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Crystal power

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a single-crystal electrode that provides a deeper understanding of charge-discharge processes in advanced batteries. The study reveals new information about the cathode chemistry, including the origin of extra capacity and the formation of detrimental phases during cycling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 4, 2020

Polymer membranes could benefit from taking a dip

A team of researchers from Argonne National Laboratory has developed a simple pretreatment step that enables membranes to be enhanced using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The method involves dipping membranes in tannic acid, which provides nucleation sites for ALD coatings. This technique now opens up new possibilities for improving me...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 28, 2020

Argonne's pioneering user facility to add magic number factory

The Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) is being upgraded with a new capability to produce beams of heavy atomic nuclei consisting of 126 neutrons, a 'magic number', for nuclear structure and astrophysics research. This upgrade will help scientists test a reigning theory on the formation of heavy elements.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms·DateMar 6, 2020

Story Tips: Antidote chasing, traffic control and automatic modeling

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant breakthroughs in developing new antidotes for certain poisons that can mitigate their effects more efficiently compared to existing remedies. Additionally, a novel system has been designed to direct traffic lights and reduce fuel consumption by identifying the most fuel...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2020

Story tips: Fusion squeeze, global image mapping, computing mental health, Na+ batteries

Researchers have developed a new computational tool for simulating fusion plasmas, which could help hold and squeeze superheated gas in extreme conditions. Additionally, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created an approach to scan massive datasets of large-scale satellite images more efficiently, allowing for faster map...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateFeb 6, 2020

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

Switching tracks: Reversing electrons' course through nature's solar cells

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Argonne National Laboratory have successfully reversed the flow of electrons in a purple photosynthetic bacteria, achieving a 90% yield on the B-branch side. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the earliest light-driven events of photosynthesis and could aid in designing bi...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 1, 2020

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

Tethered chem combos could revolutionize artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new approach to artificial photosynthesis that improves the efficiency of capturing light and splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen fuel. The system uses molecular tethers to attach chromophores to catalysts, allowing for stable and efficient electron transfer and ge...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 4, 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

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, October 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated that metal foam can enhance the evaporation process in thermal conversion systems, enabling the development of compact heating, ventilation and refrigeration units. The small-scale evaporator proved metal foam is well-suited for compact systems.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, September 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a predictive model to identify veterans at risk of suicide, accelerating the process by running 300 times faster. Additionally, they discovered a lubricant that reduces friction in gears, increasing durability and efficiency. These breakthroughs aim to improve healthcare services f...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2019