As the industry surrounding electric vehicles evolves, a lithium-ion battery is emerging that could have a market value of $35 billion by 2030.
Considering the average life span of lithium-ion batteries is about 10 years, the need for innovative recycling strategies is becoming urgent.
Researchers at Michigan State University will use $706,000 from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to advance the reuse and recycling of batteries and other critical minerals.
Ruigang Wang, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and Annick Anctil, an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will collaborate with Cirba Solutions on the project.
“Polyanionic LiFePO4 cathodes have been increasingly employed in EVs and energy storage systems due to the superiorities of high-temperature stability, environmental friendliness, and low cost. The market size and volume of LFP cathodes is expected to increase to $35.2 billion and 60,000 tons,” Wang said.
The project’s goal, Anctil explained, is to demonstrate an economical, scalable, and environmentally friendly route for recycling spent LFP battery cathode materials.
“The long-term impact includes significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, decreased ecological footprints, and the conservation of biodiversity through reduced raw material extraction and habitat disruption,” she added.
MSU is one of three universities that will share $4.4 million in EGLE funds. Other awards are $2.28 million for the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University and $1.45 million for University of Michigan.
“Building a sustainable economy requires ingenuity and innovation from our scientists, entrepreneurs, and businesses,” said Phil Roos, EGLE director. “EGLE’s Critical Minerals Grants will support research and demonstration projects at our universities aimed at strengthening Michigan’s supply chain for the critical minerals needed for clean energy production while protecting our world-class land, air, and water resources. This is an important step in driving a more circular, sustainable economy.”
This story originally appeared on the College of Engineering website.
