Critical Materials Innovation Hub Research Highlights

Electrochemical graphitization of carbon in molten salts

CMI researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Modeling of the production of graphite from waste plastic

CMI researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Energy Technology Laboratory and University of Houston-Downtown conducted the activity for this highlight

Ball and stick chemical models of cyclized ladder structure produced when polyethylene is oxidatively stabilized prior to charring and graphitization steps.

New company arising out of CMI innovation ecosystem

CMI researchers from Idaho National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

image of person head and shoulders - Alexa Schmitz, CEO and co-founder of REEgen.

Assisting U.S. industry to validate new technology

CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Hysteresis graph system and tested specimen (top-right corner) for magnetic property test

Scale-up of nanoparticle permanent magnet powder

CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Hysteresis loops of Sm2Fe17N3 powders prepared at scale using bottom-up and top-down approaches. Note: Powders aligned in field and fixed in wax.

Critical rare earth free cerium gap magnets-2024 TechConnect National Innovation Award

CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

New iron-based high-temperature ferromagnet

CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

image of two line graphs: Left – XRD image of the new Y/Zr/Fe-ferromagnet showing >90% single phase (rhombohedral, PuNi3-type structure) of the material in comparison to isostructural Ce/Zr/Fe analogue, earlier discovered in CMI. Right – magnetic TGA experiments showing significant increase (> 65oC) of Curie temperature relative to the Ce-based material.

Electro-separation of lithium from brines

CMI researchers from Idaho National Laboratory and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley conducted the activity for this highlight

Enhanced REE separation: dual-extractant strategy

CMI researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Schematic illustration of dual-extractant process

My Amazing Future education event

CMI researchers from Idaho National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

two people standing by girls seated at table: Introducing what are critical materials and rare earth elements