New zirconia-based catalyst can make plastics upcycling more sustainable

A new type of catalyst breaks down polyolefin plastics into new, useful products. This project is part of a new strategy to reduce the amount of plastic waste and its impact on our environment, as well as recover value that is lost when plastics are...
22-Feb-2023 10:30 AM EST Add to Favorites

A newly developed catalyst makes single-use plastics easier to upcycle, recycle, and biodegrade

Researchers created a new catalyst that transforms hydrocarbons into chemicals and materials that are higher value, easier to recycle, and biodegrade in the environment. This catalyst transforms materials such as motor oil, plastics in single-use...
20-Feb-2023 1:05 PM EST Add to Favorites

New hybrid catalyst could help decarbonization and make ethylene production more sustainable

A new hybrid catalyst converts carbon dioxide into ethylene in one pot. The catalyst was developed by scientists from Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, University of Virginia, and Columbia University.
27-Jan-2023 11:20 AM EST Add to Favorites

New discoveries made about a promising solar cell material, thanks to new microscope

A team of scientists from the Department of Energy’s Ames National Laboratory developed a new characterization tool that allowed them to gain unique insight into a possible alternative material for solar cells.
15-Nov-2022 11:05 AM EST Add to Favorites

Improving rare-earth-free magnets through microstructure engineering

Researchers from the Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Institute (CMI) and Ames National Laboratory have improved the properties of a rare-earth-free permanent magnet material and demonstrated the process can be upscaled for manufacturing.
8-Nov-2022 6:10 PM EST Add to Favorites

Fundamental research improves understanding of new optical materials

Research into the synthesis of new materials could lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly items such as solar panels and light emitting diodes (LEDs). Scientists from Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University developed a...
20-Sep-2022 3:35 PM EDT Add to Favorites

A breakthrough in magnetic materials research could lead to novel ways to manipulate electron flow with much less energy loss

Newly discovered magnetic interactions in the Kagome layered topological magnet TbMn6Sn6 could be the key to customizing how electrons flow through these materials. Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames National Laboratory and Oak...
18-Aug-2022 4:45 PM EDT Add to Favorites

Scientists Use Copper Nanowires to Combat the Spread of Diseases

An ancient metal used for its microbial properties is the basis for a materials-based solution to disinfection. A team of scientists from Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, and University at Buffalo developed an antimicrobial spray...
27-Jul-2022 4:30 PM EDT Add to Favorites