Next-generation Energy Systems Research Articles

Suppression of Hydrogen Peroxide Formation on Pt Using WO3 as Anode Co-Catalysts

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are emerging as promising candidates for next-generation energy systems, particularly for hydrogen vehicles and clean energy applications, due to their advanced high-power density production and efficiency. However, the commercialization of PEFCs is hindered by issues related to fuel cell durability, primarily caused by the chemical degradation of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) due to reactive oxygen-related radical attacks, notably generated through the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Anode catalysts, such as carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles (Pt/C), play a vital role in facilitating the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), which is accompanied by the undesired formation of H2O2 due to oxygen gas (O2) crossover from the cathode. As for the Pt surface, the structure is sensitive to H2O2 production. Hence, minimizing H2O2 generation while maintaining HOR activity by developing anode catalysts is necessary to suppress degradation. Tungsten oxide (WO3) has emerged as an interesting active material due to its stability in acidic solutions and its ability to increase the rate of hydrogen oxidation by facilitating hydrogen spill-over from the Pt surface to WO3 to generate hydrogen tungsten bronze (HxWO3). [1, 2] This process enhances the availability of hydrogen on the Pt surface by effectively transferring hydrogen atoms from Pt to WO3. With more active sites available on the Pt surface, there is a higher likelihood of hydrogen oxidation, reducing the formation of H2O2 as an intermediate product.This study aims to develop an anode catalyst by incorporating WO3 nanoparticles into the Pt/C to suppress H2O2 production during HOR, particularly in the presence of oxygen. The rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) technique was utilized to evaluate catalyst performance and detect H2O2 generation during HOR. HOR activity and H2O2 production rate measurements were conducted in H2-sat. and H2/air-sat. 0.1 M HClO4 electrolyte at different temperatures (25, 40, and 60 ℃). The electrochemical measurements demonstrated that both Pt/C and WO3-Pt/C catalysts exhibited enhanced H2O2 formation rates with increasing temperature. This observation underscores the significance of temperature as a modulator of catalytic performance and suggests the existence of temperature-dependent kinetic mechanisms governing H2O2 generation during HOR. Moreover, the comparative analysis between Pt/C and WO3-Pt/C catalysts reveals distinct temperature-dependent behaviors. While both catalysts exhibit temperature-enhanced H2O2 formation, the WO3-Pt/C catalyst demonstrated significantly reduced H2O2 production at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) approximately 40% at 60 ℃ as compared with Pt/C, and it exhibited high HOR mass activity and surface activity across a broad temperature range. This suppression is attributed to the synergistic effect between platinum and tungsten oxide species, which facilitates improved HOR kinetics and H2O2 selectivity.This study was supported in part by funds for the “R&D of novel anode catalyst” project in the “Collaborative industry-academia-government R&D project for solving common challenges toward dramatically expanded use of fuel cells” from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan. The authors thank Prof. Hiroyuki Uchida (The University of Yamanashi) for his kind advice.

Production cross sections of 102mRh and 108mAg in proton bombed natPb target with 400 MeV energy

The accelerator-driven subcritical system (ADS) is a competitive option for next-generation nuclear energy systems. Production cross sections of long-lived residual radioactive nuclides in a proton-nuclide reaction are basic quantities for the calculation of accumulated radioactivity in the use of ADS systems. This work presents the production cross sections of 102mRh and 108mAg in a natural lead (natPb) target activated by 400 MeV protons. The natPb target was irradiated by a 400 MeV proton beam in NRC “Kurchatov Institute” and measured two decades later by a low background gamma spectrometer in China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL). A spectrum analysis method based on simulated single-isotope spectrum and Bayesian peak fitting was employed to compute the activities and production cross sections of the residual nuclides. The experimentally measured cross-sections for 102mRh and 108mAg were 0.72 ± 0.05 mb and 0.76 ± 0.09 mb respectively. These values are approximately twice as high as those predicted by the QGSP_INCLXX_HP model and fall within the range predicted by the INCL4+ABLA and LAQGSM+GEM2 models for mass numbers A=102 and A=108. These findings offer new experimental insights for ADS research and provide a practical benchmark for theoretical models concerning proton-lead interactions.

