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Energy and Environment Directorate

Josef Matyas

Josef Matyas

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
PO Box 999
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 372-6023

Biography

Dr. Matyáš is the senior scientist in the Radiological Materials and Technology Development Group. He has more than 16 years of experience in the materials research field with special emphasis in glass science and radioactive waste processing. Dr. Matyáš began his career at the Institute of Chemical Technology and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, developing controls and methods for improving glass processing industry. In 2002, he became a postdoctoral fellow at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and started applying his knowledge of glass research to the United States glass industry and the Department of Energy's radioactive waste immobilization efforts. After becoming a scientist at the lab in 2004, he continued his pursuit of advancing glass formulations and processing but also extended his know-how to include experimental research and computational science in the areas of high-temperature ceramic materials, solid sorbents, and nanoscale materials.

Dr. Matyáš's current research is in development of advanced waste forms for safe sequestration of various nuclear wastes with a goal to maximize loading of waste and minimize disposal volumes. His special interests are centered on development of novel concepts and materials for real world applications. His current research is focused on development of a novel slow-release nitrogen fertilizer that provides nitrogen when the plant needs it. This efficient use of nitrogen is essential and strategic to agricultural production and has a patent pending. He is also leading an effort to develop advanced materials for capture and immobilization of radioiodine released to the off-gas system during reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, which is under consideration for future energy needs.

Education and Credentials

  • Ph.D., Chemistry and Technology of Inorganic Materials, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague, CZ,
  • M.S., Technology of Silicates, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague, CZ,

Affiliations and Professional Service

  • American Ceramic Society
  • Materials Research Society

Awards and Recognitions

  • DOE Nuclear Energy Fuel Cycle R&D Excellence Award (2016)
  • Outstanding Mentor Award of the US Department of Energy (2010)

PNNL Patents

PNNL Publications

2022

2021

2020

  • Pearce C.I., E. Cordova, W.L. Garcia, S.A. Saslow, K.J. Cantrell, J.W. Morad, and O. Qafoku, et al. 2020. "Evaluation of materials for iodine and technetium immobilization through sorption and redox-driven processes." Science of the Total Environment 716. PNNL-SA-138462. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136167

2019

  • Asmussen R.M., J. Matyas, N. Qafoku, and A.A. Kruger. 2019. "Silver-Functionalized Silica Aerogels and Their Application in the Removal of Iodine from Aqueous Environments." Journal of Hazardous Materials 379. PNNL-SA-129580. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.04.081
  • Asmussen R.M., J.V. Ryan, J. Matyas, J.V. Crum, J. Reiser, N.M. Avalos, and E.M. McElroy, et al. 2019. "Investigating the Durability of Iodine Waste Forms in Dilute Conditions." Materials 12, no. 5:Article No. 686. PNNL-SA-140280. doi:10.3390/ma12050686

2018

  • Edwards M.K., J. Matyas, and J.V. Crum. 2018. "Real-Time Monitoring of Crystal Accumulation in the High-Level Waste Glass Melters with Electrical Conductivity Method." International Journal of Applied Glass Science 9, no. 1:42-51. PNNL-SA-123930. doi:10.1111/ijag.12275

2017

  • Amonette J.E., and J. Matyas. 2017. "Functionalized Silica Aerogels for Gas-Phase Purification, Sensing, and Catalysis: A Review." Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 250. PNNL-SA-123142. doi:10.1016/j.micromeso.2017.04.055
  • Matyas J., V. Gervasio, S.E. Sannoh, and A.A. Kruger. 2017. "Predictive Modeling of Crystal Accumulation in the High-Level Waste Glass Melters Processing Radioactive Waste." Journal of Nuclear Materials 495. PNNL-SA-125881. doi:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2017.08.034
  • Riley B.J., J.O. Kroll, J.A. Peterson, J. Matyas, M.J. Olszta, X.S. Li, and J.D. Vienna. 2017. "Silver-loaded aluminosilicate aerogels as iodine sorbents." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 9, no. 38:32907-32919. PNNL-SA-126525. doi:10.1021/acsami.7b10290

2016

  • Amonette J.E., and J. Matyas. 2016. "Determination of ferrous and total iron in refractory spinels." Analytica Chimica Acta 910. PNNL-SA-113714. doi:10.1016/j.aca.2015.12.024
  • Matyas J., N.L. Canfield, S.E. Sannoh, and M.R. Zumhoff. 2016. "Silica-based waste form for immobilization of iodine from reprocessing plant off-gas streams." Journal of Nuclear Materials 476. PNNL-SA-117831. doi:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2016.04.047

