Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs

2017 Phase I Release 2 Awards

Fulcrum BioScience LLC (West Jordan, Utah)
Biologically Inspired Ammonia Production with Immobilized Nitrogenase

Fulcrum BioScience and the University of Utah are developing an advanced enzymatic process to make ammonia.

Luna Innovations Incorporated (Roanoke, Virginia)
Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanofibrils for Reinforcement of Composites

Cellulose nanomaterials are developing methods to replace glass fiber as reinforcements in thermoplastic composites due to their low density and strength characteristics. Use of these materials could reduce the weight of automobile body panels and components by 20%, which will improve fuel economy and safety features.

Nano Terra Inc. (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
A Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly Method to Improve Surface Compatibility of Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNF) in Hydrophobic Matrix Materials

Nano Terra Inc. are developing an environmentally friendly treatment process to make cellulose nanofibers shed water. The treated cellulose nanofibrils will lower the cost of using this lightweight and strong material in a range of industrial composites. The new composites will significantly improve energy efficiency in the transportation and travel industries.

Powdermet Inc. (Euclid, Ohio)
Bio-Amphiphilic Surface Modification for Cellulosic Nanomaterials as Structural Fillers

This project will develop a new industrial process to supply superior nanocomposites using biodegradable and renewable natural materials.

Proton Energy Systems (Wallingford, Connecticut)
Engineered Catalyst Nanocavities to Enable High Efficiency Ammonia Production

The Haber Bosch process for ammonia generation is one of the highest energy, carbon dioxide emitting global chemical manufacturing processes. Electrochemical ammonia synthesis is a promising alternative to this incumbent high-temperature, high-pressure process, but development of precisely controlled catalyst structure and composition is required to realize the benefits.

RadiaBeam Systems (Santa Monica, California)
Demonstration of Combinatorial Additive Manufacturing Approach for the Design of Alloys

This project develops metal Additive Manufacturing (aka 3D printing) technology to study, discover, and process new alloys exhibiting a superior combination of mechanical strength, corrosion resistances, and better strength-to-weight ratios ideal for use in demanding structural, electrical, magnetic, high-temperature, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant application throughout industry.

Sheeta Global Tech Corp. (Covina, California)
Robust Molecular Predictive Methods for Novel Polymer Discovery and Applications

“Smart” polymer-based enhanced oil recovery technology can increase our oil productivity from vast amount of domestic reservoirs that previously considered as unrecoverable, which account for more than 2/3 of our oil reserves. The robust computation-assisted combinatorial molecular design tools proposed in this project can facilitate and speed up the discovery and rationalization processes of the specialty polymer designs.

TDA Research Inc. (Wheat Ridge, Colorado)
Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanomaterial for Use in Hydrophobic Matrix Materials

TDA Research proposes to develop a novel, fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite for the automotive industry that is recyclable and uses a natural, renewable source of fibers and will be competitive with the price of current, non-recyclable composite materials.

2017 Phase II Release 2 Awards

Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Solar Thermal Assisted Vacuum Freezing Desalination of Seawater at the Triple Point

A spray vacuum freezing desalination process will be developed to decrease the energy requirements in seawater desalination and brackish water treatment. The proposed technology is able to limit energy requirements in vapor pumping process by suppressing subcooling of water at the triple point, and use low-quality thermal energy as energy source.

Advanced Energy Materials, LLC (Louisville, Kentucky)
Advanced Catalysts Development for Oil Refinery

This project will develop a new class of catalysts for ultra-deep sulfur removal from various fuels; selective ring opening catalysis for significant cetane number improvement. The catalyst technology developed in this SBIR project will help with reducing the cost of refining for transportation fuels, in producing sulfur-free diesel for chemical processing industries and in general make U.S. competitive with advanced manufacturing.

Applied Spectra Inc. (Fremont, California)
Portable Analytical Instrumentation for Instantaneous Real-Time Measurement of Chemical Elements in Raw Petroleum and Refinery Products

This project will develop a tool to improve efficiency and quality of the petroleum refinery. This is a fast and “green” technology, a cost-effective option to the present-day acidic digestion technologies.

