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Technology Licensing Opportunity: Electrochemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Recovery of Tellerium and Cadmium from CdTE Photovoltaics
Contact and place of performance
Javier Martinez
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
USA
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...
View moreGrowing 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.
The Department of Energy, through the Battelle Energy Alliance, seeks commercial partners to license an electrochemical recycling technology designed for the sustainable recovery of tellurium and cadmium from end-of-life and manufacturing scrap cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic cells. This process utilizes in-situ oxidant generation from oxygen or air, eliminating the need for externally supplied hydrogen peroxide typically used in acid leaching. By replacing bulk chemical manufacturing and transportation with an electricity-driven recovery method, the technology reduces the carbon footprint and logistical burdens associated with solar module recycling while producing materials suitable for reuse in manufacturing.
The opportunity is classified under NAICS 562920 Materials Recovery Facilities and PSC F999 Other Environmental Services. The technology is positioned for market applications in CdTe photovoltaic recycling, sustainable metals recovery, and circular economy strategies for renewable energy companies. Potential performance is centered in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and interested parties must submit responses by the July 8, 2026, deadline.
Solicitation BA-1601 is managed by point of contact Javier Martinez. This special notice identifies the technology as a solution for lowering lifecycle emissions in recycling operations by integrating with renewable or nuclear power sources. The process serves as a next-generation mining model intended to support closed-loop manufacturing for critical elements in the solar industry.
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