Syensqo (Brussels, Belgium; www.syensqo.com) and cylib (Aachen, Germany; www.cylib.de) have reached a significant milestone in circular battery materials processing by producing high-purity lithium hydroxide from spent EV batteries. This collaboration marks a major advancement in the recovery of valuable materials, as very few recycling companies today can produce lithium at battery-grade, especially lithium hydroxide, the preferred form of lithium for new EV batteries.
A first in the battery recycling industry, this achievement enables the extraction and purification of lithium from shredded battery electrodes, known as black mass, from different battery chemistries, such as NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) and LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate), on a single operating line. This approach simplifies the recycling process, increases versatility and potentially reduces capital expenditures (CAPEX).
“Syensqo’s technology perfectly complements cylib’s hydrometallurgical process, enhancing both the yield and purity of recovered lithium. By combining our expertise in solvent extraction with cylib’s process, we’re establishing a scalable, high-purity lithium recovery route aligned with Europe’s circular economy and battery regulation goals,” says Laurent Cohen, Strategic Development and Alliances for Mining Solutions at Syensqo.
As part of the project, hundreds of liters of cylib’s lithium-rich effluent were processed by Syensqo using an innovative extraction technology co-developed with its engineering partner, Tenova Advanced Technologies. The process uses CYANEX® 936P, Syensqo’s proprietary solvent extractant renowned for its exceptional lithium selectivity.
Following extraction, purification, conversion and crystallization, the resulting product meets, and in some respects exceeds, the strict purity standards required by leading cathode active material (CAM) manufacturers.
“This collaboration with Syensqo demonstrates our commitment to working continuously with partners to develop new processes and expand our technological leadership in battery recycling. By combining our innovative hydrometallurgical expertise with Syensqo’s advanced solvent extraction technology, we are setting new standards for lithium recovery efficiency and purity,” says Matthias Breidenbach, Vice President Commercial at cylib.
This achievement also advances the objectives set by the European Union for lithium recovery in battery recycling. According to the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, adopted two years ago, recyclers must recover at least 50% of the lithium content in battery waste by the end of 2027, and no less than 80% by the end of 2031.