The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) has recently unveiled a funding initiative of $2 million dedicated to promoting the recycling and reuse of Li-ion batteries. This funding will be administered through the ReCell Center, which is based at the renowned Argonne National Laboratory. Both AMMTO and the ReCell Center operate under the auspices of the US Department of Energy.
The primary objective of this investment, as declared by AMMTO, is to foster collaboration between the National Laboratories associated with the ReCell Center and industry partners. To achieve this, the initiative will facilitate the establishment of Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). These CRADAs will require a 50% cost share between the Department of Energy and private partners. However, funding will also be considered for Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) projects that fall outside the purview of these agreements.
The funding is expected to support up to eight projects, typically spanning a duration of one year. The chosen initiatives will primarily concentrate on research, education, and workforce development. Their primary aim will be to reduce risk and scale up innovative processes for the recycling and reuse of materials sourced from the projected two million tons of Li-ion batteries that will become available over the next decade.
Key areas of focus for the funded projects include the development of a room temperature process for the recycling and reuse of electrodes, rejuvenation (re-manufacturing) of electrodes for direct reuse, recycling of electrolytes, as well as education and workforce development.
Through this significant funding initiative, AMMTO and the ReCell Center are making substantial strides towards advancing sustainable practices in the field of Li-ion battery recycling and promoting the circular economy.
