Award Data

The goal of this project is to develop a novel experimental protocol utilizing the fundamentals of cutting-edge materials science, chemistry, and advanced nanoengineering to create a first-of-its-kind multifunctional cementitious coating material that mitigates the detrimental effects of irradiation, heat, and corrosive in nuclear power plants. Capitalizing on our promising preliminary results, th ...

The goal of this project is to develop a novel experimental protocol utilizing the fundamentals of cutting-edge materials science, chemistry, and advanced nanoengineering to create a first-of-its-kind multifunctional cementitious coating material that mitigates the detrimental effects of irradiation, heat, and corrosive in nuclear power plants. Capitalizing on our promising preliminary results, th ...

This project will develop a new scientific instrument optimized for the advanced characterization of near-infrared fluorescent nanoparticles that can exist as left- or right-handed structures (enantiomers). Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are the leading current example of such nanomaterials. Applied NanoFluorescence, LLC (ANF) proposes a novel multi-mode chiroptical spectrometer that can ...

Phase I analysis results show that in order to potentially meet the round trip and exergetic efficiencies as required by the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology Office, for thermal energy storage in concentrated solar plants, a composite of porous silicon carbide and molten salt phase change material is needed.For a 100 megawatt (electrical) concentrated solar power plant with 12 hour ...

Two main problems are targeted by the proposed work: (1) the underutilization of coal, a valuable natural resource, has led to a catastrophic drop in employment within the coal industry ecosystem in specific geographic areas in the country; and (2) the need within the insurance-driven roof replacement market for a suitable, light weight, low cost, high durability roofing material.These problems wi ...

Cementing is an integral part of well construction, providing the seal, protection, and support for the casing to maintain barriers that isolate the well.Wells can experience integrity failure due to structural instability in cemented regions due to subsidence and compaction caused by reservoir depletion over the lifetime of the well.Increased knowledge of cement placement, integrity, and conditio ...

Thermochemical processing via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is capable of processing a broad range of feedstocks, has a favorable net energy ratio, and produces an energy-dense liquid biooil product.However, there is an obstacle with current HTL processes that has hampered the adoption of this technology—the HTL process produces a considerable amount of aqueous organic byproducts and HTL oil r ...

Reimagining a trusted technology (data diodes) into a low-cost plug and play appliance, to provide greater situational awareness and predictive analytics, while safeguarding the infrastructure.That is the Fend mission, and SBIR Phase I helped to demonstrate the need and feasibility for this solution.Solar energy operators need real-time situational awareness and the insight of advanced analytics t ...

For over a century, the structure of the electric utility business has been a supplier driven model with consumers receiving and paying for electricity without any participation in how the electricity is produced, transmitted, or consumed.However, advances in renewable energy technologies (e.g., PV panels), battery storage, smart devices, as well as financing models have given rise to prosumers - ...

Storage of hydrogen is challenging due to high storage pressures and potential for hydrogen embrittlement.Pressure vessels are currently retired from service under conservative guidelines due to the inability to identify damage until damage is imminent.There exists a need for a system that can resolve micrometer-scale features and relate these to the damage state of pressure vessels for accurate l ...