe atoms in the NPs, which can be mechanically separated out from the aqueous solution since the catalysts are magnetically attracted to the external magnets. This magnetic recyclability combined with the usage of the natural materials highlight the importance of sustainability in the design of Ln-based MOFs and their catalytic applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Search for High-Pressure Silicon Phases: Reaching the Extreme Conditions with High-Intensity Laser Irradiation

Controlling electronic and optical properties of semiconducting materials could substantially expand their functionality and enable new pathways for the formation of ‘smart’ materials for emerging innovative applications. An emerging new path for the synthesis of exotic silicon (Si) polymorphs is irradiation of bulk diamond-cubic Si by ultrashort laser pulses at relativistic intensity above 1019 W/cm2. Exotic polymorphs are formed due to interaction with MeV-energy electrons generated in laser-produced high-temperature plasma state. The unusual Si structures are found in the form of 5–10 nm nanoparticles confined deep in the bulk of 500-μm-thick Si samples. Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies provide an unequivocal evidence of exotic Si phase formation. A key advantage of such relativistic irradiation lies thereby in the fact that large quantities of such exotic Si is synthesised embedded within the bulk diamond-cubic Si and that further the formed Si polymorphs are stable at ambient temperature and pressure. They are thus available for further studies for electronic applications in selective band gap engineering.

Rapp, Ludovic↗
DOE OSTI2021

Scaling up of High-Performance Single Crystalline Ni-rich Cathode Materials (CRADA 509)

This is a collaborative effort between Battelle Memorial Institute as manager and operator of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Albemarle Corporation (“Participant”) to develop and scale up an innovative and low-cost synthesis approach for preparing high-performance single crystalline Ni-rich cathode materials, i.e., LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) and LiNi0.9Mn0.05Co0.05O2 (NMC90) for next-generation LIBs. At the end of this project, the team will (1) develop a cost-effective synthesis approach for preparing single crystalline MNC811 (>200 mAh/g) and NMC90 (>210 mAh/g) by using advanced lithium salts, (2) address the performance issues of single crystals prepared from large-scale synthesis, and (3) demonstrate the processing/scaling up capabilities of up to 1 kg/batch of high-performance NMC811 and NMC90 single crystals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ab Initio Prediction of Ultra‐Wide Band Gap B x Al 1− x N Materials

Abstract Ultra‐wide bandgap (UWBG) materials are poised to play an important role in the future of power electronics. Devices made from UWBG materials are expected to operate at higher voltages, frequencies, and temperatures than current silicon and silicon‐carbide‐based devices and can even lead to significant miniaturization of such devices. In the UWBG field, aluminum nitride and boron nitride have attracted great interest; however, the B x Al 1− x N alloys are much less studied. In this work, using first‐principles simulations combining density‐functional theory and the cluster expansion method, the crystal structure of B x Al 1− x N alloys is predicted. Seventeen ground state structures of B x Al 1− x N with formation energies between 0.11 and 0.25 eV atom ‐1 are found. All of these structures are found to be dynamically stable. The B x Al 1− x N structures are found to have predominantly a tetrahedral bonding environment; however, some structures exhibit sp 2 bonds similar to hexagonal BN. This work expands knowledge of the structures, energies, and bonding in B x Al 1− x N which aids their synthesis, the innovation of lateral or vertical devices, and discovery of compatible dielectric and Ohmic contact materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Recent advances in rational design of defect-engineered photocatalysts toward sustainable NH 3 synthesis as H 2 carrier: From fundamental and development to machine-learning

In this study, we provide a detailed overview of the fundamental mechanisms underpinning photocatalytic N 2 reduction. We also discuss advances in catalyst design for the synthesis of NH 3 . Particular emphasis is placed on the role of surface defect engineering, which includes the creation of surface defects to enhance the performance of semiconducting photocatalysts for efficient N 2 reduction. In addition, the application of a machine learning-based computational modeling approach is discussed as an important driving force for predicting and regulating NH 3 synthesis efficiency based on catalyst features and reaction conditions. Finally, existing challenges and future perspectives for improving the performance of defect-engineered photocatalysts are outlined to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable ammonia generation. This review aims to clarify recent progress in the rational design of defect-containing photocatalysts for the synthesis of NH 3 and encourages innovative approaches to catalyst optimization rather than solely focusing on new materials.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Novel Chalcopyrites for Advanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

