U.S. patent application published for AFTRE technology

CMI Highlight: U.S. patent application published for AFTRE technology

CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight.

Innovation
AFTRE (Alternative Fluorination Technology for Rare Earths) is an innovative HF-free process for the preparation of rare earth trifluorides.

Achievement
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2026/0225978 A1, published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on August 6, 2026. 

Significance and Impact

  • Removes one of the most hazardous, capital-intensive, and  supply-chain-limiting steps in rare-earth metal manufacturing.
  • Compatible with existing and emerging metal production flowsheets.
  • Improves techno‑economic viability by reducing regulatory burden, waste handling, and infrastructure requirements associated with HF‑based fluorination.

Hub Target Addressed 
Cost-efficient domestic rare earth metals production.

Screenshot of online information on the patent disclosure of an HF-free process for preparing rare-earth trifluorides (AFTRE).
Screenshot of online information on the patent disclosure of an HF-free process for preparing rare-earth trifluorides (AFTRE).