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Technology Licensing Opportunity: Electrochemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Recovery of Tellerium and Cadmium from CdTE Photovoltaics

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BA-1601Federal

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

AI Contract Overview

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The contract presents a technology licensing opportunity for an innovative electrochemical recycling process designed to recover tellurium and cadmium from end-of-life and manufacturing scrap cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic cells. This technology advances current recycling methods by generating oxidants in situ through electrochemical means, eliminating the need for externally supplied hydrogen peroxide used in conventional acid leaching. This novel approach reduces the environmental impact by minimizing the use of bulk chemicals, lowering carbon emissions, and decreasing logistical challenges associated with transporting and storing hazardous substances. The process produces reusable tellurium metal and cadmium that can be reintegrated into photovoltaic manufacturing, supporting sustainable and circular economy objectives. Key benefits of the technology include its compatibility with clean energy sources such as renewables or nuclear power, which further reduce lifecycle emissions, and the potential to serve as a next-generation sustainable mining model. Market applications target direct deployment in CdTe photovoltaic recycling operations, such as those by First Solar, and broader use in hydrometallurgical extraction of critical elements. This opportunity is managed by the Department of Energy through the Battelle Energy Alliance office in Idaho Falls, with submissions due by early July 2026, offering stakeholders in renewable energy and materials recovery an avenue to adopt a more environmentally responsible and efficient recycling technology.

General Info

Licensing electrochemical recycling tech for CdTe solar cells, reducing chemicals, emissions, and waste.

Agency

Department Of Energy → Battelle Energy Alliance–doe CntrView Agency

NAICS

562920 - Materials Recovery FacilitiesView NAICS

Place of Performance

Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, USA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

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Timeline

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Organization & Contact Information

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AgencyDepartment Of Energy → Battelle Energy Alliance–doe Cntr
Contacts1 person available
OfficeIdaho Falls, ID, 83415, USA
Organization / Agency
Department Of Energy → Battelle Energy Alliance–doe Cntr
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Office AddressIdaho Falls, ID, 83415, USA
Contacts
Javier Martinez
contact@example.gov

Full Description

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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


  • High environmental footprint of current CdTe PV recycling due to reliance on H₂O₂ production and use.

  • Supply chain and logistics burden from transporting and storing bulk chemicals.

  • Growing 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.

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