Technology Licensing Opportunity: Room-Temperature Electrochemical Metallization of Rare Earth Elements
Special Notice from Department of Energy.
Data as of Oct 24, 2026. Sources: SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Snapshot govcon-directory-20261024T104923Z-2151694.
This product uses the Grants.gov API but is not endorsed or certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Counts and totals are computed by DSE from public SAM.gov and Grants.gov notices. Text from Grants.gov may be shortened or have contact details removed. The original notice on Grants.gov is the authoritative version.
Closing in 22 days
Notice details
- Agency
- Department of Energy
- Sub-tier agency
- ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
- Notice type
- Special Notice
- Solicitation number
- BA-1456
- NAICS
- 331492 Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)
- Product/service code
- AG22
- Place of performance
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Posted
- Jul 30, 2026
- Response deadline
- Nov 15, 2026
- Source
- SAM.gov
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
Summarized from the official notice. The description is shortened; read the full text on the official notice.
Official notice
Requirements and amendments are controlled by the official notice.
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When is the response deadline?
The published deadline is Nov 15, 2026. That is 22 days after the data date.
What NAICS code applies?
NAICS 331492, Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum).
Which agency issued this notice?
Department of Energy.
Where is the official notice?
The link under Official notice opens the source listing.