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.

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Focus Areas

Diversifying Supply

Developing Substitutes

Driving Reuse and Recycling

Crosscutting Research

News & Highlights

All News | All Highlights

CMI research developed at Idaho National Laboratory won a 2021 R&D 100 Award

In the News

Idaho National Laboratory wins four R&D 100 Awards

News Release

Tough magnet tech scores an R&D100 award for Critical Materials Institute at Ames Laboratory

Predicted 4f charge densities of Ce and Sm utilizing quadrupolar only (upper row panel) and both quadrupolar and octopolar (middle row panel) interactions in the crystal field model. The base CaCu5-type crystal structure (bottom row panel) to develop 2x2x1 supercell to accommodate Ce and Sm in Ce0.5Sm0.5Co5 composition.

Research Highlight

Giant magnetic anisotropy in Ce substituted SmCo5

Elemental composition of solid deposit determined by EDS

Research Highlight

Characterization of electrolytically produced Ga-REE alloy

EM image of the 1:5-type system Ce(Co1-xFex)4.4Cu0.6 after the heat treatment showing 1:5 Matrix and 1:2 S-Faults

Research Highlight

Ce-magnet with structurally induced anisotropy

CMI Speeds Innovation

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Invention Disclosures

R&D 100 Awards

U.S. Patents

Licensed Technologies

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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.

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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