Tech Licensing Opportunity: Cathode Production from Recycled LIB Metals

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a licensing partner for an innovative technology that produces high-quality cathode materials from recycled lithium-ion batteries. This technology enhances supply chain security and sustainability by leveraging domestic resources to produce critical metals like nickel and cobalt. The key advantages of this technology include enhanced supply chain security, versatility and scalability, cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, customizable material properties, and increased production scalability. The technology solves problems related to the shortage and supply chain vulnerabilities of critical metals, economic and national security risks, and environmental impact. The market applications for this technology include electric vehicles, secondary battery manufacturing, portable electronics, and energy storage systems. • The technology uses a unique process to electrochemically leach metals from end-of-life batteries, electronic waste, and steel scrap. • The process creates high-purity salts for cathode synthesis, addressing metal shortages and promoting environmental sustainability. • The technology is adaptable to different production scales and can refine the proprietary salt to meet diverse manufacturing needs. • The technology promotes recycling of electronic waste, reducing environmental impact and supporting circular economy initiatives. • The technology allows for adjustable ratios of nickel and cobalt, optimizing cathode performance for specific battery applications.