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DOE/Argonne National Laboratory


Finding the source of chemical reactions

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have experimentally detected the transition state in chemical reactions, a hidden aspect that controls product formation. This breakthrough could improve industrial processes and lead to the synthesis of new life-saving drugs.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2020

Playing the angles with dramatic effect

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory propose most complete picture to date of metal-insulator transition in transition metal oxides, enabling improved tuning and control for low-power and ultrafast microelectronics. The study reveals that size of vegetable ion within crystal structure affects transition temperature, making materi...

Building a better battery with machine learning

Argonne researchers used a machine learning algorithm to relate known molecular structures to larger data sets, reducing computational costs while maintaining precision. The approach improved the accuracy of predictions about battery electrolyte candidates, enabling scientists to identify potential materials for next-generation batteries.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalMRS Communications·DateNov 26, 2019

Six degrees of nuclear separation

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed an additive manufacturing method that enables the recycling of more nuclear waste, reducing storage time by almost one thousandfold. The breakthrough uses 3D-printed parts to separate highly radioactive actinide isotopes from rare earth metals.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 11, 2019

New electrolyte stops rapid performance decline of next-generation lithium battery

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new electrolyte mixture and additive that can stabilize silicon anodes during cycling, improving long-term cycling and calendar life. The new electrolyte mixtures, called MESA, show increased surface and bulk stabilities, outperforming comparable cells with graphite chemistry.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 10, 2019

Shocking heat waves stabilize single atoms

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory successfully stabilized single atoms using record-high temperatures of up to 2000 K. The method enables the creation of stable single atom catalysts, which can remain in their place for unprecedented periods of time, maximizing atom-use efficiency and improving catalytic performance.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 26, 2019

Giving nanowires a DNA-like twist

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a DNA-like twisted crystal structure created with germanium sulfide nanowires, resembling the organic DNA structure. The twist causes the wire to elongate and widen into a helical structure, with segments resembling helically stacked bricks.

Practice makes perfect

The Argonne team applied Bayesian methods to quantify uncertainties in the thermodynamic properties of hafnium, a key component in computer electronics. They found that traditional models often lacked error bars or uncertainties, leading to inaccurate predictions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Engineering Science·DateJun 26, 2019

Getting to the root of plant simulations

A new root algorithm developed by Beth Drewniak improves the Energy Exascale Earth System Model's ability to simulate vegetation growth and respond to changes in resources. The dynamic root model addresses both water uptake and nitrogen allocation, enabling plants to thrive in varying environmental conditions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateApr 11, 2019