Research Highlights

CMI leaders lead panel discussion at Magnetics 2026

CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dexter Magnetics, Terves and Momentum Technologies conducted the activity for this highlight

CMI Developing Substitutes Focus Area Lead David Parker (shown left) led the panel discussion with CMI Developing Substitutes Deputy Ikenna Nlebedim (shown right) and representatives from three CMI Team members (center three people, from left): Bo Zhang, Dexter Magnetics; Andrew Sherman, Terves; and Preston Bryant, Momentum Technologies.

CMI hosts U.S. Department of Energy senior leadership

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

CMI Director Tom Lograsso, Ames National Laboratory (shown holding vial), describes CMI research from the Controlled Atmosphere Materials Processing System (CAMPS) laboratory to U.S. Department of Energy senior leadership, including Audrey Robertson, DOE Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE), Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) (shown left), with Ames National Laboratory Director Karl Mueller (shown right).

Mechanochemical extraction of lithium project recognized with Best Poster Presentation Award

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

CMI 2026 Winter Meeting Best Poster Award Adi Mussin , Colorado School of Mines

AFTRE: HF-free route to rare-earth fluorides

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

$X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of NdF<sub>3</sub> synthesized via AFTRE.$

Tailored synthesis in nanoparticle permanent magnets (NPPMs)

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

Blue curve shows the magnetic properties of the as-synthesized 50g batch. Red curve is the sintered magnet with 5 wt.% Zn densified to 87% theoretical density.

System-level demonstration of a torque coupler with CMI magnets

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

Coupler-Integrated Torsional Coupling Test Rig for Machine Protection

Tailored synthesis in nanoparticle permanent magnets (NPPMs)

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

Sm2Fe17 synthesis pathway and ALS study

CMI crosscutting research outreach at the Iowa Statehouse

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

CMI scientists Lun An and Long Qi shared information about research of the Critical Materials Innovation Hub during the annual Iowa State University Day at the Capitol on February 4, 2026.

Multiscale modeling of catalytic conversion reactions in linear nanopores: Anomalous pore diameter dependence of yield due to inhibited transport

A multiscale modeling framework is developed for catalytic conversion in narrow linear nanopores connecting high-fidelity molecular dynamics (MD), Langevin simulation of rare passing processes & coarse-grained (CG) stochastic modeling on experimental time- and length scales. Anomalous pore diameter dependence of yield is successfully predicted.

catalytic conversion process overview

Hybrid Materials for the Stabilization Structure Control of Zero-Valent Single Atoms for Selective Catalysis

Only a small fraction of metals in most industrial catalysts are active, inefficiently utilizing critical materials. We developed a simple and cost‑effective strategy to anchor isolated platinum atoms onto hybrid organic-inorganic surfaces with molecular‑level precision.

Pt(0) isolation and molecule structures