Researchers discover faster, more energy-efficient way to manufacture an industrially important chemical

The reactivity of zirconium on silicon nitride enhances the conversion of propane into propylene, a key commodity chemical needed to make polypropylene. This finding hints at the reactivity researchers might achieve with other nontraditional catalysts.

Scientists develop new artificial intelligence method to create material ​‘fingerprints’

Researchers at the Advanced Photon Source and Center for Nanoscale Materials of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new technique that pairs artificial intelligence and X-ray science.

Not all calcite crystals are as perfect as they appear

Researchers used complementary imaging techniques to explore the impact of synthesis approaches on the nanoscopic internal structure of apparently perfect calcite particles, which has implications for contaminant sequestration and carbon storage.

Shine on: Upgraded Advanced Photon Source sees first X-ray light for science

After a decade of planning and a year of removal, installation and commissioning, the upgraded Advanced Photon Source has delivered its first photons to a scientific beamline. This paves the way for the start of a new era of scientific discovery at the upgraded facility.

Unlocking the mystery behind the performance decline in a promising cathode material

Researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory have discovered the main reason why and how one of the more promising new cathode materials degrades with repeated cycling of lithium-ion batteries. The team’s new analysis method was key to the discovery.

Argonne engineers develop one-of-a-kind instruments and facilities for scientific discovery

A group of engineers at Argonne National Laboratory is uniquely equipped to design, model and install experimental systems that enable pioneering scientific research.

Aurora supercomputer heralds a new era of scientific innovation

Argonne’s Aurora supercomputer represents a leap forward in scientific research. Offering unprecedented speed and power, advanced hardware, and AI capabilities, Aurora ushers in a new era of supercomputing to revolutionize the way scientists conduct research and achieve breakthroughs.

Keane wins 2024 Gopal K. Shenoy Excellence in Beamline Science Award

Denis T. Keane, of Northwestern University, was named the 2024 recipient of the Gopal K. Shenoy Excellence in Beamline Science Award which recognizes beamline scientists for their contributions to research or instrumentation at the Advanced Photon Source.

Scientists pioneer autonomous robotic method for studying liquids suspended in air

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have used robots and artificial intelligence to dramatically speed up data collection and analysis in X-ray studies of liquids.

High school students working with Argonne and Fermilab qualify for the NAACP Olympics

Under mentorship from Argonne and Fermilab experts, six high school students went on to participate in the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics in Boston in July.

Speaking my language: Robert Winarski’s background helps him coordinate beamline installation for the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade

With the year-long shutdown underway, the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade project is in the midst of building seven new beamlines, constructing the infrastructure for two more, and updating several more existing beamlines. Robert Winarski is coordinating all of this work, and his background as a scientist who has constructed beamlines is key to his success.

Argonne’s self-driving lab accelerates the discovery process for materials with multiple applications

Researchers have a new scientific tool called Polybot, combining the power of artificial intelligence with robotics. This autonomous discovery lab is leading the way in transforming scientific research on sustainable and bio-inspired microelectronics.

Cai wins 2023 Gopal K. Shenoy Excellence in Beamline Science Award

Zhonghou Cai is the 2023 recipient of the Gopal K. Shenoy Excellence in Beamline Science Award. The annual award recognizes active beamline scientists at the Advanced Photon Source for significant contributions to research or instrumentation and support of the beamline user community.

Dixit receives 2023 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award

Marm Dixit, of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, was named the 2023 recipient of the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award given by the Advanced Photon Source user organization which recognizes important scientific or technical accomplishments at the facility by a young investigator.

How Argonne is pushing the boundaries of quantum technology research

With its Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Center (Q-NEXT) and its quantum research team, Argonne is a hub for research that could change the way we process and transmit information.

Sixbert Muhoza studies a new class of materials that could help fight climate change

A scholar in Argonne’s Applied Materials Division, Sixbert Muhoza is studying a new class of materials called MXenes that could improve batteries and help convert carbon dioxide to fuel.

Laser shots at National Ignition Facility could spark additional discoveries in astrophysics

Using the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS), a team of scientists is studying the environment created during laser shots at the National Ignition Facility to better understand its potential as a testbed for nuclear astrophysics research.

An innovative twist on quantum bits: Tubular nanomaterial of carbon makes ideal home for spinning quantum bits

Scientists develop method for chemically modifying nanoscale tubes of carbon atoms, so they can host spinning electrons to serve as stable quantum bits in quantum technologies.

Argonne scientist develops new X-ray data reconstruction method

A new software package developed by Argonne will help scientists reconstruct data from X-ray tomography experiments at the Advanced Photon Source up to 30 times faster than current methods.

ComEd report shows how science and supercomputers help utilities adapt to climate change

Shifting climates are causing utility companies to take a closer look at the current and future power needs of their customers. Northern Illinois’ ComEd and Argonne National Laboratory used science to glimpse the future.

Scientists turn single molecule clockwise or counterclockwise on demand

Argonne scientists report they can precisely rotate a single molecule on demand. The key ingredient is a single atom of europium, a rare earth element. It rests at the center of a complex of other atoms and gives the molecule many practical applications.

Scientists enhance stability of new material for solar cells

Scientists at the University of Missouri used Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source to identify the structure of a perovskite material grown using chemical vapor deposition, potentially representing a breakthrough for solar cells.

4 science advances coming in the exascale era

To celebrate Exascale Day, Argonne highlights some of the projects poised to make scientific breakthroughs on the upcoming Aurora exascale computer. Their research explores the spread of cancer, fusion energy, brain mapping, particle physics and more.

5 big strides from Argonne towards nuclear energy’s future

Nuclear energy is an exciting carbon-free energy source. Recent work at Argonne National Laboratory shows how nuclear energy can improve and why it is such an enticing resource in the fight against climate change.

Scientists use machine learning to accelerate materials discovery

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have recently demonstrated an automated process for identifying and exploring promising new materials by combining machine learning (ML) and high performance computing.

Helping companies improve energy efficiency through high performance computing

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory with $600,000 in federal funding to work on two new projects that will advance cutting edge manufacturing and clean energy technologies.

Powered by artificial intelligence, Argonne technology eyes bird activity at solar facilities

The World Health Organization says monkeypox is a global health emergency. Scientists use ultrabright X-ray beams and diffraction imagery to understand how poxviruses behave. This can accelerate development of critical vaccines and treatments for monkeypox and other poxviruses.

Secrets from space: Advanced Photon Source helps illuminate the journey of a 4 billion-year-old asteroid

An international collaboration of scientists has published results of their studies into the makeup and history of asteroid 163173 Ryugu. These results tell us more about the formation of our solar system and the history of this nearby neighbor.

New cathode design solves major barrier to better lithium-ion batteries

New method for preparing cathode materials eliminates stumbling block to better lithium-ion batteries. New structure for cathode particles could lead to new generation of longer-lasting and safer batteries able to power vehicles for longer driving ranges.