A PNNL team has developed an energy- and chemical-efficient method of separating valuable critical minerals from dissolved solutions of rare earth element magnets.
By combining computational modeling with experimental research, scientists identified a promising composition that reduces the need for a critical material in an alloy that can withstand extreme environments.
The environmentally friendly, streamlined solution for recovering valuable minerals from “e-waste” is also faster and more economical than conventional approaches—opening new doors to recycling materials from old devices.
PNNL’s year in review includes highlights ranging from advancing soil science to understanding Earth systems, expanding electricity transmission, detecting fentanyl, and applying artificial intelligence to aid scientific discovery.
Controlling the nanostructure of silk fibroin—a protein found in silk—is a key step toward designing and fabricating electronics that leverage the material’s promising mechanical, optical and biocompatible properties.
Research identifies the mechanisms through which peptoids affect ions in solution and a mineral surface, increasing the rate of carbonate crystal growth.
A switchable single-atom catalyst is activated in the presence of surface intermediates and reverts to its stable inactive form when the reaction is completed.