Speed of sound for understanding metals in extreme environments

Knowing material behavior is crucial for successful design, especially given the growing number of next-generation energy, defense, and manufacturing systems operating in extreme environments. Specific applications for materials in extreme environments include fusion energy, semiconductor manufacturing, metal additive manufacturing, and aerospace. With increased applications, awareness of foundational science for materials in extreme environments is imperative. The speed of sound provides insights into phase boundaries, like shock-induced melting. Thermodynamic integration of the speed of sound enables the deduction of other desirable properties that are difficult to measure accurately, like density, heat capacity, and expansivity. Metrology advancements enable the speed of sound to be measured at extreme conditions up to 15 000 K and 600 GPa. This comprehensive review presents state-of-the-art sound speed metrology while contextualizing it through a historical lens. Detailed discussions on new standards and metrology best practices, including uncertainty reporting, are included. Data availability for condensed matter speed of sound is presented, highlighting significant gaps in the literature. A theoretical section covers empirically based theoretical models like equations of state and CALPHAD models, the growing practice of using molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations to fill gaps in measured data, and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning prediction tools. Concluding, we review how a lack of measurement methods leads to gaps in data availability, which leads to data-driven theoretical models having higher uncertainty, thus limiting confidence in optimizing designs via numerical simulation for critical emerging technologies in extreme environments.

Dendrite-free zinc metal anode for long-life zinc-ion batteries enabled by an artificial hydrophobic-zincophilic coating

Considering the desired energy density, safety and cost-effectiveness, rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are regarded as one of the most promising energy storage units in next-generation energy systems. Nonetheless, the service life of the current ZIBs is significantly limited by rampant dendrite growth and severe parasitic reactions occurring on the anode side. To overcome these issues caused by poor interfacial ionic conduction and water erosion, we have developed a facile strategy to fabricate a uniform zinc borate layer at the zinc anode/electrolyte interface (ZnBO). Such protective layer integrates superhydrophobic-zincopholic properties, which can effectively eliminate the direct contact of water molecules on the anode, and homogenize the interfacial ionic transfer, thereby enhancing the cyclic stability of the zinc plating/stripping. As a result, the as-prepared ZnBO-coated anode exhibits extended lifespan of 1200 h at 1 mA cm−2 and demonstrates remarkable durability of 570 h at 20 mA cm−2 in Zn||Zn symmetric cells. Additionally, when coupled to an NH4V4O10 (NVO) cathode, it also delivers a superior cyclability (203.5 mAh/g after 2000 cycles at 5 A/g, 89.3 % capacity retention) in coin full cells and a feasible capacity of 2.5 mAh at 1 A/g after 200 cycles in pouch full cells. This work offers a unique perspective on integrating hydrophobicity and zincophilicity at the anode/electrolyte interface through an artificial layer, thereby enhancing the cycle lifespan of ZIBs.

Investigating and predicting the role of photovoltaic, wind, and hydrogen energies in sustainable global energy evolution

The global shift toward next-generation energy systems is propelled by the urgent need to combat climate change and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. This review explores the intricate challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. This transition economically challenges traditional energy sectors while fostering new industries, promoting job growth, and sustainable economic development. The transition to renewable energy demands social equity, ensuring universal access to affordable energy, and considering community impact. The environmental benefits include a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a lesser ecological footprint. This study highlights the rapid growth of the global wind power market, which is projected to increase from $112.23 billion in 2022 to $278.43 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.67%. In addition, the demand for hydrogen is expected to increase, significantly impacting the market with potential cost reductions and making it a critical renewable energy source owing to its affordability and zero emissions. By 2028, renewables are predicted to account for 42% of global electricity generation, with significant contributions from wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, particularly in China, the European Union, the United States, and India. These developments signify a global commitment to diversifying energy sources, reducing emissions, and moving toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. This review offers stakeholders the insights required to smoothly transition to sustainable energy, setting the stage for a resilient future.

Investigation into the physical characteristics of the compounds XBiSe2 (X = Li, Na or K).

