Experimental and economic assessment of direct recycling pathways for LiFePO4

DATE: 17 August 2023
TIME: 15h00 – 16h00
MS TEAMS Webinar Link: https://shorturl.at/nuEG5
FACILITATOR: Dr Takalani Madzivhandila, Senior Lecturer (Department of Metallurgy)

ABSTRACT: The skyrocketing demand for energy storage worldwide has stimulated a boom in the production and use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In particular, LiFePO4 (LFP) cathodes are becoming increasingly popular due to their high stability, dependable performance, affordability, and safety. The surge in use of these batteries has highlighted the need for efficient recycling measures to minimize both their lifecycle costs and environmental impacts. Direct recycling has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional recycling methods such as hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, which break down materials into valuable components. Since LFP does not contain many high-value elements or compounds, direct recycling presents a more cost-effective opportunity.

In this webinar, we will delve into the performance and characteristics of LFP cathode materials before and after three distinct direct-recycling approaches. Unlike the majority of existing studies on direct recycling that use lab-aged cells with consistent states-of-health, our research explores the performance of direct recycling methods on cells aged in actual hybrid vehicle use. We will also provide a techno-economic analysis of full-scale direct recycling facilities, drawing on a detailed process-based cost model. Our insights reveal several avenues for refining our knowledge and implementation of direct recycling.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dr Katrina Ramirez-Meyers is a joint Ph.D. candidate in Materials Science & Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) with an expected graduation in August 2023. Her research focuses on developing low-cost materials and processing strategies for stationary batteries and electric-vehicle battery recycling. She combines materials science experimentation with technoeconomic and policy analyses to address battery supply chain challenges, aiming to meet the energy needs of underserved communities worldwide and facilitate the global clean energy transition. Ramirez-Meyers holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Spanish from Goucher College and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin