Here are the latest advances in battery processing - E-Scrap News

2021-12-29 15:22:02 By : Ms. Lu Lu

Federal researchers have developed a process that could make lithium-ion battery recycling more economically viable.  | Allyson Kitts / Shutterstock

Scientists announce a breakthrough in recovering lithium-ion battery metals, two battery recycling companies merge, and an “AquaRefining” R&D center opens. 

Metals sorting process: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) says scientists at its ReCell Center, a battery recycling R&D lab, have developed a process that could make lithium-ion battery recycling more economically viable. According to an ANL write-up , researchers at Michigan Technological University (MTU), part of the ReCell team, developed a process for separating materials that make up the cathode, or the battery’s positively charged electrode, using a new twist on an old wet-sorting process called froth flotation. ANL has also optimized the froth floatation process for sorting shredded metals and plastics from e-scrap. 

Recycling companies combine: Battery recycling company Retriev Technologies will merge with battery management and recycling business Heritage Battery Recycling, according to a press release . The combined company, which will operate under the Retriev Technologies brand. The combination was made with an eye toward recycling electric vehicle batteries and supplying materials to EV battery makers. Earlier this year, Retriev struck a partnership with electronics recycling and reuse company HOBI International, which will help collect and supply EV batteries to Retriev’s Lancaster, Ohio recycling plant. 

R&D center opens: Aqua Metals, which uses an “AquaRefining” technology to extract metals from batteries, has opened a lithium battery recycling innovation center in Reno, Nev. The company previously focused on recovering lead from lead-acid batteries but is moving to serve expected demand for recycling of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and more. According to a press release , early phase testing shows promise using the technology to recover cobalt, nickel and copper from batteries. The new facility, which is located near other technology companies such as Tesla and Google, serves as Aqua Metals’ headquarters and R&D center.

As COVID-19 took hold and e-scrap collection opportunities were canceled, the public began trashing a lot more of their electronics in Washington state, according to recently reported figures.

Responding to recent criticism of certifications generally, e-Stewards leadership argues standards have evolved to be more user friendly and are prepared to address a rapidly changing industry.

ERI recycled 113.7 million pounds of scrap electronics and resold 4.3 million pounds of used devices in 2020, the company recently disclosed. It’s the first time the processor has released these figures.

California’s attorney general and several district attorneys this week filed suit against Walmart, alleging the major retailer routinely improperly disposes of e-scrap and other hazardous waste. The company told E-Scrap News the state’s demands go beyond what’s required by law.

Equipment supplier RoboVent recently increased the scope of uses for its dust collector products. The company released the Senturion product line, which it describes as the “most versatile dust collector in the industry.”

Data management and asset disposition giant Iron Mountain this month announced it will acquire a majority stake in ITRenew, a growing company with a focus on data center decommissioning.

Responding to a critical op-ed, the executive director of SERI explains why obtaining R2 certification is valuable for businesses.

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