The DOE is sponsoring a competition to encourage the development of a process to recycle 90 percent of the content of lithium-ion batteries. The $5.5-million Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize, which launched earlier this year, is split into three phases.

Phase I: Conceptual Development and Incubation – Applicants submit a plan to collect, sort, separate, store, and transport spent lithium-ion batteries while rendering the batteries safe or inert. Up to 25 winners will be selected to received cash awards of at least $40,000 and enter Phase II.

Phase II: Prototyping and Partnering – Winners from Phase I will design, simulate, and prototype a proof-of-concept solution. Up to 10 winners will be selected to receive at least $250,000 and enter Phase III.

Phase III: Pilot Validation – Winners from Phase II will develop their proof of concept into a pilot technology. Up to four winners will be selected to receive at least $500,000.

Source: DOE