ACT-ion Battery Technologies

ACT-ion Battery Technologies, a Hunt Energy Enterprises subsidiary in Dallas, develops advanced cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries using its proprietary Hydro4Crystal platform. Partnering with Argonne National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy, ACT-ion enhances battery performance for electric vehicles, energy storage, and electronics.

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ACT-ion Battery Technologies, a subsidiary of Hunt Energy Enterprises, is an innovative company specializing in the development and production of advanced cathode active materials (CAMs) for lithium-ion batteries. As part of the Hunt family of companies, ACT-ion benefits from the extensive energy expertise and resources of its parent organization. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and focuses on creating sustainable and efficient solutions for the battery industry. ACT-ion’s mission is to enhance the performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and electronics.

ACT-ion’s unique approach revolves around its proprietary Hydro4Crystal platform, which streamlines the production of high-quality CAMs through a continuous supercritical hydrothermal process. This method addresses many of the challenges associated with traditional manufacturing techniques, such as high costs, waste, and emissions. By collaborating with industry leaders like Argonne National Laboratory and leveraging funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, ACT-ion is positioned to make significant contributions to the global energy storage and e-mobility sectors.

Battery Technology

ACT-ion Battery Technologies is focused on improving the performance and sustainability of lithium-ion batteries through its Hydro4Crystal platform. This technology uses a continuous supercritical hydrothermal process to manufacture coated single-crystal cathode active materials. Unlike conventional methods, Hydro4Crystal integrates multiple steps—single crystal formation, lithiation, doping, and surface coating—into a single, efficient process. This innovation reduces production time, costs, and environmental impact while enhancing the quality and durability of the CAMs.

The Hydro4Crystal platform supports a wide range of battery chemistries, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMC), and cobalt-free lithium/manganese-rich oxides (LMR). These materials are critical for applications such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. ACT-ion’s CAMs offer several performance benefits, including longer battery life, faster charging capabilities, and improved resistance to degradation and fractures.

To optimize its manufacturing process, ACT-ion has partnered with CPFD Software, using its Barracuda Virtual Reactor software to simulate and refine the high-temperature, high-pressure reactions involved in producing CAMs. This collaboration ensures greater efficiency, safety, and scalability, enabling ACT-ion to meet the growing demand for high-performance battery materials.

Recent Projects

In 2024, ACT-ion Battery Technologies was honored with the R&D 100 Award by R&D World Magazine for its Hydro4Crystal platform. This recognition underscores the platform’s potential to transform the production of cathode active materials by reducing costs, waste, and emissions while improving battery performance.

ACT-ion has also continued its collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory, supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. This partnership focuses on advancing the commercialization of the Hydro4Crystal process, ensuring it can be integrated into existing battery manufacturing lines. Additionally, the company’s work with CPFD Software has resulted in further optimization of its production systems, making them more reliable and cost-effective.

Investors

ACT-ion Battery Technologies is primarily funded and supported by its parent company, Hunt Energy Enterprises, which is part of the Hunt family of companies. This backing provides ACT-ion with the resources and expertise needed to develop and scale its innovative technologies.

In addition to internal support, ACT-ion has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and collaborates with Argonne National Laboratory to advance its research and development efforts. These partnerships demonstrate the industry’s confidence in ACT-ion’s vision and its potential to impact the battery market positively.