National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
The William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a U.S. Department of Energy national scientific user facility, located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington is a partner with the University of Washington Nanotechnology User Facility (NTUF) and the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) in the conduct of nanoscience and nanotechnology research.
EMSL Mission
EMSL provides integrated experimental and computational resources for discovery and technological innovation in the environmental molecular sciences to support the needs of DOE and the nation.
EMSL Signature Characteristics
EMSL delivers an integrated environment for discovery and technological innovation to its diverse portfolio of users. This is accomplished through our three signature characteristics:
- Providing a problem-solving environment of advanced instrumentation, computational resources, and scientific expertise for research of the physical, chemical, and biological processes.
- Integrating theory, modeling, and simulation with world-class experimental capabilities.
- Establishing innovative research and development teams that bring technology and concepts from many disciplines together to create integrated research tools and methodologies for scientific challenges.
Nanotechnology Resources
EMSL offers—at one location—a comprehensive array of cutting-edge resources, many of which are routinely applied to conduct research in different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The Interfacial and Nanoscale Science Facility and the Molecular Science Computing Facility have been particularly well utilized for nanoscience and nanotechnology research.
Approved EMSL users may employ any combination of equipment and capabilities from the six facilities housed within EMSL. Each of the six EMSL facilities have components that are applicable to nanoscience and technology studies.
- The interfacial and nanoscale science of materials are determined by material synthesis, characterization, and microanalytical separations and sensing.
- Computational studies of physical, chemical, and biological processes are performed out using molecular science computing hardware, software, and visualization resources.
- Fundamental research on the chemistry and physics of complex systems determines molecular information about processes occurring at the surface and interface of liquids, solids, and gases.
- Minerals and microbe surfaces are examined using environmental spectroscopy and biogeochemistry analysis and modeling.
- Structural biology, solid-state materials and catalysis, and imaging studies are the focus of EMSL's high-field magnetic resonance resources, which include spectrometers ranging from 300 to 900 MHz.
- Proteomics research by high-throughput techniques is carried out using high-performance mass spectrometers.
Submitting a Proposal
We encourage prospective users to contact a proposal advisor prior to submitting a formal proposal. For additional information on submitting a nanoscience related proposal please contact Don Baer at (509) 376-1909 or Theva Thevuthasan at (509) 376-1375.
A full description of EMSL capabilities can be found at the EMSL website. User access to EMSL is possible through a user proposal process followed by peer review. Because of the different nature of the six EMSL facilities, the proposal process differs slightly depending on the facility. The major portion of the molecular science computing allocation is done through an annual proposal call with smaller pilot projects available for request throughout the year.
EMSL follows the costing and access policies required of a DOE User Facility. There is no charge for public domain use. Full cost recovery is required for proprietary users.
