Feature Articles
In the past century, chemists and physicists have extended the use of X-rays far beyond medical imaging. Scientists use X-rays not only for their penetrating power but also for their ability to interact with bonds between atoms. By carefully choosing an X-ray energy, scientists can see inside running batteries.
Capturing carbon dioxide is one thing. What do you do then? Researchers share the latest on catching the greenhouse gas and turning it into something useful.
Imagine how handy it would be to have a magic crystal ball to answer any question. For scientists with the proper equations, computers can offer that predictive capability. Learn how two centers are making enormous progress.
While she was doing her major in English, she was flirting with classes in quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics won, and she's never looked back. Meet the scientist who is pioneering work in solar energy at two Energy Frontier Research Centers.
Research Highlights
A new device solves a long-term problem with turning water into clean, efficient fuel. See how scientists can now detect an intricate reaction that's often invisible to the human eye.
The chemicals in wood help a tree resist strong winds. That's good for the tree, but bad for scientists who want to create biofuels. Scientists found that the model of how the chemicals are glued together is...
Just like something out of DC comics, metastable materials have atoms that can’t settle down. Scientists are creating such materials. They open new doors to future explosives, electronics, and more.
Editor's Note
A good cross-country drive will prove to you that things don’t always go as expected. Unsecured loads can land on your car in the middle of downtown Indianapolis and huskies can decide not to stay put. Of course, if you’re lucky and well organized, there can be happy surprises as well, including finding the best sandwiches ever at a truck stop in Montana.
In some ways, the life and work of a scientist doesn’t always go as expected either. New experiences and new ideas can lead to detours and even new destinations.
This issue celebrates the twists and turns in the journey. Read about how moving electrons at near light speed around a circular track is opening new doors for several Energy Frontier Research Centers. See how Emily Weiss changed direction after an encounter with quantum mechanics. Learn about new studies that are changing our understanding of what’s possible with carbon dioxide, solar panels, biofuels, and more.
As with most trips and most science, success comes down to hard work, preparation, study, enthusiasm, and a bit of luck.
Image courtesy Kristin Manke
Editorial Board and Writers
Editorial Board
- Daniel Colman, Center for Biological Electron Transfer and Catalysis
- Matthew Gilkey, Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation
- Eric Guiltinan, Center for Frontiers of Subsurface Energy Security
- Kimberly Lundberg, Center for Electrochemical Energy Science
- Shannon McCullough, Center for Solar Fuels
- Ian McKendry, Center for the Computational Design of Functional Layered Materials
- Manuel Ortuno, Inorganometallic Catalyst Design Center
- Pyae Phyo, Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation
- Eva Zarkadoula, Energy Dissipation to Defect Evolution Energy Frontier Research Center
Kristin Manke, Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis, Editor-in-Chief
Disclaimer: The opinions in this newsletter are those of the individual authors and do not represent the views or position of the Department of Energy.