10121310Robust Fluorination for Battery Materials - ROB-FLUOR-BATClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKIn a century of global geopolitical and environmental challenges, the need for disruptive technologies that can decarbonize industrial processes and create localized supply chains is pressing. FluoRok, a recent University of Oxford spin-out company, are specialised in the valorisation of fluoride ions from calcium fluoride and using these ions in chemical reactions to produce high-value Li-ion battery electrolytes. Electrolyte salts in Li-ion batteries are dominated by fluorinated compounds and like all fluorochemicals, their synthesis is entirely based on a centuries-old chemical process involving highly toxic, hazardous and difficult-to-handle hydrogen fluoride (HF). FluoRok's disruptive and IP-protected chemical processes change this paradigm allowing for the first time to bypass HF production and directly manufacture fluorinated materials from raw minerals (fluorite, CaF2) or fluorinated waste streams, both of which are available locally (UK or through close trade partners). This project focusses on the upstream technology, specifically the elaboration of the fluoride from calcium fluoride to form our fluorinating reagent. Working with specialist sub-contractors, this proposal will render FluoRok "pilot-ready" for commercial exploitation of this disruptive technology though demonstrating the process safety elements, developing a robust process towards regulatorily compliance, and demonstrating the economic viability of the extraction stage in the process.