Chemical & Materials Sciences Division
Research Highlights

January 2011

Catalysis Science, Scientists Featured on PBS Interstitial Video

Challenges and progress in converting intermittent, renewable energy sources into fuel discussed

Catalysis research is solving key problems associated with converting renewable energy, such as wind and solar, into chemical fuels. Enlarge Image

In a short, new video on the region's Public Broadcasting System station, scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory discuss options for storing solar, wind, and other intermittent power supplies. This approximately 2-minute video is being shown on KWSU and appears between PBS shows like Nova, Nature, and Frontline. The video features Morris Bullock, Dan DuBois, Bruce Garrett, Amy Groves, Mike Mock, Wendy Shaw, and Jenny Yang.

The researchers discuss developing catalysts that can use intermittent energy to create fuels, storing the energy in chemical bonds. "It was interesting being a video ‘talent' for a day," said Dr. Morris Bullock, who manages the Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis, an Energy Frontier Research Center. "But, I'm very glad to be back to my lab."

You can see the video on KWSU over the next several months.