Tech Licensing Opportunity: Cathode Production from Recycled LIB Metals
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 Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is offering a Tech Licensing Opportunity for an innovative process to produce high-quality cathode materials from recycled lithium-ion battery metals. This technology addresses critical metal shortages, enhances supply chain security, and promotes sustainability by recycling nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) from end-of-life batteries and other waste streams. Responses are due by June 1, 2026.
Technology Overview
This technology uses an electrochemical leaching process with Tutton's salt to extract nickel and cobalt from spent batteries, electronic waste, and steel scrap. It then synthesizes high-purity salts for cathode production, allowing for adjustable Ni/Co ratios to optimize cathode performance. The focus is on regenerating valuable cathode materials, not advancing battery capacity.
Key Advantages
- Enhanced Supply Chain Security: Reduces reliance on foreign critical metals.
- Versatility and Scalability: Adaptable to different production scales and manufacturing needs.
- Cost Efficiency: Utilizes domestic recycled metals, lowering production costs.
- Environmental Sustainability: Promotes recycling and reduces environmental impact.
- Customizable Material Properties: Allows for optimized cathode performance.
- Increased Production Scalability: Simplifies cathode production for easier market adaptation.
Problems Solved
- Shortage and supply chain vulnerabilities of critical metals (Ni, Co).
- Economic and national security risks from imported metals.
- Environmental impact of mining and disposing of battery materials.
Market Applications
- Electric Vehicles: Provides a stable supply of high-performance cathodes.
- Secondary Battery Manufacturing: Supports sustainable production cycles.
- Portable Electronics: Enhances battery lifespan and efficiency.
- Energy Storage Systems: Contributes to reliable grid storage solutions.
Development Status & IP
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 2-3
- Patent: US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/645,602, "METHODS OF FORMING A CATHODE MATERIAL FROM A TUTTON’S SALT," BEA Docket No. BA-1409.
Licensing & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Technology Licensing)
- Response Due: June 1, 2026, 3:00 PM Z
- Published: April 20, 2026, 5:41 PM Z
- Set-Aside: Not applicable for technology licensing.
- Contact: Javier Martinez (javier.martinez@inl.gov) for specific discussions.
Additional Notes
INL offers strategic access to proprietary technology, with licensing terms tailored to each business. More information is available at https://inl.gov/technology-deployment/.