Geochemistry examines chemical reactions within earth systems and affects everything from recovering oil to producing food. Researchers from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have organized a symposium that explores how the reactivity of nanoparticles changes as the particles morph through different stages of life. The talks will be presented at the American Chemical Society's national meeting.

PNNL researchers Jennifer Soltis, Michele Conroy, and Frances Smith, along with R. Lee Penn from the University of Minnesota, have organized a symposium on nanoparticle reactivity, which is vital for areas including nuclear materials processing. Understanding the evolution of nanoparticle reactivity as conditions change is a fundamental step in developing a detailed picture of the role of nanoparticles in environmental and industrial settings.

At PNNL, Soltis uses different kinds of microscopy to better understand the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles — both geochemical and radiochemical. Conroy studies the different life stages of metal nanoparticles from when they first begin to form through when they disintegrate. Smith studies materials and geochemistry, including the long-term storage of nuclear materials.

Titled Evolving Nanoparticle Reactivity throughout Nucleation, Growth & Dissolution, the symposium begins Wednesday at 8:30 am.

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