Advanced and sustainable materials research

Materials for a cleaner, more durable world.

Corvath Institute develops and characterizes advanced materials — for energy storage, low-carbon manufacturing, and long-lasting infrastructure — with sustainability and recyclability designed in from the start.

2011Established
91Researchers & staff
6Shared labs
150+Open methods & datasets
Mission

Materials science with a purpose

Corvath researches the materials that clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and low-waste manufacturing depend on, and works to make those materials more sustainable, recyclable, and affordable.

From lab to line

We study materials from atomic structure through to manufacturability and end-of-life recovery.

Circular by design

We evaluate recyclability, embodied carbon, and reuse alongside performance.

Open characterization

We publish methods and characterization data so results can be reproduced and reused.

Research areas

Where we focus

Our programs span advanced and sustainable materials research. Each area combines empirical study, open tools, and practical guidance.

Energy storage materials

Electrode and electrolyte materials for safer, longer-lasting batteries and grid storage.

Sustainable & circular materials

Recyclable composites, bio-based polymers, and low-carbon cement alternatives.

Coatings & surfaces

Protective and functional coatings for durability, corrosion, and efficiency.

Structural materials

Lightweight alloys and composites for transport and the built environment.

Computational materials

Simulation and machine learning to screen and design candidate materials.

Characterization & testing

Microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing shared across programs.

Recent work

Publications & outputs

Reports, briefs, and field studies from our centers and fellows.

2017

Design for Recovery

Principles for designing composites that can be recycled at end of life.

2019

Safer Electrolytes for Grid Storage

A survey of non-flammable electrolyte chemistries for stationary storage.

2022

Open Coatings Characterization Set

Documented characterization data for a family of protective coatings.

Build with better materials

Collaborate with Corvath researchers on sustainable energy, structural, and circular-materials projects.