As new materials, the ternary chalcogenides have recently brought scientists' attention. These materials are a novel class of semiconducting chemical compounds. They allow the increase of the photo-conversion efficiency, the performance, and the cheap energy cost. Such materials also provide a wide range of physical and chemical applications. The used investigation employs Density Functional Theory (DFT) implemented in the Wien2k package to systematically characterize the physical properties of ternary chalcogenide compounds XBiSe2 (X = Li, Na and K). Such method emphasizes their applicability to energy conversion technologies. Scrutinizing their electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties elucidates the effect of alkali metal substitution on performance metrics. The results not only advance knowledge of these materials' physicochemical behaviors but also reveal their potential for tailored functionalization in next-generation energy and optoelectronic systems, marking a significant stride in material science and application-oriented research.

Theoretical Study on the Application of a Janus CoSTe Monolayer for Li-S Batteries

Li-S batteries show great promise for next-generation energy systems but suffer from sluggish reaction kinetics and the inevitable “shuttling effect” of dissolved lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In this study, a structure model of a Janus CoSTe monolayer is constructed is to investigate the adsorption energy with LiPSs, adsorption decomposition energy, and diffusion barrier on Li2S for Li-S batteries. The results show that the adsorption energy of Li2Sn clusters on the surface of Janus CoSTe monolayers is much higher than that of graphite and organic electrolyte, and the decomposition of Li2Sn clusters cannot easily occur on the Janus CoSTe monolayer. Moreover, the diffusion of Li2Sn clusters on the surface of Janus CoSTe monolayers has its microscopic "channel", leading to the low dissociation energy of Li2S. Theoretically, the Janus CoSTe monolayer exhibits excellent catalytic capability for lithium-sulfur batteries and shows great potential to be an excellent anchoring material for high-performance Li-S batteries.

Dynamic modeling and experimental validation of a standalone hybrid microgrid system in Fukuoka, Japan

Microgrids are essential for creating next-generation energy systems because they allow loads, energy storage systems (ESS), and distributed energy resources (DER) to be efficiently and seamlessly integrated. This study presents the dynamic modeling and simulation of an off-grid direct current (DC) microgrid consisting of the photovoltaic (PV) panel, wind turbine, battery, and a DC load incorporating simple, comprehensible, and well-established component-based power control strategies for quality power output. In addition, the main emphasis is on the real-time experimental validation of the dynamic simulation model achieved by designing and developing an indoor test system architecture. A 48-hourly meteorological dataset from Fukuoka, Japan, was used to validate the developed model. The results show a reasonable range of Root-mean-square deviation (RMSE), suggesting that the simulation model can precisely depict the model the dynamic operation of a hybrid DC microgrid system. Furthermore, detailed scenario analysis for sunny, windy, rainy, and cloudy considering real-time meteorological conditions for 72 h of simulation reveals that the proposed microgrid system can effectively meet the load in any situation with a sufficiency factor above 1, making it a self-sustaining hybrid renewable microgrid for residential areas in Japan. The study highlights the significance of understanding microgrid operation energy management with actual implementation.

Next-generation energy systems for sustainable smart cities: Roles of transfer learning

Smart cities attempt to reach net-zero emissions goals by reducing wasted energy while improving grid stability and meeting service demand. This is possible by adopting next-generation energy systems, which leverage artificial intelligence, the Internet of things (IoT), and communication technologies to collect and analyze big data in real-time and effectively run city services. However, training machine learning algorithms to perform various energy-related tasks in sustainable smart cities is a challenging data science task. These algorithms might not perform as expected, take much time in training, or do not have enough input data to generalize well. To that end, transfer learning (TL) has been proposed as a promising solution to alleviate these issues. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper presents the first review of the applicability of TL for energy systems by adopting a well-defined taxonomy of existing TL frameworks. Next, an in-depth analysis is carried out to identify the pros and cons of current techniques and discuss unsolved issues. Moving on, two case studies illustrating the use of TL for (i) energy prediction with mobility data and (ii) load forecasting in sports facilities are presented. Lastly, the paper ends with a discussion of the future directions.

