Two graphs showing X-ray data and one diagram with multicolored spheres showing lanthanide separation under 2D confinement.

A greener possibility using lanthanide separation in two dimensions

Lanthanides and other rare earth elements are quite difficult to separate and purify from the other materials with which they're usually found. Because of the great value and utility of these metals for many purposes, including electronics, computing, and various industrial processes that rely on their unique electronic and chemical properties, that difficulty is a major problem. Researchers using the Advanced Photon Source took inspiration from nature to examine a new possibility for lanthanide separation.

Structural diagrams of a catalyst and a hydrogen atom showing changes during catalysis.

Isolating active sites for more efficient catalysts

Scientists are always searching for new catalysts to enable fast, energy-efficient chemical reactions to transform wastes into useful chemical fuels, such as converting carbon dioxide to methane. Single-site catalysts are a promising new class of catalyst. Researchers using the Advanced Photon Source have demonstrated a design for single-site catalysts that resist aggregating and retain their high efficiency.

 

Diagrams of the structure of bismuth atoms during bonding interactions.

Combining the scaffolding and the chain: a method for producing one-dimensional electronic behavior in bulk crystals

Scientists are exploring materials whose electronic properties could reduce the amount of resistive heating created by the transistors in computer chips. These new materials incorporate a one-dimensional electronic structure---meaning that the electrons which create current are confined to a single dimension---inside a three-dimensional crystal with insulating properties.

Graphs and data visualizations show the results of X-ray experiments and calculations.

Hiding helium in helides in fusion reactors

Materials chosen for fusion reactors need to be able to withstand radiation damage and the effects of transmutation atoms such as helium. Previous work has suggested that nano-heterophases might offer greater radiation resistance and helium tolerance, but experimental evidence has been inconclusive. Researchers used the APS to probe further and settle the question. 

A blue 3D rectangle signifying the gallium nitride material under study in this research alongside a graph showing changes in the structure of the material.

The answer to low-temperature annealing is blowing in the electron wind

Seeking a different way to heal crystallographic defects, tested a low-temperature annealing technique utilizing electron wind force (EWF) to “push” defects out of materials. Evaluation showed that EWF is a viable, low-temperature way to reduce defects in degraded gallium nitride devices and partially recover electrical performance.

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