Technology Licensing Opportunity: Room-Temperature Electrochemical Metallization of Rare Earth Elements
ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
About this opportunity
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 mol...