Project R-17036

Selective Recovery, Regeneration and Upcycling of Lithium Iron Phosphate from End-of-Life Lithium-Ion Battery Black Mass (Research)

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are a rapidly growing segment of the lithium-ion battery market, known for their low cost, high safety, low toxicity, and long lifespan. They are increasingly used in electric vehicles and stationary applications. However, due to the low value of their raw materials, end-of-life LFP batteries are currently not being efficiently recycled, which leads to the release of harmful components into the environment and the loss of critical raw materials, such as copper, lithium, phosphorus, and graphite. Direct recycling offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution. This PhD project aims to systematically investigate direct recycling methods for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, focusing on cathode materials. Furthermore, upcycling strategies will be investigated to enhance the electrochemical performance of the regenerated cathodes and produce batteries that better align with current performance standards. The project also considers economic viability, industrial feasibility, and environmental impact.

01 November 2026 - 31 October 2030