PNNL

Dr. Josef Matyáš is a materials scientist in the Nuclear Sciences Division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) with over two decades of experience in materials research. He received his PhD in chemistry and technology of inorganic materials from the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, Czech Republic, in 2001. Following his PhD, Dr. Matyáš worked as a principal investigator at Institute of of Chemical Technology and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, where he specialized in developing experimental methods and mathematical modeling techniques to advance the glass processing industry. Since joining PNNL in 2004, he has expanded his research to focus on the development of advanced materials and technologies. His work addresses critical challenges in nuclear waste management, enhances oxygen separation from air, and advances fertilizer technologies to support high-efficiency agriculture. 

Dr. Matyáš is a fellow of the American Ceramic Society and actively contributes to the scientific community by organizing international meetings and symposiums on nuclear waste management and on material science and technologies for advanced nuclear fission and fusion energy. He collaborates with peers to advance the fields of materials science and environmental sustainability and regularly engages in conferences, seminars, and publications to share and expand upon his work.

Dr. Matyáš is passionate about bridging experimental research with practical, real-world applications that address pressing environmental and energy challenges. He has been instrumental in the design, development, synthesis, and testing of functionalized sorbent materials for safe and sustainable off-gas management in nuclear facilities, such as radioiodine capture and immobilization. His research also advances stabilization technologies, including glass vitrification, hot-isostatic pressing, and spark plasma sintering. These technologies are aimed at creating durable waste forms with optimized waste loading and minimal disposal volumes, ensuring the safe sequestration of nuclear waste.

Additionally, Dr. Matyáš is involved in the design, development, production, and testing of ceramic bilayers for oxygen separation from air. His work extends to the development of commercial-scale stacks and systems, complemented by comprehensive economic analysis, to enhance the efficiency and feasibility of oxygen separation technologies. Furthermore, Dr. Matyáš is advancing agricultural technologies, including the development and testing of innovative materials like a patented slow-release solid nitride fertilizer.

• Applied Materials Science and Engineering: Focused on the structure, composition, properties, synthesis, processing, and performance of glass and ceramic materials.
• Radioactive Waste Processing and Off-Gas Management: Expertise in technologies for nuclear waste immobilization, including the production and testing of sorbents for radioiodine capture and immobilization.
• Experimental and Computational Science: Application of experimental techniques and empirical models to develop and optimize materials and processes for nuclear waste management.
• Air Separation Technology: Specialization in ceramic fabrication, microstructure refinement, bilayer architecture optimization, and performance testing.
• Agricultural Technology: Focused on the development of eco-friendly engineered materials, such as slow-release solid nitride fertilizers, to advance sustainable agriculture.

• PhD in chemistry and technology of inorganic materials, Institute of Chemical Technology, 2001
• MS in technology of silicates, Institute of Chemical Technology, 1997

• American Ceramic Society
• Materials Research Society 
• American Ceramic Society

• Nuclear Energy Fuel Cycle R&D Excellence Award, Department of Energy, for outstanding contributions to nuclear waste management research and development, 2016
• Outstanding Mentor Award, Department of Energy, for dedication to mentoring emerging scientists, fostering professional growth, and supporting the next generation of researchers, 2010

• U.S. Patent No. 10,005,699, June 26, 2018, "Nitride-Based Controlled-Release Fertilizers and Process for Making Same".

2024

• Peruski K., K. Johnson, C.C. Cobble, B.J. Riley, J. Matyas, and J. Mcfarlane. 2024. "Copper and bismuth-based sorbent characterization in simulated iodine off-gas streams." In Transactions of the American Nuclear Society. ANS Winter Conference and Expo 2024, November 17-21, 2024, Orlando, FL, 131, 241-243. Westmont, Illinois:American Nuclear Society. PNNL-SA-200629.

