Characterizing Critical Materials
Advanced characterization reveals the composition of critical materials in natural and recycled feedstocks to support resource recovery.
Characterization Specialists
Critical materials must be characterized before extraction, separation and use. INL uses advanced analytical instruments to detect, quantify and characterize critical materials in natural waters, tailings, recycled materials and more.
Our work provides precise, reliable data to support the efficient extraction of critical materials.
Detect
A comprehensive suite of instrumentation can detect critical materials down to parts per trillion.
Quantify
Leadership in ultra-trace analysis quantifies critical materials in the most challenging matrices.
Characterize
Advanced analytical techniques characterize the structures and composition of critical materials at every length scale.
Microscopy and Characterization Suite
The Microscopy and Characterization Suite (MaCS) uses advanced instruments to identify, quantify, and provide detailed analyses of critical materials in sources like ores, recycled materials, industrial byproducts, and more. The suite includes a transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and an electron microprobe. These tools provide high-resolution images and analyze the nanoscale composition and material structures.
Trace Element Laboratory
The Trace Element Geochemistry Lab, which performs all Department of Energy standards work for brines, quantifies critical material concentrations in solutions down to parts-per-trillion levels. Its state-of-the-art clean enclosure and HEPA-filtered, dust-free environment enable researchers to measure, isolate and capture rare earth elements in oil and gas produced brines while precisely characterizing samples with up to 30% dissolved solids.
This capability supports evaluation of produced brines as viable sources of critical materials for advanced defense, communication and transportation technologies. Detecting trace amounts of critical materials can also indicate a larger nearby source, potentially leading to the discovery of invaluable critical material deposits.
Analytical Chemistry
INL has a range of elemental analysis capabilities, including inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography techniques.
We can analyze organic and inorganic materials with chemometrics and conduct advanced gas and liquid phase analysis, examining smaller gases, radiation chemistry degradation products and detailed pyrolysis products. Our materials characterization and qualification include new scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy with unique features, and an upgraded X-ray diffraction system.
Connect with our Team
Whether you’re interested in critical materials research, supply chain challenges or collaboration opportunities, our team can connect you with the appropriate researchers and technical experts at INL.