Plump Up the Clay
For the first time, scientists have direct evidence that high-pressure carbon dioxide or CO2 migrates into the clay montmorillonite causing it to expand, according to scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Montmorillonite is found in the rocks used to cap carbon sequestration sites, and scientists previously thought that only water could make it expand. Caprocks spend thousands of years halting the escape of injected CO2.
The Copper Ion That Wasn't an Accident
Thought to be an impurity in the industrial catalyst Cu-BTC, the copper ion Cu+ is actually part of the material and could expand the catalyst's repertoire, according to scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and University of Caen. By controlling the catalyst's surroundings, the team made the metal organic framework more reactive. The improved reactivity is seen in the material's ability to handle changes in the number of electrons on its copper atoms, switching between Cu2+ and Cu+.
Catalysis Team Edits, Contributes to Special Issue on Diesel Emission Control
Congratulations to Dr. Chuck Peden and Dr. Janos Szanyi at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Institute for Integrated Catalysis on co-editing a recent issue of Catalysis Today. This edition of the prestigious scientific journal focuses on mobile emissions control. The articles are based on a symposium at the 22nd Meeting of the North American Catalysis Society, held in Detroit, Michigan, in June 2011.
Ram Devanathan Wins Fulrath Award of the American Ceramic Society
Congratulations to Dr. Ram Devanathan on being selected for the American Ceramic Society's Richard M. Fulrath Award. The award promotes technical and personal friendships between professional Japanese and American ceramic engineers and scientists and encourages a greater understanding among the diverse cultures surrounding the Pacific Rim. The award, established in 1978, recognizes individuals for their excellence in research and development of ceramic sciences and materials.
Getting Your Catalyst What It Needs
To do its job, the popular catalyst titanium dioxide often needs an even layer of hydroxyl groups across its surface; thanks to a new method by scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the catalyst is now getting it. A hydroxyl group is a hydrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom. In the case of the catalyst, the oxygen is a part of the material structure. It just needs a hydrogen atom. The team's new method covers about 50 percent of the surface with hydroxyl groups.
Bringing Innovative Science and Ideas to 2012 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting
Congratulations to Dr. Jun Liu and several of his colleagues at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on their contributions to a very popular 2012 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting. With about 6000 people in attendance, the meeting was one of the largest in the society's history. The 5-day event provided the chance to discuss the latest materials research. The meeting featured more than 55 symposia, poster sessions, a scientific art show, exhibitions, tutorials, and workshops.