2022

• Matyas J., and J.E. Amonette. 2022. Improved Moisture Management Technology for Eco-N-Control Fertilizer. PNNL-33360. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Improved Moisture Management Technology for Eco-N-Control Fertilizer

2021

• Ilton E.S., N.J. Henson, J. Matyas, and M. Sassi. 2021. Developing a Fundamental Knowledge Base for the Interaction of Ruthenium with Natural and Engineered Iron-Bearing Materials. PNNL-32111. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Developing a Fundamental Knowledge Base for the Interaction of Ruthenium with Natural and Engineered Iron-Bearing Materials

2020

• Pearce C.I., E. Cordova, W.L. Garcia, S.A. Saslow, K.J. Cantrell, J.W. Morad, and O. Qafoku, et al. 2020. "Evaluation of materials for iodine and technetium immobilization through sorption and redox-driven processes." Science of the Total Environment 716. PNNL-SA-138462. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136167

2019

• Asmussen R.M., J. Matyas, N. Qafoku, and A.A. Kruger. 2019. "Silver-Functionalized Silica Aerogels and Their Application in the Removal of Iodine from Aqueous Environments." Journal of Hazardous Materials 379. PNNL-SA-129580. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.04.081
• Asmussen R.M., J.V. Ryan, J. Matyas, J.V. Crum, J. Reiser, N.M. Avalos, and E.M. McElroy, et al. 2019. "Investigating the Durability of Iodine Waste Forms in Dilute Conditions." Materials 12, no. 5:Article No. 686. PNNL-SA-140280. doi:10.3390/ma12050686

2018

• Edwards M.K., J. Matyas, and J.V. Crum. 2018. "Real-Time Monitoring of Crystal Accumulation in the High-Level Waste Glass Melters with Electrical Conductivity Method." International Journal of Applied Glass Science 9, no. 1:42-51. PNNL-SA-123930. doi:10.1111/ijag.12275

2017

• Amonette J.E., and J. Matyas. 2017. "Functionalized Silica Aerogels for Gas-Phase Purification, Sensing, and Catalysis: A Review." Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 250. PNNL-SA-123142. doi:10.1016/j.micromeso.2017.04.055
• Matyas J., V. Gervasio, S.E. Sannoh, and A.A. Kruger. 2017. "Predictive Modeling of Crystal Accumulation in the High-Level Waste Glass Melters Processing Radioactive Waste." Journal of Nuclear Materials 495. PNNL-SA-125881. doi:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2017.08.034

2016

• Amonette J.E., and J. Matyas. 2016. "Determination of ferrous and total iron in refractory spinels." Analytica Chimica Acta 910. PNNL-SA-113714. doi:10.1016/j.aca.2015.12.024
• Matyas J., N.L. Canfield, S.E. Sannoh, and M.R. Zumhoff. 2016. "Silica-based waste form for immobilization of iodine from reprocessing plant off-gas streams." Journal of Nuclear Materials 476. PNNL-SA-117831. doi:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2016.04.047

2015

• Riley B.J., D.A. Pierce, S.M. Frank, J. Matyas, and C.A. Burns. 2015. "Efficacy of a Solution-Based Approach for Making Sodalite Waste Forms for an Oxide Reduction Salt Utilized in the Reprocessing of Used Uranium Oxide Fuel." Journal of Nuclear Materials 459. PNNL-SA-103835. doi:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2014.09.042

2014

• Hrma P.R., B.J. Riley, J.V. Crum, and J. Matyas. 2014. "The effect of high-level waste glass composition on spinel liquidus temperature." Journal of Non-crystalline Solids 384. PNNL-SA-91584. doi:10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2013.02.014
• Matyas J., J.E. Amonette, R.K. Kukkadapu, D.K. Schreiber, and A.A. Kruger. 2014. "THE EFFECTS OF GLASS DOPING, TEMPERATURE AND TIME ON THE MORPHOLOGY, COMPOSITION, AND IRON REDOX OF SPINEL CRYSTALS." In Advances in Materials Science for Environmental and Energy Technologies III, October 27-31, 2013, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Ceramic Transactions, edited by T Ohji, et al, 250, 147-156. Hoboken, New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. PNNL-SA-100009. doi:10.1002/9781118996652.ch14
• Riley B.J., D.A. Pierce, J. Chun, J. Matyas, W.C. Lepry, T. Garn, and J. Law, et al. 2014. "Polyacrylonitrile-Chalcogel Hybrid Sorbents for Radioiodine Capture." Environmental Science & Technology 48, no. 10:5832-5839. PNNL-SA-99817. doi:10.1021/es405807w

