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Technology Licensing Opportunity: Electrochemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Recovery of Tellerium and Cadmium from CdTE Photovoltaics
Contact and place of performance
Javier Martinez
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
USA
Electrochemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Recovery of Tellurium and Cadmium from CdTe Photovoltaics In-situ oxidant generation reduces chemical use and environmental impact in solar module recycling Technology Summary This technology enables electrochemical extraction and recovery of tellurium (Te) and cadmium (Cd) from end-of-life and manufacturing scrap cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic cells. Unlike...
View moreGrowing need for sustainable recycling as CdTe photovoltaics expand in deployment.
Solution
Electrochemical in-situ generation of oxidants eliminates external H₂O₂ sourcing.
Direct recovery of Te metal and Cd for reintegration into module production.
Electricity-driven process supports integration with renewable or nuclear power, lowering lifecycle emissions.
Key Advantages
Reduced environmental impact: Avoids carbon-intensive bulk chemical manufacturing.
Lower logistical burden: Minimizes transportation and storage of hazardous oxidants.
Clean energy compatible: Process can run on renewable or low-carbon electricity.
Next-generation mining model: Enables sustainable materials recovery aligned with circular economy goals.
Market Applications
CdTe photovoltaic recycling: Direct application to commercial operations, such as First Solar’s module recovery.
Sustainable metals recovery: Broader potential for hydrometallurgical extraction of critical elements.
Circular economy strategies: Supports renewable energy companies seeking closed-loop manufacturing.
The Department of Energy, through the Battelle Energy Alliance, is offering a technology licensing opportunity for an electrochemical recycling process designed to recover tellurium and cadmium from end-of-life and manufacturing scrap cadmium telluride photovoltaics. This technology utilizes in-situ oxidant generation from oxygen or air to replace externally supplied hydrogen peroxide in the acid leaching process, reducing reliance on bulk chemicals and lowering the carbon footprint of recycling operations. The method produces tellurium metal and cadmium suitable for direct reintegration into photovoltaic manufacturing, supporting circular economy goals and providing a sustainable recovery model for critical elements.
This special notice, identified by solicitation number BA-1601, is classified under NAICS 562920 Materials Recovery Facilities and PSC F999 Other Environmental Services. The technology is applicable to commercial solar module recovery operations and broader hydrometallurgical extraction needs, offering a logistical advantage by minimizing the transportation and storage of hazardous oxidants. The electricity-driven process is designed for compatibility with renewable or low-carbon power sources to further reduce lifecycle emissions.
Responses for this licensing opportunity are due by July 8, 2026. The place of performance is located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the primary point of contact for this notice is Javier Martinez. Information regarding this technology was published on September 8, 2025, and last updated on April 20, 2026.
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