Conferences  >  Physics  >  Neutron Scattering  >  United States

Materials Research Society (MRS)

Neutron scattering provides insight into the structure and dynamics driving material properties through a wide range of different techniques. It is a non-destructive and highly penetrating probe, which can be combined with complex sample environment enabling in situ and in operando measurements. This symposium will explore how different neutron scattering techniques can be used to explore energy materials, with the aim of understanding the structures and processes to accelerate materials development. Neutron scattering is used to understand the structure and properties of all forms of condensed matter, and is exceptionally-well suited to studying how the transport and binding of energy and charge-carrying species relate to their dynamics and the material's crystal structure. H2, H+, and Li+ are key to a range of leading energy technologies, and are excellent neutron scatterers, making neutron-based analysis ideal for in situ and in operando studies of hydrogen storage, fuel-cell, catalytic, and battery materials. Similar research into the functionality of solar-cell, thermoelectric, caloric, nuclear, and CO2 capture/storage materials rely on other unique aspects of neutron scattering and can be used to showcase how their structure and dynamics provide an understanding of the material stability and the binding and mobility of species of interest. This symposium, focussing on advances and developments in neutron scattering for the characterization of energy materials, will be of interest to new and expert users alike. Attendees with little or no experience of neutron scattering who are working on energy materials will discover how powerful neutron scattering is as a characterization method, while those with more experience will find this an invaluable networking opportunity, fostering interactions and advancing knowledge in the field.

Condensed Matter Physics and Materials,    Ecosystems, Environment and Sustainable Development

The objective of the 2023 GRS on neutron scattering is to bring together early-career neutron scientists, experimentalists and theorists from different communities of soft and condensed matter, with a wide range of scientific and technical expertise. A particular focus of the seminar will be the role of the neutron, as a powerful probe of multifunctional and sustainable materials, in addressing environmental societal challenges. The seminar targets exotic materials and couplings where neutron investigations of the structure and dynamics, in the bulk and at interfaces, reveal fundamental mechanisms leading to outstanding properties foreseen for immediate or future applications.

Realizing a Greener Future Using Neutron Techniques

Neutron scattering has been used as a material’s probe since the first neutron experiments in the 1930’s. It is a versatile technique, with unique characteristics, that helps to ‘see into materials in a special way’. It is used to study materials in a wide range of areas and with a variety of applications, from biomaterials for medicine and agriculture, to energy materials for storage and tackling climate change, to structural materials under real-life conditions, to quantum materials for energy, information technology, and sensing applications. As such, neutron scattering methods are contributing to making our society more sustainable, to protecting the planet and to improving the lives of everyone everywhere, now and in the years to come. This GRC will showcase the role of neutron scattering in improving well-being and progressing society, specifically in helping tackle some of our current societal challenges.

Neutron Scattering for a Sustainable Society