The National Science Foundation awarded a $250,000 Project Grant under the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (CFDA 47.084) program to The University of Akron to develop a device to safely recycle scrap cathode materials from lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities. The project aims to overcome technical challenges in solvent formulation and machine design to enable direct recycling of cathode materials back into the supply chain. This innovation has potential to create new jobs, reduce reliance on imported materials, and decrease battery costs for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The project will also provide research and entrepreneurship training for graduate and undergraduate students.