Transformative processes for production of pure feed for the battery and magnet industry

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This proposal describes the plan for the development of transformative processes for production of pure feed for the battery and magnet industry. The focus is put on impurity removal from nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) precursor for cathode production of lithium-ion batteries as well as solvometallurgical reduction of rare earth element (REE) compounds for magnet production. The proposed project will enable near-term objective of providing high quality feed materials to the Canadian energy and metal industries, as well as long-term objectives of delivering significant environmental benefits by using more efficient and environmentally friendly processes. The conventional process for impurity removal from Ni and Co feed relies on solvent extraction which requires large volumes of organic solvents, large number of stages with high operating cost and generates large volumes of waste. The conventional process for REE reduction relies on molten salt electrolysis that is energy intensive and takes place in a corrosive environment involving fluorides or chlorides, generates environmental pollutions due to chlorine or fluorine gases and requires high operating cost. The proposed processes in this project are based on complexation and selective precipitation for impurity removal and solvometallurgy using sodium in liquid ammonia and alkalides and electrides for REE reduction. These processes are novel and require a fresh methodological approach and close academic-industry partnership. Preliminary results have established proof-of-principle for these processes. This project leverages expertise and funds from Hatch, a knowledge-based pioneer consulting firm and technology and in-plant service provider to the global metals, infrastructure, and energy sectors, in a four-year partnership with the Azimi group at the University of Toronto. This project is highly beneficial for Canada in terms of academic excellence, industrial competitive advantage, and highly qualified personnel, as it creates the opportunity for knowledge based economic and environmental impact as well as enhanced technical edge in the Canadian Minerals, Metals, and Energy sectors.