Uni-Graz: Startup Revolutionises Recycling of e-Automobile Batteries – CleanTechnica – TechnoNews

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A spin-off from the College of Graz is growing a compact system for recycling lithium-ion batteries from electrical automobiles. The innovation allows cost-effective and environmentally pleasant recycling of useful uncooked supplies instantly on website.

Electrical vehicles are a constructing block within the transition to sustainable mobility. However what occurs if such an electrical automobile is broken or reaches the tip of its life? Elements such because the bodywork, seats, dashboards, and the like can nonetheless be simply recycled. The batteries, alternatively, are stuffed with power that may energy an electrical automobile for tons of of kilometres. Dealing with them is harmful, as they’re prone to every kind of harm and might trigger fires — alternatively, they comprise useful uncooked supplies.

The answer is clear: recycling. However that is simpler mentioned than finished. Just a few waste disposal firms have services for recycling lithium-ion batteries. Nonetheless, taking the outdated batteries there’s harmful. This requires devoted, safe transport. And that’s costly.

Recycling on website

Jürgen Abraham, Tobias Kopp, and Chris Pichler are engaged on a brand new answer as a part of a spin-off from the College of Graz on the UniCorn start-up incubator. Underneath the identify “ProtectLiB,” they’ve developed a patented recycling course of within the type of a compact recycling plant. It’s the dimension of an bizarre container in order that automobile batteries may be processed instantly on website.

“We can separate lithium, cobalt and nickel from the liquid electrolytes. Unlike existing processes, we can do this without heat,” says Kopp, explaining the added worth of her innovation. It is a enormous benefit for patrons: because the residual supplies are not hazardous, additional processing and transport are significantly cheaper.

Prototype within the centre of Graz

The primary prototype is positioned on the campus of the College of Graz and is prepared to be used. The founders are at present focussing on batteries from the automotive sector. Cell phone or laptop computer batteries are initially excluded, as each battery has a special chemical composition. “It’s difficult to implement a single solution for everyone,” explains Kopp.

The primary buyer has already been acquired within the south of Graz. Kopp: “Battery prototypes for transport are being developed there. In future, the technology of ProtectLiB will enable the company to recycle these directly on site.” A primary step in the direction of the sustainable recycling of batteries from the automotive sector.

By Roman Vilgut. Courtesy of College of Graz.