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Unveiling Direct Electrochemical Oxidation of Methane at the Ceria/Gas Interface

Ceria-based oxides embedded in solid-oxide fuel cells are recognized for their critical role in managing hydrocarbon activation and carbon coking. However, even for the simplest hydrocarbon molecule, CH4, the mechanism of electrochemical oxidation at the ceria/gas interface is not well understood. This study presents a Sm-doped ceria thin-film model cell that selectively monitors CH4 direct-electro-oxidation on the ceria surface. Read more »

Reports from 2023 Science Visioning Workshops Published

The compiled reports from four ALS science visioning workshops held in 2023 are now published. The document reflects the user and broader scientific communities’ viewpoints on how the ALS’s science portfolio should evolve into the 2030s and where investments will be needed to realize the vision. Read more »

September 4 Deadline for General User Proposals—New Proposal Writing Guidelines!

Starting August 14, the User Office will accept new General User Proposals (GUPs) from scientists who wish to conduct research at the ALS in the 2025-1 (January–July) cycle. The deadline for submissions is September 4, 2024. We will publish new proposal writing guidelines by August 14, so please read the new guidelines before submitting a proposal. Applicants are reminded that they may request joint access to the Molecular Foundry, a nanoscience user facility at Berkeley Lab, to support their ALS activities. Read more »

Strategic ALS Projects Reach Key Milestones

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of multidisciplinary teams from groups across the ALS, a spate of important milestones occurred over the past month, for projects involving the new QERLIN beamline, the MERLIN beamline upgrade, and a new chamber for computer-chip metrology in Sector 12. Read more »

Converting N2 into Usable Form under Ambient Conditions

Researchers learned how molecular structure relates to function in catalysts that convert atmospheric nitrogen into more usable forms at room temperature and pressure. The work could lead to greater energy efficiency in producing nitrogen-based products such as fertilizer where large-scale industrial processes are unfeasible. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Stabilizing Pristine α-Sn Thin Films for Topological Investigation

Researchers developed a recipe for the room-temperature stabilization of thin films of α-Sn, a form of elemental tin that exhibits a variety of topologically nontrivial phases, but only at low temperatures. By dramatically reducing contamination from the film’s substrate, the recipe greatly simplifies electronic structure studies. Read more »PPT-icon-35

Swarup China to Receive 2024 Early Career Award

Swarup China is the winner of the inaugural Early Career Award. The Users’ Executive Committee recognizes his work in advancing the understanding of atmospheric aerosols and biological particles through micro-spectroscopic analyses and chemical imaging at the ALS. Read more »

Kevin Wilson to Receive 2024 Shirley Award

The ALS Users’ Executive Committee will recognize Berkeley Lab Senior Scientist Kevin Wilson as this year’s Shirley Award recipient. At the 2024 User Meeting he will present a talk on using synchrotron radiation to probe the multiphase chemistry of aerosols. Read more »