Crystallization for Lithium Purification from Battery Leachate

This project investigates the application of selective antisolvent crystallization to recover lithium from sulfuric acid leachates of spent NMC-type batteries. By employing recyclable, bio-based antisolvents such as ethanol, the process aims to achieve high purity and selectivity while significantly reducing energy and chemical consumption compared to conventional evaporative methods.

The project focuses on understanding the fundamental crystallization behavior of lithium salts in complex mixed-metal systems to optimize selectivity and recovery yield. Key research goals include the optimization of operational parameters and to design a scalable recycling flowsheet that integrates antisolvent regeneration to produce high-purity.

Duration: 2026-2027
Funding: This research is supported by CAMM-CRM, a Swedish government-supported research initiative on critical raw materials at Luleå University of Technology.