Development of a robotized research platform for direct remanufacturing of end-of-life Li-ion batteries

With the rapid growth of the battery-powered electric vehicle fleet, the need for higher efficiency recycling of spent battery materials will increase.

Traditional pyro/hydro-metallurgical recycling methods are highly energy/resource intense and much can be gained by developing mild and non-destructive material recovery processes.

Direct Li-ion battery recycling, whereby electrodes are kept intact, reconditioned in water-based processes and remanufactured, would be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Moreover it would be circular and economically beneficial while also addressing potential safety issues raised during battery disassembly.

The goal of the described project is to develop a robotized reconditioning module, which is the critical step in recycling via direct remanufacturing.

The developed robotized reconditioning module will serve as a research platform to accelerate progress in Li-ion battery recycling, as well as forming the basis for a complete direct recycling research platform.

Besides improved fundamental understanding of aqueous reconditioning of Li-ion battery electrodes, the project aims to evaluate practical prospects/limitations of such an automated process.The 3-year project is a collaboration between RISE, KTH and UU.

Results from the project will be published in high-quality peer-reviewed  international scientific journals and reported at national/international conferences, as well as annually to FORMAS.