Electrochemical Separation and Recovery of Lithium from Li-ion Batteries and Brines

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Electrochemical Separation and Recovery of Li from Li-ion Batteries and Brines A new system that efficiently and economically extracts lithium and other valuable metals from waste Li-ion batteries. Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), is offering the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this new Electrochemical Separation System. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses and ultimately an improved way of life for the American people. Overview: The recovery of critical materials from Li-ion batteries will allow a comprehensive and full recovery of value from mobile electronic devices and other battery powered systems including electric vehicles. Current industrial hydrometallurgical/pyrometallurgical battery recycling processes focus on the recovery of the most valuable metal (cobalt) and fail to recover lithium. This technology fits within the framework of a hydrometallurgical to effectively concentrate and purify Li from leachate solutions. Description: INL researchers are developing a process with low chemical consumption that allows an economic recovery of lithium along with the other value metals present in the batteries. This process includes an electrochemical separation step based on the use of a selective Li cation exchange membrane and a re-generable carbon source for the production of high purity lithium carbonate (Li2CO3). After dissolution of metals from the cathode of Li-ion batteries, the metal-bearing solution is transferred to the anode side of an electrochemical reactor separated with a monovalent cation exchange membrane. Lithium ions are transported across the membrane where they react with bicarbonate ions to form a pure lithium carbonate product. Benefits: Process enables economic recovery of Li along with the other valuable metals present in batteries. End product is pure lithium carbonate. Low operational costs – Carbon Dioxide is only chemical consumed. Applications: Lithium-Ion battery recyclers and producers Enables isolation, purification, and recovery of: Magnesium, lanthanides, and other valuable metals with low solubility carbonates and bicarbonates. Development Status: TRL 3. This is an early-stage technology in need of further development. IP Status: Patent Application No. 63/126,134, “Methods of Recovering Lithium from a Lithium-Containing Material, and Related Systems,” filed December 16, 2020. BEA Docket No. BA-1012. INL is seeking to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at [email protected].