Aquaneers (Brooklyn, New York)
Photothermal Solar Cell

A novel energy-converting nanomaterial is being developed that converts sunlight into heated steam with high efficiency. This technology can be used to enable more efficient desalination and supply clean water with a low-cost in an easy-to-use device that harvests solar energy as pure water product.

BioHybrid Solutions LLC (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Rational Enhancement of Enzyme Performance via Polymer-based Protein Engineering for Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel production currently utilizes costly feedstocks and relies on an energy-inefficient and wasteful chemical processing scheme, making it an expensive alternative to traditional diesel. BioHybrid Solutions will make biodiesel a cost-effective, sustainable fuel by using new polymer-modified enzyme to efficiently convert cheap and renewable feedstocks into an inexpensive, high-quality biodiesel.

Mainstream Engineering Corp. (Rockledge, Florida)
Design and Synthesis of Bio-inspired Macromolecules Containing Atomically Precise Catalytic Active Sites

New catalysts are needed to improve selectivity and yield during chemical processing. Mainstream Engineering Corp. is developing new materials capable of performing much more selective chemistry than previously possible with conventional catalysts.

Reactive Innovations, LLC (Westford, Massachusetts)
Cold Plasma Partial Oxidation of Methane to Higher Value Products

Syngas, an important intermediate in the production of countless other chemicals, is currently synthesized using an energy intensive process. In the Phase II program, Reactive Innovations, LLC will apply the technology demonstrated in the Phase I towards a less energy-intensive process involving the partial oxidation of methane into syngas.

Sironix Renewables (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Hierarchical Zeolite Catalysts for Renewable Surfactants Platform

Reduction in energy consumption for the laundry detergents industry remains on the top 10 list of energy reduction targets because of the high energy costs for detergent production and consumer water heating. This research aims to implement a new catalyst technology that produces a new class of detergent molecules from renewable sources that are superior and cheaper than current detergents, enabling detergent formulations with higher concentrations, which reduces chemical environmental impact and manufacturing and transportation energy consumption.

TDA Research Inc. (Wheat Ridge, Colorado)
Hydrogen Generation from Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO)

TDA Research proposes to develop a technology for converting a portion of the vacuum gas oil stream in oil refineries to generate hydrogen needed to upgrade the remaining VGO. The process is more energy efficient than current steam methane reforming and uses low value refinery streams as its feedstock improving refinery economics.

Xergy Incorporated (Seaford, Delaware)
PEM based Vacuum Desalination System

In a Phase II demonstration, Xergy Incorporated will install a fully functional, independent, integrated, scalable and highly efficient, 100-gallon / day potable water system providing the highest purity, sanitized (in-situ disinfection), with minimal environmental footprint and optional hot water delivery for isolated communities such as islands and rural areas.

Ultrasonic Technologies Inc. (Wesley Chapel, Florida)
In-Line Quality and Process Control in Solar and Fuel Cell Manufacturing

The in-line Activation Station will be designed and installed in solar module production to eliminate cracked solar cells and improve solar module yield.

2016 Phase I Release 2 Awards

ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS, LLC (Louisville, Kentucky)
Advanced Catalysts Development for Oil Refinery

This SBIR project will develop a new class of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanowire based selective catalysts for ultra-deep sulfur removal from various fuels; selective ring opening catalysis for significant cetane number improvement, and decreasing the cost of catalyst manufacture.

Applied Spectra Inc. (Fremont, California)
Portable Analytical Instrumentation for Instantaneous Real-Time Measurement of Chemical Elements in Raw Petroleum and Refinery Products

This project will develop a tool to improve efficiency and quality of the petroleum refinery.

NexTech Materials, Ltd. dba Nexceris, LLC (Lewis Center, Ohio)
H2 Production from Still Gases on Structured Catalysts for Refineries

In this SBIR project, Nexceris, LLC will develop superior catalysts to convert still gases (methane and ethane) to hydrogen, which can be used for deep desulfurization for ultra-low-sulfur diesel and gasoline in refineries.

Optifuel Technology, LLC (Delaware, Ohio)
Catalysts for Converting Coker Pitch to Liquid Transportation Fuels

This project increases the amount of gasoline obtained from a barrel of oil, and reduces less valuable byproducts. The project will improve the performance of materials used in the novel Optifuel process.

