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.

PNNL has formed a partnership with the Orlando-based firm Refinity, which has licensed a key process from PNNL that will help the company convert mixed plastic waste into valuable industrial products like chemicals, plastics, and fuels.

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.

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

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.

In a recent study, PNNL researchers found that noncrystalline mineral surfaces can bind microbial residues to build soil organic matter.

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.

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

PNNL researchers have found yet another way to turn trash into treasure: using algal biochar, a waste production from hydrothermal liquefaction, as a supplementary material for cement.

Understanding molecular modifications of proteins in the red yeast could help scientists re-engineer the organism’s phenotype.

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

PNNL chemical engineer Mariefel Olarte shares passion for mentoring students and the next-generation workforce.

Francesca Pierobon holds a joint appointment with UW and WSU to advance low-carbon technologies.

Recycling polyolefin materials is challenging. One waste management strategy is plastic upcycling. New work demonstrates a single-step upcycling route coupling cracking and alkylation, recycling carbon and keeping valuable resources active.

An initiative from Washington State University and Snohomish County leaders is aiming to make Paine Field a nexus for testing and improving sustainable aviation fuels made from non-petroleum materials.