Researchers develop new process for recycling EV lithium-ion batteries

Researchers from the University of Graz in Austria say they have developed a compact system for recycling lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) that they hope will enable cost-effective and environmentally friendly recycling.

University of Graz researchers Jürgen Abraham, Tobias Kop, and Chris Pichler have formed ProtectLiB, a spin-off company that is developing their patented compact battery recycling process.

The size of an ordinary container, the recycling process allows vehicle batteries to be recycled directly onsite and, according to Kopp, “can separate lithium, cobalt and nickel from the liquid electrolytes” and can do so without heat, making the recycling process safer and significantly cheaper.

While the specifics of the recycling process are unknown, ProtectLiB describes the process on their LinkedIn page as consisting of a machine that safely shreds the batteries, a mechanical separation phase, followed by a chemical post-treatment phase which uses wastewater and acids to wash out the individual components.

Energy required for the process comes from the surpluses from other processes.

The recycling process reportedly reduces emissions by up to 70 per cent compared to mining for new raw materials and can safely recycle damaged and critically damaged batteries, while also being the only recycling process to entirely eliminate fire hazards.

A first prototype of the recycling technology is located on the campus of the University of Graz, while ProtectLiB has already secured a first unnamed customer.

“Battery prototypes for transport are being developed there,” said Kopp. “In future, the technology of ProtectLiB will enable the company to recycle these directly on site.”

While the current prototype is focused on recycling EV batteries, ProtectLiB is hoping to one day expand its process to be able to recycle batteries from mobile phones and laptops. However, as every battery has a different chemical composition, these smaller consumer batteries are initially excluded from being recycled in ProtectLiB’s prototype.