Nanoparticle Supersoap Creates ‘Bijel’ With Potential as Sculptable Fluid
September 25th, 2017Berkeley Lab scientists used nanoparticle surfactants to create a new type of “bijel,” a material that holds promise as a malleable liquid with applications in liquid circuitry, energy conversion, and soft robotics.
Copper Catalyst Yields High Efficiency CO2-to-Fuels Conversion
September 18th, 2017Berkeley Lab scientists have developed a new electrocatalyst that can directly convert carbon dioxide into multicarbon fuels and alcohols using record-low inputs of energy. The work is the latest in a round of studies coming out of Berkeley Lab tackling the challenge of a creating a clean chemical manufacturing system that can put carbon dioxide to good use.
Solar-to-Fuel System Recycles CO2 to Make Ethanol and Ethylene
September 18th, 2017In a big step toward sun-powered fuel production, scientists at Berkeley Lab have used artificial photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons at efficiencies greater than plants. The achievement marks a significant advance in the effort to move toward sustainable sources of fuel.
New Study on Graphene-Wrapped Nanocrystals Makes Inroads Toward Next-Gen Fuel Cells
September 14th, 2017A new Berkeley Lab-led study provides insight into how an ultrathin coating can enhance the performance of graphene-wrapped nanocrystals for hydrogen storage applications.
Berkeley Lab Scientists Map Key DNA Protein Complex at Near-Atomic Resolution
September 13th, 2017Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), Berkeley Lab scientists have obtained 3-D models of a human transcription factor at near-atomic resolutions. The protein complex is critical to gene expression and DNA repair, and could aid research in targeted drug development.
X-ray Footprinting Solves Mystery of Metal-Breathing Protein
August 31st, 2017Berkeley Lab scientists have discovered the details of an unconventional coupling between a bacterial protein and a mineral that allows the bacterium to breathe when oxygen is not available.
New Results Reveal High Tunability of 2-D Material
August 25th, 2017A science team at Berkeley Lab has precisely measured some previously obscured properties of a 2-D semiconducting material known as moly sulfide, which opens up a new avenue to applications.
