July 16, 2026
The hidden role of water
How neutrons help decode ion transport membranes essential for energy transition devices.
Energy
Among the many valuable properties of neutrons, there is one that really lights up the energy sector! Their sensitivity to light atoms such as hydrogen, lithium and oxygen places neutrons firmly at the forefront of the exploration of the complex materials used in the energy sector. From batteries and fuel cells to nuclear power and renewable energies, neutrons open up new opportunities to investigate matter and transform the world of energy.
Highlights
July 9, 2026
Neutrons catch lithium in motion inside a solid-state battery
For the first time, neutron diffraction experiments at the ILL have tracked lithium movement in real time inside a working solid-state battery, revealing hidden structural complexity and new clues for smarter battery design
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.
Nov. 14, 2025
Two NEPHEWS Twinning participants on the IN1-Lagrange spectrometer at the ILL
The NEPHEWS Twinning Programme gives researchers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with neutron experiments at the ILL and to learn directly from beamline scientists. Participants benefit from short placements that combine observation, practical training, and guidance on how to integrate neutron techniques into their own research.Two recent participants took part in experiments on the I…
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.