Syensqo and cylib developed a scalable process to extract high-purity lithium hydroxide from EV batteries, advancing battery recycling technology.
Syensqo and cylib have reached a pivotal achievement in the field of sustainable battery material processing by successfully recovering high-purity lithium hydroxide from used electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This landmark accomplishment marks a major step forward in the circular economy for battery materials, offering an innovative and efficient method for recycling valuable elements. It is particularly significant as only a handful of recycling operations worldwide are capable of producing battery-grade lithium, especially in the form of lithium hydroxide, which is the preferred compound for manufacturing new EV batteries.
The collaborative success of Syensqo and cylib introduces a first-of-its-kind advancement in the battery recycling industry. Their approach allows for the efficient extraction and purification of lithium from the shredded battery components—commonly referred to as "black mass"—which includes electrodes from various battery chemistries like NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) and LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate). Remarkably, this process can be carried out using a single operating line, enhancing operational flexibility and potentially minimizing capital expenditure (CAPEX).
Laurent Cohen, who oversees Strategic Development and Alliances for Mining Solutions at Syensqo, emphasized the synergy between the two companies: "Syensqo’s technology perfectly complements cylib’s hydrometallurgical process, improving both the yield and purity of the recovered lithium. By integrating our solvent extraction expertise with cylib’s processing method, we’re creating a scalable solution for high-purity lithium recovery that aligns with Europe’s sustainability and battery regulation targets."
In this milestone project, Syensqo processed hundreds of liters of lithium-rich effluent provided by cylib using an advanced extraction method. This method was co-developed with Tenova Advanced Technologies and utilizes Syensqo’s proprietary solvent extractant, CYANEX® 936P, known for its superior lithium selectivity. The comprehensive process—spanning extraction, purification, conversion, and crystallization—produced lithium hydroxide that not only meets but, in several aspects, exceeds the strict purity standards required by major cathode active material (CAM) manufacturers.
Matthias Breidenbach, Vice President Commercial at cylib, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “This collaboration with Syensqo is a testament to our ongoing commitment to advancing battery recycling through strong partnerships. By uniting our hydrometallurgical innovation with Syensqo’s solvent extraction technologies, we’re establishing new benchmarks for lithium recovery in terms of both efficiency and purity.”
This breakthrough stands as a model for the future of battery recycling, offering a cleaner, more resource-efficient path toward supporting the EV industry's rapid growth and sustainability goals.
This accomplishment also supports the European Union’s goals for lithium recovery in battery recycling. Under the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, enacted two years ago, recyclers are required to recover a minimum of 50% of lithium from battery waste by the end of 2027, and at least 80% by the end of 2031.
