ORNL

Self-cleaning coating solves solar’s soiling problems

By Jessica McMathis / February 24, 2014

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new “low-cost superhydrophobic coating” that counteracts sun-blocking contaminates that settle on photovoltaic surfaces.

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Other materials science stories that may be of interest

By / August 27, 2012

These color-enhanced scanning electron microscope images show nanosheets resembling tiny rose petals. The nanosheets are key components of a new type of biosensor that can detect minute concentrations of glucose…

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$43M heading to 19 new ARPA-E energy storage projects, with nod to small businesses

By / August 2, 2012

DOE/ARPA-E has given the green light to 19 new projects related to energy storage with an emphasis on electric vehicle technologies, grid reliability and security. As part of this announcement,…

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NERSC also partnering in ‘Materials Project’ effort

By / November 4, 2011

Kristin Persson is one of the experts behind the Materials Project, the new computational tool aimed at taking the guesswork out of new materials discoveries. Credit: Roy Kaltschmidt, LBL. Right…

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Dow Kokam-ORNL agreement on Li-ion battery development aligns with federal AMP

By / August 25, 2011

Large-format lithium-ion battery displayed at 2010 Paris Motor Show. Credit: Dow Kokam. Coincidentally, there is another news item out of Oak Ridge National Lab, this one regarding a new $5.5…

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Imaging the electrochemical reaction in solid oxide fuel cells

By Eileen De Guire / August 25, 2011

Electrochemical strain microscopy images ion mobility. The overlay shows electrochemical activity of platinum nanoparticles on a yttria-stabilized zirconia surface, showing ionic activity along the triple phase boundaries. Credit: ORNL My…

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To infinitesimal and beyond – an electron structure explanation of supercapacitance

By Eileen De Guire / June 24, 2011

Computational modeling of carbon supercapacitors with the effects of surface curvature included. Credit: Jingsong Huang, ORNL A fair number of recent posts have been about nanostructured porous materials (PCCMs, diamond…

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New paint pigment for ceramic tiles can cool Thai roofs by 2°C

By / June 8, 2011

Houses in Thailand typically have steep roofs and may benefit from new, cooler ceramic tile pigment. Credit: Wikipedia. A two-degree temperature drop in room temperature may not sound like a…

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George C. Wei, 1949-2011

By / June 1, 2011

George Wei lost a brief battle with cancer on May 18, 2011. Wei was a staff scientist at Osram Sylvania (1992-present). He received his PhD in ceramics from MIT (1976)…

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Ceramic and glass business news from this week

By / April 1, 2011

Here’s what we are hearing (from press releases): Upgraded universal borescope from Schoelly Imaging offers modular advantage Schoelly Imaging Inc. announces an upgrade to its 4.0mm universal borescope, a modular borescope…

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