Ascend Elements and Orbia's Fluorinated Solutions business, Koura agreed to explore joint commercialization of the patented Hydro-to-Anode graphite recycling technology and discuss plans to build an advanced graphite recycling facility in the United States. Unveiled in February 2022, the Hydro-to-Anode technology produces 99.9% pure graphite from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap. Commercialization of the innovative technology will provide a new source of battery-grade anode materials for North America's fast-growing electric vehicle battery industry.

Commercialization of the technology provides a new source of battery- grade anode materials for the EV battery industry. Until now, Ascend Elements has focused on producing engineered cathode materials from recycled lithium-ion batteries, primarily cathode precursor (pCAM) and cathode active materials (CAM). The ability to recover graphite for use in batteries improves the economics of battery recycling and further minimizes the need for mining.

Hydro-to-Anode process can produce 99.9% pure graphites, which even exceeds battery-grade requirements. It's a game changer for the industry. Ascend Elements and Orbia Koura are currently in discussions to supply IRA-compliant, battery-grade graphite to several electric vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and battery manufacturers.

The companies have not yet disclosed a location or timeline for construction of the new facility.