Energy Science Highlights

Yes

​​​​​​Neutrons give us a deeper understanding​ of materials used in energy research. 

 
No
Neutrons can be used to study hydrogen storage materials, battery materials, solar cell films, fuel cells and many more materials of interest use to the energy sector.

Neutrons interact very strongly with hydrogen atoms, allowing the study of the properties of hydrogen storage materials in a detail that is not always available to other techniques. Most metals are transparent to neutrons, so Neutron Scattering techniques can be used under realistic operation conditions.

Neutron diffraction can precisely determine the structure of materials; Neutron spectroscopy can study the dynamics of hydrogen in unparalleled detail. Computer modelling and neutron scattering data is straightforward to compare, making modelling an ideal tool for a deeper understanding of the properties of materials. Browse all our energy science highlights below.