Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group dedicated to facilitating the transition to net zero, has unveiled significant advancements in its pioneering EcoCathode™ hydrometallurgical recycling technology. These breakthroughs encompass the recovery of lithium from emerging battery chemistries and the production of cathode active materials (CAM) using a diverse lithium scrap feed.
A standout achievement for Altilium is its exclusive status as the sole UK entity recycling and upcycling old electric vehicle (EV) batteries into high nickel P-CAM and CAM, directly for reuse in new EV batteries. With the surging demand for lithium-ion batteries, the company is forging a domestic, sustainable supply of battery raw materials for the UK, thereby reducing dependence on imports from China and aiding in the UK transport sector’s decarbonization.
Through its proprietary EcoCathode™ process, Altilium has achieved remarkable success in processing LFP batteries, boasting a lithium recovery rate exceeding 97%. This milestone marks a substantial stride toward sustainable battery production and recycling.
The efficient recovery of lithium signifies a pivotal breakthrough, enhancing the economic viability of recycling LFP batteries, projected to constitute over 40% of the global market by 2030.
Additionally, Altilium has introduced the latest iteration of its CAM, derived from old NMC111 battery chemistries and production scrap, for evaluation at Imperial College London. This marks the inaugural instance of Altilium producing advanced NMC 622 high nickel chemistry from a mixed stream of lithium scrap. Utilizing the EcoCathode process, Altilium’s latest CAM generation holds promise for prolonging battery lifespan while reducing carbon emissions by 60% and costs by 20% compared to virgin raw materials. This contributes to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly EVs.
The company’s inaugural mega-scale recycling facility, situated in Teesside, is designed to process a diverse array of battery chemistries, including LFP. While NMC batteries, comprising lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt, currently dominate the UK market, the rising popularity of LFP batteries, featuring lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material, presents a challenge for recyclers due to the lower value of iron and phosphate compared to nickel and cobalt. Addressing this challenge involves maximizing lithium recovery, a high-value material reusable in CAM production.
By recycling to CAM, Altilium aims to provide OEMs and cell manufacturers with a closed-loop solution encompassing EV battery collection, waste battery processing, and chemical refinement into sustainable materials directly usable in new battery production.
Employing green chemistry and advanced materials science, Altilium champions a domestic, sustainable source of battery raw materials by recycling lithium-ion scrap, advancing UK industrial resilience. The EcoCathode process offers potential carbon reduction exceeding 60% and cost reduction surpassing 20% compared to virgin material. Additionally, recycling mitigates the need for mining, conserving natural resources. Through repurposing and refining old EV batteries, Altilium not only minimizes waste but also contributes to the development of more efficient and eco-friendly energy solutions.
Thus, Altilium endeavors to establish a domestic, sustainable source of battery raw materials, bolstering UK industrial resilience through lithium-ion scrap recycling and closing the loop on the EV battery supply chain. Amidst the escalating demand for lithium-ion batteries, the company harnesses advanced materials science to realize this vision.
