Researchers extracted the relationship between strain and composition in a battery material by applying machine-learning methods to atomic-scale images. The work could lead to more durable batteries and also highlights the potential of integrating microscopy techniques with machine learning to gain insights into complex materials. Read more »
Scientists Uncover Surprising New Clues to Exotic Superconductors’ Superpowers
Researchers studied a model material (CeCoIn5) that mimics a cuprate superconductor that can be switched on and off using high magnetic fields. In chemical compositions where the superconductivity is strongest, the number of free electrons jumps, signifying a transition point. The researchers attributed this transition to the behavior of electrons associated with the cerium atoms. Read more »
How X-Rays Can Make Better Batteries
In order to help our nation meet its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, scientists like William Chueh and David Shapiro are working together to come up with new strategies to design safer, long-distance batteries made from sustainable, Earth-abundant materials. They discuss their pioneering work in this Q&A. Read more »
A Photoelectrode Protection Scheme for Solar-Fuel Production
Microscopy, spectroscopy, and computational studies of a promising artificial-photosynthesis material led researchers to develop a model photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell with remarkable stability and longevity as it selectively converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into two promising sources of renewable fuels—ethylene and hydrogen. Read more »
With a Little Help, New Optical Material Assembles Itself
Researchers have demonstrated that tiny concentric nanocircles self-assemble into an optical material with precision and efficiency. Electron microscopy and x-ray scattering revealed the structure and spatial distribution of each ingredient in the resulting materials. The new findings could enable the large-scale manufacturing of multifunctional nanocomposites. Read more »
Revealing Lithium Metal’s Electronic Structure
Spectroscopy at the ALS and theoretical calculations at the Molecular Foundry revealed the intrinsic spectroscopic signature of lithium metal and explained the origin of previous contradictory reports. The findings provide a benchmark for further studies of lithium compounds towards batteries with higher capacity and energy density. Read more »
Synthesis of new two-dimensional titanium carbonitride Ti2C0.5N0.5Tx MXene and its performance as an electrode material for sodium-ion battery
Researchers report on the synthesis and characterization of a new 2D carbonitride MXene, Ti2C0.5N0.5. They explore the performance of this new MXene as electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). It outperformed its carbide counterpart (i.e., Ti2C) and all the other reports for multilayer MXenes in SIBs, and it showed a stable electrochemical performance over 500 cycles. Read more »
New Device Advances Commercial Viability of Solar Fuels
A Berkeley Lab research team developed a new artificial photosynthesis device component that exhibits remarkable stability and longevity as it selectively converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into two promising sources of renewable fuels—ethylene and hydrogen. Read more »
A Split-Screen View of Solar-Cell Crystallization
Researchers simultaneously monitored both the structure and function of a photovoltaic material as it crystallized from solution. The work raises the prospect of rationally tuning materials for optimal performance in photovoltaics and other light-manipulating devices, including light-emitting diodes, detectors, and lasers. Read more »
New Technique Paves the Way for Perfect Perovskites
A new solar material, organic-inorganic halide perovskites, could one day help the U.S. achieve its solar ambitions and decarbonize the power grid. A recent study reports that manufacturing could be aided by a new instrument that uses invisible x-ray light and visible laser light to probe a perovskite material’s crystal structure and optical properties as it is synthesized. Read more »
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