Science Highlights | U.S. DOE Office of Science (SC)

Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering data show the existence of a new quasiparticle in strontium iridate (Sr2IrO4).

X-ray Induced Quasiparticles: New Window on Unconventional Superconductivity

Creation of new neutral-charge, long-life quasiparticles may help explain high-temperature superconductivity.

The newly-proposed structure of ceric ammonium nitrate, with an oxygen bridge, may explain why this popular industrial reagent is so versatile.

What CAN It Be?

Elucidating Cerium Solution Chemistry

Understanding the conditions and pathways that position populations of isolated ions and shared proton species as they react in water allows scientists to better understand the chemistry of concentrated hydrogen chloride solutions, which has implications in chemical processes ranging from refining oil to building longer-lasting batteries

Keeping the Ions Close: A New Activity

Study changes perception on how acids behave in water.

The benchmark catalyst Fe(CO)5 is irradiated with ultraviolet light, causing it to lose one of its five carbon monoxide groups.

Scientists Track Ultrafast Formation of Catalyst with X-ray Laser

First-of-its-kind measurements provide insights on reactions that could one day turn sunlight and water into fuels.

Scientists reported the first direct detection of a hydroperoxyalkyl radical—a class of reactive molecules denoted “QOOH”—that are key intermediates in combustion and atmospheric chemistry.

Combustion’s Mysterious “QOOH” Radicals Exposed

Direct measurement of an elusive but critical combustion molecule leads to more accurate models of ignition chemistry.

When gaseous carbon dioxide (center) is dissolved in water, its water-fearing or hydrophobic nature creates a cylindrical cavity in the liquid, setting the stage for the proton transfer reactions that produce carbonic acid

The Importance of Hydration

Spectroscopy combined with theory and computation determines the interaction between carbon dioxide and water.

The matrix-free ionization platform consists of an array of silicon nanoposts.

One in a Million: Analyzing Metabolites in a Single Cell

Commercialized nanopost array platform reveals metabolic changes in individual cells due to environmental stress.

A Super Uranyl-binding Protein with high affinity and selectivity could be used to mine uranium from seawater in the future.

Skimming Uranium from the Sea

Using computational methods, scientists tailor and adapt proteins to mine uranium from seawater.

Fan-cooled heat sink on a microprocessor.

Hundred-Fold Improvement in Temperature Mapping Reveals the Stresses Inside Tiny Transistors

New nanoscale thermal imaging technique shows heat building up inside microprocessors, providing new information to help solve heat-related performance issues.

The top figure shows the energy/time distribution of the twin bunches measured with an X-band transverse deflector.

Two-color X-rays Give Scientists 3-D View of the Unknown

Pairs of precisely tuned X-ray pulses uncover ultrafast processes and previously unmapped structures.

High-speed photographs of a falling water droplet on a nanostructured surface (top) before, (middle) during, and (bottom) after impact.

Super Water-Repellant Coatings Can Now Take the Pressure

Careful tuning of a surface at the nanoscale could lead to robust materials for solar panels, other uses.

Formation of large-scale 3D binary crystals with predictable lattice symmetry, as determined by the cubic geometry and DNA-encoded interactions between cubes and spheres (scale bar: 500nm)

Nanoscale Building Blocks and DNA “Glue” Help Shape 3D Architectures

New approach to design and assemble tiny composite materials could advance energy storage.