This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation opportunity from ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF was posted on September 15, 2025. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.

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Technology Licensing Opportunity: Room-Temperature Electrochemical Metallization of Rare Earth Elements

Closed

BA-1456Federal

Submission Closed10/15/2025, 06:00:00 PM UTC

Contract Overview

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

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NAICS: 331492

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AI Contract Overview

This contract presents a technology licensing opportunity for an innovative room-temperature process for electrochemical metallization of rare earth elements (REEs). Developed as a low-energy and low-hazard alternative to traditional molten-salt electrolysis, which operates at extremely high temperatures and produces toxic byproducts, this new method utilizes anhydrous electrolytes and leverages advanced chemistry to enable efficient REE reduction and stable metal formation at ambient conditions. The approach integrates enhancements in electrolyte nucleophilicity, Lewis acid-base coordination, and electrochemical interface structuring, delivering a scalable pathway for electrodeposition and in-situ electrorefining of REEs. By replacing current high-cost, environmentally damaging, and supply chain dependent methods—still largely concentrated in China—the invention directly addresses pressing regulatory, environmental, and industrial concerns in North America. Its key advantages include dramatically reduced energy consumption, elimination of hazardous waste and emissions, safer operational profiles, and the potential for domestic production of critical REEs such as neodymium, samarium, dysprosium, and terbium. The technology is well-suited to applications in permanent magnets, defense systems, aerospace alloys, electronics, and advanced battery technologies. Licensing this technology offers enterprises the opportunity to support U.S. critical manufacturing, energy, and defense sectors through a more sustainable and secure REE supply chain. Interested parties must respond by October 15, 2025, with inquiries directed to Javier Martinez at the Battelle Energy Alliance, U.S. Department of Energy.

General Info

Room-temperature, low-energy electrochemical rare earth element extraction replaces hazardous molten-salt methods.

Agency

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF

NAICS

331492 - Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)

Place of Performance

Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, USA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

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Timeline

PhaseClosed

PostedSep 15

Combined Synopsis

Response DeadlineOct 15

Deadline has passed

Submission Closed

10/15/2025, 06:00:00 PM UTC

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Organization & Contact Information

AgencyENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF

Contacts1 person available

OfficeIdaho Falls, ID, 83415, USA

Organization / Agency

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF

Office AddressIdaho Falls, ID, 83415, USA

Contacts

Javier Martinez

contact@example.gov

Full Description

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) through room-temperature electrometallization in anhydrous electrolytes. By leveraging unique ion-pairing interactions, Lewis acid-base chemistry, and interfacial structuring, the system enables efficient REE reduction and stable metal formation without the extreme energy use or toxic byproducts of conventional fused salt electrolysis.

Problem Addressed

High cost & regulatory barriers: Current molten-salt electrolysis (600–1200 °C) generates toxic HF gas and rare earth fluoride waste, triggering costly EPA and OSHA compliance requirements.
Environmental impact: Legacy processes produce hazardous waste with long-term contamination risks, leading to industry abandonment in North America.
Supply chain dependence: Metallic REEs are only produced at scale in China, creating vulnerabilities for U.S. manufacturers and defense applications.

Solution
The invention replaces high-temperature fused salt electrolysis with an ambient-temperature electrochemical process. The approach integrates three synergistic innovations:

Tuned electrolyte nucleophilicity – enabling more efficient reduction pathways.
Lewis acid-base coordination control – stabilizing the ligand environment during deposition.
Interfacial electrochemical structuring – improving reaction kinetics and metal stability.

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

Lower energy consumption – eliminates the need for 600–1200 °C molten salt processes.
Reduced environmental liabilities – avoids HF gas emissions and toxic fluoride salt accumulation.
Safer operations – circumvents EPA and RCRA compliance barriers tied to FSE.
Domestic supply potential – enables North American REE production for critical industries.
Scalable platform – adaptable to multiple REEs including neodymium, samarium, dysprosium, and terbium.

Market Applications

Permanent magnets – essential for EV traction motors, wind turbines, and energy-efficient refrigeration.
Defense systems – critical components for satellites, communication devices, and advanced weapons.
Lightweight alloys – enhancing aerospace and automotive materials.
Electronics – miniaturized devices requiring REE-based components.
Battery technologies – advanced REE-containing chemistries for high-performance storage.