2013

• Matyas J., D.P. Jansik, A.T. Owen, C.P. Rodriguez, J.B. Lang, and A.A. Kruger. 2013. "IMPACT OF PARTICLE AGGLOMERATION ON ACCUMULATION RATES IN THE GLASS DISCHARGE RISER OF HLW MELTER." Ceramic Transactions 241. PNNL-SA-91517. doi:10.1002/9781118751176.ch6
• Riley B.J., J. Chun, D.A. Pierce, W.C. Lepry, and J. Matyas. 2013. "Chalcogels for Iodine Adsorption and Immobilization." In Separations and Waste Forms Research and Development FY 2013 Accomplishments Report, edited by J Schulthess and D Hamelin. 74-75. Idaho Falls, Idaho:Idaho National Laboratory. PNNL-SA-99079.
• Riley B.J., J. Chun, W. Um, W.C. Lepry, J. Matyas, M.J. Olszta, and X. Li, et al. 2013. "Chalcogen-Based Aerogels as Sorbents for Radionuclide Remediation." Environmental Science & Technology 47, no. 13:7540-7547. PNNL-SA-93370. doi:10.1021/es400595z

2012

• Matyas J., A.R. Huckleberry, C.P. Rodriguez, J.D. Vienna, and A.A. Kruger. 2012. "EMPIRICAL MODEL FOR FORMULATION OF CRYSTAL-TOLERANT HLW GLASSES." In Advances in Materials Science for Environmental and Energy Technologies: Ceramic Transactions, edited by T Ohji, et al. Hoboken, New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. PNNL-SA-83235.
• Matyas J., M.J. Robinson, and G.E. Fryxell. 2012. "THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND UNIAXIAL PRESSURE ON THE DENSIFICATION BEHAVIOR OF SILICA AEROGEL GRANULES." In Ceramic Materials for Energy Applications II, Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings - 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, January 22-27, 2012, Daytona Beach, Florida, edited by K. Fox, et al, 121-132. Hoboken, New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. PNNL-SA-85797. doi:10.1002/9781118217535.ch9
• Riley B.J., J.V. Crum, J. Matyas, J.S. McCloy, and W.C. Lepry. 2012. "Solution-Derived, Chloride-Containing Minerals as a Waste Form for Alkali Chlorides." Journal of the American Ceramic Society 95, no. 10:3115-3123. PNNL-SA-86321. doi:10.1111/j.1551-2916.2012.05363.x