Precision Combustion Inc. (North Haven, Connecticut)
High Efficiency Reformer for Hydrogen Production

Precision Combustion Inc.’s proposed Microlith Technology will allow refineries to use still gas as a feedstock for hydrogen production. This will improve refinery processing energy efficiency and simultaneously decrease greenhouse gas emissions from refinery operation.

TDA Research Inc. (Wheat Ridge, Colorado)
Hydrogen Generation from Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO)

Refineries in the U.S. are processing increasingly heavy sour crude oils and processing these heavy feedstocks requires considerable quantities of hydrogen gas. TDA Research Inc. is developing a new technology that will allow small refineries to produce their own hydrogen at a cost that is considerably lower than conventional technologies, and also less expensive than purchasing hydrogen from a third party.

NEI Corporation (Somerset, New Jersey)
High Performance Carbon Materials and Fuels from Cold Plasma Catalysis of Natural Gas           

This project will develop a tool to improve efficiency and quality of the petroleum refinery.

Reactive Innovations, LLC (Westford, Massachusetts)
Cold Plasma Partial Oxidation of Methane to Higher Value Products

Reactive Innovations, LLC is developing a new cold plasma chemical reactor that can process natural gas into valuable chemicals and fuels. The reactor incorporates a new multi-phase catalyst structure that controls the oxygen content at the catalytic surfaces along with an improved plasma distribution about the catalysts thus improving reaction yields and selectivity.

Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Solar Thermal Assisted Vacuum Freezing Desalination of Seawater at the Triple Point     

A spray vacuum freezing desalination process will be developed to decrease the energy requirements in seawater desalination.

Aquaneers (Brooklyn, New York)
Photothermal Solar Cell

This project will undertake a systematic work plan to develop a point-of-use water purification device for commercialization that operates using solar energy. The Solar Desalination System (SDS) addresses the critical issue of energy and fresh water by providing a sustainable solution using nanotechnology.

Hi-Z Technology Inc. (San Diego, California)
Energy-Water Nexus Renewable Energy Forward Osmosis Desalination System

Design and model an Autonomous Desalination System (ADS) with a concentrated solar heat source and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to provide electrical power. The heat and electricity from the TEG will power a highly efficient forward osmosis (FO) desalination system. Because the system produces its own electricity, no external utility connections are required allowing the plant to be operated anywhere there is sun and water. With no energy cost, the system is expected to produce water for less than $1/m3 and generate no emissions.

ITN Energy Systems Inc. (Littleton, Colorado)
Economical Self-Powered Portable Clean Energy Desalination System

Seawater desalination is cost prohibitive because of the energy intensive, high pressures required to force water through thick reverse osmosis membranes. This program will develop scalable, manufacturable, high flux reverse osmosis membrane for pressure controlled desalination systems with energy recovery devices, which enable seawater desalination at lower pressure and cost.

Luna Innovations Incorporated (Roanoke, Virginia)
Nanophotonics Enhanced Direct Solar Membrane Distillation Process for Desalination of Water

The high electricity expenses in the desalination and membrane technologies raises concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and the climate change. Solar energy can provide heating energy or electrical power to a small scale system that could run independent of any other infrastructure. Employing with low-cost, highly stable and high photothermal efficiency nanophotonic material, our proposed NE-DSMD process is one of the most promising techniques which could greatly decrease the energy consumption and water production cost due to the efficient application of solar energy without expensive infrastructure.

Polestar Technologies Inc. (Needham Heights, Massachusetts)
Solar Powered Dewvaporation Desalination System

For remote or isolated communities, resources and supplies such as fossil fuel must be shipped in to generate power and produce potable water, causing logistical issues and increases in greenhouse gas emissions. It would be ideal to have a combined technology integrating green energy harvest (wind, solar, and geothermal) and energy efficient desalination for potable water production. Commercial desalination technologies such as reverse osmosis and multi-stage flash distillation are difficult to be directly integrated with green energies without converting them to electricity.

Savengy Technologies, LLC (Orlando, Florida)
High Efficiency Condenser with Compressor for Multi-Effect Solar Desalination

In the proposed Phase I program, Savengy Technologies, LLC and the University of Central Florida (UCF) will develop physics-based models and build a prototype with the goal of producing a reliable tool to design a commercially viable, energy efficient, low cost thermal desalination unit. This unit is especially suitable for people living in remote areas so that they can be self-sufficient and secure.

