Process optimization on recycling of spent lithium ion batteries-OptiLib

OptiLib aims increased recovery of metals from Lithium ion batteries (LIB), environmental friendly and resource efficient valorisation of LIB electrolyte, and optimisation of process steps for flexible production of high quality battery-grade lithium hydroxide from various lithium sources.

By innovative thermal treatment method that enables separation of aluminium and copper, and removal of fluorine, maximum yield of high-grade black mass for metal recovery is secured. New knowledge about the electrolyte is developed to find feasible methods for conversion to reusable products. To enable flexible use of various lithium sources and meet future needs of lithium, hydro-metallurgical methods for purification and recovery of lithium as battery-grade lithium hydroxide are studied.

Lithium may be present as e.g. carbonate, phosphate, fluoride, or dissolved in solution. The fluorine behaviour is evaluated for each studied process step aiming understanding for improved control and discard.