INDUSTRY TRACK: Scalable Direct Recycling Techniques for Battery Materials— Bridging Laboratory Research and Commercial Applications

INDUSTRY TRACK: With the widespread adoption of battery-powered devices, the need for efficient battery recycling technologies has become urgent. This growing demand for batteries is expected to significantly increase the volume of spent batteries, potentially leading to resource shortages and elevated prices for critical materials. Moreover, improper disposal of used batteries poses severe environmental hazards, producing flammable and toxic waste. Addressing these challenges calls for innovative recycling and upcycling methods that effectively reclaim the residual value of spent batteries and mitigate environmental pollution. ExPost is advancing a cathode active material direct recycling technology to enable sustainable battery recycling through a scalable Purification and Regeneration Integrated Material Engineering (“PRIME”) process. This approach fosters a truly closed-loop system that recovers essential battery components while reducing resource input. This presentation will highlight recent progress in process efficiency, economic viability, and sustainability alongside key technical challenges and future pathways for commercialization. Our efforts demonstrate that direct recycling holds substantial potential in specific commercial scenarios, contributing to resource conservation and supporting a sustainable battery industry for a green energy future.