Slashing CO2Battery waste reincarnated.
Big Picture
For the world to electrify, we need more batteries. The life cycle of a battery, though, is awfully dirty. The near one-to-one ratio of sodium sulfate waste for every ton of battery material produced is expensive to manage. And battery recycling? It’s inefficient and costly, with an estimated 95% of batteries going unrecycled. All huge barriers to battery scale-up. To kick battery manufacturing into high gear, the industry must solve its waste problem and become circular.
How it Works
Aepnus has developed a novel electrolyzer that converts sodium sulfate into high-quality sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, turning battery waste into the exact chemicals manufacturers need to make new batteries. On top of the climate benefits, the upcycled chemicals are actually cheaper than new ones. Aepnus provides cathode makers, lithium processors, and battery recyclers a circular system that turns liabilities into savings.
Unfair Advantage
Aepnus is the first to make battery waste upcycling pay, cracking the code with an electrolyzer that’s cheap to build and operate. Their add-on process also integrates seamlessly into the battery value chain. Currently running pilots with a range of partners, Aepnus will soon start to unlock scaled battery materials in the U.S. and Canada. Beyond batteries, Aepnus’ ultra-efficient electrolysis has the potential to decarbonize just about any chemical-heavy industry.
0.8
Tons of sodium sulfate waste
per ton of battery material produced
LUKAS HACKL CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Lukas holds a PhD in Environmental and Civil Engineering focused on electrochemical water treatment from UC Berkeley.
BILEN AKUZUM CTO & CO-FOUNDER
Bilen holds a PhD in Material Science and Engineering. He was previously the lead electrochemical engineer at The Production Board.
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