Creating desirable materials requires salt, but not space
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 07:31
in Physics & Chemistry
(PhysOrg.com) -- When synthesizing specialized materials for energy-packed batteries, the problem is the template. The pattern for self-assembling the highly desired nanometer-sized spheres falls apart, producing irregular metal oxide clumps. Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory determined how to keep the template intact. The answer is as simple as adding salt to the process.