The future of lithium-ion batteries could be greener than ever before, thanks to a new alliance between BASF, a renowned battery materials producer, and Nanotech Energy, a leading maker of graphene-based energy products. This partnership aims to manufacture lithium-ion batteries using recycled materials, a move that could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of these essential technological components. With BASF engineering the cathode active materials from recycled metals at a facility in Battle Creek, Michigan, Nanotech will utilize these materials to create the lithium-ion battery cells.

This is not merely a two-company effort. The initiative also involves the American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) and Canada-based TODA Advanced Materials Inc., forming a robust supply chain for battery production from recycled materials. ABTC will recycle the materials collected by Nanotech, such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium, while TODA will use these materials to create battery precursors. These precursors will then be converted by BASF into cathode active materials, creating a sustainable cycle that minimizes waste and optimizes resource utilization.

Boost in Lithium-ion Battery Production with Recycled Materials: A New Partnership

BASF, a renowned producer of battery materials, has recently announced its collaboration with Nanotech Energy, a prominent creator of graphene-based energy items. The partnership aims to produce lithium-ion batteries using recycled materials for their North American clientele. These batteries, when made with recycled metals, have the potential to reduce their CO2 footprint by approximately 25%, as reported by BASF.

A Circular Production Process

The production process involves BASF generating the cathode active materials from recycled metals extracted from a facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. Following this, Nanotech will utilize these materials to create lithium-ion battery cells. However, the collaboration extends beyond just these two entities.

The duo will also be working closely with the American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) and TODA Advanced Materials Inc., based in Canada. ABTC will be responsible for recycling materials such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium, which are collected by Nanotech. These materials will then be used by TODA to manufacture battery precursors. Subsequently, BASF will convert these precursors into cathode active materials, thus completing the cycle.

Addressing the E-Waste Problem

Lithium-ion batteries are not just prevalent in electric vehicles (EVs), but also in various other devices like cellphones, laptops, tablets, power tools, and more. The large batteries required for EVs not only demand a significant amount of minerals but also contribute to the growing e-waste problem when discarded, thereby underscoring the importance of effective recycling programs.

Daniel Schönfelder, BASF’s Vice President of Battery Base Metals and Recycling, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with Nanotech, ABTC, and TODA. He stated that this collaboration marks a crucial step towards establishing the first closed-loop system in North America for BASF’s global battery recycling business. This will enable BASF and Nanotech to produce lithium-ion batteries with locally recycled content.

Government Support

As EV production continues to soar, the Biden administration is actively working on developing the lithium battery supply chain and recycling programs within the US. In a significant move last year, the Department of Energy committed to providing $3.1 billion to support companies in establishing battery production facilities. Furthermore, in June, the department announced an additional allocation of $192 million to promote battery recycling.

Takeaways

This partnership not only marks a significant stride towards sustainable production and recycling of lithium-ion batteries but also sets a precedent for other companies in the industry. With the backing of the government, this venture could potentially transform the way we approach e-waste management and battery production, ushering in a new era of environmentally friendly practices.