Ames Lab science two times a finalist in EnergyTech University competition

An Ames Laboratory technology that efficiently recycles lithium-ion batteries has won participants two separate finalist positions in the EnergyTech University competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions.

The competition is a collegiate competition challenging multidisciplinary student teams to develop and present a business plan that leverages lab-developed and other high-potential energy technologies.

A student team from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities was named a regional finalist for “Recycling of Spent Lithium Ion Batteries.”

A second student team from Stanford University was named a regional finalist for “Mechanochemical Recycling of LCO Batteries.”

Both finalist teams chose to create business plans for the commercialization of a technology developed at Ames Laboratory, which tackles a rapidly emerging issue in the disposal and reuse of lithium-ion batteries. The growing use of lithium-ion batteries has increased the demand for the elements required for production, such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel. Current approaches to recycling these batteries require high energy consumption and long processing times, and can emit hazardous wastes. The Ames Laboratory technology overcomes these drawbacks by using mechanochemical processes to increase conversion rates and energy efficiency, and decrease operating costs and waste.

Finalist teams go on to participate in the EnergyTech University Prize National Pitch Event, March 24.

News Link: EnergyTech University Prize