RHINOCEROS
The EU-funded project RHINOCEROS “Batteries reuse and direct production of high performances cathodic and anodic materials and other raw materials from batteries recycling using low cost and environmentally friendly technologies” will be launched in June 2022.
Rhinoceros will develop, improve, and demonstrate, in an industrially relevant environment, an economically and environmentally viable route for re-using, re-purposing, re-conditioning, and recycling of EoL EV and stationary batteries. Rhinoceros will first develop a smart sorting and dismantling system enabling the automated classification and dismantling of LIBs and the reassembly of still working modules in new repurposed batteries for second life applications such as batteries for energy storage systems. When direct reuse and repurpose of batteries is not possible, a circular recycling route of all the materials present in LIBs (e.g., metals, graphite, fluorinated compounds and polymers, active materials) will be followed to close the materials loop. This route is based on a set of cost efficient, flexible, and environmentally friendly routes targeting the pre-treatment, refining and the recovery of materials. Through product qualification by industrial end-users, Rhinoceros will demonstrate the direct production of high performances cathodic and anodic materials and other raw materials at competitive costs from battery recycling. The achievements will bring Europe to an increased independence level from foreigner manufacturers and raw materials suppliers.
Within the project, ACCUREC will lead the task for lithium-ion battery pretreatment and deliver high quality black mass to partner, simultaneously, recover the electrolyte and fluoride compounds in lithium-ion batteries. The project is led by Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation and the consortium is composed of 16 international experienced scientific institutes and industrial companies from 9 European countries.