Xergy Incorporated (Seaford, Delaware)
PEM Based Vacuum Desalination System

Isolated communities frequently have difficulty with adequate supplies of power and potable water. Proposal is to develop a highly efficient microinfrastructure system for remote and off grid areas with a unit providing the mixed water needs and power requirements for a single up to a small group of homes.

BioHybrid Solutions (Gibsonia, Pennsylvania)
Rational Tailoring of Enzymes Stability and Performance via Polymer-Based Protein Engineering

Biodiesel production currently utilizes costly feedstocks and relies on an energy-inefficient and wasteful chemical processing scheme, making it an expensive alternative to traditional diesel. BioHybrid Solutions will make biodiesel a cost-effective, sustainable fuel by using new polymer-modified enzyme to efficiently convert cheap and renewable feedstocks into an inexpensive, high-quality biodiesel.

Mainstream Engineering Corp. (Rockledge, Florida)
Design and Synthesis of Bio-inspired Macromolecules Containing Atomically Precise Catalytic Active Sites

New catalysts are needed to improve selectivity and yield during chemical processing. We are developing new materials capable of performing much more selective chemistry than previously possible with conventional catalysts.

Proton Energy Systems (Wallingford, Connecticut)
Nitrogenase Inspired Peptide-Functionalized Catalysts for Efficient, Emission-Free Ammonia Production

Electrochemical ammonia synthesis is a promising alternative to the incumbent process, but a new catalyst material is required to realize the energy benefits. This project will utilize a bio-mimetic approach to catalyst design, achieving a highly organized environment for efficient ammonia production.

Sironix Renewables (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Hierarchical Zeolite Catalysts for Renewable Surfactants Platform

Reduction in energy consumption for the laundry detergents industry remains on the top ten list of energy reduction targets because of the high energy costs for detergent production and consumer water heating. This research aims to implement a new catalyst technology that produces a new class of detergent molecules from renewable sources that are superior and cheaper than current detergents, reducing the volume of detergent needed and enabling lower energy consumption through reduced production volumes and lower water heating requirements through superior detergency.

TDA Research Inc. (Wheat Ridge, Colorado)
Atomically Precise Catalysts for the Conversion of Glycerol to High Value Chemical Intermediates

Glycerol is a low-value byproduct of biodiesel production and other oleochemical transformations. This project will develop a new selective catalyst that will convert glycerol into acrolein, a high-value intermediate used to make numerous high-volume materials currently made from petroleum.

2016 Phase II Release 1 Awards

Sustainable Innovations, LLC (East Hartford, Connecticut)
Hydrogen Contamination Detection

Successful development of a low-cost hydrogen contaminant sensor will prove critically important in expanding markets for hydrogen used in industrial and fueling applications. Sustainable Innovations has teamed with the University of Connecticut to develop an innovative multi-channel hydrogen fuel quality monitor to detect multiple impurities at low levels in hydrogen.

Princeton Optronics Inc. (Mercerville, New Jersey)
Ultra-High Speed Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers for High Performance Optical Networks

In this SBIR, Princeton Optronics would apply its laser expertise to develop, ultra-high speed lasers at100Gb/s improving current state of the art by a factor of 4. These devices are needed by DOE and commercial entities for high-performance computing, high speed optical networks, data centers and active optical cables. The approach would improve the performance as well as reduce the power consumption of the optical networks.

2016 Phase II Release 2 Awards

Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
High-Efficiency, High-Temperature Heat Recuperation for Reduced Plasma Energy Consumption

This SBIR Phase II proposal will develop and demonstrate an efficient non-catalytic plasma-based fuel reformer for converting inexpensive natural gas to hydrogen-rich syngas. Partners include Drexel  Plasma Institute, Air Products and Chemicals Inc. Gas Technology Institute and FuelCell Energy.