2015

  • Riley B.J., D.A. Pierce, S.M. Frank, J. Matyas, and C.A. Burns. 2015. "Efficacy of a Solution-Based Approach for Making Sodalite Waste Forms for an Oxide Reduction Salt Utilized in the Reprocessing of Used Uranium Oxide Fuel." Journal of Nuclear Materials 459. PNNL-SA-103835. doi:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2014.09.042

2014

  • Hrma P.R., B.J. Riley, J.V. Crum, and J. Matyas. 2014. "The effect of high-level waste glass composition on spinel liquidus temperature." Journal of Non-crystalline Solids 384. PNNL-SA-91584. doi:10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2013.02.014
  • Matyas J., J.E. Amonette, R.K. Kukkadapu, D.K. Schreiber, and A.A. Kruger. 2014. "THE EFFECTS OF GLASS DOPING, TEMPERATURE AND TIME ON THE MORPHOLOGY, COMPOSITION, AND IRON REDOX OF SPINEL CRYSTALS." In Advances in Materials Science for Environmental and Energy Technologies III, October 27-31, 2013, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Ceramic Transactions, edited by T Ohji, et al, 250, 147-156. Hoboken, New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. PNNL-SA-100009. doi:10.1002/9781118996652.ch14
  • Riley B.J., D.A. Pierce, J. Chun, J. Matyas, W.C. Lepry, T. Garn, and J. Law, et al. 2014. "Polyacrylonitrile-Chalcogel Hybrid Sorbents for Radioiodine Capture." Environmental Science & Technology 48, no. 10:5832-5839. PNNL-SA-99817. doi:10.1021/es405807w

2013

  • Matyas J., D.P. Jansik, A.T. Owen, C.P. Rodriguez, J.B. Lang, and A.A. Kruger. 2013. "IMPACT OF PARTICLE AGGLOMERATION ON ACCUMULATION RATES IN THE GLASS DISCHARGE RISER OF HLW MELTER." Ceramic Transactions 241. PNNL-SA-91517. doi:10.1002/9781118751176.ch6
  • Riley B.J., J. Chun, D.A. Pierce, W.C. Lepry, and J. Matyas. 2013. "Chalcogels for Iodine Adsorption and Immobilization." In Separations and Waste Forms Research and Development FY 2013 Accomplishments Report, edited by J Schulthess and D Hamelin. 74-75. Idaho Falls, Idaho:Idaho National Laboratory. PNNL-SA-99079.
  • Riley B.J., J. Chun, W. Um, W.C. Lepry, J. Matyas, M.J. Olszta, and X. Li, et al. 2013. "Chalcogen-Based Aerogels as Sorbents for Radionuclide Remediation." Environmental Science & Technology 47, no. 13:7540-7547. PNNL-SA-93370. doi:10.1021/es400595z

2012

  • Matyas J., A.R. Huckleberry, C.P. Rodriguez, J.D. Vienna, and A.A. Kruger. 2012. "EMPIRICAL MODEL FOR FORMULATION OF CRYSTAL-TOLERANT HLW GLASSES." In Advances in Materials Science for Environmental and Energy Technologies: Ceramic Transactions, edited by T Ohji, et al. Hoboken, New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. PNNL-SA-83235.
  • Matyas J., M.J. Robinson, and G.E. Fryxell. 2012. "THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND UNIAXIAL PRESSURE ON THE DENSIFICATION BEHAVIOR OF SILICA AEROGEL GRANULES." In Ceramic Materials for Energy Applications II, Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings - 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, January 22-27, 2012, Daytona Beach, Florida, edited by K. Fox, et al, 121-132. Hoboken, New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. PNNL-SA-85797. doi:10.1002/9781118217535.ch9
  • Riley B.J., J.V. Crum, J. Matyas, J.S. McCloy, and W.C. Lepry. 2012. "Solution-Derived, Chloride-Containing Minerals as a Waste Form for Alkali Chlorides." Journal of the American Ceramic Society 95, no. 10:3115-3123. PNNL-SA-86321. doi:10.1111/j.1551-2916.2012.05363.x

