April 2025

Combining Computational Modeling with Materials Science Accelerates Reduced-Cobalt Alloy

A Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) research team has innovated a breakthrough version of the nickel-based alloy IN617 that substitutes manganese for cobalt. This advancement maintains the alloy’s high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance while reducing reliance on cobalt, a critical material with supply chain vulnerabilities. The new alloy shows promise for use in next-generation nuclear reactors and various energy applications. Read full article.

WSU Partnership Elevates the Next Generation of Nuclear Scientists

PNNL and Washington State University (WSU) are fostering the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers through hands-on research opportunities. Students and postdoctoral researchers gain expertise in nuclear materials, waste processing, and actinide chemistry, supported by PNNL mentors. This collaboration strengthens the talent pipeline for nuclear science and national security. Read feature article.

GAIN Vouchers Connect Industry with PNNL R&D to Advance Nuclear Fuel Recycling and Reactor Technology Projects

The Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) program awarded two industry leaders with vouchers to partner with PNNL on nuclear fuel recycling and reactor coolant chemistry. 

Curio Solutions will work with PNNL to analyze its NuCycle® nuclear fuel recycling process, characterizing waste streams and recommending disposal strategies to support a future pilot demonstration.  
Kairos Power LLC will collaborate with PNNL to refine analytical methods for monitoring FLiBE salt coolant to support demonstration and deployment of molten salt and fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor designs.

These partnerships reinforce PNNL's expertise in advancing nuclear innovation and supporting the safe, cost-effective deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies. Read more.  

PNNL Events

PNNL researchers will be featured at these upcoming conferences.

Nondestructive Evaluation of Advanced Manufacturing Components Technical Workshop

PNNL is hosting the Third Technical Workshop on Nondestructive Evaluation of Advanced Manufacturing Components, April 29–30, 2025, in Richland, Washington. Learn about advancements in nondestructive evaluation for components used in the energy, infrastructure, and national security sectors. Click here to register.

Interfaces for Energy and the Environment Conference

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PNNL is hosting the Interfaces for Energy and the Environment Conference, May 19–23, 2025, in Richland, Washington. This international, interdisciplinary conference aims to advance the fundamental understanding of mineral-aqueous interfaces relevant to energy and environmental application. Participants will share recent findings and developments across fields such as geochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, soil science, environmental management, and catalysis science. The event will feature invited lectures, contributed oral presentations, poster sessions, sponsor and vendor exhibits. Click here to register.

Nuclear Career Opportunities Across PNNL Research and Operations Missions

Nuclear Safety Basis Engineer 3. Apply by April 6. Req ID: 10269
Post Doctorate RA - Physical Chemistry - X-Ray Scattering and Spectroscopy. Apply by April 10. Req ID: 10481
Post Doctorate RA - Physical Biosciences. Apply by April 4. Req ID: 10443

See full details on these and additional opportunities on the Careers website; search for “nuclear.” Join our Talent Community and upload your resume to receive updates on future PNNL job postings.

PNNL's multidisciplinary expertise in nuclear science provides solutions to some of the world’s most complex environmental, radiological, and national security challenges.

Nuclear@PNNL gives readers a firsthand look at PNNL's focus on nuclear materials behavior, chemistry, forensics, and processing to advance nuclear energy, resolve legacy waste, and support national security. Each issue highlights the expertise of our researchers, their contributions to the nuclear mission space, and our state-of-the-art research facilities where discoveries and advancements are made.

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in sustainable energy and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE’s Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the PNNL's News Center. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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