The growing demand for **[lithium-ion batteries](https://noticiasambientales.com/innovacion/desarrollan-tecnologia-que-restaura-baterias-de-litio-gastadas-igualando-el-rendimiento-de-materiales-nuevos/)**, driven by the electrification of transportation and the rise of electronic devices, has posed an **environmental and economic challenge**. In response to this situation, the **Recilion** project, led by the Energy Technological Center (ITE), aims to develop **an integral and sustainable process** for battery recycling with the goal of optimizing the recovery of critical materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite.
**Recilion** is born in a context where Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials represents a strategic challenge. Currently, **the majority of metals used in batteries come from other continents**, increasing production costs and generating negative environmental impacts. This project seeks to reduce this dependence through efficient material recovery, aligning with the European Commission’s Strategic Action Plan for Batteries and Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which establish **specific recycling objectives** and reuse of key components.
Among its main lines of action, **Recilion** develops **sustainable processes for material separation and purification**, validating their electrochemical performance and exploring their reuse in new batteries. To date, significant advances have been made, such as the use of green solvents and molten salts that reduce the operating temperature from 400 ºC to 160 ºC in **graphite separation**, as well as the implementation of electrochemical processes that minimize the use of **harsh chemicals** in metal extraction.
## New methods to enhance efficiency
The project’s impact extends to various industrial sectors. The recycling industry will be able to leverage these **new methods to improve the efficiency and profitability of their processes**, while battery manufacturers will have access to recycled materials of high purity, reducing costs and dependence on external suppliers. Likewise, the electric mobility sector and vehicle treatment centers will be able to **optimize battery end-of-life management**, promoting a more sustainable circular economy model.
Currently, **Recilion** is in the process validation phase, with laboratory tests aimed at optimizing material recovery and assessing its industrial viability. With these advancements, **the project is positioned as a key solution for the sustainable management of lithium-ion batteries**, contributing to the reduction of hazardous waste and strengthening Europe’s autonomy in the supply of critical materials.
## Used batteries: the innovative technique that allows recovering 97% of lithium
Iron phosphate lithium batteries (LFP) have gained ground in the EV industry and energy storage systems. However, their recycling posed a challenge because the main materials, such as iron and phosphate, have lower commercial value compared to the metals used in nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries. In this regard, Altilium overcame this barrier through its EcoCathode™ technology, **maximizing lithium and graphite recovery** for reuse in new batteries.
According to the Advanced Propulsion Centre of the United Kingdom, LFP batteries are expected to represent 25% of the EV market by 2035, a significant growth compared to the current 18%. This increase makes **the development of recycling solutions essential to ensure sustainability** and safety in the battery supply chain.
Source: Renewable energies.
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