Interview with our partner - EURECAT

As part of our series of interviews with FREE4LIB partners, focus on Eurecat and their role in FREE4LIB's project.

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Why did EURECAT join in FREE4LIB project?

Eurecat's decision to join the FREE4LIB project stems from our extensive background in battery research, where we collaborate with IREC in the Battech initiative. This project presents a unique opportunity for us to delve into various aspects of the recycling process. By participating in FREE4LIB, we aim to not only contribute to advancements in battery recycling technologies but also to expand our knowledge base in this crucial field.

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EURECAT is involved in many workpackages of the FREE4LIB project. Which are your activities related to recyclingtechnologies?

Eurecat's involvement in the FREE4LIB project spans across various Technology Units, each focusing on distinct objectives:

-      Robotics and Automation Unit: Investigating the automation of battery dismantling processes.

-      Metals and Ceramic Materials Unit: Conducting research on the recycling of metals such as aluminium and copper scraps, utilizing extrusion and powder metallurgy techniques for applications like additive manufacturing. Additionally, Eurecat is exploring ion implantation and coatings on electrodes.

-      Waste, Energy and Environmental Impact Unit: Developing hydrometallurgical recovery processes employing green solvents, particularly natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), to reclaim valuable materials from cathodes of spent battery cells.

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On what other technical aspects of the project is EURECAT also working?

Eurecat is actively engaged in various technical aspects of the FREE4LIB project, leveraging its expertise across multiple Technology Units. Here are some additional areas of focus:

-      Water, Air and Soil Unit: Collaborating with CARTIF to analyse the hazards and operability of various recycling processes.

-      Product Innovation and Multiphysics Simulation Unit: Designing second-life batteries for stationary energy storageapplications and designing a new battery pack based on Design for Recycling principles, utilizing recycled materials from the project.

-      IT&OT Security Unit: Developing a battery passport platform using blockchain technology to ensure the security and traceability of information.

-      Big Data & Data Science Unit: Establishing a cloud data platform for storing data related to modules, cells and material characterization and researching in data-driven models for recycling processes.
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Has Erion already obtained significant results or preliminary results as part of the FREE4LIB project?

Although it is still early to discuss definitive results, two significant findings can be mentioned.

The first one is that we have completed a feasibility analysis regarding the automation of battery pack dismantling processes. Presently, we are in the process of developing demonstrators for two steps in this process: unscrewing the lid and removing it.

On the other hand, our research has delivered promising results using a natural deep eutectic solvent(NADES) with which we manage to meet the objectives set by the European Commission in terms of recovery of Li, Ni, and Co from battery cells.

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What are the next steps planned for EURECAT within the FREE4LIB project?

Our next steps include scaling up the recycling technologies developed at the lab-scale, designing a new battery pack using recycled materials from the project and completing the development of the battery passport and the cloud data platform.

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