Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become essential for various applications, driving a surge in demand for materials such as lithium, graphite, cobalt and nickel. This heightened demand raises sustainability concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for an efficient and eco-friendly recycling process. Princeton NuEnergy (PNE), a pioneering clean-tech company based in the U.S., initiated pilot production in 2022. PNE is revolutionizing the critical materials supply chain through its patented technology, which focuses on direct recycling and upcycling of LIBs and production scrap. Utilizing an innovative, low-temperature plasma-assisted process (LPAS™), PNE refreshes high-value materials like battery-grade cathode and anode materials, enabling direct use in new cell manufacturing. This approach reduces costs and environmental impact by minimizing carbon emissions and hazardous waste. PNE’s technology is set to disrupt the battery market significantly, representing a major advancement in sustainable material recovery and recycling.

Chao Yan is a co-founder and the CEO of Princeton NuEnergy and a research scientist at Princeton University. He is the co-inventor of Princeton NuEnergy’s LPAS™, which enables the direct recycling of lithium-ion batteries. A leading expert in physical chemistry and battery materials, Yan earned his doctoral degree in physical chemistry from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, has authored over 30 high-impact publications and has given over 40 conference presentations in the energy field. As an entrepreneur and practicing academic researcher, Yan is uniquely positioned to scale cutting-edge lab technology to commercial applications.