2011

• Matyas J., G.E. Fryxell, B.J. Busche, K. Wallace, and L.S. Fifield. 2011. "FUNCTIONALIZED SILICA AEROGELS: ADVANCED MATERIALS TO CAPTURE AND IMMOBILIZE RADIOACTIVE IODINE." In Ceramic Materials for Energy Applications: Papers from The American Ceramic Society's 35th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, January 23-28, 2011, Daytona Beach, Florida. Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings, edited by Y Katoh, et al, 32, 23-33. Hoboken, New Jersey:Wiley. PNNL-SA-77216. doi:10.1002/9781118095386.ch3
• Matyas J., M.J. Schaible, and J.D. Vienna. 2011. "DETERMINATION OF STOKES SHAPE FACTOR FOR SINGLE PARTICLES AND AGGLOMERATES." In Advances in Materials Science for Environmental and Nuclear Technology II: Papers from Symosia held at the Materials Science & Technology Conference and Exhibition (MS&T 2010), October 17-21, 2010, Houston, Texas. Ceramic Transactions, edited by SK Sundaram, T Ohji, K Fox and E Hoffman, 227, 195-203. Hoboken, New Jersey:Wiley. PNNL-SA-75367.
• Matyas J., R.S. Wegeng, M.J. Robinson, A.M. Casella, and J.S. McCloy. 2011. "Experimental Characterization of Thermal Wadis in Support of Lunar Exploration." In AIAA SPACE 2011 Conference & Exposition, September 27-29, 2011, Long Beach, California, Paper No. AIAA 2011-7364. Reston, Virginia:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. PNWD-SA-9590.
• McCloy J.S., S.K. Sundaram, J. Matyas, and P.P. Woskov. 2011. "Simultaneous Measurement of Temperature and Emissivity of Lunar Regolith Simulant using Dual-Channel Millimeter-Wave Radiometry." Review of Scientific Instruments 82, no. 5:Article No. 054703. PNNL-SA-76312. doi:10.1063/1.3590016
• Riley B.J., J. Chun, J.V. Ryan, J. Matyas, X.S. Li, D.W. Matson, and S.K. Sundaram, et al. 2011. "Chalcogen-based aerogels as a multifunctional platform for remediation of radioactive iodine." RSC Advances 1, no. 9:1704-1715. PNNL-SA-80633. doi:10.1039/C1RA00351H
• Riley B.J., J.V. Crum, J.S. McCloy, and J. Matyas. 2011. "Advanced Electrochemical Waste Forms." In Separations and Waste Forms FY 2011 Accomplishments Report: Separations and Waste Forms Research and Development. 120-122. Idaho Falls, Idaho:Idaho National Laboratory. PNNL-20834; INL/EXT-11-24155 Rev 0.

2010

• Matyas J., J.D. Vienna, A. Kimura, M.J. Schaible, and R.M. Tate. 2010. "DEVELOPMENT OF CRYSTAL-TOLERANT WASTE GLASSES." In Advances in Materials Science for Environmental and Nuclear Technology: Ceramic Transactions, edited by K Fox, E Hoffman, N Manjooran and G Pickrell. 41-51. Hoboken, New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. PNNL-SA-69228.

2009

• Longanbach S.C., J. Matyas, and S.K. Sundaram. 2009. "PENETRATION OF COAL SLAGS INTO HIGH-CHROMIA REFRACTORIES." In Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Technical Forum, 6 pages. Richland, Washington:Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. PNNL-SA-62371.
• Matyas J., S.K. Sundaram, C.P. Rodriguez, A. Heredia-Langner, and B.M. Arrigoni. 2009. "Viscosity measurements and empirical predictions for coal slags." In 26th International Pittsburgh Coal Conference: Coal - Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development, September 20-23, 2009, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 9 pages. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:Pittsburgh Coal Conference, Univ. of Pittsburgh. PNNL-SA-67998.
• Schaible M.J., and J. Matyas. 2009. "Physical Modeling of Spinel Crystals Settling at Low Reynolds Numbers." Journal of Young Investigators 19, no. 18:2-26. PNNL-SA-67696.
• Sundaram S.K., K.I. Johnson, J. Matyas, R.E. Williford, S. Pilli, and V.N. Korolev. 2009. "An Integrated Approach to Coal Gasifier Testing, Modeling, and Process Optimization." Energy and Fuels 23. PNNL-SA-64349.

