Clean technology group Altilium has announced details of advances in its EcoCathode hydrometallurgical recycling technology.
The firm has seen breakthroughs in the recovery of lithium from new battery chemistries and the production of advanced cathode active materials (CAM).
Altilium is recycling and upcycling old EV batteries to high nickel p-CAM and CAM for direct reuse in the manufacturing of new EV batteries.
Combining green chemistry with advanced materials science, the company is aiming to building a domestic, sustainable source of battery raw materials, reducing reliance on imported materials from China and helping to decarbonise the UK transport sector.
Using its proprietary EcoCathode process, it has successfully processed LFP batteries, recovering over 97% of the lithium.
Altilium has also delivered the latest generation of its recycled CAM, recovered from old NMC111 battery chemistries and production scrap, for testing at Imperial College London.
Using the EcoCathode process, Altilium’s latest generation CAM has the potential to extend the lifespan of these batteries, while also reducing the carbon emissions by 60% and costs by 20% compared to virgin raw materials, contributing to the creation of more efficient and environmentally-friendly EVs.
By recycling to CAM, Altlium will offer a closed loop solution to OEMs and cell manufacturers, with EV battery collection from the final holder, processing of waste batteries and chemical refining to battery-ready materials.
It is also able to recycle the graphite, for reuse in the production of new anodes, which further improves the economics, the firm said. While the iron and phosphate are less valuable, they can still be recovered for reuse in other industries. In order to meet this demand, the UK will require 163KT of CAM per year, it is believed.
Altilium COO Dr Christian Marston said:
“At Altilium we are committed to developing innovative new technologies as we look to build a domestic supply chain for the lowest carbon battery materials.
“By optimising our technology we are resolving some of the economic challenges around recycling LFP batteries and delivering high quality CAM for qualification with automotive partners.”
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