Infinium Metals Inc., Natick, Mass., has received a grant from ARPA-E and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to commercialize its Pure Oxygen Anode technology. The process is said to enable three to five times higher production output per footprint than conventional processes, with virtually no emissions. It reduces cost by cutting in half the energy required and by eliminating the need for consumable graphite anodes.
By separating the metal production chamber from anode gases, the anodes eliminate corrosive and toxic anode gas contamination, reduce cell energy losses by 60% or more, and eliminate the cost, energy, and emissions of graphite anode production. Infinium has already demonstrated the ability to produce magnesium, titanium, tantalum, neodymium, dysprosium, and solar-grade silicon from their oxides.
As a result of the award, the company will receive $1 million in funding to accelerate the commercialization of its process. It recently expanded its facilities in Natick, doubling its R&D capabilities and adding key business and technology personnel.
