Near zero waste Hydrometallurgy for spent Li-Ion batteries- multi element recovery for maximized recycling

Research Project, 2019 – 2021

Purpose and goal: Libero will aim to develop a robust and flexible near zero-waste process which will be carried out to recover all valuable metals and graphite contained in spent Li-ion batteries (LIBs) for future industrial implementation. Project distinguishes from all given industrial processes by selectively and efficiently recovering the entire range of contained metals by using mechanical treatment and hydrometallurgical processes to achieve higher product revenues than expected process costs. Expected results and effects: Libero include the implementation of a suitable pretreatment process for battery scraps utilizing mechanical aggregates to provide a material for advanced raw material; development of an innovative process for preparation of the battery active mass by ap-plying cost-effective and flexible hydrometallurgical process technology; optimization of the whole process economy by increasing the material spectrum and improving the ecological balance by implementing efficient process steps and design of a flexible modular container system for capacity 1.5 tons per hour of black mass. Approach and implementation: WP0 is focused on joint project management. WP1: Material selection and pretreatment of battery scrap to obtain black mass. WP2 is Leaching and impurity removal. WP3 is Metal separation and recovery and it includes processing of the hydroxides at Chalmers provided by German partners. WP4 is Upscaling of extraction and purification where the upscaling is planned. WP5: Industrial plant design. Outcome the previous WP will be used by MEAB to design of a pilot plant. WP6: project summary and further cooperation: In work package 6, a state of knowledge is planned in the form of a final report