LLNL researchers have developed a Li-Sn-Zn ternary alloy and its method of production. Instead of traditional alloying techniques, the alloy was synthesized using mechanical alloying (high energy ball milling). With high purity elemental powders of lithium, tin and zinc, LLNL researchers were able to prepare Li60Sn20Zn20 as well as Li70Sn20Zn10 nanopowders.
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CMI—a DOE Energy Innovation Hub—is a public/private partnership led by the Ames Laboratory that brings together the best and brightest research minds from universities, national laboratories (including LLNL), and the private sector to find innovative technology solutions to make better use of materials critical to the success of clean energy technologies as well as develop resilient and secure…
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The approach is to build a high voltage insulator consisting of two materials: Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (“PEEK”) and Machinable Ceramic (“MACOR”). PEEK has a high stress tolerance but cannot withstand high temperatures, while MACOR has high heat tolerance but is difficult to machine and can be brittle. MACOR is used for the plasma-facing surface, while PEEK will handle the stresses and high…
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LLNL’s approach is to use their patented Photoconductive Charge Trapping Apparatus (U.S. Patent No. 11,366,401) as the active switch needed to discharge voltage across a vacuum gap in a particle accelerator, like the one described in their other patent (U.S. Patent No.