Argonne National Laboratory

Press Releases

Date Postedsort ascending
Lithium ions react with silicon to form a new compound, which causes the electrode to expand. Researchers found that flouroethylene carbonate molecules produce a rubber-like protective layer that can accommodate the electrode expansion. Infographic by Sana Sandler/Sarah Schlieder; click to view larger.
 Protective shells may boost silicon lithium-ion batteries

Researchers found that fluoroethylene carbonate creates a rubber-like protective shell around the negative electrode inside silicon-based lithium-ion batteries.

 August 5, 2015
Argonne researcher Jim Sevik tightens the fuel rail on a natural gas direct-injection system at the lab. The engine is an automotive size single-cylinder research engine that operates with gasoline as well as natural gas. (Click to view larger.)
 Argonne working with Ford and FCA US to study dual-fuel vehicles

It’s not as challenging as mixing oil and water, but scientists at Argonne are partnering with industry to study a tricky fuel mixing problem that could lead to more efficient engines.

 July 9, 2015
The 3D X-ray imaging technique used in the study shows how the defects move around inside the LNMO spinel as the battery is charged to higher voltages. (Image courtesy of Andrew Ulvestad/Department of Physics, Jacobs School of Engineering/UC San Diego; click to view larger.)
 X-ray imaging reveals secrets in battery materials

In a new study, researchers explain why one particular cathode material works well at high voltages, while most other cathodes do not. The insights could help battery developers design rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that operate at higher voltages.

 June 22, 2015
Chemist Amanda Youker operates a remote manipulator arm in a radiation-shielded cell. The cell is used for the purification of molybdenum-99 in a process recently demonstrated by Argonne that could lead to a domestic source of the important medical isotope. (Photo by Wes Agresta; click to view larger).
 Argonne confirms new commercial method for producing medical isotope

Argonne National Laboratory recently teamed with SHINE Medical Technologies to demonstrate the production, separation and purification of a critical medical radioisotope that is used in millions of medical procedures each year, but is not produced domestically.

 June 15, 2015
From left, researchers Ani Sumant, Ali Erdemir, Subramanian Sankaranarayanan, Sanket Deshmukh, and Diana Berman combined diamond, graphene, and carbon to achieve superlubricity. (Click image to view larger.)
 Slip sliding away: Graphene and diamonds prove a slippery combination

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have found a way to use tiny diamonds and graphene to give friction the slip, creating a new material combination that demonstrates the rare phenomenon of “superlubricity.”

 May 22, 2015
Argonne mechanical engineer Sibendu Som and computational scientist Raymond Bair discuss combustion engine simulations conducted by researchers using the CONVERGE code at the Virtual Engine Research Institute and Fuels Initiative (VERIFI). (Click image to view larger.)
 VERIFI code optimization yields three-fold increase in engine simulation speed

VERIFI has taken the next step in its work with Convergent Science, Inc., optimizing the code running the company’s CONVERGE engine modeling software and achieving a three-fold increase in speed. The new code allowed VERIFI to recently run the largest engine simulation conducted to date.

 May 7, 2015
This wafer of nanocrystalline diamond provides one example of the technology that AKHAN Semiconductor has licensed from Argonne. Photo courtesy of Ani Sumant. (Click image to enlarge)
 Argonne announces new licensing agreement with AKHAN Semiconductor

Argonne has announced a new intellectual property licensing agreement with AKHAN Semiconductor, continuing a productive public-private partnership that will bring diamond-based semiconductor technologies to market.

 November 19, 2014
Experts are developing new engine combustion models that incorporate accurate descriptions of two-phase flows, chemistry, transport phenomena and device geometries to provide predictive simulations of engine and fuel performance. Click to enlarge.
 Caterpillar, Argonne undertake cooperative virtual engine design, control project

Internal combustion engines are poised for dramatic breakthroughs in improving efficiency with lower emissions, thanks in part to low-temperature combustion regimes. Such regimes show great efficiency and emissions potential, but they present optimization and control challenges that must be addressed before they enter the engine mainstream.

 June 30, 2014
Researchers have discovered how to overcome technical challenges that hindered use of Stabilized Lithium Metal Powder (SLMP®) in commercial applications by devising a way to incorporate a safe form of the lithium powder into any type of Li-ion battery, including those used for electric vehicles, enabling greater energy density, extended cycle-life and reduced manufacturing costs. Click to enlarge.
 FMC-Argonne project could expand use of company's lithium technology

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory working with FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC), Charlotte, N.C., have developed novel materials that would help expand technology and product development by industries using the company's unique Stabilized Lithium Metal Powder (SLMP®).

 May 28, 2014
Argonne researchers Michael Thackeray (left) and Khalil Amine, along with others at Argonne, co-developed battery materials that improve battery range and reliability, while simultaneously improving safety and reducing manufacturing cost. Click to enlarge.
 Argonne battery technology confirmed by U.S. Patent Office

The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory is pleased to announce that after a careful reexamination of the relevant prior patents and publications, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has confirmed the novelty of U.S. Patent 6,677,082.

 January 29, 2014