Altilium, a prominent clean technology group in the UK, has recently unveiled significant advancements in its EcoCathode hydrometallurgical recycling technology. These developments focus on the recovery of lithium from new battery chemistries, as well as the production of cathode active materials (CAM) from a mixed feed of lithium scrap.
The company’s EcoCathode process has effectively processed LFP batteries, reclaiming over 97% of the lithium, a noteworthy achievement in sustainable battery production and recycling. This is particularly significant as LFP batteries are projected to constitute more than 40% of the global market by 2030.
Additionally, Altilium has reached a major milestone by manufacturing advanced NMC 622 high nickel chemistry from a mixed stream of lithium scrap. This accomplishment has the potential to prolong the lifespan of batteries, while also reducing carbon emissions by 60% and costs by 20% compared to virgin raw material, leading to the creation of more efficient and environmentally friendly EVs.
The company’s inaugural mega-scale recycling facility, situated in Teesside, has been designed to process a mixed feed of battery chemistries, including LFP. This marks a significant step towards developing an economically feasible circular economy for battery materials in the UK, given the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries.
With the rising popularity of LFP batteries, battery recyclers are confronted with the challenge of processing these new battery chemistries, which have traditionally been less attractive to recyclers due to the lower value of certain materials. Altilium’s ability to recycle both LFP and NMC batteries is essential in addressing this challenge and advancing towards a sustainable solution for battery recycling.
Aside from reclaiming lithium, Altilium also has the capability to recycle graphite for reuse in the production of new anodes, thereby enhancing the economics of battery recycling. By recycling to CAM, Altilium is able to provide a closed-loop solution to OEMs and cell manufacturers, offering sustainable materials for direct reuse in the production of new batteries.
The impact of Altilium’s technological advancements extends beyond recycling alone. It also caters to the UK’s increasing demand for battery materials, with the company’s Teesside plant slated to produce 30,000 tonnes of CAM per year – sufficient to power 20% of new EVs produced in the UK by 2030.
Altilium’s research on LFP batteries has been undertaken in collaboration with Imperial College London and supported by the Faraday Battery Challenge, underscoring the company’s dedication to partnering with leading institutions in the field of clean technology.
As the world strives towards a sustainable and net-zero future, Altilium’s progress in recycling technology represents a pivotal step in supporting the transition to cleaner and more efficient energy solutions. With the development of a domestic, sustainable source of battery raw materials, the company is playing a pivotal role in reducing reliance on imports and decarbonizing the UK transport sector.