We are attaining a molecular-level understanding of complex multi-phase systems and phenomena vital to the nation's energy and environmental resources.
Class-ing Up Uranium
Primitive: that's how Dr. John Bargar describes the state of knowledge of the reactivity of biogenic uranite in ground water. Biogenic uranite is a form of uranium, produced by bacteria, that is fairly immobile in groundwater.
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Simulation, Calculations Show Hydroxide Ions Orientation in Water
Whole water molecules form complex shapes around hydroxide ions, simple negatively charged particles, according to a recent study by scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The shapes are the result of hydrogen bonds between the ions and the molecules.
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Scientists Show Strontium's Swimming Skills
Recently, a trio from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Louisiana Tech University showed that strontium ions congregate on water's surface. Their computer simulation and careful calculations finally demonstrated why experiments and conventional wisdom clashed about the behavior of this type of ion, a divalent cation or one with two electrons missing.
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Where Did the Uranium Go?
Uranium's migration through the soil depends on groundwater's chemical composition, according to a recent study by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
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Catalytic Catamarans: Common industrial catalyst sports rafts made of platinum
Catalysts convert useless or unwanted chemicals into useful or more desirable ones. Research in a recent issue of Science reveals new, important details about a common catalyst: how rafts of chemically reactive plutonium form in the catalyst. The new work yields insights into how to improve the industrial catalyst for oil refining, chemicals processing and environmental uses.
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Check Out the Fundamental & Computational Sciences Achievements for 2009
Industry relies on propylene oxide to make insulation, gaskets, adhesives, and other plastic parts, yet production processes for the chemical are expensive and often generate hazardous waste. Inordinately small particles, as tiny as a few atoms, may reduce hazardous waste, lower cost, and vastly increase efficiency, according to Dr. Stefan Vajda, internationally known chemist at Argonne National Laboratory.
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Check Out Advancing the Frontiers of Science Brochure
Understanding the world around us, from the behavior of subatomic particles to shifts in the global climate pattern, is vital to our nation's prosperity and security. Gaining this understanding is the job and the passion of scientists and engineers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Our scientific leaders are recognized in the United States and abroad for their accomplishments.
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