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.

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

David Heldebrant was selected for the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the American Chemical Society Division of Energy & Fuels, recognizing his impact to energy and fuels chemistry.

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

Recognizing visionary scientists for exceptional research, leadership, and impact at PNNL.

Scientists have tapped AI and powerful computing to speed up how quickly officials are able to learn important details about nuclear events.

Experiments focus on catalysts for off-road vehicles that optimize the use of critical minerals while lasting longer and costing less.

PNNL’s experts in electrification advised ports how to modernize the use of energy resources at the Port of Anacortes. Now they will help do the same with several others.

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.

Three PNNL technologies have been declared winners of 2025 Federal Laboratory Consortium Awards, named for a program that recognizes federal laboratories and their industry partners for outstanding technology transfer achievements.

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

Precipitation with sodium hydroxide in a flow-gel device enables the rapid extraction of magnesium from seawater in a new scalable process.

Future holiday homecomings could include efficient heat pumps in cold climates and homes designed and built with the environment in mind.

Research that modeled increased heat pump adoption alongside climate change impacts in Texas showed that high-efficiency heat pumps buffer the strain that electric heating might put on the power grid.

Secretary Granholm praises heat pump workforce development efforts at this year's instructor training program.

PNNL researchers are exploring the kinds of flicker waveforms that the eye and brain can detect, seeking to understand the different visual and non-visual effects that result.