Up until now you were aware of different food items that are made with bacterial activities, but researchers at the University of Edinburgh are assigning new tasks to these microorganisms. Yes, in recent research they discovered that engineered bacteria could recover minerals from used EV batteries. The research is backed by partners Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) and the University of Birmingham’s Reuse and Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries (ReLiB) initiative. Together they aim to take this on a large scale to reduce huge waste generated from dumped Lithium-ion batteries.
Sustainable biotechnology experts, under the leadership of Professor Louise Horsfall at the University of Edinburgh, are delving into an intriguing concept. They aim to develop a bio-based recycling process that employs bacteria to extract crucial metallic compounds from lithium-ion batteries. With the recovery and refinement of these precious elements, like cobalt, manganese, nickel, and lithium, a promising opportunity emerges: the establishment of a groundbreaking supply chain within the United Kingdom for rechargeable vehicle batteries.
To achieve industrial capacity, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) is assisting the project. To improve the process in a larger bioreactor, the IBioIC is utilizing the facilities at its FlexBio Center in Edinburgh. Furthermore, the University of Edinburgh’s Genome Foundry has been utilized to carefully select and modify bacteria, guaranteeing their efficiency on a larger scale.
Financed by the Faraday Institution, the Reuse and Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries (ReLiB) initiative is led by the University of Birmingham. This initiative is part of a larger effort to advance electrochemical energy storage sciences, skill development, market analysis, and early-stage commercialization in the UK. The latest research is a significant contribution to this endeavor.
The Chair of Sustainable Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh, Professor Horsfall, said: “We often read about initiatives to reduce EV battery costs and improve their performance, but as the market for green transport grows, we also need to consider what happens to the technology once it is no longer fit for use.”
“This project is about using cutting-edge sustainable biotechnology to find ways of tackling that challenge and, in turn, extract some of the most valuable metals that can go back into the sector at the early stages of vehicle production,” Professor Horsfall added.
Professor continued, “The work of the Edinburgh Genome Foundry to select the best-performing bacteria, combined with the scale-up expertise we’ve been able to access via IBioIC, means we are heading in a positive direction towards turning the research idea into an industrial reality.”
Process
To recreate a natural biological process, bacteria are introduced to battery leachate through a fermenter. Battery leachate is the liquid left behind after the initial processing steps. This technique allows the bacteria to generate nano-sized metallic particles, forming a sediment that can be easily separated and filtered from the remaining liquid. The team is currently conducting tests on material extracted from a Nissan Leaf’s previously used EV battery.
Also See: Meet the Bacteria that can Save the Planet from the Ever-Growing Plastic Problem
The Need of the Hour
With the decline in reserves and resources of metals used in batteries, a significant amount of raw minerals will now be found within existing batteries. Currently, the majority of metals used in EV batteries are imported. However, now that it is concluded engineered bacteria could recover minerals from used EV batteries, thus by developing alternative recycling methods, it is possible to create a more sustainable pipeline of materials based in the UK.
During the first half of 2023, electric vehicles (EVs) had a substantial share of 16.9% in the total new car market, as reported by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). This achievement positions the UK among the leading European countries in terms of EV sales.
As the market continues to expand, it becomes crucial to introduce initiatives that can alleviate the growing pressures on the supply chain and effectively handle the proper disposal of used batteries when they reach the end of their lifespan.
Director of business engagement at IBioIC, Dr Liz Fletcher, said, “This project is a great example of how biotechnology can be used to make everyday products and services like cars and transport more sustainable.”
“No one wants to see lithium-ion batteries ending up in landfill, so it is important to explore different ways to repurpose and recycle them. The method being developed here has dual value – as well as being a petrochemical-free way of dealing with waste, it could also help to restore the supply chain for rare metals and future battery manufacturing,” Dr. Fletcher added.
Source: Engineered bacteria could recycle critical minerals from EV batteries