2011

  • Matyas J., G.E. Fryxell, B.J. Busche, K. Wallace, and L.S. Fifield. 2011. "FUNCTIONALIZED SILICA AEROGELS: ADVANCED MATERIALS TO CAPTURE AND IMMOBILIZE RADIOACTIVE IODINE." In Ceramic Materials for Energy Applications: Papers from The American Ceramic Society's 35th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, January 23-28, 2011, Daytona Beach, Florida. Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings, edited by Y Katoh, et al, 32, 23-33. Hoboken, New Jersey:Wiley. PNNL-SA-77216. doi:10.1002/9781118095386.ch3
  • Matyas J., M.J. Schaible, and J.D. Vienna. 2011. "DETERMINATION OF STOKES SHAPE FACTOR FOR SINGLE PARTICLES AND AGGLOMERATES." In Advances in Materials Science for Environmental and Nuclear Technology II: Papers from Symosia held at the Materials Science & Technology Conference and Exhibition (MS&T 2010), October 17-21, 2010, Houston, Texas. Ceramic Transactions, edited by SK Sundaram, T Ohji, K Fox and E Hoffman, 227, 195-203. Hoboken, New Jersey:Wiley. PNNL-SA-75367.
  • Matyas J., R.S. Wegeng, M.J. Robinson, A.M. Casella, and J.S. McCloy. 2011. "Experimental Characterization of Thermal Wadis in Support of Lunar Exploration." In AIAA SPACE 2011 Conference & Exposition, September 27-29, 2011, Long Beach, California, Paper No. AIAA 2011-7364. Reston, Virginia:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. PNWD-SA-9590.
  • McCloy J.S., S.K. Sundaram, J. Matyas, and P.P. Woskov. 2011. "Simultaneous Measurement of Temperature and Emissivity of Lunar Regolith Simulant using Dual-Channel Millimeter-Wave Radiometry." Review of Scientific Instruments 82, no. 5:Article No. 054703. PNNL-SA-76312. doi:10.1063/1.3590016
  • Riley B.J., J. Chun, J.V. Ryan, J. Matyas, X.S. Li, D.W. Matson, and S.K. Sundaram, et al. 2011. "Chalcogen-based aerogels as a multifunctional platform for remediation of radioactive iodine." RSC Advances 1, no. 9:1704-1715. PNNL-SA-80633. doi:10.1039/C1RA00351H
  • Riley B.J., J.V. Crum, J.S. McCloy, and J. Matyas. 2011. "Advanced Electrochemical Waste Forms." In Separations and Waste Forms FY 2011 Accomplishments Report: Separations and Waste Forms Research and Development. 120-122. Idaho Falls, Idaho:Idaho National Laboratory. PNNL-20834; INL/EXT-11-24155 Rev 0.

2010

  • Matyas J., J.D. Vienna, A. Kimura, M.J. Schaible, and R.M. Tate. 2010. "DEVELOPMENT OF CRYSTAL-TOLERANT WASTE GLASSES." In Advances in Materials Science for Environmental and Nuclear Technology: Ceramic Transactions, edited by K Fox, E Hoffman, N Manjooran and G Pickrell. 41-51. Hoboken, New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. PNNL-SA-69228.

2009

  • Longanbach S.C., J. Matyas, and S.K. Sundaram. 2009. "PENETRATION OF COAL SLAGS INTO HIGH-CHROMIA REFRACTORIES." In Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Technical Forum, 6 pages. Richland, Washington:Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. PNNL-SA-62371.
  • Matyas J., S.K. Sundaram, C.P. Rodriguez, A. Heredia-Langner, and B.M. Arrigoni. 2009. "Viscosity measurements and empirical predictions for coal slags." In 26th International Pittsburgh Coal Conference: Coal - Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development, September 20-23, 2009, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 9 pages. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:Pittsburgh Coal Conference, Univ. of Pittsburgh. PNNL-SA-67998.
  • Schaible M.J., and J. Matyas. 2009. "Physical Modeling of Spinel Crystals Settling at Low Reynolds Numbers." Journal of Young Investigators 19, no. 18:2-26. PNNL-SA-67696.
  • Sundaram S.K., K.I. Johnson, J. Matyas, R.E. Williford, S. Pilli, and V.N. Korolev. 2009. "An Integrated Approach to Coal Gasifier Testing, Modeling, and Process Optimization." Energy and Fuels 23. PNNL-SA-64349.

