Battery materials play critical role towards sustainable solutions for a cleaner tomorrow.
New research and manufacturing methods for lithium-ion batteries are providing increased storage capacities, faster charging speeds, and longer overall lifespans. Moreover, even as these batteries reach the end of their useful lives, new technologies enable the recovery and reuse of their core components.
Lithium-ion batteries are composed of metals including lithium, manganese, cobalt, and nickel. Once a battery reaches the end of its useful life, the battery pack can be collected, dismantled, and shredded. The shredded material is then processed to produce so-called “black mass”, which consists of high amounts of lithium, manganese, cobalt, and nickel metals. These critical materials can then be extracted from the black mass and re-used in new battery production.
The ability to recycle these metals and “close the loop” on their life cycle will directly impact the need for virgin materials, while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint required for new mining activities. As a result, environmentally sustainable and economically viable recycling technologies are becoming a critical focus area as the global demand for battery manufacturing grows.
As a market leader in the production of battery materials, BASF is committed to the development of this circular economy for batteries. Our research and development teams are leading the way in the creation of recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries. It is our goal to “close the loop” with lithium-ion battery recycling for the automotive industry globally and we are committed to delivering innovative solutions for our partners throughout the battery value chain.
