Syensqo and cylib have reached a significant milestone in circular battery materials processing by producing high-purity lithium hydroxide from spent EV batteries. This collaboration marks a major advancement in the recovery of valuable materials, as very few recycling companies today can produce lithium at battery-grade, especially lithium hydroxide, the preferred form of lithium for new EV batteries.

A first in the battery recycling industry, this achievement enables the extraction and purification of lithium from shredded battery electrodes, known as black mass, from different battery chemistries, such as NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) and LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate), on a single operating line. This approach simplifies the recycling process, increases versatility and potentially reduces capital expenditures (CAPEX).

“Syensqo’s technology perfectly complements cylib’s hydrometallurgical process, enhancing both the yield and purity of recovered lithium,” said Laurent Cohen, in charge of Strategic Development and Alliances for Mining Solutions at Syensqo. “By combining our expertise in solvent extraction with cylib’s process, we’re establishing a scalable, high-purity lithium recovery route aligned with Europe’s circular economy and battery regulation goals.”

As part of the project, hundreds of liters of cylib’s lithium-rich effluent were processed by Syensqo using an innovative extraction technology co-developed with its engineering partner, Tenova Advanced Technologies. The process uses CYANEX 936P, Syensqo’s proprietary solvent extractant renowned for its exceptional lithium selectivity.