Tech Disruptors Pure Lithium CEO on Next-Generation Batteries
Sep 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Emily Bodwin, the CEO of Pure Lithium, outlines her company's groundbreaking efforts to revolutionize energy storage. She passionately describes the potential of lithium metal anodes as the 'holy grail' for batteries, emphasizing their higher energy density and cost-effective production. Emily explains how their brine-to-battery process can transform supply chains while navigating the volatility of lithium prices. She also shares insights on her strategic move to Chicago to enhance manufacturing capabilities and highlights the vital role of U.S. policy in shaping a sustainable battery industry.
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Founding Driven By Frustration And Opportunity
- Pure Lithium formed from the desire to commercialize lithium metal batteries invented decades ago.
- Emily Bodwin saw an attainable path to bring that tech to market by solving manufacturing barriers.
Battery Basics And Current Architecture
- Batteries move lithium back and forth between cathode and anode through an electrolyte.
- Today's anodes use graphite while cathodes hold lithium mixed with nickel, cobalt, manganese, or iron phosphate.
Why Lithium Metal Is The 'Holy Grail'
- Lithium metal anodes replace graphite and can increase energy density while simplifying manufacturing.
- Moving lithium to the anode removes graphite processing and reduces reliance on foreign supply chains.