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.

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Focus Areas

Diversifying Supply

Developing Substitutes

Reuse and Recycling

Crosscutting Research

News & Highlights

All News | All Highlights

In the News

CMI bacteria capture rare earths from electronic waste

aluminum-cerium turbines installed to generate electricity from moving water

News Release

CMI to feature award-winning aluminum alloy for additive manufacturing at Defense TechConnect

News Release

Critical Materials Institute wins TechConnect National Innovation Award

colonies of Al11Ce3 inter-metallic phase responsible for strength

Research Highlight

Direct reduction slashes Al-Ce alloy cost

Aluminum-Cerium-Magnesium-Silicon alloy with voids

Research Highlight

Thermodynamic informed Al-Ce alloy development for Advanced Manufacturing (AM)

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.

CMI technology is available for licensing

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