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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–DOE Contractor, is offering a technology licensing opportunity for an electrochemical recycling process designed for the sustainable recovery of tellurium and cadmium from cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic cells. This technology, identified under solicitation number BA-1601, enables the extraction of metals from end-of-life solar modules and manufacturing scrap by generating oxidants in situ from oxygen or air. This method replaces the traditional reliance on externally supplied hydrogen peroxide in acid leaching, reducing the environmental footprint and logistical burdens associated with bulk chemical transportation and storage.
The electricity-driven process produces tellurium metal and cadmium suitable for reintegration into photovoltaic manufacturing, supporting circular economy goals within the renewable energy sector. Market applications include commercial module recovery operations and broader hydrometallurgical extraction of critical elements. Classified under NAICS 562920 Materials Recovery Facilities and PSC F999 Other Environmental Services, the technology is designed to operate using renewable or low-carbon power to lower lifecycle emissions compared to carbon-intensive bulk chemical manufacturing.
The primary place of performance for this special notice is Idaho Falls, Idaho. Responses regarding this licensing opportunity are due by July 8, 2026. Javier Martinez serves as the point of contact for the notice, which was originally published on September 8, 2025, and last updated on April 20, 2026.
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