TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Green 3D Electrodeposition (G3DED): Revolutionizing Advanced Manufacturing of Metallic Fuel Elements

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Green 3D Electrodeposition (G3DED): Revolutionizing Advanced Manufacturing of Metallic Fuel Elements

A groundbreaking approach to fabricate high-performance metal fuels, combining green electrodeposition with 3D manufacturing, ensuring efficiency, reduced contamination, and cost-effectiveness.

Overview: In the realm of metal fuel fabrication, traditional methods have predominantly relied on high-temperature processes. These methods, while effective, often lead to considerable contamination and waste. With the advent of 3D printing, the industry hoped for a cleaner alternative. However, while 3D printing brought innovation, it introduced its own set of challenges, particularly in nuclear applications. This underscores the importance of evolving our manufacturing methodologies to achieve both efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Description: The G3DED technology harnesses the benefits of green electrodeposition in ionic liquid electrolytes and integrates it with advanced 3D manufacturing techniques. This allows for the fabrication of metallic fuels at room or slightly elevated temperatures, optimizing fuel composition and microstructures. The technology is scalable, versatile, and designed to meet diverse application needs, making it a significant leap over traditional and other 3D printing methods.

Benefits:

• Significant reduction in contamination and waste.

• Operable at room or slightly elevated temperatures.

• Versatility in using different starting materials.

• Potential for cost savings due to process simplification.

• Scalability to meet varied application demands.

Applications:

Researched Applications:

• Fabrication of nuclear fuels and components.

• Corrosion prevention.

• Processing of new fuels, spent fuels, and nuclear wastes.

Potential Applications:

• Production of lightweight materials like aluminum and titanium alloys.

• Manufacturing of battery materials, electrodes, and devices.

• Electrochemical dissolution of noble metals for etching and machining.

Development Status: TRL 2 - Technology concept and/or application formulated.

IP Status: US Patent Application No. 17/309,574, “Three-Dimensional Electrodeposition Systems and Methods of Manufacturing Using Such Systems,” BEA Docket No. BA-977.

Managed by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is eager to form commercial collaborations and license our intellectual property to organizations proficient in bringing innovations to the market. We particularly encourage partnerships with small businesses and start-ups. Discover more about collaborating with INL at: https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment. For further inquiries, please contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.