2008

• Bagaasen L.M., P.R. Hrma, D. Kim, M.J. Schweiger, J. Matyas, C.P. Rodriguez, and K.S. Witwer. 2008. "Method to Reduce Molten Salt Penetration into Bulk Vitrification Refractory Materials." In WM 2008: Phoenix Rising: Moving Forward in Waste Management, Paper No. 8275. Phoenix, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-58723.
• Johnson K.I., R.E. Williford, J. Matyas, S. Pilli, S.K. Sundaram, and V.N. Korolev. 2008. "Modeling Slag Penetration and Refractory Degradation Using the Finite Element Method." In The Twenty-Fifth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, September 29 - October 2, 2008, 3, 1687-1701. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:University of Pittsburgh. PNNL-SA-61905.
• Matyas J., S.K. Cooley, S.K. Sundaram, C.P. Rodriguez, A.B. Edmondson, and B.M. Arrigoni. 2008. "An Empirical Viscosity Model for Coal Slags." In Twenty-Fifth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, 3, 1425-1431. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:Pittsburgh Coal. PNNL-SA-62063.
• Matyas J., S.K. Sundaram, B.J. Hicks, A.B. Edmondson, and B.M. Arrigoni. 2008. "Slag-Refractory Interaction in Slagging Coal Gasifiers." In 7th International Symposium on High-Temperature Corrosion and Protection of Materials: Materials Science Forum, edited by P Steinmetz, 595/598, 397-408. Stafa-Zurich:Trans Tech Publications, Inc. PNNL-SA-59504.
• Matyas J., S.K. Sundaram, C.P. Rodriguez, A.B. Edmondson, and B.M. Arrigoni. 2008. "Slag Penetration into Refractory Lining of Slagging Coal Gasifier." In Twenty-Fifth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference., 4, 2209-2218. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:Pittsburgh Coal. PNNL-SA-62047.
• Witwer K.S., E.J. Dysland, J.S. Garfield, T.H. Beck, J. Matyas, L.M. Bagaasen, and S.K. Cooley, et al. 2008. "Hanford's Supplemental Treatment Project: Full-Scale Integrated Testing of In-Container-Vitrification and a 10,000-Liter Dryer." In WM 2008: Phoenix Rising: Moving Forward in Waste Management, Paper No.: 8293. Phoenix, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-59350.

2007

• Canfield N.L., J.V. Crum, J. Matyas, A. Bandyopadhyay, K.S. Weil, L.R. Pederson, and J.S. Hardy. 2007. "Sintering of Mixed-Conducting Composites for Hydrogen Membranes From Nanoscale Co-Synthesized Powders." In Processing and manufacturing of advanced materials international conference; THERMEC 2006, Jul 5th, 2006, Vancouver, Canada. Materials Science Forum, 539-543, 1413-1420. Zurich:Trans Tech Publications. PNNL-SA-48245.
• Sundaram S.K., K.I. Johnson, R.E. Williford, S. Pilli, J. Matyas, A. Fluegel, and S.K. Cooley, et al. 2007. "Slag-Refractory Interaction in Coal Gasifiers." In Twenty-Fourth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, 168. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:Pittsburgh Coal Conference. PNNL-SA-56592.

2006

• Bagaasen L.M., T.M. Brouns, M.L. Elliott, P.R. Hrma, D. Kim, J. Matyas, and E.M. Pierce, et al. 2006. "Transport of Technetium and Rhenium into Refractory Materials during Bulk Vitrification." In Waste Management '06: Global Accomplishments in Environmental and Radioactive Waste Management: Education and Opportunity for the Next Generation of Waste Management Professionals. Tucson, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-48697.
• Hrma P.R., D.E. Smith, J. Matyas, J.D. Yeager, J.V. Jones, and E.N. Boulos. 2006. "Effect of float glass composition on liquidus temperature and devitrification behaviour." Glass Technology - European Journal of Glass Science and Technology Part A 47, no. 3:78-90. PNNL-SA-52267.

2002

• Hrma P.R., J. Matyas, and D. Kim. 2002. "The Chemistry and Physics of Melter Cold Cap." In Spectrum 2002: Exploring Science-Based Solutions and Technologies. 9th Biennial International Conference on Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Management, August 4-8, 2002, Reno Nevada, 8 pages. La Grange Park, Illinois:American Nuclear Society. PNNL-SA-36504.