Lithium extraction from used electric vehicle batteries reaches a significant breakthrough by Cylib and Syensqo.
European Partnership Achieves Major Breakthrough in Sustainable Battery Recycling
A groundbreaking collaboration between Syensqo and Cylib has made a significant advance in the field of sustainable battery recycling technology. The partnership has successfully developed a scalable process for recovering high-purity lithium hydroxide from spent electric vehicle (EV) batteries [1][2][3][4].
The innovative process, which can be run on a single operating line, is noteworthy for its operational flexibility and potential cost savings. By processing black mass from various cathode chemistries like NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) and LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate), the collaboration has simplified operations and potentially reduced capital expenditure, a first in the battery recycling industry [1][2].
The collaboration combines Syensqo’s solvent extraction technology using their proprietary CYANEX® 936P extractant with Cylib’s hydrometallurgical method. This combination has significantly enhanced both the yield and purity of the lithium recovered, achieving battery-grade purity levels suitable for producing new EV batteries [1][2][3].
This achievement aligns with Europe’s circular economy and battery regulation targets, as it enables an efficient, scalable, and flexible approach to recycling lithium, a critical raw material for EV batteries [1][2]. Cylib is advancing its pilot plant and preparing to open its first industrial recycling facility in Germany (Chempark Dormagen) in 2026, further supporting the European Union’s ambitions to secure sustainable and independent lithium supply chains through enhanced recycling capabilities [3].
In summary, the Cylib-Syensqo partnership has developed a scalable, pilot-scale technology for recovering battery-grade lithium hydroxide from used EV batteries. The process processes black mass from multiple cathode chemistries on a single line, simplifying operations and lowering capital expenditure. Using advanced solvent extraction (CYANEX® 936P) and hydrometallurgical techniques, the collaboration achieves high purity and yield. The collaboration supports Europe’s battery recycling and circular economy goals by enabling local, sustainable lithium recovery from spent batteries and is progressing toward commercial operation with industrial recycling facilities planned by 2026 [1][2][3][4].
This collaboration represents a pioneering step toward closing the lithium loop in Europe’s EV battery supply chain and aligns with the European Union's objectives for lithium recovery in battery recycling, as outlined in the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 [5]. The recovered materials include high-purity lithium hydroxide, a preferred form for new EV batteries [6]. The combination of Cylib's hydrometallurgical expertise and Syensqo's solvent extraction technology sets new standards for lithium recovery efficiency and purity [7].
Matthias Breidenbach, Vice President Commercial at Cylib, states, "The collaboration with Syensqo demonstrates our commitment to advancing battery recycling technology" [8]. Recyclers must recover at least 50% of the lithium content in battery waste by the end of 2027, and no less than 80% by the end of 2031, according to the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 [9]. The collaboration between Cylib and Syensqo marks a significant milestone in lithium recovery from spent electric vehicle batteries [10].
References: [1] https://www.cylibr.eu/news/cylibr-syensqo-partnership-to-develop-scalable-lithium-recovery-technology-from-spent-ev-batteries/ [2] https://www.syensqo.com/news/syensqo-cylibr-collaboration-to-develop-scalable-lithium-recovery-technology-for-spent-ev-batteries/ [3] https://www.cylibr.eu/news/cylibr-to-open-first-industrial-recycling-facility-in-germany-in-2026/ [4] https://www.syensqo.com/news/syensqo-cylibr-partnership-to-develop-scalable-lithium-recovery-technology-for-spent-ev-batteries-receives-funding-from-the-european-union/ [5] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12626-Battery-Regulation [6] https://www.syensqo.com/news/syensqo-cylibr-collaboration-to-develop-scalable-lithium-recovery-technology-for-spent-ev-batteries/ [7] https://www.syensqo.com/news/syensqo-cylibr-collaboration-to-develop-scalable-lithium-recovery-technology-for-spent-ev-batteries/ [8] https://www.syensqo.com/news/syensqo-cylibr-collaboration-to-develop-scalable-lithium-recovery-technology-for-spent-ev-batteries/ [9] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12626-Battery-Regulation [10] https://www.syensqo.com/news/syensqo-cylibr-partnership-to-develop-scalable-lithium-recovery-technology-for-spent-ev-batteries/
The innovative process by Cylib and Syensqo merges environmental-science and technology, in an attempt to revolutionize the industry and contribute significantly to the environmental-science sector. The successful partnership, aimed at recycling spent electric vehicle batteries, not only offers sustainable solutions for battery-grade lithium hydroxide finance but also aligns with the European Union's objectives for lithium recovery in battery recycling, will lead to advancements in the finance and technology sectors, as well.
