Novel and efficient recycling process for lithium from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries

Novel and efficient recycling process of lithium from LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries Hydrometallurgical Recycling of »black mass« by electrophoresis Following the question of whether recycling LFP batteries is worthwhile, a new recycling process based on electrophoresis is presented. For recycling and lithium recovery in high purity, free-flow electrophoresis can be a promising technique. The starting point is black mass" (first recycling stage). With the use of oxalic acid, components are extracted from the black mass and partially complexed. The goal is to provide a pure lithium solution for downstream processes. The throughput must be selected in such a way that, on the one hand, separation takes place, but on the other hand, a high throughput is achieved. Efforts are being made to communicate the benefits of the technology through ideas and concepts. The focus is on the practical implementation of the technology. Finally, the process is compared with the standard processes in terms of energy, water and chemical consumption.