End-of-life Li-ion battery management integration and technology evaluation - ELiMINATE

Research Project, 2020 – 2023

Purpose and goal: The objective of ELiMINATE is to evaluate different alternative hydrometallurgical processes relying on a combination of alternative leaching reagents, alternative pre-treatment steps combined with hydrometallurgy, and/or novel solution purification technologies. Expected results and effects: The project will deliver an implementation framework to advise on the best way forward in terms of establishing local end-of-life lithium-ion battery treatment facilities. It is anticipated that the outcome of the project will allow improved handling and management of EoL LIBs, reducing the environmental impact associated with the transport and disposal of EoL LIBs, as well as allowing for the local valorisation of LIBs. Approach and implementation: The evaluation of the technologies will be done through: 1) market analyses and business case development to understand appropriate value chain integration strategies for different technologies; 2) life cycle assessment to compare the environmental impact of different technologies and to identify requirements for further technical development/improvement; and 3) material flow analyses and reverse logistics optimisation to improve resource efficiency of the lithium-ion battery recycling industry.