Particles (IMAGE) DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Caption These are images of particles made from a promising battery cathode material called NMC. Scientists found a simple method for making layered NMC particles that store more energy while protecting themselves from degradation. The smallest particles, at bottom, are just 100 billionths of a meter in diameter; they clump into larger spherical particles, top. The color image at center shows the uneven distribution of chemical elements on a particle's surface, which is key to its improved performance. The black-and-white images were made with an electron microscope at Brookhaven National Laboratory; color images are based on X-ray studies at SLAC. Credit SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.