Research Highlights

DNP-Enhanced 3D 17O NMR Reveals the Configurations of Catalytic Sites

Using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-enhanced 17O NMR we showed that large numbers of quantitative internuclear distances could be determined to effectively triangulate the positions of atoms in a surface site. The new experiment can be easily applied to almost any surface site with minimal synthetic modification.

Experimental 1H-17O,13C correlation spectra.

Diversifying lithium supply, brines to hard-rock minerals: Mechanochemical and Vacuum-Induced Thermal Extraction of Lithium (MELLT/VITELiS)

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

Infographic showing the VITELiS approach for Li-extraction from α-spodumene

NEAREST (Neutral Ligand-Based REE Separation Technology): scaling neutral-ligand REE separations with mixer settlers

CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Schematic illustration of the initial separation stages: pre-equilibration of the DGA-6 solvent with HCl, extraction of heavy REEs (HREEs), and scrubbing of the HREE-loaded DGA-6 with concentrated NaCl to remove co-extracted HCl and light REEs (LREEs). Further optimization of flow rates and mixing rates is underway. Subsequent steps include (1) selective extraction of Nd-Pr with La-Ce remaining in the raffinate, and (2) selective scrubbing to recover individual REEs from the HREE-loaded DGA-6 solvent.

Bypassing electrolysis: one-step calciothermic route from Nd2O3 to Nd2Fe14B

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

Room temperature M-H curve (2nd quadrant) for magnet made from the NdFeB powder (R07) prepared by Ca-RD route,

44 MG-Oe hot-roll-processed magnet

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

Table shows magnetic properties of the NanoNeo magnet fabricated using the novel hot-roll method.

Evolution of Magnetic Fluctuations under Pressure in the Spin Triple Superconductor Candidate UTe2

Pressure dependence of magnetic fluctuations in the spin triplet superconductor candidate UTe2 was investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance technique.

Complex magnetism emerges from flat electronic bands

Flat bands are localized electronic states in special lattice geometries. Electrons occupying flat bands experience amplified interactions that can drive electronic instabilities. The current findings provide compelling evidence for the critical role that flat bands play in the emergence of magnetism and their sensitivity to electron concentration.

CMI leaders, technologies win R&D 100 Awards

CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the activity for highlight

High coercivity rare-earth-free Fe5C2 nanorods

CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for highlight

CMI-developed LaNd magnet patented

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