Research - Ames, Iowa, United States
The Critical Materials Institute focuses on technologies that make better use of materials and eliminate the need for materials that are subject to supply disruptions. These critical materials are essential for American competitiveness in clean energy. Many materials deemed critical by the U.S. Department of Energy are used in modern clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient lighting. Ames Laboratory leads the CMI team, which includes partners from other national laboratories, universities and industry. CMI research works in four ways: Diversifying Supply, Developing Substitutes, Driving Reuse & Recycling, and Crosscutting Research.CMI research results include developing unique facilities, creating new intellectual property, including invention disclosures, research publications and open source software. CMI invention disclosures have led to more than two dozen patents issued. CMI technologies are in use in industry, including through technology licenses.CMI has more than 300 people in leadership and research roles.