Aqua Metals, a sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling developer, has successfully produced the first-ever cathode active material (CAM) made entirely from domestically sourced, recycled nickel. This milestone supports the development of a cleaner, more secure battery supply chain, particularly for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers seeking high-performance, sustainable materials.
Using its AquaRefining process, Aqua Metals recovered high-purity nickel from spent lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap, refining it into battery-grade nickel nitrate, a key precursor in cathode production.
A US-based CAM manufacturer then used a low-carbon process to convert the material into battery-ready CAM.
The recycled CAM is now undergoing qualification testing with a tier-one lithium battery manufacturer, with early results confirming it meets industry-standard chemical and electrochemical specifications.
A sustainable battery supply chain for EVs
Aqua Metals’ closed-loop process reduces the carbon footprint of CAM production by an estimated 87% compared to conventional sourcing, which relies heavily on imported materials.
By enabling the reuse of critical minerals entirely within the US, this approach supports the growing demand for domestic, IRA-compliant battery materials — ensuring that EV manufacturers can qualify for federal incentives while reducing supply chain vulnerabilities.
With U.S. lithium battery production projected to exceed 1.2TWh annually by 2030, the need for sustainable sources of nickel, cobalt, and manganese is more critical than ever. Aqua Metals’ process not only enhances environmental sustainability but also helps automakers and battery manufacturers secure a stable supply of high-performance materials.
Aqua Metals is committed to expanding domestic battery recycling and material production to meet the rising demand for EV batteries and energy storage applications. By demonstrating a scalable model for high-performance, low-emission CAM production, the company is helping to shape the future of sustainable energy storage and electric mobility.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News