As a national scientific user facility, EMSL leads collaborations with scientists from universities, industry and government who use our unique capabilities and expertise for their most challenging research objectives. At EMSL, we collaborate with these scientists – our users – to enable discoveries and innovations that respond to the nation's energy and environmental problems.
EMSL has worked with dozens of companies over the years. Highlights include:
- Development of an 'ion funnel' that improves the performance of analytical chemistry products and that has been licensed by six instrument manufacturing companies
- Creation of a catalyst solution that improves exhaust treatment systems and was deployed on the Dodge Ram pickup with Cummins.
Based on 3D atomic scale imaging, provided new insights to microstructures of alloys used for next-generation gas turbines for power generation and industrial applications, with GE.
- Created silicon nanoparticles inside carbon shells and demonstrated new type of lithium ion battery anode that holds 7 times more energy than conventional anodes and can be easily manufactured, with EV Everywhere.
- Used new types of microscopes, an ion accelerator and several types of spectrometers to study layers of thin films to improve packaging and sustainability of snack foods, with PepsiCo.
Scientists from across the country can use our specialized capabilities instead of developing their own. Without access to EMSL, these scientists would have to invest in similar – and often less powerful and less-than-optimal – capabilities.
Technology transfer and collaboration with industry
EMSL works with industry and, via Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's technology commercialization office, offers its innovations for license. For more information, visit PNNL's Available Technologies website. EMSL scientists have developed new technologies and advancements that have frequently been patented and licensed for external use. See a list of our all our patents for examples.
View the video below that highlights an example of how EMSL works with industry - specifically, research to develop diesel emission control technology. The research partners included: EMSL, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Institute for Integrated Catalysis, National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cummins Inc, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Johnson Matthey Environmental Catalysis.