TENT: Critical Materials

This article will explain what "critical” and “near-critical” materials are — important substances, often rare earth metals, whose supplies are at risk — and why they are important — they are used in alternative energy applications, electronics, and other high-tech systems. It gives an overview of current research for critical materials, and highlights research gaps and needs. And it outlines what AIChE and its Center for Energy Initiatives (CEI) are doing related to critical materials.