Effect of native carbon vacancies on evolution of defects in ZrC1- under He ion irradiation and annealing

The dynamic study of radiation-induced defects with annealing is critical for the material design for next-generation nuclear energy systems. The native vacancy could affect the development of defects, which lacks study. In the present work, the as-hot pressed ZrC1-x (x=0, 0.15, 0.3) ceramics which comprised crystallites of a few microns in size with different amounts of carbon vacancies were irradiated by 540 keV He2+ ions at room temperature with a fluence of 1 × 1017/cm2. The radiation-induced lattice expansion was found to be a common phenomenon in a sequence of ZrC0.85≥ZrC1.0>ZrC0.7. Both X-ray and electron diffractions confirmed maintenance of structural integrity without amorphization after irradiation. Inside the irradiated region, only “black-dot” type defects, i.e., clusters of point defects were observed while no helium-induced cavities, cracks, or extended dislocations were detected. The as-irradiated ZrC1-x were then annealed at different high temperatures. Upon annealing at 800 °C, very tiny helium-induced cavities were found to be generated and the crystal lattice recovered to a great extent, especially for the sub-stoichiometric samples. While annealed at 1500 °C, all the samples almost fully recovered the crystal lattices close to those of as-hot pressed ones. Meanwhile, large cavities and extended dislocations were generated. With increasing amount of native carbon vacancies, the size of cavities increased while the length and density of extended dislocations decreased. Inverse changes of lattice parameters during irradiation and annealing processes have been interpreted by the kinetics of defects. Finally, the correlation between native vacancies and damage behavior is discussed.

Predictive modeling of a subcritical pulverized-coal power plant for optimization: Parameter estimation, validation, and application

As renewable power generation deployment increases, fossil fuel plants are increasingly required to operate more flexibly. Many coal-fired power plants were originally designed to operate at base load and do not operate optimally at partial load. Predictive first-principles plant-wide models can be employed to identify opportunities for flexibility improvements and diagnose low-load operating issues. This paper describes the application of the Institute for the Design of Advanced Energy Systems Integrated Platform (IDAES) to model and optimize flexible power plant operations. The key benefits of using IDAES are that it provides an open-source, fully equation-oriented modeling framework for efficient modular model construction, reuse, and customization, together with a mathematical optimization framework leveraging powerful, state-of-the-art solvers. The process systems engineering workflow from predictive process simulation to parameter estimation, model validation, and plant optimization is applicable to a variety of existing and next-generation energy systems as well as other chemical and environmental processes. To demonstrate this capability, a physics-based, steady-state model was developed to improve full- and part-load performance of the Escalante Generating Station, a 245 MWe (net) subcritical pulverized coal-fired power plant owned and operated by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. Specifically, sixty-nine model parameters were simultaneously estimated from several months of operating data enabling prediction of flow rates, temperatures, pressures, and steam quality throughout the plant. The validated model was leveraged by Escalante to reduce the minimum operating load from 90 MW to 50 MW by diagnosing a low-load water-hammer issue, enabling coal usage and emissions reductions during periods of low power demand. Additionally, opportunities for heat rate reduction (i.e., efficiency improvement) through a steeper sliding-pressure approach to load-following and optimization of other boiler operating variables were also identified and quantified. For example, a potential efficiency improvement of 0.7 percentage points was observed at half-load operation.

A Study on Energy Tax Reform for Carbon Pricing Using an Input-Output Table for the Analysis of a Next-Generation Energy System

Carbon pricing, such as a carbon tax, is an invisible hand that leads to the construction of a sustainable low-carbon society, and precise analysis of the impact of carbon pricing on each sector of the economy is indispensable for its design. In this study, an equilibrium price model based on the 2015 input-output table was used for the analysis of next-generation energy systems (2015 IONGES) and the effect of the introduction of a carbon tax on the price of the industrial sector was assessed. Based on the existing energy-related tax system in Japan, the introduction of a carbon tax is regarded as an increase in the tax for global-warming countermeasures (TGWC) in the petroleum and coal tax (PCT). While existing energy-related taxes are designed to place a relatively heavy burden on the transportation sector, tax reform of the petroleum and coal tax has a relatively large effect on raising prices in energy-conversion and energy-intensive sectors. As a result, the reform of the energy-related tax may promote the introduction of energy-saving technology and decarbonization technology, both in the transportation sector and in a wider range of sectors, and may work to correct the unfairness of the tax burden between sectors.

