A new magnesium production process developed at PNNL is expected to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 50% compared to the current method. The process uses a titanium-based catalyst to extract magnesium from seawater, making it a promising solution for expanding the American magnesium market.
The Hydrogen Tools app offers a range of resources and web-based content to help users design, approve, or use hydrogen fuel cell systems and facilities. Key findings include guidance on ventilation, storage, and safety procedures for hydrogen, as well as best practices for handling the gas.
Researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory discovered a new zeolite catalyst that breaks down nitric oxide into water and atmospheric nitrogen, reducing pollution. The catalyst uses copper as its added metal and takes an unusual side-on approach to binding with nitric oxide.
Researchers at PNNL have equipped four refrigerated trucks with hydrogen fuel cells to make deliveries in Texas, California, and New York. The project aims to reduce emissions and fuel costs, while creating jobs and increasing fuel cell manufacturing volume.
A new analysis suggests that reducing only short-lived climate pollutants like soot and methane will have a smaller impact on limiting global warming. Focusing on all greenhouse gases is necessary to stabilize the climate system.
A new report reveals that 68% of US wind turbines installed between 2003-2012 were for distributed wind projects, generating 812 megawatts of power. This represents a significant shift towards local energy production, with large turbines being used in more distributed wind projects.
Scientists have unexpectedly created two differently colored crystals from one chemical, revealing new insights into agostic bonds crucial for industrial catalytic reactions. The discovery provides valuable information for making plastics and fuels.
A pilot project is testing deep geologic storage of CO2 in ancient basalt flows in southeastern Washington. The goal is to safely and permanently store greenhouse gas emissions, with potential global implications.
A study examining food poisoning infection in mice reveals Salmonella takes over beneficial bacteria in the gut, using a previously unknown sugar called fucose. The research provides new insights into infection dynamics and could lead to better prevention or treatments.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a single advanced building control that can customize fan speed to actual need, resulting in an 18% slash in energy demand. The technology has the potential to save tens of thousands of dollars annually for large office buildings.
Researchers have created a powerful digital system, SALSA, to analyze billions of tweets and social media messages in just seconds. The tool helps emergency responders receive early information about natural disasters and public health advocates protect people's health by identifying valuable patterns amidst vast amounts of noise.
Researchers found a protective molecular switch in Salmonella Typhimurium that helps the bacteria adapt to hostile environments during infection. This switch, using S-thiolation, may provide insight into fighting systemic illness and could be exploited to develop new treatments.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory honored 165 staff for their intellectual property creations, including Inventor of the Year Jun Liu for his battery materials work. Liu's innovations have potential to create IP, with four U.S. patents and 300 peer-reviewed journal articles to his name.
Researchers at PNNL developed an organic binder to reduce impurities in reactive metals, enabling their use in powder injection molding. This innovation reduces costs and increases the use of durable metals in various industries.
The US can support the growth of up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel annually, filling the country's current oil needs for a month. The Gulf Coast and Southeastern seaboard are the most favorable regions for algae growth due to warm temperatures, low evaporation, and abundant water.
Researchers at PNNL and BPA identified two unique methods and two sites in eastern Washington for compressed air energy storage. These plants can store wind energy produced at night and release it when demand is high, providing flexibility to balance the region's highly variable wind energy generation.
PNNL researchers are developing a range of innovative clean energy technologies, including thermal energy storage that can store solar heat for up to 10 times longer than traditional molten salts. Additionally, the lab has created lightweight fuel tanks for compressed natural gas vehicles and rare earth-free magnets for electric motors.
Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a rapid and accurate vapor detection method that identifies minute traces of explosives on luggage, cargo or travelers. The system, which 'sniffs' for explosive vapors, has been demonstrated to detect low-volatility compounds like RDX at levels below parts-per-trillion.
Researchers develop fast and efficient iron-based molecule that splits hydrogen gas into electricity, rivaling commercial catalysts. The breakthrough could make fuel cells more economical, addressing the high cost of platinum used in current systems.
A recent analysis of almost 150 BPA studies shows that human exposure levels are likely too low for estrogenic effects. The study found that blood concentrations of BPA are many times lower than those causing toxicity in animals, suggesting that animal studies may not accurately reflect the human BPA experience.
The new $17 million supercomputer will peak at 3.4 petaflops and offer 2.7 petabytes of usable storage, benefiting climate and biological simulations, energy research, and material science applications. Researchers from around the world can apply to use the system, which is expected to accelerate scientific discovery.
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will receive $2.8 million to develop a next-generation adsorption chiller that is smaller, lighter, and operates under extreme temperatures. The system could reduce diesel fuel use by up to 50% and save lives by reducing attacks on American soldiers.
A new Department of Energy research facility will test new technologies for offshore wind and ocean power development. The Reference Facility for Offshore Renewable Energy will help verify the accuracy of data from new measurement technologies, providing confidence for potential investors.
PNNL has been honored with three 2013 Excellence in Technology Transfer awards for developing innovative technologies such as redox flow batteries for renewable energy storage, radiogel products for targeted radiation therapy to fight cancer, and Ion Mobility Spectrometers for explosives detection. These technologies are expected to be...
Researchers are exploring ways to improve solar power forecasting, grow algae for biofuel sustainably, and model the environmental effects of tidal power. PNNL scientists have developed new approaches to predict clouds, analyzed resources needed for algal biofuel production, and created a computer model to study tidal energy extraction.
