UNrealized Critical Lanthanide Extraction via Sea Algae Mining (UNCLE-SAM): Domestic production of critical minerals from seawater

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Program:
Exploratory Topics
Award:
$1,000,000
Location:
Richland, Washington
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
12/15/2020 - 12/15/2023
Website:

Technology Description:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will use advanced climate-simulation photobioreactors with access to natural seawater to determine optimized cultivation and rare earth elements (REE) uptake conditions of seaweeds. The team will treat the seaweed biomass with heat and pressure in a process called hydrothermal liquefaction to concentrate its critical mineral portion, while concurrently generating a feedstock for biofuels, bioplastics, and biomedical compounds. Developing this technology could transform the bioproduct and REE mining industries and catalyze the development of a more sustainable future.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Douglas Wicks
Project Contact:
Dr. Michael Huesemann
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
michael.huesemann@pnnl.gov

Partners

Colorado State University
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

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