Aqwest, LLC (Larkspur, Colorado)
Magnetocaloric Generator for Waste Heat Energy Recovery

This project will develop and demonstrate an innovative magnetocaloric generator for production of electric power from low-level industrial waste heat at high thermodynamic efficiency. Projected benefits to the public include reducing U.S. dependence on fossil fuels, reduced cost of electric power, new jobs in manufacturing, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Rivis Inc. (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina)
Low Cost Modular Plasma System for Reforming of Natural Gas

A low-cost point-of-use manufacturing system will be developed that converts currently abundant supplies of natural gas into valuable chemical products. The modular system is scalable to meet demand. Energy-efficient operation will allow the technology to compete with traditional large-scale manufacturing systems.

SixPoint Materials Inc. (Buellton, California)
Low-Cost, Low-Defect, GaN Epi-Ready Substrates Processed with E-Grinding

This  project addresses an issue of inefficiency and high-cost in the  process  for  making damage-free, atomically flat gallium nitride wafers. We will develop a novel, ultra-fine grinding process to achieve low-cost, high-grade gallium nitride wafers,  which will enable  low-cost, high-power, and high-efficiency semiconductor devices for energy saving technologies.

Vuronyx Technologies (Beverly, Massachusetts)
Novel Carbon Fiber Synthesis Process Based on Joule Heating

Novel Carbon Fiber Synthesis Process Based on Joule Heating is developing a continuous process to manufacture carbon fibers to reduce their energy consumption and cost of production. Composites made from these carbon fibers can be used for automotive, oil and gas, chemicals, aerospace, and other applications.

FY 2015 Phase I Release 2 Awards

Adroit Materials (Cary, North Carolina)
Developing Epi-ready Gallium Nitride Wafer Surfaces

A wafer polishing process will be developed to improve the performance of semiconductor devices grown on the polished GaN wafers.

Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
High-efficiency, high-temperature heat recuperation for reduced plasma energy consumption

This SBIR Phase I proposal will develop an efficient fuel reformer for converting inexpensive natural gas to syngas, which can then be converted to higher value products including liquid fuels. Advanced Cooling Technologies in partnership with Drexel Plasma Institute will develop a new reactor and quantify performance in Phase I.

Aqwest LLC (Larkspur, Colorado)
Magnetocaloric Generator for Waste Heat Energy Recovery

This project will develop and demonstrate an innovative magnetocaloric generator for production of electric power from low-level industrial waste heat at high thermodynamic efficiency. Projected benefits to the public include reducing U.S. dependence on fossil fuels, reduced cost of electric power, new jobs in manufacturing, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

ITN Energy Systems Inc. (Littleton, Colorado)
Low-Cost, High-Efficiency Direct Energy Conversion of Infrared Radiation to Electricity with Tunable Plasmonic Structures

More than half of all energy used in the U.S. ends up as waste heat. This program will leverage nanotechnology research to produce a new device for directly converting waste heat into electricity.

Kyma Technologies Inc (Raleigh, North Carolina)
AlN-Based Power Electronics Device Epiwafer Manufacturing

Crystalline aluminum nitride (AlN) has the potential to support a new generation of ultra-high performance power electronics. Kyma is teamed with HexaTech and Wright State University to develop the first cost-effective manufacturing process for creating high- performance AlN-based electronic wafers to support the power electronics industry.

Lynntech Inc. (College Station, Texas)
Plasma process for production of carbon materials from natural gas

The proposed project aims to develop small-scale plasma reactors for efficient onsite conversion of natural gas into transportable liquid fuels. Technical and economical feasibility of the proposed plasma-photocatalytic process will be demonstrated. The developed technology is expected to be economical and environment friendly.

OptiCOMP Networks Inc. (Attleboro, Massachusetts)
Rapid thinning of GaN and SiC substrates for epi-ready and power devices by layer lift-off

Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) materials are very promising for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and power electronics, but they are very expensive and extremely hard and difficult to machine. OptiCOMP has developed a rapid and cheap thinning technique that will make manufacturing substrates from these materials more affordable.

Reactive Innovations, LLC (Westford, Massachusetts)
Natural Gas Micro-Channel Reactor for Producing C2 Hydrocarbons

Reactive Innovations, LLC is developing a new reactor that can process methane into acetylene and other hydrocarbons under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. This inexpensive reactor design and inexpensive operating method will lower the cost of producing valuable hydrocarbon products from low-cost methane fuel.

