Steingart: Direct recycling is likely the only viable path for LFP batteries
Dan Steingart · The world of battery recycling · Apr 4, 2024 · at 28:56
Columbia University battery expert Dr. Dan Steingart discusses the economics of battery recycling with host Shayle Kann, contrasting high-value NMC chemistries with lower-cost LFP materials.
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“I think if LFP recycling is going to have a shot, it's going to be on a direct recycling route, and for those that know me and get a beer with me after conferences, they're probably doing a spit take, because I'm pretty skeptical of direct recycling in a lot of ways. I think that for nickel for NMC compounds, it's really difficult, and it's just cheaper and safer, ultimately, for guaranteed lifetime, to break it down to sulfate, or something similar, or in a mixed hydroxide precursor, and build it back up. But I think for LFP to be economically viable, direct recycling likely has to be the option.”
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