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Tag: Molecular Foundry

Improved Desalination Process Also Removes Toxic Metals to Produce Clean Water

UC Berkeley chemists synthesized a flexible polymer membrane incorporating nanoparticles called “porous aromatic frameworks.” The membrane selectively absorbs nearly 100% of metals such as mercury, copper, or iron during desalination, more efficiently producing clean, safe water. The membrane can incorporate a single type of tuned nanoparticle if the metal is to be recovered – or several different types, each tuned to absorb a different metal or ionic compound if multiple contaminants need to be removed in one step. (Credit: Adam Uliana/UC Berkeley)

The Future Looks Bright for Infinitely Recyclable Plastic

Person standing in front of plastic compressed recycling blocks

The Spintronics Technology Revolution Could Be Just a Hopfion Away

Artist’s drawing of characteristic 3D spin texture of a magnetic hopfion. Top layer shows a simulation of the spin structure viewed with surface-sensitive X-PEEM; bottom layer is a simulation of a bulk-sensitive X-ray transmission microscopy image; middle layer – colors indicate the varying direction of the spins showing the winding characteristic. (Credit: Peter Fischer and Frances Hellman/Berkeley Lab)

Designing Selective Membranes for Batteries Using a Drug Discovery Toolbox

Illustration of caged lithium ions in a new polymer membrane for lithium batteries. Scientists at Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry used a drug-discovery toolbox to design the selective membranes. The technology could enable more efficient flows in batteries and energy storage devices. (Credit: Artem Baskin/Berkeley Lab)

Century-Old Problem Solved With First-Ever 3D Atomic Imaging of an Amorphous Solid

At left, an experimental 3D atomic model of a metallic glass nanoparticle, 8 nanometers in diameter. Right: The 3D atomic packing of a supercluster within the structure. Differently colored balls represent different types of atoms. (Courtesy of Yao Yang and Jianwei “John” Miao/UCLA)

This Hydrogen Fuel Machine Could Be the Ultimate Guide to Self-Improvement

VIDEO: Revealing the Nano Big Bang – Scientists Observe the First Milliseconds of Crystal Formation

Molecular Foundry gold crystal

Do You Know the Way to Berkelium, Californium?

berkelium californium heavy elements

VIDEO: On the Line: Watching Nanoparticles Get in Shape

nanoparticles-cosmetics

New Research Technique Sheds Light on Least Understood Part of Lithium Batteries

A user works on MALDI at the Molecular Foundry

Shine On: Avalanching Nanoparticles Break Barriers to Imaging Cells in Real Time

avalanching nanoparticles make possible real-time bioimaging

Speeding Toward Improved Hydrogen Fuel Production

An illustration of the 2D boron nitride substrate with imperfections that host tiny nickel clusters. The catalyst aids the chemical reaction that removes hydrogen from liquid chemical carriers, making it available for use as a fuel. (Credit: Jeff Urban/Berkeley Lab)