Critical Materials Institute

The Critical Materials Institute is a U.S. DOE Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames Laboratory, and supports early-stage research to advance innovation in U.S. manufacturing. CMI seeks ways to eliminate and reduce reliance on rare-earth metals and other materials critical to the success of clean energy technologies.

CMI selects four projects through OIP process

Focus Areas

Diversifying Supply

Developing Substitutes

Driving Reuse and Recycling

Crosscutting Research

News & Highlights

All News | All Highlights

In the News

Department of Energy Critical Materials Institute selects four projects to support critical materials supply chain innovation

News Release

Critical Materials Institute names four projects to support innovation in the nation’s critical materials supply chain

In the News

How can we fix the massive e-waste problem?

For the publication, "Critical material content in modern conventional U.S. vehicle electronics” Mike Severson identified and disassembled numerous vehicle computer modules prior to analysis of elemental content.

Research Highlight

CMI internship leads to full-time employment at INL

Annual net cash flow for different levels (X% wt.) of CM powder addition (NPV of all cash flows indicated)

Research Highlight

Novel SmCo manufacturing method improves economic competitiveness

CMI Speeds Innovation

150

Invention Disclosures

R&D 100 Awards

U.S. Patents

Licensed Technologies

Learn more about our public-private partnerships

The Critical Materials Institute focuses on technologies that make better use of materials and eliminate the need for materials that are subject to supply disruptions.

About CMI
CMI Research
CMI Invention Disclosures CMI technology is available for licensing
Workforce Development
Membership

Going from an idea to a licensed technology in just two years is exactly what CMI is intended to do, and we've proven we can do it.
”

Alex King

CMI Founding Director