Critical Materials Institute

The Critical Materials Institute is a U.S. DOE Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames Laboratory that seeks to accelerate innovative scientific and technological solutions to develop resilient and secure supply chains for rare-earth metals and other materials critical to the success of clean energy technologies.

See our new video

Ames Laboratory produced this video about "Tough SmCo," which was developed at Ames Laboratory with industry partner Energy Electron Corporation and won a 2021 R&D 100 Award.

Focus Areas

Diversifying Supply

Developing Substitutes

Driving Reuse and Recycling

Crosscutting Research

News & Highlights

All News | All Highlights

Research Highlight

Hydrogen-disproportionation-desorption-recombination under applied magnetic field

Line graph shows magnetic anisotropy as a function of Co and Al concentration, x and y, respectively, in Sm2(Fe1-x Cox)14-yAly as a function of valence electrons count. Positive anisotropy indicates the desired uniaxial anisotropy.

Research Highlight

Prediction of high magnetic anisotropy material CeZrFe11

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

CMI harnesses the scientific and engineering expertise of national laboratories and universities to American know-how in manufacturing. With dozens of partners, we discover the materials, processes, and technologies necessary to address critical material supply chain challenges.
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Thomas Lograsso

CMI Director