We are attaining a molecular-level understanding of complex multi-phase systems and phenomena vital to the nation's energy and environmental resources.
Teaching Catalysts to Play Ball
For over three decades, zeolites have been used as catalysts to refine gasoline and other fuels. The solid materials have holes that are just the right size to allow smaller molecules to pass through, while keeping larger molecules out. But recent research shows that the some zeolites may be vastly underperforming, according to Dr. Jean-Pierre Gilson, Director, Laboratoire Catalyse and Spectrochimie (LSC), Caen, France.
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Jim Amonette Writes Chapter in New Biochar Book
Congratulations to Dr. Jim Amonette at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on writing a chapter in a new book that is likely to become the definitive reference work on biochar.
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Bill Weber Named Distinguished Alumnus by University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Congratulations to Dr. Bill Weber of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on being selected for the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni honor given.
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A Window on Hydrate Lattices
There's a lot more to water than meets the eye. Water molecules form three-dimensional empty cages organized in a lattice with the potential to store large amounts of natural gases. Gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide can be fit as "guest" molecules inside these "host" cavities.
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Greg Schenter Joins Ranks of Laboratory Fellows
Congratulations to Dr. Greg Schenter of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on being named Laboratory Fellow, the highest rank that PNNL research staff can attain. Schenter is internationally known for his fundamental research in the collective behavior of molecules and his seminal contributions to theoretical chemistry and the interpretation of experimental measurements.
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Crystals and Catalysts and Clusters, Oh My!
Solving the nation's energy crisis requires designer materials, such as crystals and catalysts, with very specific properties. Creating these properties requires scientists to design new materials molecule by molecule.
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Where in the Water Are Hydroxide Ions?
Just as parents want to know where their teens go, scientists want to know where hydroxide ions travel. And, as is true for parents and progeny, this ion's choices have stumped researchers for years. Different studies yielded different answers.
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Plastic that Grows on Trees, Part Two
Some researchers hope to turn plants into a renewable, nonpolluting replacement for crude oil. To achieve this, scientists have to learn how to convert plant biomass into a building block for plastics and fuels cheaply and efficiently. In new research, chemists have successfully converted cellulose—the most common plant carbohydrate—directly into the building block called HMF in one step.
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