Crystallization in Closed Loop Recycling of Battery Materials

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.

Research question

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.

Sustainability aspects

The project concerns a closed loop process for recycling and production of LiB with a particular focus on NMC cathode material, which contains Li, Ni, Mn and Co. Lithium and cobalt are defined by the European commission as critical raw materials and nickel is listed as a strategic raw material.18 The project aims to develop a novel process concept for production of battery cathode material from recycled streams and thereby contribute to a more resource-efficient use of the battery waste (SDG8).

The process is envisaged to be more energy-saving and resourceefficient than current processes for battery recycling (SDG12). More sustainable battery recycling technology will decrease the environmental footprint of the batteries (SDG7). Access to sustainable technology for battery recycling could also enable economic advancement (SDG1). Finally, improved extraction of critical and strategic raw materials from battery waste will contribute to decreased supply risks and potential conflicts (SDG10). Enabling economic advancement and decreasing conflicts are examples of how the project links to social aspects of sustainability.