Examination and Development of Sustainable Recycling Technologies for Effective Critical Mineral Recovery from Batteries
Project overview
This research project focuses on developing sustainable recycling methods for used batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) or lithium-metal batteries. The aim is to address critical issues in the battery industry and for consumers.
This study explores innovative pyrometallurgical processes, chemical separation techniques and other recycling technologies to efficiently recover valuable minerals like lithium and cobalt. Future applications may extend to recovering other minerals such as nickel, manganese, lead, cadmium, aluminum and copper, with the aim of using these materials in producing new batteries.
Anticipated outcomes include the development of cutting-edge recycling technologies, reduced energy consumption in recycling processes, and a significant decrease in the environmental impact of battery disposal. With a target of achieving 90 per cent efficient lithium recovery, this research promotes responsible battery management and resource conservation through a circular economy approach, benefitting both the environment and society.
Key project details
| Principal investigator | Zhi Chen, professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University |
Co-principal investigators |
Gaixia Zhang, professor, École de technologie supérieure (ETS); Jinguang Hu, associate professor, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary; Catherine Mulligan, professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, and director, Institute for Water, Energy and Sustainable Systems, Concordia University; Sixu Deng, assistant professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University; Fariborz Haghighat, professor, Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University; Qin Xin, research scientist, CanmetENERGY |
Research collaborators |
Xiaolei Wang, Zeyu Yang |
| Non-academic partners | CanmetEnergy, SepPure Inc., AutoX Inc., Dagua Inc. |
| Research Keywords | Electrification, recycle, critical mineral, circular economy, battery, green solvents |
| Budget | Cash: $200,000 In-Kind: $260,000 |
Research focus
Green solvent innovation
This research delves into the innovation of environmentally benign solvents, particularly deep eutectic solvents (DES), to revolutionize battery recycling practices. While DES offer versatility in composition, the optimal formulation for efficient metal recovery remains elusive. Through rigorous investigation, the research aims to address this critical knowledge gap for sustainable battery production.
Organic binders
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are confronted with the impediment posed by organic binders, notably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), complicating their recycling processes. The research team endeavors to confront this challenge by leveraging collective expertise to devise strategies for the effective separation of cathode materials from their counterparts.
Low recovery rate
Despite the widespread demand for lithium-ion batteries, their global recycling rates remain inadequate. This research initiative aims to address this discrepancy by integrating principles of the circular economy. By enhancing recycling rates, we aspire to promote a more sustainable approach to battery utilization.
Non-academic partners
Thank you to our non-academic partners for your support and trust.
