Energy science

Researchers at SLAC are developing experimental techniques to evaluate new candidates for inertial fusion energy targets. 

His visit highlighted the breadth of our world-class research and the people and collaborations that make it possible. A key theme of the day: how SLAC and the National Labs are advancing AI to accelerate discovery.

Researchers taking the first-ever direct measurement of atom temperature in extremely hot materials inadvertently disproved a decades-old theory and upended our understanding of superheating. 

SLAC researchers drew on advanced computation and X-ray methods to track down a water-splitting copper catalyst.

The team watched how a strained strontium titanate membrane crossed into ferroelectric – and quantum – territory. 

Using SLAC’s X-ray laser, the method revealed atomic motions in a simple catalyst, opening the door to study more complex molecules key to chemical processes in industry and nature.

In this Q&A, Arianna Gleason discusses the technologies needed to make commercialized fusion energy a reality and how SLAC is advancing this energy frontier. 

Developed at SSRL, the method could help make those electrochemical conversions more robust and efficient.

Advanced imaging technique reveals catalyst degradation processes, addressing a key barrier to converting carbon dioxide into liquid fuel.

Nickel dopants could improve sustainable production of ethylene oxide, a chemical widely used in industrial manufacturing.

Supported by SLAC’s catalysis group, researchers have discovered a promising method to remove contaminants during the making of polymers.

SSRL scientists have figured out how platinum electrodes dissolve, potentially paving the way for renewable energy improvements.