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 scientists lead a first-of-its-kind study using real-time imaging to reveal how ultrasonic processing influences aluminum solidification.

PNNL researchers are studying ways to use seawater and seawater-generated chemicals to acquire magnesium, lithium, and other critical materials.

A new invention from PNNL could soon help manufacturers more easily adopt the Lab’s patented Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE™) technology, enabling faster manufacturing of superior extrusion products.

Mechanical engineer Scott Whalen is named the Department of Energy’s Innovator of the Year for turning the patented metal extrusion invention ShAPE™ into an industrially relevant extruded metal product juggernaut.

Researchers at PNNL have developed an interpretable, lightweight AI model that can easily predict weld microstructure features using only basic machine sensor inputs.

Critical minerals could be sourced from industrial waste at scale thanks to an AI-guided separation workflow developed by researchers at PNNL.

High-Velocity Joining is a new joining technology that could reduce energy use and cost for manufacturers.

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

Autonomous science laboratories are taking shape quickly across the PNNL campus.

Matteo Muratori, director of transportation and industry programs at PNNL, has been named to the 2026–2028 cohort of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s New Voices Program.

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.

As Laboratory Director Steve Ashby pens his last monthly column, he highlights PNNL’s accomplishments with pride and gratitude.

A breakthrough at PNNL could free friction stir from current constraints—and open the door for increased use of the advanced manufacturing technique on commercial assembly lines.

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

This summer, PNNL hosted the inaugural “As Conductive As Copper” (AC2.0) workshop, fostering a collaborative conversation on the future of the U.S. copper supply chain.

From vehicles and airplanes to solid-phase processing of metals—how Curt Lavender and his team at PNNL solve industry problems with practical ingenuity.