News

August 3, 2026

1 MIN READ

Controlling Exsolution Dynamics in High-Entropy Oxides

Scientific Achievement: Exsolution behavior in high-entropy oxides (HEOs) were rationally tuned through coupled lattice- and valence-engineering, resulting in a highly active and selective catalyst for acetylene semi-hydrogenation to ethylene.Significance and Impact: This work establishes entropy-enabled lattice and valence engineering as a facile route to programmable exsolution for enhanced catalysis in diverse processes such as dry reforming of methane or reduction of alkynes to olefins.DOI: 10.1002/anie.9920205

May 13, 2026

1 MIN READ

Weakly Solvating Electrolytes Regulate Li+ Solvation and Interphase Chemistry

Scientific Achievement: Weakly solvating electrolytes revealed that reduced Li⁺ solvent coordination promotes stable anion-derived interphases, improving Li deposition and electrochemical stability.Significance and Impact: This work advances understanding of ion-solvent-anion interactions that control interfacial stability and lithium deposition behavior, which is critical for the advancement of next generation high-energy-density energy storage systems and their safety.DOI: 10.1002/advs.75550

April 8, 2026

6 MIN READ

Molten salt chemistry converts consumer polymer into fuel

Researchers at ORNL developed a method to convert a commonly discarded hydrocarbon polymer into gasoline- and diesel-like fuels. The team has applied for a patent for the discovery, which treats polyethylene — the stuff of white cutting boards and shopping bags — with aluminum chloride-containing molten salts that serve as both solvent and catalyst. If scaled beyond the laboratory, the process could strengthen U.S. energy security and industrial competitiveness.

March 31, 2026

5 MIN READ

ORNL to feature transformative tech at ARPA-E summit

Researchers at ORNL will share their discoveries and innovations at DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy Energy Innovation Summit in San Diego, California.

January 7, 2026

6 MIN READ

ORNL researchers take on new energy challenges with ARPA-E funding

January 7, 2026

5 MIN READ

Ionogel innovation could power safe, enduring energy storage

Researchers at ORNL have developed an innovative energy storage system design that introduces a safer, more efficient method for electrical charge transfer. The research team’s success is encouraging for next-generation energy storage systems that could help meet growing energy demands.

December 11, 2025

2 MIN READ

Dai named Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Sheng Dai, a prolific inventor at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the organization's highest professional distinction.

September 9, 2025

2 MIN READ

ORNL’s Sheng Dai delivers Fray Lecture

December 12, 2024

11 MIN READ

Two paths, many benefits

ORNL researchers created and tested two methods for transforming coal into the scarce mineral graphite, which is used in batteries for electric vehicles.

September 3, 2024

6 MIN READ

Assorted, distinctive behavior of molten uranium salt revealed by neutrons

Researchers for the first time documented the specific chemistry dynamics and structure of high-temperature liquid uranium trichloride salt, a potential nuclear fuel source for next-generation reactors.

November 21, 2023

7 MIN READ

New carbon material sets energy-storage record, likely to advance supercapacitors

Guided by machine learning, chemists at ORNL designed a record-setting carbonaceous supercapacitor material that stores four times more energy than the best commercial material.

November 17, 2023

2 MIN READ

Seven ORNL scientists among world’s top 1% most-cited researchers

Seven scientists from ORNL have been named among the world’s most influential researchers on the 2023 Highly Cited Researchers list, produced by Clarivate, a data analytics firm that specializes in scientific and academic research.