Project 3-4

Aim of this subproject is to establish an efficient mechanical extraction and purification of black mass (active material) in the context of recycling of used battery cells and to provide optimum material fractions for further treatment by hydrometallurgical and re-synthesis processes (cathode active material) and reconditioning (anode active material) with maximized recovery rates. Throughput and recovery rate (yield) of the recycling processes are to be investigated in interaction with the achievable black mass quality (impurities, particle sizes and morphology) towards a high overall efficiency.

Specific objectives:

• Development and improvement of process technology for ecofriendly battery recycling with mainly mechanical process steps
• Consideration of necessary disassembly degree (cell or electrode) before first comminution step for a high product purity and high recycling rates
• Adding a wet step aiming to increase the recovery rate of the black mass (either as mixture or separately for cathode and anode) at lowest specific energy
• Investigation of the influence of material contamination due to aging and multiple circulation of materials on the quality of the black mass

Expected outcome:

• Realization of processes for mechanical battery recycling and identification of transfer parameters from the laboratory to the pilot scale
• Determination of achievable product purities and recovery rates with different battery cell disassembly depths
• Determination whether the removal of binder and electrolyte components is advantageous for further processing