Video Captures Bubble-blowing Battery in Action
PNNL research has created a unique video that shows oxygen bubbles inflating and later deflating inside a tiny lithium-air battery. The knowledge gained from the video could help make lithium-air batteries that are more compact, stable and
For First Time, Researchers Measure Forces that Align Crystals and Help them Snap Together
For the first time, researchers have measured the force that draws tiny crystals together and visualized how they swivel and align. Called van der Waals forces, the attraction provides insights into how crystals self-assemble, an activity t
Energy Frontier Research Centers
The Department of Energy has established a network of Energy Frontier Research Centers throughout the nation.
How Seashells Get Their Strength
Calcium carbonate found in chalk, shells and rocks is one of the most important materials on earth. New insights on how it turns into hard, strong materials will help scientists design materials needed for a low-carbon future.
Fuel Cycle Expert Leads DOE Molten Salt Reactor Effort
PNNL radiochemist and research manager Patricia Paviet named National Technical Director for the Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) Program by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy.
Design, Construction to Begin on $75 Million Grid Energy Storage Research Facility
New facility that will accelerate energy storage innovation and make the nation’s power grid more resilient, secure and flexible has been given the green light to proceed by the U.S. Department of Energy.
PNNL Builds Apparatus to Test Fracturing Fluids
A research team from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory developed an apparatus that evaluates the performance of high-temperature fluids in hydraulic fracturing for enhanced geothermal systems.
Using AI to Detect Defects in Fusion Reactor Materials
Researchers developed a new tool that combines artificial intelligence and microscopy data to rapidly test new materials for fusion reactor use.
Spurgeon Elected to Lead Microscopy Society of America Interest Group
PNNL’s Steven Spurgeon, a materials scientist, was recently elected leader of the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) aberration-corrected microscopy focused interest group.
C&E News Features PNNL Materials Science Capabilities
Magazine cover article—“Combating corrosion in the world’s nuclear reactors”—features PNNL research leaders Mark Nutt, Aaron Diaz, and Mychailo Toloczko.