SK Innovation introduced on Dec. 5 that its independently developed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery recycling know-how has been revealed in Separation and Purification Expertise, an internationally famend educational journal specializing in chemical engineering.
Standard LFP battery recycling processes carry vital environmental burdens on account of by-product remedy and wastewater technology, and in addition face financial limitations reminiscent of processing prices. As an answer, SK Innovation has developed an eco-friendly course of that selectively recovers lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) from LFP batteries utilizing solely water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).
This achievement is considered presenting a brand new breakthrough for the LFP recycling discipline, which has confronted main limitations in each environmental sustainability and financial feasibility. SK Innovation’s eco-friendly recycling know-how is anticipated to make a big contribution to future battery useful resource circulation and the growth of associated industries by decreasing current environmental burdens whereas effectively recovering uncooked supplies.
Lately, the market share of LFP batteries has been quickly increasing within the electrical automobile and power storage system (ESS) sectors. In accordance with the Worldwide Power Company (IEA), as of final yr, the share of LFP batteries had risen to 50 p.c. Because of benefits reminiscent of low price, excessive security and lengthy lifespan, their use is spreading quickly not solely in mid- to low-priced electrical autos and mass-market fashions but in addition within the ESS discipline. SK On, a subsidiary of SK Innovation, can be making ready to supply pouch-type LFP cells to be used in ESS and electrical autos in step with this market pattern.
Kim Pil-seok, head of the Institute of Environmental Science and Expertise at SK Innovation, mentioned, “This achievement goes past the constraints of current battery recycling strategies and represents an essential know-how that drives a sustainable virtuous cycle within the battery market,” including, “By stably recovering high-purity lithium carbonate, we are going to mitigate lithium provide dangers and contribute to the growth of the economic ecosystem by strengthening collaboration with home and international battery manufacturing, supplies and recycling firms.”
