An international research team led by PNNL scientists has developed a plastic upcycling process that works for low-density polyethylene products, such as plastic films and squeezable bottles, and polypropylene products that are not typically collected in curbside recycling programs. Published in the journal Science, the study examined the electrocatalysis of carbonyls on palladium. Through a combination of spectroscopy, electrochemical characterization, and reaction kinetics, researchers found that small amounts of excess electrical energy favor hydrogenation. The process produces fuel quickly at mild temperatures, with few byproducts. Read more.
Scientists Unveil Least Costly Carbon Capture System to Date
In an important step toward decarbonization and net zero emissions, PNNL scientists have created a new system that efficiently captures carbon dioxide—the least costly method to date—and converts the carbon dioxide into one of the world’s most widely used chemicals: methanol. Read more.
DeterminING Light-Driven Organic-Nanoparticle Electron Exchange
A new study published in Environmental Science: Nano helps shed new light on factors controlling the interplay between photoexcitation of light-absorbing organics on metal oxide particles, their semiconducting properties, and the influence of critical environmental variables, such as pH. Read more.
IIC News
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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on signature capabilities in chemistry, Earth sciences, and data analytics to advance scientific discovery and create solutions to the nation's toughest challenges in energy resiliency and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.
The WSU-PNNL Bioproducts Institute is a joint research collaboration of Washington State University and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The Institute’s mission is to leverage cutting-edge science, engineering, and analysis to transform engineered plants and industrial, agricultural, and municipal waste into valuable materials and chemicals and develop a pipeline of talent to meet future workforce needs.
