Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are behind our most cherished mobile devices, including cell phones, tablets and laptops. They are also supporting the roll-out of electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems for renewables that together have the potential to drastically decrease CO2 emissions globally. Of critical importance for Europe will be establishing a European battery supply chain including ensuring a steady supply of battery-grade lithium. The EU-funded ERC SOLVOLi project targeted to deliver battery-grade lithium salts – by Europe, for Europe – in a process that also consumes less water and energy than the current state of the art used in other countries, while significantly reducing the associated CO2 emissions. The key outcome of the ERC SOLVOLi project is that the Principal Investigator was able to improve the proposed flowsheet and to patent it. The invention (WO2021228936A1, international publication date - 18 November 2021) relates to “processes for refining lithium chloride comprising the steps of : 1) dissolving a solid composition comprising less than 98 % (w/w) lithium chloride in an organic solvent thereby selectively dissolving lithium chloride; 2) adding an alkali metal hydroxide solubilised in an organic solvent; 3) optionally further purifying lithium chloride in the organic solution by non-aqueous ion exchange; and 4) removing the organic solvent.” Currently, the Principal Investigator is in on-going talks with key lithium companies throughout the world to license the technology. Furthermore, some of the principles have also been used in on-going bilateral contract research projects with key players in the field.
