Ascend Elements manufactures cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries using its patented Hydro-to-Cathode® process, which recycles valuable elements from spent batteries. This technology reduces costs and carbon emissions while enhancing battery performance, contributing to a sustainable closed-loop battery economy.
Funding
$880.4M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems necessitates a sustainable and cost-effective supply of battery materials. Traditional mining and refining methods for these materials are environmentally intensive and geographically concentrated, creating supply chain vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the growing volume of spent lithium-ion batteries poses a significant waste management challenge.
Solution
Ascend Elements addresses these challenges by manufacturing advanced battery materials, including precursor cathode active material (pCAM) and cathode active material (CAM), from recycled lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap. Their patented Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis process recovers valuable elements such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, transforming waste into high-performance materials for new batteries. This closed-loop approach reduces reliance on virgin materials, lowers carbon emissions by up to 49% compared to traditional methods, and promotes a circular battery economy. The company also offers full-service logistics, materials tracking, and customer support to simplify the adoption of sustainable battery material solutions.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, battery manufacturers, and grid-scale energy storage providers seeking sustainable, high-performance battery materials and closed-loop recycling solutions.
Features
- Patented Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis process for efficient material recovery and production
- Production of NMC pCAM and CAM with customizable specifications
- Graphite recovery using Hydro-to-Anode® process
- Recycling process recovers up to 98% of battery materials
- Up to 49% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional cathode manufacturing
- Capability to produce lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) from recycled batteries
- Facilities for dismantling, discharging, and shredding EV batteries to produce black mass