Recycled battery?

The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) is working intensively on the production of recycled materials. Specifically, the focus is on batteries without problematic substances such as lithium, nickel and cobalt.

35 experts led by project manager Damian Cupid from AIT are working on an interesting research project in the battery laboratory in Giefinggasse, Vienna, Floridsdorf, which is being funded by the European Union with one million euros.

"For the first time, we will be able to produce a battery from recycled materials at the end of the project," says the project manager.

Alternative material?

On the one hand, the recycling of used batteries is of course an issue. This is currently only possible for 40 percent - the rest is incinerated.

Possible raw materials could also come from mining residues, as they already contain nickel, cobalt and manganese.

Silicon from photovoltaic panels could also be recycled in this way.

"The big goal is to become as independent as possible in Europe in terms of production and manufacturing. You have to imagine that mass production is of course something that we have to learn again in Europe, especially in the battery sector," said Marcus Jahn, Head of the Battery Research Unit at AIT.

Sustainability

Not only the materials should be as sustainable as possible, but also the production itself. Less electricity, less gas and fewer solvents should be used.

The idea is to develop different types of batteries for different applications. Certain vehicles or devices require certain battery types - this also needs to be taken into account.

The project, which experts say is very promising, is scheduled to run for three years and could lead us to the "green battery".