Xerion Advanced Battery Corp. develops refinement of gallium with DirectPlate™ Novel Electrolysis technology, building on recent cobalt metal refinement breakthrough
Platform positioned to challenge China’s near-total global production monopoly of refined gallium for use in defense and semiconductor markets
Xerion awarded Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency for demonstration of economic and technical feasibility
DAYTON, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Xerion Advanced Battery Corp. (“Xerion” or “the Company”), a disruptive developer and manufacturer of next-generation battery components and critical minerals, today announced an expansion of its critical minerals refinement portfolio with the recent demonstration of the capability to refine gallium. Xerion aims to develop the process on a commercial scale to support critical military and valuable commercial applications, including the production and maintenance of critical defense platforms, as well as semiconductors. To demonstrate the feasibility of this technology, Xerion has been awarded Phase I funding from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
With its DirectPlate™ Electrolysis technology, originally developed for the refining and synthesis of battery components, Xerion is developing the capability to refine gallium from several existing and readily available domestic sources containing varying low-level gallium content. The technology may also provide the capability to refine high purity germanium depending on the resource. Unlike existing methods that require multiple plants and extensive processing, Xerion’s innovative DirectPlate™ approach can transform existing and readily available domestic ores and bauxite processing waste directly into high-purity gallium metal suitable for alloying to semiconductor dependent materials with unprecedented efficiency.
“The United States is at a crossroads with respect to critical minerals, and Xerion is committed to the development of technologies capable of paving the way for a dramatic reshaping of existing global supply chains,” said Dr. John Busbee, CEO and Co-Founder of Xerion. “Our nation’s leadership in the defense and semiconductor sectors is directly impeded by a reliance on gallium alloy supply chains dominated by foreign markets like China, and we are passionate about remedying that vulnerability to support domestic industrial development. We look forward to working with the DLA and others as we bring this technology to market. ”
With this new technology, Xerion is poised to dramatically reshape the domestic gallium alloys market, propelled by increasing use in semiconductors, optoelectronics, and power electronics. Today, over 98% of global gallium refinement is concentrated in China, and in December, 2024 China implemented a ban on exports of gallium and germanium to the United States, creating a single-point-of-failure risk for the United States and its allies. The USGS issued an updated probability-based estimate of gallium metal interruption in August of 2025, which found that a disruption in gallium supply could trigger cascading effects, resulting in $1.4B in direct economic losses and major setbacks in defense manufacturing. These challenges are compounded by a total lack of domestic production or emergency reserves in the U.S., undermining the production and maintenance of critical defense platforms as well as the competitiveness of semiconductor manufacturers.
Xerion’s technique for refining gallium metal is immediately cost-competitive with legacy refinement methods, in addition to offering a range of advantages related to environmental impact. This process involves inherently safe low-pressure processing, and drastically reducing electricity requirements as compared to conventional refinement methods while minimizing permitting risk for commercial infrastructure development. Xerion’s DirectPlate™ technique also features a closed-loop water recycling system, delivering significant water use advantages, in addition to requiring zero organic solvents, resulting in a highly attractive low air emissions and low-flammability profile.
A key element of Xerion’s commercialization pathway for refinement of gallium is participation in the DLA SBIR program, through which the company plans to establish a technoeconomic analysis which validates the economic viability of the technology. Established by Congress in 1982 to fund research and development (R&D) by small businesses of 500 or fewer employees, the SBIR program features participation from eleven federal agencies. Xerion expects to conclude Phase I activities by Q1 2026, with plans to pursue Phase II and Phase III funding and activities.
Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Xerion’s recent launch of a pilot production line at its Dayton, Ohio manufacturing facility for the refinement of cobalt metal. Taken together, these announcements position Xerion at the forefront of a critical industry transformation. These breakthrough technology advancements come at a crucial moment, as the United States seeks to reduce reliance on foreign mineral suppliers.
About Xerion Advanced Battery Corp.
Founded in 2010, Xerion Advanced Battery Corp. is a developer and manufacturer of next-generation battery components and critical minerals with a vision to revolutionize the energy industry through disruptive innovations. Xerion’s proprietary technologies, including its DirectPlate™ critical metals refining and deposition technique and StructurePore™ battery electrode architecture, enable step-change performance improvements in lithium-ion batteries while strengthening domestic critical materials supply chains. Through these core technologies, Xerion delivers solutions that address national security challenges while providing fundamental improvements across the battery supply chain, from mineral refinement through to end-user applications, with enhanced performance and reduced environmental impact.
Contacts
Investors:
Dr. John Busbee CEO
[email protected]
(217) 377-6888
Jim Thompson CFO
[email protected]
(248) 513-2267
Martin Rucidlo COO
[email protected]
513-310-3460
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