For the first time in the battery recycling sector, lithium was extracted and purified from shredded electrodes (black mass) containing various chemistries, including nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), using a single processing line. This integrated approach enhances process flexibility and may reduce capital expenditures.
The process combines Cylib’s hydrometallurgical technology with Syensqo’s solvent extraction expertise. Syensqo applied its proprietary extractant, CYANEX 936P, to process lithium-rich effluent provided by cylib. The technology, developed in cooperation with engineering partner Tenova Advanced Technologies, is noted for its lithium selectivity.
Following extraction, the lithium underwent purification, conversion and crystallisation to produce lithium hydroxide meeting the purity specifications of cathode active material (CAM) manufacturers.
The result supports the targets set by the European Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which requires lithium recovery rates of at least 50% by the end of 2027 and 80% by 2031.
