At PNNL, we are committed to addressing the critical issues important to our society and the U.S. Department of Energy. In many cases nanoscience and nanotechnology offer potential routes toward addressing these problems. Understanding—and in some cases controlling—the properties of nanostructured objects and materials can bring new technologies to the marketplace that help solve major challenges in sustainable energy, environmental protection, national security, and human health. We conduct research to determine how nanotechnology can help solve these important problems, but we also conduct research that helps evaluate any associated risks.
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Research
Because of advances in fundamental understanding and engineering capability, nanoscience and nanotechnology have been naturally integrated into a wide variety of the research and development efforts at the laboratory. We bring expertise in materials synthesis and characterization to bear on the opportunities in nanoscience and technology as applied to a wide range of research and technologies that are not necessarily perceived as nanotechnology. By precisely manipulating atoms and molecules-the very building blocks of nature-our research could yield safe, just-in-time sources of hydrogen for a wide range of energy applications, materials that enable environmental cleanup or drug delivery, new instruments to observe chemical processes in living cells, and miniaturized sensors to detect pathogens in foods and the environment.
Partnerships
We believe the way we do our work is very important. We realize that collaboration and teamwork are absolutely essential. The complexity of the technical challenges we face requires this. Furthermore, we gladly seek to work as partners with other laboratories, universities, companies and others. Let us work together on this exciting journey.
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