Magazine : 
24M Unveils Semi-Solid Li-ion Battery Recycling Innovation
Massachusetts-based battery technology firm 24M Technologies has introduced 'Liforever', a groundbreaking direct material recycling process designed for semi-solid lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. This innovation, specific to 24M's semi-solid battery manufacturing platform, aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries by facilitating efficient and cost-effective recovery and reuse of battery materials, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP), both during the manufacturing process and at the end of the battery's life.
CEO Naoki Ota emphasized the critical importance of improved battery recycling for a sustainable energy future, highlighting that the conventional use of binders in cell production has made direct recycling impractical. However, Liforever addresses these challenges by enabling the reuse of nearly every part of the battery cell without resorting to expensive, inefficient, and environmentally challenging processes seen in traditional cell recycling. Ota noted that the streamlined semi-solid technology employed by 24M eliminates half of the steps involved in conventional cell production, leading to further cost savings.
Traditional lithium-ion cells typically undergo pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling processes, resulting in black mass e-waste that damages the structure of anode and cathode materials. In contrast, Liforever maintains active materials in their original form, avoiding the creation of black mass – a unique capability claimed by 24M within the industry. This feature allows for low-cost recycling of all active materials from the anode (graphite) and cathode (NMC, LFP, NCA, etc.).
The recycling methodology presented by 24M is described as chemistry-agnostic and compliant with current and anticipated future recycling regulations. This adaptability enables cell manufacturers, EV original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and energy storage system (ESS) operators to future-proof their battery technology. With sustainability at the forefront, Liforever offers a promising solution to enhance the circular economy of battery materials, aligning with global efforts to minimize the environmental impact of electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
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