Chemistry & Catalysis

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November 7, 2018
Press Release
Researchers create most complete high-res atomic movie of photosynthesis to date
In a major step forward, SLAC’s X-ray laser captures all four stable states of the process that produces the oxygen we breathe, as well as fleeting steps in between. The work opens doors to understanding the past and creating a greener future.
Atomic movie
November 6, 2018
News Feature
Dancing atoms in perovskite materials provide insight into how solar cells work
A new study is a step forward in understanding why perovskite materials work so well in energy devices and potentially leads the way toward a theorized “hot” technology that would significantly improve the efficiency of today’s solar cells.
Neutron scattering
August 21, 2018
News Feature
Students affected by Hurricane Maria bring their research to SLAC
This summer, five graduate students from the University of Puerto Rico had the opportunity to use SLAC’s world-class facilities to keep their studies on track.
University of Puerto Rico Interns
August 2, 2018
News Feature
In a first, scientists precisely measure how synthetic diamonds grow
A SLAC-Stanford study reveals exactly what it takes for diamond to crystallize around a “seed” cluster of atoms. The results apply to industrial processes and to what happens in clouds overhead.
Illustration of diamondoid and diamond crystals
July 25, 2018
News Feature
Department of Energy Announces $30 Million for “Ultrafast” Science
Tony Heinz and Z-X Shen will receive funding for research focused on catalysis and novel states of matter.
July 5, 2018
Press Release
SLAC’s Ultra-High-Speed ‘Electron Camera’ Catches Molecules at a Crossroads
To break, or not to break: An unprecedented atomic movie captures the moment when molecules decide how to respond to light.
UED Bond Breaking
May 15, 2018
News Feature
Scientists Turn X-ray Laser Into World’s Fastest Water Heater
Experiments at SLAC heated water from room temperature to 100,000 degrees Celsius in less than a millionth of a millionth of a second, producing an exotic state of water that could shed light on Earth’s most important liquid.
Illustration of water molecules hit by X-ray laser
March 26, 2018
News Feature
Q&A: Bruce Gates on the Molecules That Can Drive Chemical Reactions
The professor at University of California, Davis, describes his innovative work at SLAC’s synchrotron to search for simple, selective catalysts.
Portrait of Bruce Gates
February 22, 2018
News Feature
First Nanoscale Look at How Lithium Ions Navigate a Molecular Maze to Reach Battery Electrode
Streamlining their journey through the electrolyte could help lithium-ion batteries charge faster.
Illustration of molecular layers in battery electrolyte
February 21, 2018
Press Release
In a First, Tiny Diamond Anvils Trigger Chemical Reactions by Squeezing
Experiments with 'molecular anvils' mark an important advance for mechanochemistry, which has the potential to make chemistry greener and more precise.
Illustration of soft molecules attached to molecular anvils between diamond tips

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