Xerion Advanced Battery Corp. recently received the American-Made Geothermal Lithium Extraction Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy for its groundbreaking work in developing a new way to extract lithium from geothermal brine. This extraction method is crucial for producing lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles, energy storage, and various electronic devices. Paul Braun, co-founder of Xerion, planted roots at EnterpriseWorks. Here, the initial research was done and the original technology was created.
Braun’s research group focuses on new functional materials for energy storage and solar energy harvesting, in particular on the synthesis of materials with carefully crafted 3D nano- and mesoscale architectures which lead to emergence of new optical, electrochemical, and thermal functionalities.
Highlighted in Forbes, Xerion’s nanotechnology advances offer huge potential for everything from electrification of transportation to reinvigorating American manufacturing to onshoring of critical supply chains. Having been in “stealth mode” since 2010, Xerion will soon be able to expand to a manufacturing center in Dayton, Ohio with over $65 million raised.
“The development of efficient geothermal lithium extraction technologies promises to simultaneously advance efforts to secure a domestic lithium supply and to solidify the United States’ position in the global transition to net-zero emissions,” stated John Busbee, CEO of Xerion. “The development and commercialization of our low-cost, high-efficiency direct lithium extraction from lithium brine sources globally will bring us one step closer to a clean energy future that is powered by homegrown innovation.”
By developing these disruptive technologies, Xerion aims to transform the energy industry and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Its efforts align with the increasing demand for minerals like lithium in the context of a growing emphasis on zero-emission technologies and the electrification of various sectors.