The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
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From natural disaster recovery to sustainable solutions, Redwood leads the charge in active battery recycling. As natural disasters and major accidents become more frequent, Redwood Materials Inc. steps in to ensure that lithium-ion batteries, often damaged in these events, are safely recovered and recycled, preventing further harm to affected communities and the environment. In just a few short years, Redwood has grown from a small recycling startup into a critical player in... Full story
Researchers use subatomic particles to examine and improve 3D-printed superalloys for nuclear, aerospace, automotive, and other industries. As industries push for stronger materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions, researchers are turning to advanced metal 3D printing and atomic-level analysis to create superalloys designed to endure the harsh environments that future technologies may find themselves in. Alloys are created by blending two or more metals to achieve... Full story
Funding supports deconversion essential for nuclear fuel supply chain. Amid growing efforts to secure a reliable domestic nuclear fuel supply, the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded contracts to six companies as part of an $800 million initiative to bolster the deconversion of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a critical component of the supply chain for advanced nuclear reactors. Over the past few years, the U.S. has been actively working to elevate nuclear energy... Full story
DOE backs company for more domestic battery supply, enhancing U.S. electrification and critical material supply chain resilience. Further solidifying its role in North America's circular battery metals supply chain as the world shifts to electrification, American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has been awarded a $150 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to construct a second commercial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facility. In the fall of 2023,... Full story
Researchers from Texas A&M and Sandia National Labs develop 3D-printed joints that adapt to stress, temperature, and movement for stronger structures. In a move that could reshape industries from aerospace to biomedical engineering, researchers from Texas A&M University and Sandia National Laboratories have developed 3D-printed nickel-titanium alloys with shape memory capabilities, paving the way for stronger, more adaptable structures without the need for traditional nuts... Full story
Creates world's first glowing jewels, merging art with groundbreaking science and rare earths. What if a crystal could capture light by day and glow through the night? Thanks to the efforts of a jeweler-turned-scientist, they may have just uncovered that secret, crafting a gemstone like nothing the world has ever seen. What started as a jeweler's curiosity about lab-grown crystals has now transformed into a full-blown scientific breakthrough. After years of experimentation,... Full story
Argonne National Lab scientists discover method to prevent cracks in sodium-ion battery cathodes, increasing lifespan. A breakthrough from Argonne National Laboratory may have paved the way for a new era of affordable, sustainable sodium-ion batteries. As the global push for clean energy accelerates, batteries have become essential for powering electric vehicles and storing renewable energy. While lithium-ion batteries remain the standard due to their high energy density and m... Full story
New U.S. benchmark to boost market transparency, supporting battery supply chain growth. With lithium batteries forecast to power a sixfold surge in United States graphite demand by 2034, Fastmarkets has launched a new price assessment that aims to provide greater transparency and reliability benchmarks to manufacturers, producers, and investors involved in U.S. graphite. Established over 150 years ago, England-based Fastmarkets has built a reputation for delivering reliable... Full story
New venture aims to recover critical minerals from lithium-ion batteries, reducing waste and carbon emissions while supporting sustainable development in Ontario. In a strategic move to tackle the environmental and supply chain challenges posed by battery waste, Electra Battery Materials Corp. and Indigenous-owned Three Fires Group have launched Aki Battery Recycling, a joint venture focused on producing black mass through responsible recycling of lithium-ion battery scrap....
New partnership advances solid rocket motor production using 3D printing to meet growing defense and space demands. In a strategic effort to enhance national defense capabilities, Ursa Major Technologies Inc. has entered a $25 million partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to advance the production of solid rocket motors using additive manufacturing techniques. With a focus on solving some of the most pressing challenges in aerospace and defense, Ursa Major has...
PNNL researchers discover graphene works as scaffold for silk fibers; may contribute to next-gen bioelectronics. Once treasured for its luxurious feel, strength, and durability, silk is now poised to take on a cutting-edge role in electronics as scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered how to combine its unique properties with graphene, unlocking the potential for flexible circuits that could revolutionize everything from biodegradable sensors to...
IDTechEx report examines potential of critical materials recovery from EVs to drive a circular economy by 2045. As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, recycling end-of-life vehicles is becoming an increasingly important source of critical materials, potentially surpassing traditional mining. According to a recent report by IDTechEx, the recovery of valuable metals from electric vehicle batteries and motors is expected to generate over $100 billion annually...
Uranium exploration at Nichols Ranch reveals strong results, potentially leading to a project restart in 2025. Due to stronger-than-expected results from ongoing exploration, Energy Fuels Inc. is advancing plans to restart its Nichols Ranch uranium project in Wyoming in 2025, enabling the company to bolster domestic uranium production for the clean energy transition. Colorado-based Energy Fuels, which operates the White Mesa Mill in Utah, is already the largest U.S. producer o...
