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Caption: The Na-CO2 battery developed at ORNL, consisting of two electrodes in a saltwater solution, pulls atmospheric carbon dioxide into its electrochemical reaction, and releases only valuable biproducts. Credit: Andy Sproles/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Researchers at ORNL are developing battery technologies to fight climate change in two ways, by expanding the use of renewable energy and capturing airborne carbon dioxide. 

Chapman recognized for work as peer reviewer

Joseph Chapman, a research scientist in quantum communications at ORNL, was given the Physical Review Applied Reviewer Excellence 2024 award for his work as a peer reviewer for the journal Physical Review Applied.

Jiafu Mao, left, and Yaoping Wang discuss their analysis of urban and rural vegetation resilience across the United States in the EVEREST visualization lab at ORNL. Credit: Carlos Jones, ORNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy

Scientists at ORNL completed a study of how well vegetation survived extreme heat events in both urban and rural communities across the country in recent years. The analysis informs pathways for climate mitigation, including ways to reduce the effect of urban heat islands.

Testing with ORNL tribology equipment found that new ionic liquid-based lubricant additives developed for water turbines significantly reduced friction and equipment wear. Credit: Genevieve Martin, ORNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed lubricant additives that protect both water turbine equipment and the surrounding environment.

David Pointer

ORNL has named W. David Pointer, director of the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division in ORNL’s Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate. As director, Pointer will lead a world-class team of ORNL research professionals focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by current and future nuclear energy systems. 

Scott Curran, group leader for Fuel Science and Engine Technologies Research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been named a fellow of SAE International and ASME. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

ORNL's Scott Curran, group leader for Fuel Science and Engine Technologies Research, has been named a fellow of SAE International and ASME.

ORNL’s Thomas Proffen, mentee recognized by National Center for Women & Information Technology

Thomas Proffen, a neutron scattering scientist at ORNL and founder of Oak Ridge Computer Science Girls, was recognized with an award from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, or NCWIT. In addition, one of his students received a national honor from the organization. 

Neutron Scattering Society

The Neutron Scattering Society of America, or NSSA, recognized Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Ke An and Ken Herwig as fellows for their outstanding contributions to neutron scattering. 

Jens Dilling has been named associate laboratory director for the Neutron Sciences Directorate at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, effective April 1.

Jens Dilling has been named associate laboratory director for the Neutron Sciences Directorate at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, effective April 1.

ORNL’s Alexey Serov will serve as a deputy director of the R2R Consortium. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, US Department of Energy

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory is providing national leadership in a new collaboration among five national laboratories to accelerate U.S. production of clean hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers.