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April 2026
New Material Sprouts From Fast-Growing Crop
A startup, farmers, and NLR are growing a more durable, recyclable epoxy for snowboards, energy infrastructure, and more.
The Fast Lane: 3 Ways To Get More Critical Minerals, Now
Companies need critical minerals for electronics, medical equipment, crops, and more. These three techniques (and others) could make some easier to get.
Office of Science Awards Lukas Dahlin Early Career Research Honor
Lukas Dahlin becomes only the seventh researcher from NLR so recognized during the 15-year history of the program, which is limited to those within 10 years of having earned their doctoral degree.
March 2026
Why Use Living Cells? NLR Is Making Chemicals With Enzymes Alone
Researchers address technical challenges for “cell-free” biomanufacturing—which could reduce costs of bio-based chemicals.
Accomplished Researcher Recognized by Major Industry Association for Leadership in Biofuels Research
NLR’s Robert McCormick won a Growth Energy TOBI Award recognizing his long history of technical achievements.
Turning Biomass Into Graphite Could Help Secure US Critical Mineral Supply
NLR researchers have developed two novel pathways using fast pyrolysis to create bio-based graphite. The process, which leverages waste materials, could bolster American graphite production and secure a critical supply chain for battery and steel manufacturing.
Researchers Describe Protein Structure Microbes Use To Control Light Conversion
Insights on the protein complex “photosystem I” improve scientific understanding on how cyanobacteria convert light into energy.
February 2026
Could Light Be Used To Drive Enzymes for Efficient Ammonia Production?
Nanocrystal–nitrogenase biohybrids harvest light to reduce N₂ gas. Abundant high-energy electrons are essential.
December 2025
Turning Plastic Waste Into Opportunity: Ongoing Projects Demonstrate Broad Applications of Chemical Oxidation Recycling Platform
The chemical oxidation recycling platform, originally developed through the U.S. Department of Energy’s BOTTLE Consortium, offers a practical, cost-effective, and scalable solution for processing contaminated, mixed, and multilayer plastic waste.
November 2025
A Phyto Finish: Could Seaweed Be Mined for Critical Minerals?
Some seaweeds accumulate critical minerals. NREL scientists are studying which ones do it best.
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Last Updated May 5, 2025