Rivis Inc. (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Low cost modular plasma system for reforming of natural gas; Topic: 11. Advanced Manufacturing; Subtopic: b. Natural Gas Feedstock and Fuel Substitution for Energy Efficient Manufacturing

A low-cost point-of-use manufacturing system will be developed that converts currently abundant supplies of natural gas into valuable chemical products. The modular system is scalable to meet demand. Energy-efficient operation will allow the technology to compete with traditional large-scale manufacturing systems.

Sinmat Inc. (Gainesville, Florida)
Novel Ultra-High Rate Finishing Processes for Production of 100 mm Epi-ready GaN Substrates

The polishing technology of GaN will enable US manufacturing lead on core advanced technologies.

SixPoint Materials Inc. (Buelton, California)
Development of electrolytic in-process dressing (ELID) grinding of GaN wafers sliced from bulk GaN crystals by ammonothermal growth

This project addresses an issue of inefficient, high-cost process for making a damage-free, atomically-flat gallium nitride wafer. We will develop a novel, ultra-fine grinding process to achieve a low-cost, high-grade gallium nitride wafer which will enable low-cost, high-power, and high-efficiency semiconductor devices for green technology.

TDA Research Inc. (Wheat Ridge, Colorado)
Low Energy Carbonization of PAN Fibers              

Carbon fiber composites are widely used in high performance applications, where their outstanding intrinsic properties justify their cost. Additional markets in energy efficiency and renewable energy will be unlocked (leading to a decrease in American energy consumption) through the processing technique to be developed in this project, which will decrease their cost and energy consumption during manufacturing.

Thermosolv LLC (Laramie, Wyoming)
Upgrading of crude from direct gas-to-liquid processing

The expanding development of oil and gas fields worldwide is accompanied by venting off and flaring of a significant amount of natural gas. The proposed technology of distributed gas-to-liquid conversion can utilize this wasted resource.

Vuronyx Technologie (Beverly, Massachusetts)
Novel Carbon Fiber Synthesis Process Based on Joule Heating

In this Phase 1 SBIR proposal, we plan to further develop a novel process for low-cost manufacturing of carbon fibers, that could reduce energy consumption by >25%. The process depends on the use of Joule heating of polyacrylonitrile/carbon nanotube precursors. The temperature of fiber precursor can be increased to several hundreds of degree Celsius, based on both theoretical calculations according to one-dimensional steady-state heat transfer equation as well as experimental infrared measurements, which shows that the temperature can be high enough to stabilize and carbonize carbon fibers. In Phase 1 of this proposal, we will produce development quantities of carbon fiber by dry-jet wet spun process of PAN/CNT precursor, followed by Joule heating for fiber stabilization and carbonization. We will characterize the carbon fibers with SEM, mechanical tests, DMA, XRD, and FTIR. Process optimization will also be performed in Phase 1 to improve the mechanical properties of the fibers.

FY 2015 Phase II Release 2 Awards

Adroit Materials (Cary, North Carolina)
Ion Implantation Processes in AlN for Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Power Devices

New materials are required for more efficient electrical power devices, such as those used in automobiles, industrial motors, and for electricity conversion between the home the utility grid. AlN, a wide bandgap semiconductor, will be developed for these applications by optimizing electrical properties using ion implantation processes.

SFP Works, LLC (Washington, Michigan)
Flash Processed Steel for Automotive Applications

SFP Works LLC was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for further development of Flash® Bainite, an advanced high-strength steel. Under the grant, SFP Works will further develop its proven methods by demonstrating commercial feasibility of Flash® Processed steel in automotive applications.

Reactive Innovations, LLC (Westford, Massachusetts)
Membraneless Water Desalination System

A new desalination system is being developed that can process ocean and brackish waters to potable drinking water standards. This system will help provide drinking water to three billion people around the world who have no access to clean, potable water while minimizing the costs and energy to operate the desalination system.

Mainstream Engineering Corp. (Rockledge, Florida)
High Ion-Accessible Surface Area CNT-Ultracapacitors for Groundwater Desalination

Mainstream Engineering is developing a high-efficiency, low-maintenance method of removing salt from water to address the growing demand for clean freshwater.  These low-maintenance systems can also be used to clean up contaminated water and industrial discharges.

