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Lithium Batteries and the Circular Economy
Lithium batteries power a range of personal consumer products (e.g., cell phones, medical devices, vehicles, etc.). Efficient, cost-effective recovery and recycling of the critical minerals stored in these batteries helps the U.S. meet its objectives of sustaining domestic critical mineral supplies, developing energy independence, and moving into a circular economy.
Introduction
Lithium batteries are used in personal consumer products (e.g., cell phones, power tools), medical devices, vehicles, and stationary storage systems. They are integral to several rapidly growing U.S. markets including hybrid/EV manufacturing, solar power production, and agriculture technology. These batteries contain critical minerals (like Li, Co, and Ni) that can be recovered at a battery’s “end-of-life” and recycled for reuse in new products. Efficient and cost-effective recovery and recycling of these minerals help the U.S. meet objectives of sustaining domestic critical mineral supplies, developing energy independence, and transitioning to a more circular economy.
Contribution to the Circular Economy
NIST has several projects dedicated to lithium/EV battery research. To support U.S. goals, NIST is reviewing current market conditions and engaging with stakeholders and agency partners to develop an awareness of rapidly evolving measurement and technology needs. NIST assesses incoming data through its Circular Economy Program and leverages staff expertise in measurement innovation, material science, physical and documentary standards development, digital products, and manufacturing systems engineering. Research results are used to design new instrumentation and measurement techniques for lithium and lithium-ion batteries, create programs that test new technologies, and align standards development activities at the domestic and international scales. This program is part of NIST’s larger role helping U.S. industries transition into a circular economy.
Learn More
NIST Activities
- An internal workshop on current NIST lithium battery research efforts (report coming soon).
- Circular Economy in the High-Tech World, an external workshop on material circularity for High Tech products.
- Watch the recording.
- Read the workshop report.
- Read the peer-reviewed journal article.
- Engaging with stakeholders through national trade organizations and professional society meetings on the topic of “black mass” (shredded lithium battery material).
- Participation in an EPA-led public/private sector review of existing guidelines for the handling and disposal of small format lithium batteries.
- Program development coordination with other departments within the Dept. of Commerce (Trade) and other agencies (DOE, DOD, DOT, EPA) through the Federal Consortium for Advanced Batteries (FCAB).
- Engaging and participating in international standards organizations (e.g., ISO TC-333).
"Black Mass" and Critical Mineral Recovery
What happens when lithium batteries “die”? First, they are shredded to produce “black mass,” or shredded lithium (Li) battery material. “Black mass" contains several materials, including critical minerals, metals, and polymers. Separating critical metals and minerals from “black mass” for reuse could help the U.S. sustain domestic critical mineral supplies. As demand for lithium/EV batteries increases, reliable processing techniques will crucially impact U.S. commerce and domestic interests. NIST is working with stakeholders and performing research to develop “black mass” recycling techniques.