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New process turns paper manufacturing waste into valuable chemicals

A group of researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory has discovered a way to convert kraft lignin, a common byproduct of the paper manufacturing process, into valuable chemical precursors for making nylon.

Pat Thiel honored with naming of Hach Hall lobbies

In recognition of her contributions, Iowa State University will name the north and south lobbies of Hach Hall in her honor; to be referred to as Thiel North and Thiel South.

Wenyu Huang earns 2020 Trapp Innovation Award

Wenyu Huang, associate professor of chemistry and faculty scientist at Ames Lab, received the Trapp Innovation Award for his groundbreaking research that fosters the development of inventive catalytic systems.

Exascale computing promises big boosts in technology

Ames Laboratory's Theresa Windus is quoted in an article detailing advances that could be made possible through the Exascale Computing Project.

New Nitrogen Assembly Carbon catalyst has potential to transform chemical manufacturing

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory have discovered a metal-free carbon-based catalyst that has the potential to be much less expensive and more efficient for many industrial concerns, including manufacturing of bio- and fossil fuels, electrocatalysis, and fuel cells.

Happy 100th Birthday, Klaus!

Klaus Ruedenberg, Ames Lab theoretical chemist and leading figure in the international field of quantum mechanics, will turn 100 years old on Aug. 25.

Klaus Ruedenberg, Ames Laboratory theoretical chemist

Ames Lab Scientist Theresa Windus named Fellow of American Chemical Society

Theresa Windus, the Interim Director of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Ames Laboratory and Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Professor at Iowa State University, has been named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

New technique sheds light on the mysteries of complex chemical reaction networks

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory and their colleagues have discovered a way to untangle the mysteries of complex reaction networks by employing a measurement tool in a unique way.

Cover of Catalysis journal featuring Ames Lab research

Ames Lab-led research team wins a $12.8M boost from the Department of Energy to tackle plastic upcycling science

A multi-institutional team of scientists led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory, which has been working on the problem for almost three years, is growing into the Institute for Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics (iCOUP) Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC), with $12.8 million in funding over four years.

Ames Lab chosen to lead new Energy Frontier Research Center

The new EFRC will research ways to upcycle plastics into more valuable materials.