2008

  • Bagaasen L.M., P.R. Hrma, D. Kim, M.J. Schweiger, J. Matyas, C.P. Rodriguez, and K.S. Witwer. 2008. "Method to Reduce Molten Salt Penetration into Bulk Vitrification Refractory Materials." In WM 2008: Phoenix Rising: Moving Forward in Waste Management, Paper No. 8275. Phoenix, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-58723.
  • Johnson K.I., R.E. Williford, J. Matyas, S. Pilli, S.K. Sundaram, and V.N. Korolev. 2008. "Modeling Slag Penetration and Refractory Degradation Using the Finite Element Method." In The Twenty-Fifth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, September 29 - October 2, 2008, 3, 1687-1701. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:University of Pittsburgh. PNNL-SA-61905.
  • Matyas J., S.K. Cooley, S.K. Sundaram, C.P. Rodriguez, A.B. Edmondson, and B.M. Arrigoni. 2008. "An Empirical Viscosity Model for Coal Slags." In Twenty-Fifth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, 3, 1425-1431. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:Pittsburgh Coal. PNNL-SA-62063.
  • Matyas J., S.K. Sundaram, B.J. Hicks, A.B. Edmondson, and B.M. Arrigoni. 2008. "Slag-Refractory Interaction in Slagging Coal Gasifiers." In 7th International Symposium on High-Temperature Corrosion and Protection of Materials: Materials Science Forum, edited by P Steinmetz, 595/598, 397-408. Stafa-Zurich:Trans Tech Publications, Inc. PNNL-SA-59504.
  • Matyas J., S.K. Sundaram, C.P. Rodriguez, A.B. Edmondson, and B.M. Arrigoni. 2008. "Slag Penetration into Refractory Lining of Slagging Coal Gasifier." In Twenty-Fifth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference., 4, 2209-2218. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:Pittsburgh Coal. PNNL-SA-62047.
  • Witwer K.S., E.J. Dysland, J.S. Garfield, T.H. Beck, J. Matyas, L.M. Bagaasen, and S.K. Cooley, et al. 2008. "Hanford's Supplemental Treatment Project: Full-Scale Integrated Testing of In-Container-Vitrification and a 10,000-Liter Dryer." In WM 2008: Phoenix Rising: Moving Forward in Waste Management, Paper No.: 8293. Phoenix, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-59350.

2007

  • Canfield N.L., J.V. Crum, J. Matyas, A. Bandyopadhyay, K.S. Weil, L.R. Pederson, and J.S. Hardy. 2007. "Sintering of Mixed-Conducting Composites for Hydrogen Membranes From Nanoscale Co-Synthesized Powders." In Processing and manufacturing of advanced materials international conference; THERMEC 2006, Jul 5th, 2006, Vancouver, Canada. Materials Science Forum, 539-543, 1413-1420. Zurich:Trans Tech Publications. PNNL-SA-48245.
  • Sundaram S.K., K.I. Johnson, R.E. Williford, S. Pilli, J. Matyas, A. Fluegel, and S.K. Cooley, et al. 2007. "Slag-Refractory Interaction in Coal Gasifiers." In Twenty-Fourth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, 168. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:Pittsburgh Coal Conference. PNNL-SA-56592.

2006

  • Bagaasen L.M., T.M. Brouns, M.L. Elliott, P.R. Hrma, D. Kim, J. Matyas, and E.M. Pierce, et al. 2006. "Transport of Technetium and Rhenium into Refractory Materials during Bulk Vitrification." In Waste Management '06: Global Accomplishments in Environmental and Radioactive Waste Management: Education and Opportunity for the Next Generation of Waste Management Professionals. Tucson, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-48697.
  • Hrma P.R., D.E. Smith, J. Matyas, J.D. Yeager, J.V. Jones, and E.N. Boulos. 2006. "Effect of float glass composition on liquidus temperature and devitrification behaviour." Glass Technology - European Journal of Glass Science and Technology Part A 47, no. 3:78-90. PNNL-SA-52267.

2002

  • Hrma P.R., J. Matyas, and D. Kim. 2002. "The Chemistry and Physics of Melter Cold Cap." In Spectrum 2002: Exploring Science-Based Solutions and Technologies. 9th Biennial International Conference on Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Management, August 4-8, 2002, Reno Nevada, 8 pages. La Grange Park, Illinois:American Nuclear Society. PNNL-SA-36504.

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