US Department of Energy

Rare Earth Extraction Facility could lessen US dependence on imports, pump up West Virginia economy

By Faye Oney / July 27, 2018

The Rare Earth Extraction Facility, recently opened at West Virginia University, is developing a process to extract rare earth materials from acid mine drainage. The new facility could help lessen U.S. dependence on REE imports as well as boost the West Virginia economy.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Faye Oney / July 4, 2018

Sodium and potassium hold promise as alternatives to lithium-based batteries, new ultra-thin flexible sensors, and other materials stories that may be of interest for July 4, 2018.

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US DOE earmarks $35M to solve advanced manufacturing challenges; businesses solve workforce challenges at local level

By Faye Oney / February 27, 2018

The U.S. Department of Energy recently funded 24 manufacturing research projects in the amount of $35 million to solve advanced manufacturing challenges. At the local level, businesses are partnering with academia and nonprofits to solve manufacturing’s workforce challenges.

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DOE projects could revive domestic rare-earth element production

By Faye Oney / October 31, 2017

A collaboration between Battelle and Rare Earth Salts is one of several DOE projects to revive rare earth production in the U.S. Researchers are working to extract rare-earth elements from coal fly ash—which could also provide a boost to the coal industry.

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High Performance Computing for Materials Program brings government, industry together to improve energy technologies

By Faye Oney / September 22, 2017

The High Performance Computing for Materials Program (HPC4Mtls) brings together U.S. government research laboratories and industry to spur development of materials used in severe environments. Its goal is to quickly bring advanced energy research to market.

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Energy-saving window films incorporate thermochromic nanoparticles to reflect, absorb heat

By Faye Oney / September 7, 2017

A partnership between a research laboratory and a manufacturer has resulted in a new thermochromic window material that would save energy and automatically change its tint based on temperature.

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U.S. Navy 3-D printed submersible hull

Video: Go big or go home—Navy creates first submarine hull on giant 3-D printer

By Faye Oney / August 16, 2017

The U.S. Navy created a submersible hull prototype on a giant 3-D printing machine in less than one week—saving the Navy 90% in production costs. This is the first step in building a fleet of submersibles that can withstand harsh ocean conditions.

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New year, new materials: NSF funds program to accelerate discovery of new materials and tech

By Stephanie Liverani / March 8, 2016

A new Materials Innovation Platforms (MIP) program funded by the National Science Foundation made its first awards to Penn State University and Cornell University to significantly accelerate materials research and development.

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Energy-saving windows getting smarter, cheaper

By Jim Destefani / November 12, 2013

Smart window technology is getting smarter and less expensive thanks to an electrochromic coating technology.

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DOE announces $200M for solar and water power technologies

By / April 22, 2010

In celebration of Earth day, the DOE announced today that it will invest over $200 million to the development of solar and water power technologies. “Expanding the U.S. clean-energy manufacturing…

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