Four Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists, Nigel Browning, Allison Campbell, Anthony Peurrung, and Douglas Ray, have been elected as AAAS fellows. They were recognized for their contributions to electron microscopy, thin film synthesis, radiation detection, and national security programs.
Lab research reveals airborne particles form a protective vessel for pollutant transport, with pollutants trapped inside lasting longer. The symbiotic relationship between pollutants and airborne particles explains how city pollution reaches the Arctic.
Researchers from PNNL develop new algorithm to identify similar patterns in data, reducing processing time by seconds. A software called Bamboo is also presented, which translates MPI code to speed up data-crunching and reduce communication bottlenecks.
Researchers explore sunlight reduction methods in a computer model that considers emissions' effect on climate. The analysis shows a fundamental connection between the need for emissions reductions and the potential need for solar dimming. Climate sensitivity is a crucial factor in determining how much sun blocking might be needed.
Researchers found that nickel creates a barrier in electrode materials, reducing charging and discharging rates. The team suggests ways to improve the materials by preventing nickel from forming these barriers.
A new report from DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and N14 Energy Limited reveals LEDs are more environmentally friendly than CFLs and incandescent lights. The study found that as technology improves, LEDs will continue to gain an edge, with potential for a 50% reduction in environmental impacts within five years.
Researchers developed a mass spectrometry protein assay called PRISM that matches the sensitivity and accuracy of clinical antibody-based tests. The technique can identify proteins from blood with high accuracy and speed up development of diagnostic tests and treatments.
Researchers at PNNL and ORNL have developed a new method to extract uranium from seawater, with initial tests showing the adsorbent material can soak up more than two times the uranium than Japan's material. The study could potentially provide a cost-competitive source of nuclear fuel, enough to power the world's reactors for 6,500 years.
Researchers found that when hurricanes blow over ocean regions swamped by fresh water, the conditions can intensify the storm. This results in a 50 percent increase in intensity, which can lead to much larger destruction and death.
Scientists developed the first laboratory system to evaluate pile driving's effect on fish, finding individual blows above a certain sound level can irreparably harm them. The recommended sound threshold aims to minimize harm to marine animals while permitting ocean development.
Researchers have found a condition that creates hydrogen faster without losing efficiency. The results provide insights into making better materials for energy production. The team discovered that an acidic ionic liquid can improve the catalyst's performance by uncoupling speed and efficiency.
A new small-scale solid oxide fuel cell system achieves up to 57 percent efficiency, significantly higher than previous systems of its size. The system uses methane as fuel and incorporates microchannel technology and external steam reforming for increased efficiency and scalability.
Researchers found that pollution strengthens thunderstorm clouds, causing them to capture more heat and warm the atmosphere. The warming effect dominated over cooling, with larger anvils trapping more heat at night.
A collaborative study is exploring the proteome of triple negative breast cancers to identify new drug therapies and diagnostic tools. The researchers aim to understand how cancer cells operate and find proteins that could suggest treatment options.
A nanotech-based system called SAMMS captures carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere within submarines, providing a more environmentally friendly removal process. The technology has potential applications in air rejuvenation systems and energy efficiency.
A recent report from PNNL estimates that US commercial building owners could save an average of 38% on their heating and cooling bills by installing a handful of energy efficiency controls. The estimated savings range from 28% to 67% depending on local climate and energy prices.
Researchers have increased knowledge of the O-GlcNAc regulatory system, a little-known mechanism that regulates proteins in cells. The study found hundreds of proteins modified by O-GlcNAc, which suggests a larger coordination between the O-GlcNAc and phosphate-based regulatory systems.
Researchers have developed a diatom-based biosensor that can detect specific substances in water samples using fluorescence. The biosensor uses genetic engineering to insert fluorescent proteins into the silica shell of a marine algae, allowing it to respond to certain chemicals.
The study reveals that silicon-carbon nanocomposite electrodes can withstand repeated use and charging cycles without significant degradation. The electrodes' expansion and contraction caused by lithium ion flow are more even and less prone to imperfections, leading to improved battery performance and potential for longer lifetimes.
Researchers have found that bacteria help decompose the leaves and turn them into nutrients for both ants and fungi. The study, published in The ISME Journal, reveals a new understanding of the symbiotic relationship between leafcutter ants, fungi, and bacteria.
A symposium on disaster recovery will focus on the importance of community preparation and collaboration in overcoming emergency hardships. The event aims to provide insights into strategies for resilience and faster recovery times.
Researchers aim to make climate research more accessible by relating global data to local needs. Cesar Izaurralde discusses the implications of increasing CO2 concentrations and how to mitigate them. The symposium explores innovative approaches to climate change communication.
Researchers are exploring X-ray imaging as a next-generation tool for gathering detailed structural and functional information on biomolecules. The technology has the potential to surpass traditional X-ray crystallography, enabling the study of complex biological systems in unprecedented detail.
Researchers have accurately quantified molecular-scale interactions between gases and water molecules in gas hydrates. The study shows that hydrates can hold hydrogen at an optimal capacity of 5 weight-percent, meeting the Department of Energy standard.
The Olympus supercomputer is helping scientists analyze future power grids and design better batteries for energy storage. It uses a water cooling system, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower costs.