Boston Electrometallurgical Corp. (Woburn, Massachusetts)
Innovative Process for Production of Neodymium Metal and Neodymium-Iron Master Alloy Topic 2.d.

This project will further develop a cleaner, greener, U.S.-based process for extraction of a rare earth metal critical to production of hybrid automobiles and more efficient wind turbines, as well as for many applications for national defense.

FY 2014 Phase I Release 2 Awards

Adroit Materials (Apex, North Carolina)
Ion Implantation Processes in AlN for Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Power Devices

New materials are required for a more efficient electrical power devices, such as those used in automobiles, industrial motors, and for electricity conversion between the home the utility grid. AlN, a wide bandgap semiconductor, will be developed for these applications by optimizing electrical properties through ion implantation and high-quality control of wafer manufacturing.

SFP Works, LLC (Washington, Michigan)
Flash Processed Steel for Automotive Applications

SFP Works LLC was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for further development of Flash® Bainite, an advanced high‐strength steel. Under the grant, SFP Works will collaborate with a major automobile manufacturer to redesign and ‘lighten’ an add‐on assembly using Flash® Bainite, and then build and test it against production qualification standards.

ALD NanoSolutions Inc. (Broomfield, Colorado)
Enhanced Capacitive Deionization using Carbon Electrodes Conformally Coated with Metal Oxides by Atomic Layer Deposition

This program will develop metal oxide coatings for a more cost-effective water desalination process using capacitance deionization. If successful, this program could reduce the equipment costs for capacitive deionization by as much as 45%.

Boston Electrometallurgical Corp. (Woburn, Massachusetts)
Innovative Process for Production of Neodymium Metal and Neodymium-Iron Master Alloy

This project will develop a novel U.S.-based technology for producing critical rare-earth elements and alloys needed for advances in energy efficiency and products in the modern economy. This technology promises improved efficiency with reduced environmental impact, providing domestic supply of these element from domestic ores and breaking the foreign monopoly.

Reactive Innovations, LLC (Westford, Massachusetts)
Membraneless Water Desalination System

Reactive Innovations, LLC is developing a new desalination system that can process ocean and brine waters to potable drinking water standards. This system will help provide drinking water to three billion people around the world who have no access to clean potable water.

Agnitron Technology Inc. (Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
Investigation of Donor and Acceptor Ion Implantation in AlN

High-voltage solid-state switching devices stand to offer significantly improved energy efficiency across nearly all aspects of electrical power distribution and conversion applications. The technology proposed in this effort offers a path to functionalizing a material that could offer even further improvement to these applications than currently used switching materials.

Advanced Renewable Technology International Inc. (Prairie City, Iowa)
Multiple-stage activated-char filtration

The use of two novel technologies; activated char and capacitive deionization, will be implemented for the development of small scale and remote water desalination plants.

Mainstream Engineering Corp. (Rockledge, Florida)
High Ion-Accessible Surface Area CNT-Ultracapacitors for Groundwater Desalination

Mainstream Engineering is currently developing high-performance, high-efficiency process for the desalination of brackish groundwater to produce potable drinking water.

FY 2014 Phase II Release 2 Awards

Proton Energy (Wallingford, Connecticut)
Single Step Manufacturing of Low Catalyst Loading Electrolyzer MEAs

Proton OnSite manufactures hydrogen generation systems which can be integrated with renewable energy sources to generate hydrogen fuel while producing minimal carbon footprint. This project aims to reduce the energy required to manufacture these units through development of improved electrode application methods and reduction in platinum group metal usage.

OG Technologies Inc. (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Capability of Rolling Efficiency for 100M High-Speed Rails

This project is to establish the capability and sustainability of the U.S.-based rail manufacturers by applying innovative sensing and process control for a high-efficiency practice in producing 100m high-speed rails. Technology advantage is key to overcoming detrimental factors, such as higher labor costs, that are saddling the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Ultrasonic Technologies Inc. (Wesley Chapel, Florida)
In-Line Quality and Process Control in Solar and Fuel Cell Manufacturing

The program will develop a new quality and process control methodology and tool prototype for real-time inspection of crystalline silicon solar and ceramic solid oxide fuel cells. The Activation Station will be used in-line to reduce cost, save energy and increase yield of solar and fuel cell module production.