Authors: Alireza Ghafarollahi | Markus J. Buehler
Source: MRS Bulletin (article, 2025-11-01)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Rapid and automated alloy design with graph neural network-powered large language model-driven multi-agent AI Abstract A multi-agent artificial intelligence (AI) model is developed to automate the discovery of new metallic alloys, integrating multimodal data and external knowledge, including insights from physics via atomistic simulations. The system consists of (a) large language models (LLMs) for tasks such as reasoning and planning, (b) AI agents with distinct roles collaborating dynamically, and (c) a newly developed graph neural network (GNN) model for rapid retrieval of physical properties. We chose the ternary NbMoTa body-centered-cubic alloy as our model system and developed the GNN to predict two fundamental materials properties: the Peierls barrier and the solute/screw dislocation interaction energy. Our GNN model efficiently predicts these properties, reducing reliance on costly brute-force calculations and alleviating the computational demands on the multi-agent system. By combining the predictive capabilities of GNNs with the collaborative intelligence of LLM-driven reasoning agents, the system autonomously explores vast alloy design spaces, identifies trends in atomic-scale properties, and predicts macroscale mechanical strength, as demonstrated by several computational experiments. This synergistic approach accelerates the discovery of advanced alloys and holds promise for broader applications in other complex systems, marking a step forward in automated materials discovery and design. Impact statement Traditional deep learning models, such as graph neural networks and convolutional neural networks, operate within the confines of their training data sets, making single-step inferences for regression or classification. Our work introduces a multi-agent strategy that transcends these limitations by integrating deep learning with reasoning and decision-making capabilities. This intelligent system actively interprets results, determines subsequent actions, and iteratively refines predictions, accelerating the materials design process. We demonstrate its effectiveness in exploring the vast compositional space of a ternary alloy, where the model dynamically solicits data, analyzes trends, generates visualizations, and derives insights into materials behavior. By enabling accurate predictions of key alloy characteristics, our approach advances the discovery of novel metallic systems and underscores the critical role of solid-solution alloying. More broadly, it represents a major step toward integrating artificial intelligence with scientific reasoning, moving closer to artificial general intelligence in engineering. This paradigm shift has profound implications for materials science, enabling more efficient, autonomous, and intelligent exploration of complex materials spaces. Graphical Abstract Artificial neural network ; Deep learning ; Graph ; Convolutional neural network ; Deep neural networks ; Recurrent neural network ; Complex system Machine Learning in Materials Science ; Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion ; Model Reduction and Neural Networks