Recovery of Metals from Waste Batteries Using Novel Sustainable Materials

Summary

Battery recycling aligns with Scotland's commitment to combating climate change. By reducing the reliance on primary resource extraction and extending the life cycle of batteries through recycling, Scotland can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining, manufacturing, and disposal. This supports the country's climate goals and helps in achieving a low-carbon future.

With the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage, the demand for batteries is increasing. By focusing on battery recycling, Scotland can support the transition to clean energy by ensuring a sustainable supply of materials for battery production. This contributes to the development of a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Recycling EV batteries allows for the recovery of valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other metals. These materials can be reused in the production of new batteries, reducing the need for extracting and processing virgin resources. This helps conserve natural resources and reduces the associated costs of mining and refining.

Currently, there are different processes used to recycle, recover metals from batteries. One of the most used methods is Pyrometallurgical recovery. This method is currently established and widely used, however there are some important drawbacks for example: this process produces toxic gases which need to be captured or remediated. Secondly, the process has a huge energy cost. 

Aims

The aim of this project is to develop a sustainable material to be utilised in recovery of critical raw materials for batteries. This project will play an important role in helping to establish a more environmentally friendly process to recycle batteries and recover metals. 

Objectives and Methodology

The primary objective of this project is: a) To develop a sustainable material from biomass with some specific properties. This priming the way for the second stage of the project which will be: b) To test the suitable materials using different analytical techniques. At this stage, different characterisation techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray analysis. Particle size and porosity will be also investigated. The next stage of the project will be: c) To measure mechanical properties of the recycled battery, during this stage an initial characterisation model of the parameters of the cell will be developed in order to analyse the component of the battery. The final stage will be: d) To recover the critical raw materials, in the final task, once the particle size and porosity have been successfully optimised different concentrations will be investigated to determine the most efficient adsorption/desorption process for metals in an aqueous solution.  

Essential and Desirable Criteria

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at RGU. You will have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree in Chemistry, Engineering or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest in batteries and vehicle electrification is essential.  Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

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