American Manganese Inc said it hadssuccessfully upcycled material from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries into cathode precursor using its RecycLiCo technology.
The resultant NMC-622 (nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide) cathode precursor could then be used for further manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
"RecycLiCo is a critical resource solution, not waste disposal," highlighted CEO of American Manganese Larry Reaugh in a statement.
READ: American Manganese receives funding to advance lithium-ion battery recycling pilot project
The end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, sourced from an EV manufacturer, were mechanically reduced into a 'black mass' feedstock, resulting in a powder that contains critical battery materials, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, as well as copper, aluminum, and graphite, said the company.
Notably, lab-scale testing of the black mass samples demonstrated a 99% leach extraction efficiency of lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt.
The resulting pregnant leach solution (PLS) was then adjusted to the desired ratio of nickel, manganese, and cobalt before the direct co-precipitation of the NMC-622 cathode precursor.
"Our focus is more than just breaking down waste material. We have been focused on the upcycling of waste lithium-ion battery cathode materials to create useful, high-value products and I'm proud to demonstrate our processing efficiency to industry leaders that recognize the potential benefits of integrating RecycLiCo alongside their facilities," added Reaugh.
"Our continued success in upcycling EV battery production scrap and black mass broadens our business strategy and potential for strategic partners."
American Manganese is focused on recycling lithium-ion batteries from EVs and then selling repurposed materials back to electric vehicle firms, in a closed-loop process.
It says this reduces traditional battery supply chain complexity, cost, and pollution and offers a more practical, cost-effective, and efficient solution for achieving a circular economy.
Contact the writer at giles@proactiveinvestors.com