Technology Licensing Opportunity: Electrochemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Recovery of Tellerium and Cadmium from CdTE Photovoltaics
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
This technology licensing opportunity, managed by the Department of Energy through the Battelle Energy Alliance, focuses on an electrochemical recycling process for recovering tellurium and cadmium from end-of-life and scrap cadmium telluride photovoltaic cells. By generating oxidants in situ from oxygen or air, the process eliminates the need for externally supplied hydrogen peroxide, thereby reducing the carbon footprint, logistical burdens, and environmental hazards associated with bulk chemical transport and storage. The electricity-driven system is compatible with renewable or nuclear power, supporting a circular economy by producing high-quality metals suitable for reintegration into solar module manufacturing. The opportunity is targeted toward commercial recycling operations and companies seeking sustainable hydrometallurgical extraction methods for critical elements. Interested parties must respond to solicitation BA-1601 by November 8, 2026. The project is based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and aims to provide a next-generation mining model that aligns with closed-loop manufacturing strategies for the renewable energy sector.
General Info
Place of Performance
Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, USASet-Aside
Documents
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Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
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 current recycling methods that rely on externally supplied hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in acid leaching, this process generates oxidants in situ from oxygen or air using electrochemical methods. The approach decreases reliance on bulk chemicals and significantly lowers the carbon footprint of recycling operations, while still producing Te metal and Cd suitable for reuse in photovoltaic manufacturing.
Problem Addressed
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High environmental footprint of current CdTe PV recycling due to reliance on H₂O₂ production and use.
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Supply chain and logistics burden from transporting and storing bulk chemicals.
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Growing need for sustainable recycling as CdTe photovoltaics expand in deployment.
Solution
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Electrochemical in-situ generation of oxidants eliminates external H₂O₂ sourcing.
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Direct recovery of Te metal and Cd for reintegration into module production.
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Electricity-driven process supports integration with renewable or nuclear power, lowering lifecycle emissions.
Key Advantages
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Reduced environmental impact: Avoids carbon-intensive bulk chemical manufacturing.
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Lower logistical burden: Minimizes transportation and storage of hazardous oxidants.
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Clean energy compatible: Process can run on renewable or low-carbon electricity.
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Next-generation mining model: Enables sustainable materials recovery aligned with circular economy goals.
Market Applications
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CdTe photovoltaic recycling: Direct application to commercial operations, such as First Solar’s module recovery.
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Sustainable metals recovery: Broader potential for hydrometallurgical extraction of critical elements.
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Circular economy strategies: Supports renewable energy companies seeking closed-loop manufacturing.
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