Battery recycling

How much lithium is left in an old battery?

In times of raw material shortages and rising prices, the creation of sustainable processes in the value chain is becoming increasingly important. Many battery raw materials are classified by the EU as critical and strategically important. Closing the raw material cycle is therefore of great importance for the European battery industry.

Our advanced process engineering solutions for these material cycles play a decisive role in the efficient separation and processing of valuable raw materials, especially lithium. Through this process, we make a significant contribution to the efficient recycling of batteries in the field of electromobility. In this way, we not only increase resource efficiency, but also help to protect our environment.

Our expertise in battery recycling lies primarily in the downstream stages of the value chain. We specialize in handling pre-treated battery materials such as "black mass", cathode powders and slag. 

We have extensive experience in characterizing these materials using advanced analytical methods and developing flowsheets for the selective leaching, separation and purification of lithium. Although our main focus is on lithium extraction, we are also able to develop and investigate combined extraction processes for other battery metals. Our expertise extends to processes such as solvent extraction (SX), ion exchange (IX) and membrane technologies for separation and purification, which ultimately yield lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) or lithium hydroxide (LiOH) as a product.

In addition, we pursue a holistic approach that includes the recycling of graphite and other components.