Lithium metal is essential to the Y-12 National Security Complex nuclear deterrence mission. Conventional lithium metal production processes, however, are energy intensive and environmentally burdensome; they also present significant safety risks to workers. Y-12 inventor and scientist John Freiderich is changing that paradigm with a breakthrough technology he has developed.
Freiderich’s low-temperature, chlorine‑free approach to lithium metal production more safely delivers high-purity lithium metal with dramatically improved efficiency and performance. Traditional lithium metal production requires converting lithium ore into lithium chloride then performing electrolysis in molten salt baths at temperatures exceeding 800°F. This process consumes substantial energy and generates hazardous by-products—most notably chlorine gas—necessitating additional processing steps and increasing operational risk.
Drawing on his expertise, Freiderich developed an integrated low-temperature process that is safer and more cost effective. The process entirely eliminates chlorine gas by-products, generating oxygen and carbon dioxide instead, while significantly reducing fire risk and potential hazards associated with lithium handling.
The technology has demonstrated lithium metal purity exceeding 98.8% by weight and achieves approximately 92% lower energy consumption compared to conventional high‑temperature methods. Without caustic leaching operations and molten salt systems, the process has the potential to substantially reduce facility footprint, capital costs, and operating complexity.
“This process reduces roughly 40% of the steps required for a classical lithium metal production process,” said Freiderich. “Current investigations at Y-12 indicate that substantial purification of lithium-compound feed materials is not required to produce high-purity lithium-metal product.”
Through a research and development licensing opportunity, Y-12 is now seeking qualified commercial partners to advance this technology from laboratory proof-of-concept to pilot-scale demonstration and commercial deployment. This opportunity offers industry partners a potential competitive advantage in lithium manufacturing through access to patented technology and associated technical know-how developed at Y-12. The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, with ongoing laboratory validation and scale-up activities planned under future research and development licenses.
“This is a great example of how Y-12’s long-term experience as the Center of Excellence in Lithium can benefit national security not just in the nuclear security domain but also in the energy security and economic security areas,” said Scott Couture, senior director of Y‑12 Production Research, Development, and Integration. “This technology has the potential to be truly transformative, and we are hoping it becomes one of our next big wins for Y-12 and the nation.”
The complete Request for Information, including technical scope and submission requirements, is available at SAM.gov. The first company to meet all outlined requirements will be eligible for negotiation of an exclusive commercial license within a defined field of use, subject to completion of development milestones and applicable approvals.
Direct questions regarding the technology or licensing process to the Y-12 Technology Transfer Office.
Licensing applications are due by May 29, 2026. Selections will be announced in June 2026.