Computational approaches often use abstract mathematical expressions to digitally simulate experiments that are too complex or expensive to first perform in the lab. However, it is vital to bridge the understanding from this basic computational level to physical realizations. Enter the interdisciplinary work of the Energy Frontier Research Centers.Laila Jaber-Ansari
Cary Hayner is a Ph.D. student, a scientist at the Center for Electrical Energy Storage and the Chief Technology Officer at SiNode Systems, a business that is developing silicon/graphene anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The anodes provide higher energy densities and faster charge and discharge rates. Learn about how his work at the Center translated into entrepreneurship and see what it takes to balance Ph.D. studies with everything else.Ryan Stolley
"The lasting legacy of EFRCs is in the nurturing of early career scientists," said Maureen MCann, director of the Center for Direct Catalytic Conversion of Biomass to Biofuels, an Energy Frontier Research Center or EFRC. As a mentor, she draws upon the sense of wonder and a love of science instilled in her by her parents, with a little help from Sherlock Holmes and Star Trek's Spock. Read about McCann and her thoughts on mentoring, the future energy landscape, and chocolate.
A porous carbon electrode developed by researchers presents a platform to significantly improve a battery's kick and decrease charging times...
Ralph L. House
Common beliefs about the role of carbon nanotubes in lithium-ion batteries and other electrochemical composites have been turned on their head...
Scientists used biomass-based sugars to produce a chemical typically synthesized from petroleum...
Scientists designed an efficient artificial leaf able to perform the same photosynthetic mechanism as plants, algae, and microorganisms do....
A new computation-based method predicts the problems energy-storing and -releasing catalysts may face...
Scientists discovered that placing a copper/zinc catalyst on a support with a cage-like structure stops troubling clusters from forming if the cages are connected by openings smaller than the catalytic particles...
Scientists discovered that covering the active surface of a catalyst with a non-active material is far from crazy...
Ralph L. House and Marina Faiella
Dina Sharon is packing her bags to study in Israel, thanks to a Fulbright U.S. student award, a highly competitive, merit-based grant for international educational exchange...