Agentic Fusion of Large Atomic and Language Models to Accelerate Materials Discovery

arXiv cs.LG / 4/28/2026

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Key Points

  • The paper introduces ElementsClaw, an agentic framework that combines Large Atomic Models (LAMs) with Large Language Models (LLMs) to coordinate the entire materials discovery workflow rather than running predictive/generative models in isolation.
  • ElementsClaw dynamically orchestrates multiple LAM tools specialized for atomic-scale numerical computation and uses LLMs for high-level semantic reasoning to support human interactive requirements.
  • In the superconductors domain, the system guided experimental synthesis of four new superconductors, including Zr3ScRe8 (Tc = 6.8 K) and HfZrRe4 (Tc = 6.7 K).
  • At scale, ElementsClaw screened over 2.4 million stable crystals in 28 GPU hours, producing 68,000 high-confidence superconducting candidates and greatly expanding the search space of potential superconductors.
  • The authors argue that integrating agentic orchestration with physically faithful atomic modeling can substantially accelerate materials discovery.

Abstract

The discovery of novel materials is critical for global energy and quantum technology transitions. While deep learning has fundamentally reshaped this landscape, existing predictive or generative models typically operate in isolation, lacking the autonomous orchestration required to execute the full discovery process. Here we present ElementsClaw, an agentic framework for materials discovery that synergizes Large Atomic Models (LAMs) with Large Language Models (LLMs). In response to varied human requirements, ElementsClaw dynamically orchestrates a suite of LAM tools finetuned from our proposed model Elements for atomic-scale numerical computation, while leveraging LLMs for high-level semantic reasoning. This shift moves AI-driven materials science from isolated processes toward integrated and human interactive discovery. In the demanding domain of superconductors, our agentic system guides the experimental synthesis of four new superconductors, including Zr3ScRe8 with a transition temperature of 6.8 K and HfZrRe4 at 6.7 K. At scale, ElementsClaw screens more than 2.4 million stable crystals within only 28 GPU hours, identifying 68,000 high-confidence superconducting candidates and vastly expanding the known superconducting space. These results demonstrate how our agent accelerates materials discovery with high physical fidelity.