AQMS•AQMS•Aqua Metals will join a DOE-funded Idaho National Laboratory program to test electrochemical nickel and cobalt separation from lithium-ion battery recycling streams. The company will use its $25 million Tahoe-Reno pilot infrastructure and patented AquaRefining™ platform across LFP and NMC chemistries to lower chemical use and costs.
Aqua Metals has been selected as the industrial partner on a DOE-funded Idaho National Laboratory research program focused on advancing electrochemical alternatives to traditional solvent extraction. The project targets separation of nickel and cobalt from lithium-ion battery recycling streams to enhance domestic critical minerals refining capabilities.
The company will contribute expertise in battery recycling operations and process integration, applying its patented AquaRefining™ platform. This platform supports both lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistries and emphasizes reagent regeneration to reduce chemical consumption.
Aqua Metals will leverage its Tahoe-Reno Innovation Center, where it has invested over $25 million in pilot-scale infrastructure and demonstration facilities. This site processes real battery-derived materials and generates commercial-scale operating data bridging laboratory research and industrial deployment.
The collaboration strengthens Aqua Metals’ relationship with the Department of Energy and Idaho National Laboratory, reinforcing its position as a technology leader in electrified refining. While the project is not expected to impact near-term financial results, it supports the company’s long-term vision of cost-competitive, low-chemical battery materials recycling.
