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The group performs state-of-the art chemical and physical measurements to provide reference data, develop standards and models, and advance chemical measurement science and the fundamental understanding of chemical systems.
Research activities include elucidation of reaction mechanisms and time-dependent phenomena, such as the measurement of rate constants, transport properties, and the transformation of complex chemical systems by investigating composition, electronic and structural properties as it relates to chemical and physical function. The group compiles, critically evaluates, and disseminates reference methods, data, and Standard Reference Materials. Additionally, the group maintains facilities and expertise in nuclear methods for elemental analysis in collaboration with the NIST Center for Neutron Research and external partners. The research focuses on areas of national and industrial needs such as those related to energy, manufacturing, security, and the environment. Group members are engaged with international standards development organizations and other National Metrology Institutes to establish comparability of measurement capabilities.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of aerosol reference material candidates
Primary Focus Areas
Climate Change
Next Generation Batteries –
Develop and apply unique in situ, in operando measurement of Li dynamics to elucidate structure function relationships in prototype battery materials
Select light element depth analysis with Neutron Depth Profiling - click here for video
Chemical Kinetics –
elucidate atmospheric lifetime and impact of anthropogenic chemicals such as next generation refrigerants
biofuels – understand the reaction mechanisms for decomposition facilitate development of ‘drop-in’ replacements for fossil fuels
Aerosols – quantitatively characterize chemical and optical properties of aerosols to understand the role of aerosols in the Earth’s albedo
Collaboration with NASA – help develop measurement capabilities to image Solar interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere
Solar events impact reliability of satellites tracking Earth’s weather, climate, and electrical systems
NASA-NIST collaboration on Ni Deposition processes for highly reflective soft-x-ray mirrors.
Catalysis –
Chemical kinetics and mechanisms of CO2 conversion to high value materials
Develop benchmark measurements and materials to help foster innovation in the research communities
Direct Air Capture
Coordination of MML’s projects related to direct air capture (DAC) and carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS)
Environment
Nanoplastics – characterize size, particle number, and chemical composition of nanoplastics in water
PFAS - Develop new detection capabilities such as new fluorine measurement capabilities to support total F measurements in PFAS
Rare Earth Element - Develop and apply measurements of rare earth elements in mine waste
Catalysis – develop in situ and in operando measurements of catalytic systems used for emissions reduction
Infrastructure
Enable in situ assessment of concrete structures by developing Cl in concrete imaging using portable neutron generators
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor with time resolved optical diagnostics
The CODATA Task Group on Fundamental Constants recently produced its 2018 update of a self-consistent set of internationally recommended values of the basic
Researchers have come up with a better way to test which fabrics work best for masks that are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. By testing those fabrics
Many people wear masks in public to slow the spread of COVID-19, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, masks with
The objective for Advanced IC Interconnects is to provide measurement standards and advanced measurement methods supporting metrology needs of the semiconductor
The Chemical Sciences Division supports the characterization of new, diverse, and technological critical materials. The constant evolution of material science
Analysis of soils for metals and other elements is essential in assessing environmental compliance and the impacts of potentially toxic elements on human
A wide range of industrial sectors and their customers and suppliers are involved directly with NIST in the prioritization and development of certified
James E. Maslar, William A. Kimes, Vladimir B. Khromchenko, Brent Sperling, Ravindra Kanjolia
Low volatility precursors are widely utilized in chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition processes. Such precursors are often delivered from one
Vladimir L. Orkin, Michael J. Kurylo III, Victor Khamaganov
Gas phase reactions between OH radicals and three 2-Butenes were studied using a flash photolysis resonance-fluorescence technique over the temperature range
Evan Jahrman, Kimber L. Stamm Masias, Torin C. Peck, Charles A. Roberts
Demand for high-performing, inexpensive catalysts has motivated the development of mixed 3d transition metal architectures. Here, X-ray spectroscopies are
Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis is a measurement technique for nondestructive elemental analysis. Samples are irradiated by a beam of neutrons inducing
Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), or sometimes referred to as simply NAA, is a method for determination of many elements at low levels in a wide
Radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA) extends the capabilities of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) by adding a chemical separation to
Light elements such as helium, lithium, boron, and nitrogen are essential constituents in materials that enable energy technologies; lithium ion batteries
Research conducted by scientists at NIST and the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute show that the humidity in your breath may improve the performance
"Cotton fabrics are still a great choice," affirmed Christopher Zangmeister, a research scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an arm