Stretchable polyurethane composite foam triboelectric nanogenerator with tunable microwave absorption properties at elevated temperature

Nowadays, the integration of multiple functions such as harvesting clean energy and electromagnetic protection into single material has attracted great interest. Herein, a stretchable composite foam-based triboelectric nanogenerator (CF-TENG) with tunable microwave absorption (MA) capacity was developed by assembling self-foaming polyurethane (PU), tadpole-like [email protected]3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and conductive wires. The CF-TENG with a volume of ∅120 mm × 3 mm can generate a maximum output power of 147.9 μW, corresponding to a power density of 1.3 µW/cm2 and easily illuminate 35 commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) under periodically vertical contact and separation mode, which exhibits high efficiency in energy-harvesting. Besides, the excellent MA properties and relevant mechanisms at elevated temperatures from 253 K to 333 K were investigated in detail. With an ultralow filler loading of 15 wt%, the minimum reflection loss (RLm) value at 253 K could reach −68.5 dB at 10.97 GHz and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) below −10 dB achieved 4.37 GHz at a thickness of 2.55 mm. Temperature rise would be conducive to broadening the EAB and shifting the matching frequency towards a higher frequency band. Such a remarkable MA performance originated mainly from the dielectric-magnetic dual loss, well-matched impedance, and multiple reflections. To this end, this CF-TENG with electromagnetic protection property combining the ability to scavenge mechanical energy from ambient vibrations opens a new set of prospective applications in wearable electronics and the next-generation energy systems under invisible harsh environments.

Energy Absorption Performance of Bio-inspired Honeycombs: Numerical and Theoretical Analysis

Energy absorption performance has been a long-pursued research topic in designing desired materials and structures subject to external dynamic loading. Inspired by natural bio-structures, herein, we develop both numerical and theoretical models to analyze the energy absorption behaviors of Weaire, Floret, and Kagome-shaped thin-walled structures. We demonstrate that these bio-inspired structures possess superior energy absorption capabilities compared to the traditional thin-walled structures, with the specific energy absorption about 44% higher than the traditional honeycomb. The developed mechanical model captures the fundamental characteristics of the bio-inspired honeycomb, and the mean crushing force in all three structures is accurately predicted. Results indicate that although the basic energy absorption and deformation mode remain the same, varied geometry design and the corresponding material distribution can further boost the energy absorption of the structure, providing a much broader design space for the next-generation impact energy absorption structures and systems.

Hydrogen production for fuel cell application via thermo-chemical technique: An analytical evaluation

Fuel cells are considered as the promising candidates for next-generation energy systems for which supplying the required hydrogen is the most important issue. Because of resource scarcity and environmental pollution associated with hydrocarbon reforming, magnesium-water combustion can be applied as an eco-friendly alternative method for hydrogen generation. This study aims to investigate magnesium combustion as a heat and hydrogen source. By proposing an asymptotic model of flame structure, the combustion of single magnesium particle is examined in which the model consists of internal and external zones and a thin reaction layer. Then, the governing equations including mass, energy, and mass fractions of species and their appropriate boundary conditions are derived and solved analytically. Afterwards, with the aid of Taylor approximation, the explicit formulas are extracted for flame location and temperature and magnesium evaporation rate. Subsequently, the effects of various parameters on combustion characteristics and hydrogen production are scrutinized. Eventually, by employing the examined model for single particle, the discrete method is applied to analyze the magnesium dust cloud combustion. The results indicate that the hydrogen production rate is higher than 10-3kg/s for the condition of d=10μm,P=1atm,Le=1 with dust concentration greater than 250mg/liter.

Frequency-domain hot-wire sensor and 3D model for thermal conductivity measurements of reactive and corrosive materials at high temperatures.

High temperature solids and liquids are becoming increasingly important in next-generation energy and manufacturing systems that seek higher efficiencies and lower emissions. Accurate measurements of thermal conductivity at high temperatures are required for the modeling and design of these systems, but commonly employed time-domain measurements can have errors from convection, corrosion, and ambient temperature fluctuations. Here, we describe the development of a frequency-domain hot-wire technique capable of accurately measuring the thermal conductivity of solid and molten compounds from room temperature up to 800 °C. By operating in the frequency-domain, we can lock into the harmonic thermal response of the material and reject the influence of ambient temperature fluctuations, and we can keep the probed volume below 1 µl to minimize convection. The design of the microfabricated hot-wire sensor, electrical systems, and insulating wire coating to protect against corrosion is covered in detail. Furthermore, we discuss the development of a full three-dimensional multilayer thermal model that accounts for both radial conduction into the sample and axial conduction along the wire and the effect of wire coatings. The 3D, multilayer model facilitates the measurement of small sample volumes important for material development. A sensitivity analysis and an error propagation calculation of the frequency-domain thermal model are performed to demonstrate what factors are most important for thermal conductivity measurements. Finally, we show thermal conductivity measurements including model data fitting on gas (argon), solid (sulfur), and molten substances over a range of temperatures.