Plant optimizations boost both graphene output and quality for advanced applications. As the demand for advanced materials accelerates, Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (GMG) has exceeded expectations at its newly commissioned modular graphene production plant in Richlands, Australia, with the company reporting improved production rates and graphene quality since the plant began operating in December. Based in Australia, GMG has been at the forefront of clean-technology innov...
Combining AI with LP-LIBS, DTE's aluminum analysis cuts energy use and boosts efficiency. In the face of surging global demand for aluminum and rising energy costs, an Icelandic company is pioneering a new solution with its real-time melt analysis technology that promises to revolutionize aluminum production by providing immediate insights into molten metal composition, significantly cutting down on energy usage and production times while ensuring higher efficiency and... Full story
DOD funds expansion of North America's only LFP plant, boosting energy security for EVs and energy storage. With a strategic push to strengthen domestic energy security, Nano One Materials Corp. has received a $12.9 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to support the expansion of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathode production at its Candiac facility in Québec, positioning the company to bolster North America's critical battery materials supply chain.... Full story
Tin is indispensable today and shapes innovation of tomorrow. From $5 flashlightS to multi-million-dollar super computers, virtually all electronics rely on tin, primarily because of its use in soldering. If circuit boards are considered the backbone of technology, then tin-based solder could be seen as the connective tissue that holds the industry together. Despite its fundamental role in the Digital Age, tin is often overshadowed by other critical minerals and contends with...
Reliance on imports for this white metal could darken days. When people see something pristine white, they often think of it as pure or clean – this imagery is plastered everywhere, from unblemished lab coats to sterilized hospitals. Yet, it may be surprising to know that the rich whiteness seen in many consumer products actually comes from a critical metal, titanium. From the whiteness of milk to the foundation used in makeup, if it is used to lighten or brighten, it most l...
Russian uranium import ban ripples through clean energy sector. With the clock running down on uranium stockpiles, the U.S. faces an urgent need to secure its energy future. New legislation and significant investments are set to revive domestic production of this zero-carbon energy fuel, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and bolster national security –measures that aim to ensure a stable uranium supply for nuclear energy as the country races to meet its demands. In May 2...
Projects, initiatives, and technology expand scandium supply chain security. While it may not have quite as strong a chemical bond to its adopted lanthanide siblings as they do each other, scandium does possess similar enough characteristics and is almost always found at the same geological gatherings (deposits) as the rest of its rare earth family. Named for the Latin word for Scandinavia, "Scandia," – as the mineral was thought to only dwell off the Nordic peninsula – sca...
Cutting-edge innovations turn aluminum into a cornerstone of the green transition, reshaping technology and the future. Imagine a metal that's as light as it is strong, capable of taking cars further on a single charge and helping planes soar higher with less fuel. Enter aluminum – the unsung hero of the green revolution. This year, aluminum isn't just playing a supporting role in the shift to sustainability; it's stealing the spotlight, driving innovations that are making o...
Completing the design phase, company prepares microreactor for experimentation for real-world deployment and applications. In a significant step toward advancing clean energy technology, Westinghouse Electric Company has completed the front-end engineering and design phase for its eVinci microreactor, bringing this compact nuclear system closer to real-world testing at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), with the potential to begin as early as 2026. With a legacy spanning over... Full story
Desktop Metal qualifies Continuum Powders' recycled superalloy for additive manufacturing. In a significant step toward advancing sustainable additive manufacturing (AM), Desktop Metal Inc. has qualified Continuum Powders Corp.'s 100% recycled Mar-M247 superalloy for use in its binder jet 3D printers, marking the first time a fully recycled alloy has been approved for the company's metal printing platforms. The adoption of recycled metals in 3D printing has faced significant... Full story
Federal, private, academic, and public sectors collaborate to find critical minerals through unexpected methods. In the quest for a sustainable and secure supply of critical minerals, North America is turning to unconventional sources that promise to redefine the landscape of resource extraction. As the drive toward a green economy intensifies, innovative methods are emerging to harvest essential minerals through atypical means. These efforts, bolstered by significant... Full story
From rocket engines to lunar habitats, 3D printing is revolutionizing aerospace, turning dreams into reality. In the not-so-distant past, the idea of constructing a rocket engine or spacecraft components with just the click of a button seemed like pure science fiction. Yet today, 3D printing is rapidly transforming the aerospace industry, turning once-impossible designs into tangible reality, and bringing us closer to the stars than ever before. Aerospace has always been on th... Full story
