Breakthrough battery recycling method recovers materials
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a breakthrough battery recycling method using a nanoemulsion of cooking oil and water to recover valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt from shredded lithium-ion batteries. Unlike traditional methods that rely on high heat or corrosive acids, this process is faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, working at room temperature within minutes. The technique uses ultrasound to create stable oil nanodroplets that bind to graphite, allowing it to be skimmed off, leaving pure metal oxides for reuse. This innovation could reduce reliance on invasive mining and pollution-heavy purification processes, contributing to a cleaner energy transition. With the global battery recycling market projected to grow to $23.96 billion by 2033, Leicester’s research, supported by InnovateUK’s REBLEND program, aims to scale up and establish a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries, lowering costs and improving sustainability in EV and energy storage production. Learn more about revolutionary breakthrough.
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