U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Department of Energy Announces $2 Million to Enhance Domestic Advancements in Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling and Remanufacturing

The U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) has announced the selection of eight projects, which have been awarded a combined total of $2 million, to drive innovation in lithium-ion battery (LIB) rejuvenation, recycling, and reuse administered through the ReCell Center located at Argonne National Laboratory.

Through this investment, AMMTO will form Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) between the National Laboratories that are part of the ReCell Center and industry partners to perform research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects. These CRADA projects require a 50% cost share between DOE and private partners.

Envisioning a clean energy future powered by LIBs, AMMTO collaborates with DOE National Laboratories, including Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These institutions drive innovation from everyday gadgets like smartphones and laptops to broader applications like electric vehicles and home storage solutions.

The selected projects were chosen from two topic areas:

Topic Area: Development of Room Temperature Process for Recycling and Reuse of Electrodes

• Projects Awarded: 5
• Participating Laboratories: Argonne, NREL, ORNL, and INL
• Participating Industry: Cirba Solutions, Li Industries Inc., Nth Cycle, Koura Global, and StoragEnergy Technologies

Topic Area: Recycling of Electrolytes

• Projects Awarded: 3
• Participating Laboratories: Argonne, ORNL, and INL
• Participating Industry: Austin Elements, American Battery Technology Company, and Koura Global

AMMTO recognizes the imperative to address the escalating demand for these power sources. Furthermore, the advancement of LIB remanufacturing technologies is crucial in ensuring America's energy independence. The chosen projects resonate with the Energy Technology and Manufacturing Workforce (ETMW) subprogram's vision, emphasizing the swift transition from foundational recycling research and development (R&D) to applied RD&D.

Learn more about the selected projects here.

Affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy's AMMTO, the ReCell Center was established by DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office. Standing as a collaboration of industry, academia and national laboratories working together to advance recycling technologies along the entire battery life-cycle for current and future battery chemistries, the ReCell Center aims to grow a sustainable advanced battery recycling industry by developing economic and environmentally sound recycling processes.