ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 1 1 PROCESS TECHNOLOGY RECYCLING RESTORES SPENT CATHODE MATERIALS Researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) developed a new technology to directly recycle spent cathode materials from lithium- ion batteries through a simple process that addresses the limitations of conventional recycling methods. Their approach restores the spent cathode to its original state by immersing it in a restoration solution under ambient temperature and pressure, effectively replenishing lithium ions. The bromine in the restoration solution initiates spontaneous corrosion upon contact with the aluminum in the spent battery. During this process, work could help meet the surging demand for lithium and paves the way for more sustainable extraction practices. Studies conducted on brines from China’s Longmu Co Lake and Dongtai Lake show how the method could efficiently extract lithium from lowgrade brines with high magnesium content. Key to the innovation is a type of nanofiltration that uses a selective chelating agent to separate lithium from other minerals, especially magnesium, which is often present in brines and difficult to remove. “Our technology achieves 90% lithium recovery, nearly double the performance of traditional methods, while dramatically reducing the time required for extraction from years to mere weeks,” says researcher Zhikao Li. The process also turns leftover magnesium into a high-quality product that can be sold, reducing waste and environmental impact. monash.edu. electrons are released from the corroded aluminum and subsequently transferred to the spent cathode material. To maintain charge neutrality, lithium ions in the restoration solution are inserted into the cathode material. This recovery of lithium ions restores the cathode material to its original state. In addition, unlike conventional methods that require disassembly of the spent battery, the restoration reaction takes place directly within the cell, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the recycling process. After testing the electrochemical performance, researchers confirmed that the restored cathode achieved a capacity equivalent to that of new materials. www.kier. re.kr/eng. MINING LITHIUM FROM HARSH ENVIRONMENTS Engineers at Monash University, Australia, developed a new method that enables direct lithium extraction from difficult-to-process sources such as salt water. The innovative technology, called EDTA- aided loose nanofiltration (EALNF), extracts both lithium and magnesium simultaneously, unlike traditional methods that treat magnesium salts as waste. Researchers say the Alloy Enterprises, Burlington, Mass., expanded its headquarters and fabrication facility. The production area features new stack forging equipment to meet increasing demand for complex aluminum components. More testing, inspection, and machining capabilities were also added. alloyenterprises.co. Asahi Kasei Corp., Tokyo, broke ground on its new lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility in Port Colborne, Canada. The plant will operate as a joint venture with Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and will begin production in 2027. asahi-kasei.com. BRIEFS The research team conducts an experiment by immersing spent cathode material in a restorative solution. Courtesy of KIER. Graphical depiction of selective binding and filtration of binarycation brine. Courtesy of Nature Sustainability, 2024, doi.org/ 10.1038/s41893-024-01435-2.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTYyMzk3NQ==