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HyMARC Aims to Hit Targets for Hydrogen Storage Using X-Ray Science

Understanding how materials absorb and release hydrogen is the focus of the Hydrogen Materials Advanced Research Consortium (HyMARC). At the ALS, the HyMARC Approved Program was recently renewed, underscoring the key role that soft x-ray techniques have played in addressing the challenges of hydrogen storage. Read more »

Spectroscopic investigation of a Co(0001) model catalyst during exposure to H2 and CO at near-ambient pressures

We have performed near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on Co(0001) model catalysts during exposure to gases relevant to Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, i.e., CO and H2, at 0.25 mbar total pressure. At this pressure, CO seems to be more efficient at keeping the Co(0001) surface metallic than H2, which is the opposite behavior as reported in the literature for other pressure ranges. Read more »

2023 ALS User Meeting Returned On-Site to Focus on the Future

For the first time in four years, users, staff, and other members of the scientific community gathered in person for the ALS User Meeting. With a new ALS director in place, the 30th anniversary of first light a month away, and ALS-U construction well underway, the occasion was primed to discuss the long-term future of the facility. Read more »

ALS at 30

October 5, 2023, marks 30 years since first light at the ALS. Over this time, the number of beamlines grew to more than 40, as many as 2,100 users have come to the facility each year, and over 16,000 publications have resulted from work here. Watch this space for special anniversary tidbits throughout the year. We’d also love to hear from you—please share your memories and see community submissions at this link! Read more »

ALS Director Dimitri Argyriou Announces New Leadership Structure

Having seen the success of the interim leadership structure since assuming the ALS directorship in July, Dimitri Argyriou is pleased to announce that Ashley White’s role as interim deputy for strategy is now permanent, and Andreas Scholl’s position as deputy for science will have new responsibilities. Fernando Sannibale and Steve Rossi will continue in their roles as deputy for accelerator operations and deputy for business operations, respectively. Read more »

A Deep-Learning Analysis of Lithium-Plating Dynamics in Batteries

Lithium-metal solid-state batteries are a promising technology, but the deposition (plating) of lithium metal on electrode surfaces remains a significant technical hurdle. Here, researchers used micro-computed tomography data to train an artificial intelligence model to identify characteristics vital to improving battery performance. Read more »PPT-icon-35

How Structure Affects the Activity of Lipid Nanoparticles

Berkeley Lab and Genentech scientists related the internal structures of lipid nanoparticles to their efficacy at drug delivery, using a combination of methods including x-ray scattering at the ALS. The work promises to expedite the development of drug delivery systems for the treatment of diseases such as COVID-19 and cancer. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Lori Tamura Receives 2023 Tim Renner User Services Award

After 25 years of science writing at the ALS, Lori Tamura has a tried and true method for clearly communicating complex scientific concepts. With her care and skill, she has increased the impact and reach of results from ALS work, and the UEC has recognized that impact with the 2023 Tim Renner User Services Award. Read more »