Researchers discovered that a polymer additive promotes smooth, layer-by-layer deposition on metal electrodes by tuning interactions with the substrate.

Anisotropies in surface potential driven by competitive ion adsorption can alter facet selectivity during oriented attachment.

Summarizing the state of designed protein hybrid materials, researchers celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the MRS Bulletin and the 2025 Fred Kavli Distinguished Lecturers in Materials Science, Jim De Yoreo and David Baker.

Localized gradients in magnetic fields have long-range effects on the concentration of rare earth ions in solution, facilitating field-driven extraction of critical minerals.

Studying a series of rare earth element compounds revealed differences in their magnetic behavior that will be leveraged for separations.

A new patent-pending technology can quickly identify refrigerant leakage in heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

Specially designed histidine-containing peptoids mimic carbonic anhydrase to accelerate calcite step growth.

Imaging ice microstructures formed by water freezing with atomic resolution for the first time.

Tailored assemblies mimic natural enzyme activity with significantly higher stability.

In high-entropy oxides, chromium tends to segregate during growth due to oxidation-induced migration of smaller, high-valence cations.

Nanoscale domains of magnetically susceptible critical materials encounter enhanced magnetic interactions under external magnetic fields, providing a promising new avenue for separations.

Researchers developed a way to precisely control dopant structures and locations in carbon-based materials.

The size of graphene oxide sheets affects the ability of assembled membranes and adsorbents to separate rare earth elements.

Researchers developed a pathway for the solution synthesis of core–crown heterostructures with controlled electronic properties.

Under an optical field, nanoparticle attachment in a model system heavily depends on surface roughness.

A PNNL team has developed an energy- and chemical-efficient method of separating valuable critical minerals from dissolved solutions of rare earth element magnets.

The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit brings together researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to showcase the latest technologies shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape. This year, eight projects led by PNNL were featured.

Surface manganese mining from nodules in South Dakota is now possible with a new scalable selective precipitation process.

Chromium cations better adapt to changes in oxygen stoichiometry than iron cations.

Cobalt substitution for magnesium in a model mafic mineral dramatically slows reaction with carbon dioxide to form a cobalt-doped carbonate.