Argonne’s work in energy science and engineering (ESE) is rooted in its strong scientific and engineering expertise in the physical sciences, chemical sciences, nuclear, and mechanical engineered systems, and in the decision and information sciences.

For decades, ESE researchers have played an important role in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE’s) research in basic science and applied areas related to energy:

The researchers run the ATLAS accelerator and other related facilities to explore properties and understand the inner workings of nuclei. This knowledge will help in developing future energy applications.

Researchers model, synthesize, and characterize materials at length scales from nanometer size to macroscale because materials issues are often the limiting factor in the extreme environments for energy production and use.

Researchers develop chemical and materials processes at the laboratory bench and engineer the processes to allow for scale-up to the level needed for commercialization in applications that range from nuclear fuel reprocessing to battery production.

Researchers lead in the production and testing of batteries and fuel cells for transportation.

Researchers analyze fuel production options and critical infrastructure issues by using a multitude of computation power and models tailored to meet stakeholder needs.

In addition, ESE researchers are very involved in conduct of research and development work necessary to meet national and homeland security needs. ESE researchers experience in nuclear research, from developing commercial nuclear power options to evaluating nuclear waste storage issues, provides the credibility and experience base for the nonproliferation efforts.

The current nonproliferation research includes programs to enhance international export controls on nuclear-related technologies, as well as DOE-led worldwide efforts to convert nuclear research and test reactors from highly enriched reactor fuels to low-enrichment fuels and to repatriate to the United States, from Russia and other countries, highly enriched fuels potentially usable for weapons.

Researchers have developed major research efforts in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, particularly in the area of critical infrastructure protection. ESE researchers have also developed unique research programs in biological, chemical, and nuclear sensor technologies in conjunction with regional universities and state and local governments and is a resource for emergency response, transportation security, and crisis management for communities in the upper Midwest.

Finally, ESE researchers are leaders in fundamental sciences to explore the basic underpinnings of world we live in, the materials we employ, and the universe around us. The research explores the origin of matter through develop of sensors and analysis of results from the very best accelerators and tools in the world. ESE researchers are leaders in the exploration of superconductivity and now superinsulation. ESE researchers conduct exciting research in fields that range from nuclear and high-energy physics to fundamental materials and chemistry properties.

The pages and links here provide but a glimpse into the breadth of work ESE researchers conduct and the exciting discoveries and applications that result. Peruse, study, and enjoy the work that is being conducted today to meet the energy demands and environmental constraints for the future.

Vasil Sidorov on September 12, 2009  E-mail: sidorovvasil@gmail.com

From Argonne National Laboratory Reports