Crystallization in Closed Loop Recycling of Battery Materials

Research question

This PhD project will focus on a novel approach for closing the gap between recycling and production of new battery cathode material and thereby contribute to improved energy and material efficiency. A novel process concept will be explored where metal carboxylates are obtained by antisolvent crystallization as the final step in LiB recycling. The salts can then be used as precursors in production of LiB cathode material. Specifically, the fundamental understanding of key aspects of the crystallization process and of the links between process control and product properties will be investigated. Furthermore, mechanisms of crystal impurity incorporation will be studied. Improved LiB recycling will reduce the environmental footprint of the batteries and also provide access to strategic and critical raw materials (Li, Co, Ni) produced using sound environmental and ethical conditions. The new process concept is envisaged to be more energy-saving and resource-efficient than current processes for battery recycling, which will decrease the environmental footprint of the batteries. The project will develop fundamental knowledge concerning antisolvent crystallization of metal salts, which can be applied to develop sustainable processes for a widerange of applications.

Sustainability aspects

This project concerns processing and synthesis of advanced materials in a circular economy. The project strongly relates to the thematic area ii (circularity and replacing materials) and research area b (synthesis and processing). Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) are central for enabling a fossil-fuel free society. The project focuses on developing and assessing the potential of a novel closed loop process for recycling of LiB. Improved recycling will reduce the environmental footprint of the batteries and also provide access to strategic (Ni) and critical (Li, Co) raw materials produced using sound environmental and ethical conditions. The innovative closed loop process proposed has the potential to save energy and eliminate waste compared to current state of the art. Furthermore, the project will develop fundamental knowledge concerning antisolvent crystallization of metal salts, which can be applied to develop sustainable processes for a wider range of applications.