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The formula for turning cement into metal

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory have created a semi-conductor material by turning liquid cement into liquid metal through electron trapping. This process creates metallic-glass material with positive attributes including conductivity, fluidity, and low energy loss.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2013

Freedom of assembly

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have observed nanoparticle chains forming in situ for the first time, using a transmission electron microscope. The study demonstrates the potential of nanoparticles in energy-relevant technologies and could lead to new materials with unique properties.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 19, 2013

The future of ion traps

Researchers explore ion traps as a promising architecture for constructing a quantum computer, leveraging qubits' coherence time and protection from ambient disturbances. The development of micro-fabricated devices and cryogenic cooling techniques aims to push the limits of pressure and storage capacity.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 7, 2013

By their powers combined

Researchers have developed new methods for controlling magnetic order in magnetoelectric materials using electrical signals, potentially leading to faster and more efficient memories. This breakthrough could also enable the creation of non-binary memories and improved magnetic field sensors.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2013

Biofuels blend right in

A collaborative study by researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy has shown that an ionic liquid proven to be effective for pre-treating individual biofuel feedstocks is also effective at pre-treating multiple different feedstocks that have been mixed and densified into a blend. The study found that blending and densifying a wide...

Oxygen to the core

The team used laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments to demonstrate that depletion of siderophile elements can be produced under more oxidizing conditions, suggesting oxygen played a prominent role in the Earth's core formation. This discovery allows for a reevaluation of planetary accretion and core formation processes.

Songs in the key of sea

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created a musical representation of microbial data, revealing intriguing patterns and relationships. The 'sonified' data showcases the natural structures in oceanic environments, offering a new way to visualize biological phenomena.

Lawrence Livermore researchers find wind power not enough to affect global climate

Large-scale high altitude wind power generation is unlikely to substantially affect climate, according to a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory study. The researchers found that wind turbines could extract kinetic energy at a rate of at least 400 terawatts on the surface and over 1800 terawatts in high-altitude winds.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 10, 2012

Forcing the molecular bond issue

Researchers developed a comprehensive model to describe molecular bonding, enabling predictions of binding free energy and resolving past inconsistencies. The new model provides a clear means for measuring this key parameter, critical for understanding material interactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2012

Catching some rays

Scientists have developed more efficient organic solar cells by harnessing the power of polarized excitons. This breakthrough could make solar energy a cost-effective alternative to conventional sources. Researchers are exploring new materials to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

Argonne scientists uncover a photosynthetic puzzle

Researchers used ultrafast spectroscopy to study the initial stage of photosynthesis, observing a single photon exciting different chromophores simultaneously. This discovery hints at more efficient natural light-harvesting processes, potentially influencing efforts to create artificial materials and devices.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2012

Lawrence Livermore work may improve the efficiency of the biofuel production cycle

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have discovered a bacterium that can tolerate toxic chemicals used in biofuel production, allowing for more efficient processing. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly benefit industrial processes and improve the efficiency of biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2012