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

Idaho National Laboratory produced this video about "EC-Leach," which was developed at INL and won a 2022 R&D 100 Award.

Focus Areas

Diversifying Supply

Developing Substitutes

Driving Reuse and Recycling

Crosscutting Research

News & Highlights

All News | All Highlights

diagram with text biological treatment of REE impacted wastewater

Research Highlight

Rare earth element impacts on microbial nitrogen cycling

image of Mg-Nd ingot produced by calciothermic reduction of the chloride to produce >50-lb batches.

Research Highlight

Semi-continuous calciothermal reduction and production of rare earth elements

Fractured (inner) surface of the reduced pellet of NdFe alloy (reduction time: 24h, cell voltage – 2.9V).

Research Highlight

Preparation, evaluation and characterization of rare earth alloys directly from oxide intermediates

Research Highlight

Coercivity exceeding 14 kOe for the CMI La-Nd based magnet

Research Highlight

Ce-based magnet with (BH)max of 20+ MGOe

CMI Speeds Innovation

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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