Amine functionalized graphene oxide yields laminates with an enhanced capacity to adsorb rare earth elements, improved water transport, and greater stability for effective membrane-based separation of critical minerals.

Five PNNL innovations earned 2026 R&D 100 Awards for advances in biotechnology, manufacturing, critical minerals, and nuclear security.

At the summit, PNNL engaged with partners and investors, highlighting seven projects that accelerate the deployment of new energy technologies.

David Wunschel, a chemist and Laboratory Fellow, participated on a panel focused on how emerging technologies are transforming CBRN defense, detection, and response across military and government operations.

Replacing commercial acid with acidic waste enables researchers to improve nickel extraction efficiency, lower projected costs, and improve process economics.

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.

Secretary Wright visited PNNL's campus in Richland, Washington, late last year to meet with innovators in chemistry, biology, computing, and more.

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.

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

Distributed science is thriving at PNNL, where scientists share data and collaborate with researchers around the world to increase the impact of the work.

A closed-loop workflow brings together digital and physical frameworks to advance high-throughput experimentation on redox-active molecules in flow batteries.

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

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

Tailored assemblies mimic natural enzyme activity with significantly higher stability.

Soil mineral preferentially incorporates rare earth elements based on size, with implications for critical mineral extraction.

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

More than 25,000 participants from industry, government, academia, and the public attended the event.