She toured the lab’s powerful X-ray laser, looked at the construction of the world’s largest digital camera, and discussed climate research, industries of the future, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the sciences.

Scientists have documented a process that makes these next-gen batteries lose charge – and eventually some of their capacity for storing energy – even when a device is turned off.

Cui was honored for his work on materials chemistry for energy and the environment, and Wechsler for scientific contributions and leadership of large programs in cosmology.

The results show how a particle’s surface and interior influence each other, an important thing to know when developing more robust batteries.