July 16, 2026
The hidden role of water
How neutrons help decode ion transport membranes essential for energy transition devices.
News
June 29, 2026
Can concrete waste help store CO₂?
Operando neutron and X-ray tomography reveal how water transport and cracking shape carbonation in cement paste
June 23, 2026
Peeking into pores
A powerful synergy of in-situ neutron imaging and numerical models gives rise to a novel model describing water vapour condensation in porous materials
March 11, 2026
Designing Materials That Defy Heat Flow
Linking simple physical rules, machine learning and neutron spectroscopy to discover crystals with record-low thermal conductivity
Feb. 12, 2026
Cooling without gases: molecular design brings solid-state cooling closer to reality
A recent study shows that small molecular modifications can make barocaloric materials respond more reliably under pressure, supporting the development of solid-state cooling technologies without climate-damaging refrigerant gases.
Feb. 2, 2026
Small fibres - big effect
Neutrons take a glimpse inside the molecular structure of plant-based foods
Nov. 7, 2025
Neutrons for the energy transition
Incorporating specifically tuned MOFs in a polymer membrane significantly enhances carbon dioxyde-methane separation performance, key in biogas purification. Neutron scattering measurements at ILL’s instrument IN1/Lagrange unveil the reasons why.
Sept. 25, 2025
Phospholipids on a pea
Neutron reflectometry provides valuable insights into the molecular intricacies of plant-based food.
June 5, 2025
Towards the energy materials of the future: a walk through ionic conduction with neutrons
Ionic conduction is a key processes in energy materials. Understanding it in detail is essential for developing more performant batteries and fuel cells. A recent article provides a tutorial and research review on the role of neutrons in advancing the field.
April 22, 2025
'til membranes do us part: neutrons reveal the molecular mechanism behind sustainable lithium extraction
Researchers designed novel membranes to extract precious lithium ions from brine solutions and used neutrons to obtain a deeper understanding of their mechanism
March 19, 2025
Understanding water management in CO2 recycling with neutrons
... or assessing ‘power naps’ for electrolysers | A recent study uses high resolution neutron imaging at the ILL to examine water dynamics in a carbon dioxide electrolysis cells - selected as research highlight in Nature Catalysis.
March 10, 2025
Much more than a drop in the ocean: how neutrons help optimise sustainable technology
Using ILL's neutron imaging instrument NeXT, researchers were able to visualise how different fuel cells manage their only reactant product: water. This study demonstrates the uniquely important role of neutrons in the design of tomorrow's energy conversion technologies.