TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Enhanced Stability for Li Metal Batteries with Molybdenum Decorated Collectors
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
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Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, is offering a Technology Licensing Opportunity for an innovation titled "Enhanced Stability for Li Metal Batteries with Molybdenum Decorated Collectors." This technology aims to improve the performance and stability of lithium-metal batteries, particularly anode-free designs, by suppressing dendrite growth and enhancing coulombic efficiency. INL invites businesses, especially small businesses, to license this patented technology for commercialization. Interested parties should contact INL by August 7, 2026.
Technology Overview
Anode-free rechargeable lithium batteries offer high energy density and reduced cost but face challenges like lithium dendrite growth and low coulombic efficiency. INL researchers have developed a solution utilizing a molybdenum (Mo) based current collector at the anode side. This design promotes uniform lithium nucleation during plating, which significantly improves cycling performance compared to traditional copper collectors. Molybdenum nanoparticles embedded in the collector surface reduce overpotential and suppress dendrite formation and dead lithium.
Key Benefits
- Significantly increased energy density for lithium-metal batteries.
- Improved cycling performance compared to existing Li metal battery designs.
- Scalable process utilizing commercially available sputtering technology.
Applications
- Lithium-metal batteries, particularly for high-energy density transportation.
Development & IP Status
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 2 (proof-of-concept work needed).
- IP Status: Patent Application No. 17/819,993, titled "Current Collectors with a Group 6 Metal Thereon and Related Electrochemical Cells and Methods" (BEA Docket No. BA-1265).
Licensing Opportunity
INL's Technology Deployment department focuses on licensing intellectual property and partnering with industry collaborators capable of commercializing their innovations. They offer flexible and affordable agreements, with particular support for small businesses. This is not a call for external services, purchasing, manufacturing, procurement decisions, or funding. It is an invitation to explore licensing this groundbreaking technology to gain a competitive market edge.
Contact & Response
- Contact: Andrew Rankin (andrew.rankin@inl.gov)
- Response Date: August 7, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT
- Published Date: April 15, 2026, 4:49 PM EDT