SES AI Corporation (“SES AI”) (NYSE: SES), a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance Li-Metal batteries, today announced that it will fund a new research initiative at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to develop state-of-the-art recycling technology for lithium metal. The initiative will be led by WPI’s Dr. Yan Wang, the William Smith Foundation Dean’s Professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering.
To date, recycling for lithium-ion batteries exists at an early stage but recycling technology for Li-Metal batteries has not yet been developed. Recycling Li-Metal batteries can be critical in the reduction of the shortage of raw materials and environmental problems. The technology that will be developed from this initiative addresses this problem by developing a closed-loop, safe and environmentally responsible Li-Metal battery recycling process that will recover most of the battery materials, allowing the recycled materials to be reused in Li-Metal battery manufacturing. The recycled material will then provide a green and sustainable solution for Li-Metal batteries.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with WPI, Professor Wang and his team of experts on this initiative to develop a critical new battery recycling technology that will allow SES AI to implement a more sustainable and efficient approach to battery manufacturing,” said Qichao Hu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of SES AI. “Not only will this allow us to create a more environmentally friendly process, but it will also enable us to use recycled materials that will outperform the current commercial materials we use.”
Professor Wang is a globally recognized materials researcher, and the co-founder of Massachusetts-based companies AM Batteries and Ascend Elements. His research lab at WPI focuses on the study of new electrodes and materials for energy storage, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, flow batteries, battery manufacturing, battery safety and recycle, and fundamental electrochemistry.
“I feel honored and excited to work with SES AI, a global leader on Li-Metal battery recycling,” said Professor Wang. “With the adoption of Li-Metal batteries, it is critical to develop recycling strategies to recycle such batteries in order to enable the supply chain and reduce the environmental impacts. With my experience and expertise on Li-ion battery recycling, I am confident that we will develop a solid strategy for the end-of-life Li-Metal batteries.”
About SES AI
SES AI Corp. (NYSE: SES) is powering the future of global electric transportation on land and in the air with the world’s most advanced Li-Metal batteries. SES AI is the first battery company in the world to accelerate its pace of innovation by utilizing superintelligent AI across the spectrum of its business, from research and development; materials sourcing; cell design; engineering and manufacturing; to battery health and safety monitoring. Founded in 2012, SES AI is an Li-Metal battery developer and manufacturer headquartered in Boston and with operations in Singapore, Shanghai, and Seoul. Learn more at SES.AI.
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About Worcester Polytechnic Institute
WPI is a top-tier STEM-focused research university and a recognized pioneer and global leader in project-based learning. Founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems, WPI’s continued mission is to transform lives, turn knowledge into action to confront global challenges, and revolutionize STEM through distinctive and inclusive education, project, and research. WPI’s project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers around the world. Today WPI offers more than 70 bachelor’s’, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across 18 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. To help address ongoing challenges, improve lives, and help create a more sustainable world, WPI faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research in such areas as the life sciences, smart technologies, materials and manufacturing, and global initiatives. For more information, visit www.wpi.edu.
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