With the support of DoE’s EERE office, our team has established a unique tool-chest of capabilities, including theoretical modeling (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: LLNL), state-of-the-art synthesis (Hawaii Natural Energy Institute: HNEI, Stanford, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory: NREL) and advanced materials and interfaces characterization (University of Nevada, Las Vegas: UNLV, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: LBNL), to accelerate the development of high efficiency and durable chalcopyrite materials for advanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Using this synergistic approach, we have successfully created new wide bandgap chalcopyrite photocathodes generating over 10 mA/cm 2 , developed innovative strategies to protect them from corrosion, and engineered novel integration methods to circumvent thin film materials mechanical, chemical and thermal incompatibility. In Task 1 “Modeling and synthesis of chalcopyrite photocathodes”, we expanded our library of wide bandgap chalcopyrites for PEC water splitting. With support from LLNL’s “Computational Materials Diagnostics and Optimization of PEC Devices”, LBNL’s “photophysical” and NREL’s “I-III-VI Compound Semiconductors for Water-Splitting” nodes, we investigated two new chalcopyrite candidates for PEC water splitting: Cu(In,Al)Se 2 and Cu(In,B)Se 2 . We also further developed ordered vacancy compounds, such as CuGa 3 Se 5 , with unprecedented durability during PEC waters splitting in acidic solutions. In Task 2 “Interfaces engineering for enhanced efficiency and durability”, we addressed both the non-ideal band-edge positions of chalcopyrites with respect to water redox potentials, as well as their chemical instability under PEC water splitting, with a buried-junctions approach. With help from NREL’s “High-Throughput Experimental Thin Film Combinatorial Capabilities” and “Corrosion Analysis of Materials” nodes, we engineered environmentally friendly n-type buffers, including Mn x Zn 1-x O, to adjust the chalcopyrite band-edge positions and achieved photovoltages as high as 925 mV. Also, we integrated non-precious catalytic-protecting layers, such as WO 3 , to enhance the water splitting long-term stability of chalcopyrite absorbers. Finally, in Task 3 “Hybrid photoelectrode device integration”, we proposed an innovative method to bond wide bandgap photocathodes onto narrow bandgap PV drivers at room temperature using conductive polymers. Our semi-monolithic approach addressed fundamental processing incompatibility issues, as both the photocathode and the PV driver are processed separately. Proof-of-concept whole-chalcopyrite tandems were obtained by consecutive exfoliation and transfer of fully integrated 1.85 eV CuGa 3 Se 5 and 1.13 eV CuInGaSe 2 stacks from their Mo/SLG substrates onto a new single FTO host substrate.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

An Integrated Electrochemical Approach to the Precision Synthesis of Sustainable Catalyst Materials

There is a pressing need to replace critical materials such as platinum group elements (PGE) in applications related to energy. This work responds to the need for fundamental principles of materials design to replace these metals by addressing a gap in the understanding of how to precisely control the surface structure of nanoscale materials. Electrochemical nanomaterials synthesis, such as techniques developed in the PI’s research group, expands the toolbox of available synthetic handles to include both electrochemical and chemical parameters, providing access to control over synthetic conditions in ways that are not possible in purely chemical nanoparticle growth. However, electrochemical materials synthesis (electrodeposition) is inherently serial, limiting throughput and preventing widespread implementation. Initial efforts in the short period of this award resulted in an innovative, high throughput, parallel approach to synthetic discovery for the electrodeposition of shaped metal nanoparticles that overcomes this limitation. Looking ahead, this work establishes an important capability that will enable researchers to push boundaries in the shape control of nanoparticles composed of non-PGE such as copper, iron, nickel, or cobalt.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Predictions of delafossite-hosted honeycomb and kagome phases

