PNNL-13501 - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

methods applicable to combustion, subsurface chemistry and modeling, engineering simulation of materials and associated
manufacturing processes, and computational science infrastructure. Results include significantly enhanced subsurface fate
and transport models that are being applied to DOE environmental problems, flexible problem-solving environments, and
many technical publications.
Laboratory research in computer science and information technology is developing innovative approaches and new
software packages to analyze and display large and diverse data sets and to protect valuable or sensitive computer systems
from attack or compromise. The primary target for both focus areas is national security applications, but the tools for
managing the large data sets have applications to other DOE missions.
In the area of advanced scientific instrumentation, new techniques are being developed to measure and characterize
environmental contaminants and chemicals. An expanding area of investigation is the infrared detection of chemicals in the
atmosphere and on surfaces under a wide variety of conditions. These efforts primarily support the national security and
environmental missions.
Research in process science and technology is directed toward developing new materials and technologies for a variety of
chemical processes with the intent of increased efficiency, reduced pollution, or performing novel functions. The focus of
our efforts is on extending fundamental scientific developments in chemistry and materials to new microscale and
conventional-scale systems. Results have application to waste management, environmental cleanup, carbon management as
it affects global climate changes, and processes for energy-intensive industries.
Projects in material science, nanostructures, and nanomaterials technology involve development and testing of a wide
range of materials for special applications. Recent studies focus on fundamental studies of the extraordinary properties of
molecular clusters and on self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports. The applications include nanomaterials for
removal of contaminants from the environment, ceramics for fuel cells, and lightweight materials for cars and trucks. These
projects primarily support DOE’s science and energy missions.
In the area of thermal and energy systems, our research is focused on advanced power systems using solid-oxide fuel cell
technology for widespread applications in vehicles and buildings. This research seeks to overcome the limitations of hightemperature
operations, improved component manufacturing, and improved system performance. Our work on
microtechnology devices seeks the development of miniature devices for heating and cooling applications and chemical
processing.
There are a number of noteworthy accomplishments on specific LDRD projects, highlighted below. These projects can be
mapped to specific mission areas above.
• Combination Microscopy. We combined fluorescent optical microscopy with magnetic resonance imaging and
obtained the first simultaneous images of living cells and cellular processes. The coupling of confocal microscopy with
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry allows simultaneous, noninvasive analysis of single cells or threedimensional
cell clusters.
• Cell Signaling. We developed a technique for studying ion flux across cell membranes in living cells to determine how
cells respond to their environment. From these results, we formulated predictive models of cell-signaling pathways and
networks to better understand intracellular function and responses to external stimuli.
• Proteomics. We used advanced separation-sciences techniques involving protein arrays and high-resolution
chromatography, combined with mass spectrometry, to show how proteins are organized into pathways and networks,
and how proteins interact to form functional complexes. We applied this technology to identify unique biological
warfare agent protein signatures.
• Protein Structure. We developed methods using NMR spectrometry to determine the structure and functional class of
proteins.
xiv FY 2000 Laboratory Directed Research and Development Annual Report