Researchers tracked the movement of the platinum nanoparticles that catalyze reactions in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) and correlated this movement with nanoparticle degradation. The results yielded solutions that can immediately reduce platinum waste in emission-free heavy-duty fuel-cell vehicles. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 454
December 6, 2023
Computer-Aided Protein Design for New Biomaterials
Using a computer-based approach, researchers designed porous protein crystals that were revealed to be stable, tunable, and atomically accurate using x-ray scattering and diffraction at the ALS. The work provides a powerful new platform for biological materials engineering and opens up wide applications in biotechnology and medicine. Read more »
Building a Two-Dimensional Magnet One Atom at a Time
Researchers synthesized a new two-dimensional ferromagnet and measured how its electronic and magnetic properties evolve with increasing thickness and temperature. Such atomically thin magnetic materials with tunable magnetic properties would be very useful in next-generation microelectronic and spintronic applications. Read more »
“Computer Vision” Review of X-Ray Movies Leads to New Insights
Using a type of machine learning called “computer vision” to mine data from x-ray movies, researchers made new discoveries about the reactivity of a material in rechargeable batteries. The results suggest that optimizing the carbon layer thickness on the electrode surface could help researchers to design more efficient batteries. Read more »
LAAAMP-Funded Team Makes a Journey of Miles and Nanometers
Celline Awino Omondi and Miller Shatsala traveled over 9,400 miles to study samples at the nanometer scale. Through a LAAAMP grant, the Kenyan scientists spent two months at Berkeley Lab preparing and characterizing perovskite samples—work that they hope will bring solar energy to Africa. Read more »
New Guide for Gaining Access to the ALS
We are excited to introduce a new visual guide that describes the process of gaining access to the ALS. Discover how to submit your arrival date, see timelines and who processes the registration, and learn when to schedule a badge appointment. Check it out in the User Guide! Read more »
New UEC Members for 2024
Welcome to Coleman Kronawitter, Monsuru Ramoni, and Shan Wu. Thank you to Ming Yi for your service. Read more »
Upcoming Operating Schedule Announced
The operating schedule for the 2024-1 cycle has been posted. The next long shutdown will begin in January 2024 and is expected to last 12 weeks. The most up-to-date information on the current schedule and future outlook can always be found on the Operating Schedule web page. Read more »
ALS Staff Honored with 2023 Berkeley Lab Director’s Awards
Several ALS staff were recognized by Berkeley Lab Director Mike Witherell at the annual Director’s Awards ceremony on November 8. They include Ashley White, Antoine Wojdyla, Kristin Carrillo, Celena Loredo, Alyssa Brand, and Tracy Mattox. Read more »
2023 Highly Cited Researchers
Clarivate recognizes the true pioneers in their fields over the last decade, demonstrated by the production of multiple highly-cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and year in the Web of Science™. Congratulations to Jinghua Guo, Sung-Kwan Mo, and Wanli Yang! Read more »