NSRRC Activity Report 2022

T he following summary presents select highlights of energy science research published in 2022 by various user communities. These highlights demonstrate the utility of synchrotron X-ray techniques for investigating research questions and identifying future directions in a field of research. Three beamlines— TPS 44A , TLS 17C1 , and TPS 23A —can show how local electronic structures affect the reaction mechanism and electrochemical kinetics of Li- rich cathodes. The TPS 44A , TPS 25A , and TLS 23A1 set of beamlines can be used for operando quick-scanning X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which can enable study of the lithiation and delithiation mechanism of a cobalt-free spinel (CrMnFeNiCu) 3 O 4 , which is also known as high- entropy oxide. The synchrotron X-ray techniques employed at beamlines TLS 01C1 , TLS 16A1 , TLS 17C1 , and SP 12B1 can be used to investigate the atomic and electronic structures at the interface of a water-splitting reaction, which may provide valuable insight into how catalysts can be designed and developed through interface engineering. Finally, beamline TPS 44A can be used in coordination environment analysis of a proposed catalyst strategy that involves single-metal atoms, nanoglue, and high-surface- area supports. (by Yan-Gu Lin) Energy Science