Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR, FRA:9S70) has appointed globally recognised solid-state battery scientist Dr Alevtina (Alla) Smirnova as technical advisor, as the company moves into structured laboratory validation of its optioned battery technologies.
The appointment is intended to add independent technical oversight across CRR’s evaluation strategy, including the design of testing frameworks, benchmarking methodologies and milestone sequencing.
The role supports CRR's exclusive option to undertake a structured research evaluation program with the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDM), covering solid-state lithium-ion battery technologies. The company has also flagged the work will focus on laboratory synthesis, materials optimisation and electrochemical performance assessment to generate decision-ready data.
Dr Alevtina (Alla) Smirnova has been appointed CRR's technical advisor.
"The appointment of Dr Smirnova as technical advisor to Critical Resources significantly strengthens the technical capacity of our solid-state lithium-ion evaluation program. As the inventor of multiple solid-state battery advancements and our optioned intellectual property, Dr Smirnova brings unparalleled insight into both the underlying technology and the CEPS research framework within which it is being evaluated," Critical Resources managing director Tim Wither said.
"Importantly, Dr Smirnova’s involvement supports the company’s transition from early-stage access of solid-state battery intellectual property, towards a disciplined, laboratory-based evaluation phase. This includes milestone-driven assessment of performance from fundamental research through to prototype development, using standards consistent with leading global battery programs.
"As Critical Resources continues to evolve its strategy across critical materials and downstream technology evaluation, Dr Smirnova’s appointment provides independent technical oversight as we assess future strategic pathways and opportunities."
Shift from IP access to lab-based validation
CRR said the start of formal evaluation programs with SDM, together with its acceptance into the US National Science Foundation-backed Centre for Solid-State Electric Power Storage (CEPS) (announced February 2, 2026), marks a transition from early-stage access to patented intellectual property to laboratory-based validation and early prototype-oriented development.
Read more: CEPS entry broadens Critical Resources’ solid-state battery evaluation program
The company is assessing solid-state architectures designed to improve safety and performance versus conventional lithium-ion cells, including reduced thermal runaway risk through replacement of liquid electrolytes with solid electrolyte materials, and improved operating-temperature tolerance and durability. CRR has pointed to potential end-use markets including data centres, defence and mining applications.
Dr Smirnova is an inventor on multiple lithium and sodium solid-state battery technologies and is Director of CEPS. She is also a professor at SDM in the Department of Chemistry, Biology and Health Sciences, holds the J. Ganes Professorship Endowment within the Materials Engineering and Science program, and has previously served as principal investigator for the South Dakota Governor’s Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Storage.
CRR said Dr Smirnova’s involvement is expected to provide continuity between research outcomes and the company’s structured evaluation program, with a focus on producing robust, comparable performance data to inform future technical and commercial pathway decisions.
What's next
With solid-state battery evaluation programs now under way through structured work programs with CEPS and SDM, Critical Resources said its immediate focus is delivering the next evaluation milestones.
The work is intended to build the technical foundation for its solid-state battery strategy and does not imply commercial manufacturing at this stage.
Over the coming months, key priorities are expected to include:
- Advancing materials development: refining electrolyte formulations, improving interface stability and optimising dry-deposited cathode and electrolyte structures using CEPS’ research infrastructure.
- Building out evaluation datasets: generating structural, morphological, electrochemical and interface datasets to support prototype development and guide next-stage decisions.
- Progressing toward prototype cells: integrating electrolyte and cathode components into initial prototype solid-state cell assemblies for laboratory and potential third-party assessment.
CRR said outcomes from the evaluation programs will inform decisions on prototype-level development and broader strategic pathways, with market updates to be provided as material technical milestones are achieved.