About

Founded in 2019, at Princeton University, our journey began with a singular focus: to redefine lithium-ion battery recycling. Armed with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, we set out to disrupt the industry norms.

At PNE, innovation is in our DNA. Our patented low-temperature plasma-assisted separation process (LPAS™) is the cornerstone of our approach, enabling us to transform various sources of lithium-ion batteries into premium-grade cathode and anode materials. This groundbreaking method not only ensures top-tier quality but also drives sustainability by achieving recycling efficiency rates exceeding 95%.

We're driven by a deeper purpose – to lead the charge towards a greener, more efficient future. With every battery recycled, we're not just reducing waste; we're conserving resources and mitigating environmental impact.

Our Mission

Our mission is clear: to deliver a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly solution to the current industry pain points of high operational costs and low efficiency in battery recycling. We aim to solve these challenges by improving battery recycling efficiency and purity, thereby revolutionizing the lithium-ion battery recycling landscape.

With a focus on leveraging global trends in electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery markets, our technology brings forth new possibilities to recycle batteries with high energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and minimal environmental impact.

By accelerating the electrification of transportation and enabling large-scale energy storage for renewable energy sources, we are not only reshaping the industry but also contributing to a more sustainable future.

Our ESG Goal

Sustainability is our guiding principle. Through innovative technologies like LPAS™ plasma treatment and MSAL™ surface rejuvenation, we've achieved a significant reduction of nearly 70% in water and energy usage compared to traditional methods, while also restoring battery materials on-site.

Our ongoing goal is to integrate on-site solar, forge local energy partnerships, and source green power to achieve net-zero. We strive to deliver new cathode and anode materials at half the cost, further minimizing waste. Upheld by transparency and integrity, we're dedicated to leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

Our Team

Dr. Chao Yan

Co-Founder and CEO

Research Scientist in Princeton University.

Co-inventor of direct recycling of lithium batteries technology.

Over 30+ high impact publications and 40+ conference presentations in energy field. Expert in physical chemistry and battery materials.

Serial entrepreneur since 2014. Experienced in business administration and operation. Passionate in both science and business.

Dr. Xiaofang Yang

Co-Founder and CTO

Ex-researcher of Brookhaven National Lab, Princeton University and Columbia University.

15+ years research in energy materials, fuel cells, and lithium-ion materials and has over 40+ high impact papers and 60+ conferences talks and posters.

Peng Zhao

COO

Former Senior Manager at Panasonic North America with over 10 years of experience leading global teams in strategic planning, technology commercialization, and program management for large-scale business deployments and operations across multiple industries and regions.

Certified Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt and PMP®.

Stephen Snyder

CSO

Former Managing Partner with Accenture with 30+ years of technology, business launch, strategy experience in the utility generation/distribution, nuclear and telecom, as well as high-tech sectors across US, Greater China, North Asia, Europe. Executive-in-Residence at Princeton University and Board member with the Pennsylvania State University, Schreyer Honors College.

Board member and Treasurer of New York Angels and former partner with the Clean Energy Venture Group (CEVG). Board advisor for 5+ active and successful Princeton University spinouts and other companies within the energy, high-tech, electronics, and manufacturing domains.

Joey Qiao

Chief Manufacturing and Engineering Officer

Joey Qiao, former V.P. of Module Technology at Koch, boasts 15+ years of manufacturing experience. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Logistic Management from Southeast University, an accounting certificate from California, and completing the Wharton Business School NEMRA program, Joey is highly experienced in collaborating with government economic development departments and excels in permits application and regulations compliance.

Kevin Thompson

Director of EPC

Over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles with Hargrove Engineers & Constructors, Baxter International, and Dow Corning Corporation. His expertise spans strategic planning, capital portfolio management, and technology scaling in industrial, chemical, and life sciences sectors.

Kevin is a certified Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional with an MBA, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisville.

Shawn Turner

VP, Strategic Partnerships

35 years of experience in consultative sales, product marketing, and program management in collaborative manufacturing solutions and the Li-ion rechargeable battery industry. Nearly 20 years in Japan leading international sales. Most recently, led Panasonic’s e-mobility sales strategy for new business with venture EV OEMs.

Former Marine.

Dr. Jon Hykawy

VP Business Development

Scientist and finance professional with expertise in critical materials. Worked at Sudbury Neutrino Observatory before earning MBA in marketing. Nearly 25 years in finance, founding three brokerages. Widely recognized analyst and speaker on critical materials and green transition. Holds PhD in low-energy nuclear physics and MBA for Science and Technology from Queen's University.

Janet Robertson

Director of Government Affairs and Communications

Former U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Officer (ret.) serving in Washington, D.C., New Jersey and at the U.S. Embassy, Beijing, China where she worked closely with U.S. companies, federal and state leadership and economic development teams, and led SelectUSA for Mission China.

Over 25 years in private sector international business development and global marketing executive roles in the Fortune 100 (Sony), new technologies (Panamsat, Healthscape) and non-profit sector (Sesame Workshop).

Ms. Robertson holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA from Tufts University.

Arsalan Khan

Marketing Manager

Former Marketing Analyst with Penn Power Group, over 8 years of experience and knowledge of B2B and Digital Marketing in the renewable energy industry.

Arsalan has worked with various Fortune 500 companies including Google — successfully launching Chromebooks in various markets.

B.S in Marketing

Advisory Board

Dr. Bruce E. Koel

Co-founder

Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University.

Leading expert in the field of materials and surface science with 40+ years experience.

Peter Ort

Financial Advisor

Previously a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs and Karsch Capital. General Partner at Cambium Capital.

Dr. Robert Benson

IP Advisor

Consultant with twenty-five years’ experience in technology transfer helping clients with patent and licensing needs.

Richard Mroz

Founding Director of Resolute Strategies and Senior Director at Archer Public Affairs, specializes in energy and cybersecurity. He has held key roles, including President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and Chairman of the NARUC Critical Infrastructure Committee. He serves on the USDOE Electric Advisory Committee. Mr. Mroz is NACD Director Certified and has decades of experience in regulatory and corporate governance.