United States – Researchers at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have developed a process called capacitive deionization, which selects nickel, manganese, and cobalt from waste streams based on their electric charges.

Cobalt, manganese, and nickel, which are found in battery cathodes, are expensive to mine, so scientists have been looking for a way to make new batteries from old ones for years.

Breaking down and separating large chemical components into basic elements is required when recycling a battery. Capacitive deionization has a number of advantages, one of which is its flexibility. Controlling flow rates and operating time allows it to accommodate a variety of materials and operating strategies.

Collaboration

Six national laboratories have collaborated to research and develop separation processes and technology for the conversion of biomass to biofuel. The compounds are versatile once separated, and they can be converted into hydrocarbon biofuels like renewable diesel or sustainable aviation fuel. The National Science Foundation is funding some of this research.