January 12, 2023: Aqua Metals stated on January 11 that it obtained the primary battery metallic from spent lithium-ion batteries at manufacturing scale via electroplating.
The corporate claims that its pilot Li AquaRefining system (see picture of the pilot facility) has confirmed its potential to take away impurities and hint metals from tons of recycled lithium batteries. black mass after which “select to get well the pure metallic utilizing electrical energy” as a substitute of utilizing furnaces or chemical processes.
Aqua Metals is one in all a number of corporations competing within the area for pleasant recycling of lithium battery components. RecycLiCo Battery Supplies (previously American Manganese) introduced in November vital progress in its hydrometallurgical testing and its demonstration plant has superior to the following stage of RecycLiCo’s patented course of to exhibit lithium restoration on a demo-scale.
Aqua Metals stated copper was the primary product recovered utilizing the method and the corporate stated it intends to comply with by recovering lithium hydroxide, nickel, cobalt, and manganese dioxide.
Aqua Metals president and CEO Steve Cotton stated the transfer represents a “vital milestone” in supporting the event of a home provide chain within the US for supplies wanted by electrical automobile and battery producers. power storage system.
