supply chain US

Aqua Metals and 6K Energy Set Out to Build U.S. LithiumIon Battery Supply Chain

Adhikansh Gupta

Feb 15, 2024 • 2 min read

Some U.S. companies are working to build the domestic infrastructure to challenge Asia's dominance in the lithium-ion battery manufacturing supply chain. Aqua Metals and 6K Energy have partnered to create the first closed loop battery recycling supply chain in the U.S. Aqua Metals will supply materials sourced from spent batteries, which 6K will use to make low-carbon cathode active materials for new batteries. The companies plan to begin production in 2025 and hope to provide a cheaper and more sustainable option for cell manufacturers. Aqua Metals' unique approach uses renewable electricity and does not produce waste streams.

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Aqua Metals and 6K Energy FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Aqua Metals and 6K Energy Partnership

FAQ: Aqua Metals and 6K Energy Partnership to Build U.S. Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain

Q: What is the goal of the partnership between Aqua Metals and 6K Energy?A: The goal of the partnership is to introduce the first domestic closed loop battery recycling supply chain in the United States, focused on sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling and producing critical battery components.
Q: What does Aqua Metals specialize in?A: Aqua Metals is a pioneer in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling. The company is focused on the recovery and recycling of battery metals, using processes that are intended to be more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.
Q: What role does 6K Energy play in the partnership?A: 6K Energy is a leader in the production of sustainable materials using advanced technology. Together with Aqua Metals, they plan to create Li-ion battery cathode materials at production scales with recycled critical minerals.
Q: Is there a plan for a joint venture between Aqua Metals and 6K Energy?A: Yes, the strategic partners outlined a future joint venture to co-locate a full-scale lithium battery recycling facility, which will be engineered and managed collaboratively.
Q: What makes this partnership and supply chain 'circular'?A: The term 'circular' in this context refers to a supply chain that reuses materials in a loop, recycling materials from used batteries to make new battery components, thereby reducing waste and the need for virgin materials.
Q: How does this partnership benefit the U.S. battery manufacturing industry?A: The partnership between Aqua Metals and 6K Energy is expected to revolutionize the U.S. battery manufacturing industry by providing domestically sourced, low-carbon, and sustainable materials for battery cathode production.
Q: Are there other partnerships that Aqua Metals is involved in?A: Yes, Aqua Metals has forged partnerships with other key participants across the lithium battery supply chain, including Yulho and Dragonfly Energy.
Q: What is the significance of the collaboration for Li-ion battery cathode materials?A: The collaboration between Aqua Metals and 6K Energy will result in the production of Li-ion battery cathode materials using recycled critical minerals, which is essential for building a sustainable and secure supply of battery materials in the U.S.

For the most current and comprehensive information, please refer to the provided links or visit the official websites of Aqua Metals and 6K Energy.