Technology Licensing Opportunity: Room-Temperature Tender - 126365687

Procurement Summary

Country: USA

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

Deadline: 15 Oct 2025

Posting Date: 16 Sep 2025

Other Information

Notice Type: Tender

TOT Ref.No.: 126365687

Document Ref. No.: BA-1456

Competition: ICB

Financier: Self Financed

Purchaser Ownership: Public

Tender Value: Refer Document

Purchaser's Detail

Name: Login to see tender_details

Address: Login to see tender_details

Email: Login to see tender_details

Login to see details

Tender Details

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 -...
Active Contract Opportunity

Notice ID : BA-1456

Related Notice

Department/Ind. Agency : ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF

Sub-tier : ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF

Office: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE–DOE CNTR

General Information

Contract Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Original)

Original Published Date: Sep 15, 2025 01:01 pm MDT

Original Response Date: Oct 15, 2025 12:00 pm MDT

Inactive Policy: 15 days after response date

Original Inactive Date: Oct 30, 2025

Initiative:

Classification

Original Set Aside:

Product Service Code: AG22 - ENERGY R&D SERVICES; ENERGY CONSERVATION; APPLIED RESEARCH

NAICS Code: 331492 - Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)
Place of Performance: Idaho Falls, ID 83401 USA

Documents

 Tender Notice