PNE’s proprietary Low-temperature Plasma-assisted Separation (LPASTM) technology enables direct recycling of lithium-ion batteries at lower temperatures without harsh chemicals, reducing energy consumption, water use, and emissions. The process preserves cathode and anode structures through cathode-to-cathode and anode-to-anode rejuvenation, and is validated by Argonne National Laboratory to produce recycled cathode materials with discharge capacity comparable to new materials.
Commercial-scale recycled battery-grade cathode materials produced via LPASTM, capable of supplying materials for over 100,000 electric vehicle batteries annually, with features including 95% material recovery and significant CO2 emission reductions compared to conventional materials.
In 2024 PNE launched its first commercial-scale direct recycling facility in Chester County, South Carolina, with annual production capacity of over 10,000 tons of battery-grade cathode material. In 2023 the company secured a $4.375 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance its cathode active materials manufacturing capabilities.
PNE raised $30M in Series A funding from Samsung Venture Investment Corporation, Helium-3 Ventures, and Shell Ventures, with strategic investments from Honda Motor Co., Ltd., LKQ Corporation, SCG Chemicals, and Wistron Corporation, and has received $18M in U.S. Department of Energy grants.
