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Energy-resolved neutron experiments provide insights into novel energy technologies

An international research team has used neutrons to study the nanometer-scale dynamics of water inside concrete. This is not only key to concrete strength, but also for the development of green concrete and environment-related applications.

The replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy is a key requirement to achieve climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. Energy storage systems are a crucial technology for this global energy transition due to the intermittent nature of renewables. A recent publication – describing a biomimetic energy storage system inspired by the structure of naturally-occurring methane hydrate – highlights the unique contribution of neutrons to help tackle this societal challenge and advance towards a sustainable future.

A recently published study uses neutron scattering to shed light on texturisation - the black box for plant-based meat analogues - through in-situ real-time observations of the process. The challenge is increasingly relevant for the food industry as consumer concerns about sustainability, health and animal welfare rise.

Over 100 scientists and industry experts gathered in Grenoble last week for the International Operando Battery Days (OBATT'24). The event focused on exploring  new ways to analyse battery materials using cutting-edge tools and methods, both in-lab and at Large Scale Facilities such as the ILL and ESRF. These tools will help us understand how battery materials behave during real-world use, ultimat…

Figure 1. (a) Illustration of hard, borderline, and soft metal-chelator-like traps within the MOF-808 scaffold. (b) Illustration of tentative placement of the mercaptosuccinic molecules into the MOF-808 pore space and their coordination to Hg(II). (c) Coordination modes of dimercaptosuccinic acid…

Polymers – macromolecules composed of repeating subunits called monomers – are everywhere. Proteins, DNA, starch and cellulose are all examples of naturally occurring polymers, while synthetic polymer materials – considered one of the most important inventions of modern times – are involved in mos…

High-resolution neutron imaging can uncover the workings of an electrolytic cell designed to turn the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. Experimental setup: Cell fixture and neutron detector/cell alignment. a an explosion view of the custom-built electrolysis cell (End plates: S…

Sketch of Pt nanoparticles on a Aluminium oxide support in interaction with different amount of dihydrogen molecules. Credit ACS / E. Vottero The societal impact of catalysts – substances used to influence the rate or outcome of a chemical reaction – is immense. Es…

Neutron spectroscopy provides a range of tools to study the structural dynamics of semiconducting organic materials for novel solar cells with improved power conversion efficiency.

Dirty windows can harbour potentially harmful pollutants under protective films of fatty acids from cooking emissions – and these can hang around over long periods of time.According to a new study, led by researchers at the University of Birmingham, the fatty acids contained within cooking emissions are highly stable and not easily broken down in the atmosphere. …

Linear vs Circular economy. Designing sophisticated new materials - competitively functional, durable and highly recyclable – is the common goal of the 50 analytical research infrastructures of the European ARIE network, which joined forces in ReMade@ARI. The ILL w…