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Technology Licensing Opportunity: Room-Temperature Electrochemical Metallization of Rare Earth Elements
Contact and place of performance
Javier Martinez
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
USA
Note: This is a technology licensing opportunity. No procurement, grants, or funding opportunities are associated with this notice. Room-Temperature Electrochemical Metallization of Rare Earth Elements A low-energy, low-hazard alternative to molten-salt electrolysis for sustainable REE production. Technology Summary This invention introduces a method to produce metallic rare earth elements (REEs) th...
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The invention replaces high-temperature fused salt electrolysis with an ambient-temperature electrochemical process. The approach integrates three synergistic innovations:
This combination allows REE electrodeposition at room temperature, reducing both energy demand and hazardous byproduct formation. This invention enables dual functionality, electrodeposition and (in-situ) electrorefining.
Key Advantages
Market Applications
The Department of Energy, acting through Battelle Energy Alliance–DOE CNTR, is presenting a technology licensing opportunity for room-temperature electrochemical metallization of rare earth elements under solicitation number BA-1456. This opportunity offers a low-energy, low-hazard alternative to traditional molten-salt electrolysis for the sustainable production of metallic rare earth elements in anhydrous electrolytes. The technology addresses environmental and regulatory barriers by eliminating the need for high-temperature processes that generate toxic HF gas and fluoride waste, thereby supporting domestic supply chain stability for critical industries such as defense and renewable energy.
The technical approach integrates tuned electrolyte nucleophilicity, Lewis acid-base coordination control, and interfacial electrochemical structuring to enable efficient reduction and stable metal formation at room temperature. This dual-functionality method allows for both electrodeposition and in-situ electrorefining, making it applicable to the production of neodymium, samarium, dysprosium, and terbium for use in permanent magnets, lightweight alloys, and advanced battery chemistries. There are no procurement, grants, or funding opportunities associated with this notice.
This special notice is classified under NAICS 331492 Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) and PSC AG22 ENERGY R&D SERVICES; ENERGY CONSERVATION; APPLIED RESEARCH. Responses are due by June 15, 2026, and the primary point of contact is Javier Martinez. The place of performance for this activity is Idaho Falls, Idaho, and there are currently zero attachments associated with this record.
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