Science Highlights
New study reveals chemical transformations of ambient organic aerosols
Agents of change
Released: June 14, 2013
Scientists used EMSL’s nano-DESI and mass spectrometry capabilities to analyze the molecular composition of atmospheric organic aerosols, or OA, and uncovered a new method for investigating OA that may lead to more precise climate models.
First view of micellar bundles revealed by EMSL electron microscopy tools, techniques
Micelle microscopy
Released: May 28, 2013
As part of a study, reported in PNAS, to better understand how to tailor micelles—whose applications range from oil recovery to drug delivery—the first high-resolution view of micellar bundles formed from a solution of wormlike micelles was made possible by EMSL.
Biofilms move electrons long distances across two distinct layers, even under starving conditions
Long distance
Released: May 23, 2013
Bacteria can move electrons at least half a millimeter across a scaffolding made by themselves, of themselves, even under starving conditions—this new finding by EMSL staff and users challenges conventional wisdom.
EMSL’s Chinook provides a new angle for validating pore-scale flow simulations
Go with the flow
Released: May 16, 2013
Scientifically, simply “going with the flow” can have great implications. In natural porous media, such as soils, subsoil vadose zones, and aquifer systems, accurately simulating detailed flow velocity fields can elucidate a multitude of macroscopic phenomena.
EMSL tools reveal morphology, growth mechanisms of precipitates from scCO2 storage
Rods and rosettes
Released: April 16, 2013
A study that revealed new details about the geochemistry of scCO2 underground storage, made possible with EMSL’s helium ion microscope, is featured on the April 2013 cover of Microscopy and Microanalysis.
Theory models, EMSL capabilities illuminate how particles grow in the atmosphere
From clusters to clouds
Released: April 09, 2013
With EMSL’s mass spectrometry capabilities, scientists examined and modeled kinetics and energetics of clusters that may serve as precursors to atmospheric new particle formation. Their discoveries may improve the accuracy of existing atmospheric models.
Micromodels redefine how bubbles characterize CO2 gas flow
Breaking down the bubbly
Released: March 20, 2013
EMSL's Microfabrication and Subsurface Flow and Transport capabilities helped scientists model how mobile bubbles in reservoir storage conditions create a flow barrier from exsolved carbon dioxide, which shows promise for future geological sequestration.
Nanoclusters in steel add strength, stability under irradiated conditions
A steel trap
Released: March 05, 2013
Scientists using various analysis tools at EMSL to examine and quantify complex nanoclusters within oxide dispersion strengthened steels have a new view of how these metal materials display resistance and stability under a range of irradiation conditions.