Effect of burner geometry on the morphology and propagation of supercritical, CO2-diluted oxy-methane flames in obstructed channels

High global demands for energy have promoted innovative research tailored towards exploring novel, more efficient and cleaner power generation. Advanced combustors are a forefront technology being developed in achieving these next-generation energy systems, which can be adapted towards current thermal power plants. One of such promising advanced energy systems technology is utilization of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2)-diluted oxy-methane combustion. The present study therefore scrutinizes the effect of the burner geometry, in particular, the role of the blockage ratio alpha in the propagation and morphology of a CO2-diluted oxy-methane flame at a supercritical condition in an obstructed channel with 40% CO2-dilution. The computational simulation of the fully-compressible supercritical reacting flow equations is carried out with various blockage ratios, alpha= 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, at constant pressure and temperature. It is observed that with an increase in α, the flame propagates exponentially matching earlier works at atmospheric conditions. Also, flame acceleration increases with the channel width. For the α = 2/3 case, high magnitude vortices and shock waves were observed thereby collapsing the concave flame structure observed for α = 1/2 and 1/3 cases.

New Nickel-Base Superalloys Withstand Extreme Temperatures

Abstract Hot section components of next-generation energy systems call for superalloys that can handle the heat. This article describes some recent advances in superalloy research and development, including characterization and modeling tools that are key to developing and understanding the formation of new superalloys capable of withstanding extreme environments.

Functional design of epoxy-based networks: tailoring advanced dielectrics for next-generation energy systems

Epoxy resins are widely used as the primary insulation material in many demanding energy-related applications. As such, the ability specifically to tailor the electrical performance of such systems to meet increasingly demanding insulation situations has considerable utility. This paper describes a new approach to this problem, which is based upon the controlled introduction of specific functional groups into the cured resin’s network architecture. Here, two additives are considered, termed functional network modifiers (FNM), namely glycidyl hexadecyl ether and glycidyl 4-nonylphenyl ether; in all the investigated systems, the ideal stoichiometric ratio of epoxide groups to amine hydrogens is retained. In the case of both FNM, their inclusion resulted in a progressive reduction in the glass transition temperature Tg of the system, a reduction in the real part of the permittivity and reduced dielectric losses wihin the accessible frequency range, increased DC conductivity and increased AC breakdown strength. The magnitude of the observed effects are found to be dependent upon the choice of functional modifier, which suggests that such changes are not related merely to the inclusion of an additive within the system, but are also influenced by the chemistry of the additive itself. Explanations for these effects are proposed. It is concluded that the use of such FNM at low concentrations (~4% in the work reported here) offers a novel alternative means of engineering advanced materials to meet the current and future needs in an adaptable and easily implemented manner.

Steady-state measurements of thermal transport across highly conductive interfaces

Interfaces play a critical role in heat dissipation for electronics packaging applications, thermoelectric energy conversion, data center cooling and renewable energy systems architectures. They are particularly influential as device length scales are reduced; in some cases, interfaces are fast becoming the dominant thermal resistors between heat source(s) and heat sink(s). Thus, the need to decrease interfacial thermal resistances (RT) with the use of novel, highly thermally conductive materials (i.e. thermal interface materials, or TIMs) is paramount for the success of next-generation electronics and energy systems. Despite significant progress in the areas of materials synthesis and development, current thermal characterization techniques are not capable of reliably quantifying the resistance to heat flow across high-performance interfaces (i.e. RT less than 1 mm2 K/W). In this work, we develop a new steady-state, miniaturized heat meter bar apparatus capable of measuring RT between 0.1 mm2 K/W and 1 mm2 K/W with less than 10% uncertainty using infrared microscopy. Additionally, we demonstrate a related technique that permits the measurement of TIM thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance (RC) simultaneously with RT for bonded TIMs having RT between 0.1 mm2 K/W and 1 mm2 K/W. This work is expected to further the development of next-generation TIMs for use in high power density devices.