Delafossites, typically denoted by the formula ABO 2 , are a class of layered materials that exhibit a wide range of electronic and optical properties. Recently, the idea of modifying these delafossites into ordered kagome or honeycomb phases via strategic doping has emerged as a potential way to tailor these properties. In this study, we use high-throughput density functional theory calculations to explore many possible candidate kagome and honeycomb phases by considering dopants selected from the parent compounds of known ternary delafossite oxides from the inorganic crystal structure database. Here our results indicate that while A-site in existing delafossites can host a limited range of elemental specifies, and display a low propensity for mixing or ordering, the oxide sub-units in the BO 2 much more readily admit guest species. Our study identifies four candidate B-site kagome and fifteen candidate B-site honeycombs with a formation energy more than 50 meV f.u. −1 below other competing phases. The ability to predict and control the formation of these unique structures offers exciting opportunities in materials design, where innovative properties can be engineered through the selection of specific dopants. A number of these constitute novel correlated metals, which may be of interest for subsequent efforts in synthesis. These novel correlated metals may have significant implications for quantum computing, spintronics, and high-temperature superconductivity, thus inspiring future experimental synthesis and characterization of these proposed materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Advanced Nanocarbons for Enhanced Performance and Durability of Platinum Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Insufficient stability of current carbon supported Pt and Pt alloy catalysts is a significant barrier for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). As a primary degradation cause to trigger Pt nanoparticle migration, dissolution, and aggregation, carbon corrosion remains a significant challenge. Compared with enhancing Pt and PtM alloy particle stability, improving support stability is rather challenging due to carbon's thermodynamic instability under fuel cell operation. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop highly durable carbon-based supports concerning innovative nanostructure design and synthesis along with mechanistic understanding. Here, this review critically discusses recent progress in developing carbon-based materials for Pt catalysts and provides synthesis–structure–performance correlations to elucidate underlying stability enhancement mechanisms. The mechanisms and impacts of carbon support degradation on Pt catalyst performance are first discussed. The general strategies are summarized to tailor the carbon structures and strengthen the metal–support interactions, followed by discussions on how these designs lead to enhanced support stability. Based on current experimental and theoretical studies, the critical features of carbon supports are analyzed concerning their impacts on the performance and durability of Pt catalysts in fuel cells. Finally, the perspectives are shared on future directions to develop advanced carbon materials with favorable morphologies and nanostructures to increase Pt utilization, strengthen metal-support interactions, facilitate mass/charge transfer, and enhance corrosion resistance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

SNF Canister Coatings for Corrosion Prevention and Mitigation (FY21 Status Report)

This report summarizes the current actives in FY21 related to the effort by Sandia National Laboratories to identify and test coating materials for the prevention, mitigation, and repair of spent nuclear fuel dry storage canisters against potential chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking. This work follows up on the details provided in Sandia National Laboratories FY20 report on the same topic, which provided a detailed description of the specific coating properties desired for application and implementation on spent nuclear fuel canisters, as well as provided detail into several different coatings and their applicability to coat spent nuclear fuel canisters. In FY21, Sandia National Laboratories has engaged with private industry to create a Memorandum of Understanding and established a collaborative R&D program building off the analytical and laboratory capabilities at Sandia National Laboratories and the material design and synthesis capabilities of private industry. The resulting Memorandum of Understanding included four companies to date (Oxford Performance Materials, White Horse R&D, Luna Innovations, and Flora Coating) proposing six different coating technologies (polyetherketoneketone, modified polyimide/polyurea, modified phenolic resin, silane-based polyurethane hybrid with and without a Znrich primer, and a quasi-ceramic sol-gel polyurethane hybrid) to be tested, evaluated, and optimized for their potential use for this application. This report provides a detailed description of each of the coating systems proposed by the participating industry partners. It also provides a description of the planned experimental actives to be performed by Sandia National Laboratories including physical tests, electrochemical tests, and characterization methods. These analyses will be used to identify specific ways to further improve coating technologies toward their application and implementation on spent nuclear fuel canisters. In FY21, Sandia National Laboratories began baseline testing of the base metal material in according with activities of the Memorandum of Understanding. In FY22, Sandia National Laboratories will receive coated coupons from each of the participating industry partners and begin characterization, physical, and electrochemical testing following the test plan described herein.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