Available for Licensing: Dimethyl Ether-Driven Rejuvenation Technology for Lithium-Ion Battery Cell Reuse
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy (DOE), through Battelle Energy Alliance, has issued a Special Notice announcing a technology available for licensing: Dimethyl Ether (DME)-Driven Rejuvenation Technology for Lithium-Ion Battery Cell Reuse. This innovation aims to restore the electrochemical performance of end-of-life lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells without requiring their complete dismantling. Responses are due August 1, 2026.
Technology Overview
This technology introduces a DME-driven method to rejuvenate spent LIB cells, preserving the existing electrode architecture. Unlike conventional recycling, which involves mechanical disassembly, crushing, and complex hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical separation, this approach acts directly on the assembled cell. Preliminary data supports its technical feasibility, suggesting a significantly simplified process flow that could reduce complexity, capital intensity, and reagent consumption.
Differentiation & Advantages
- Direct Operation: Works on assembled cells, eliminating shredding, separation, and component reconstruction.
- Electrode Reuse: Designed to restore electrochemical properties for direct electrode reuse, not just raw material recovery.
- Reduced Inputs: Intended to lower reagent and energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
- Cost Efficiency: May decrease capital and operational requirements by consolidating multiple steps.
- Novel Pathway: Addresses a recycling pathway for which no commercialized equivalent currently exists.
Potential Applications
- Direct rejuvenation of end-of-life LIB cells from consumer electronics, stationary storage, or transportation.
- Integration into existing LIB recycling facilities as a pre-treatment or alternative to material recovery.
- Support for domestic battery circularity initiatives prioritizing reuse.
- Extending service life in secondary-use battery applications.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Technology Licensing Opportunity)
- Department/Agency: Energy / BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE–DOE CNTR
- Product/Service Code: AG11 (Energy R&D Services; Energy Supply; Basic Research)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Published Date: June 18, 2026
- Response Date: August 1, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this licensing opportunity, please contact Javier Martinez at javier.martinez@inl.gov.