Iondrive Ltd (ASX:ION) has commenced key benchmarking and engineering studies focused on optimising the economics of its unique environmentally sustainable battery recycling — crucial components of a pre-feasibility study that is on track for completion by October 2024.
The company has started a benchmarking study with the Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) Department at RWTH Aachen University, a leader in automotive battery technology and recycling.
It has also initiated an engineering study with Koch Modular Process Systems — a global leader in process engineering and modular construction — to provide insights on commercialising its deep eutectic solvent (DES) battery recycling process.
Both studies will inform the pilot plant phase, ensuring the process is optimised for commercial scalability.
The DES process uses benign, biodegradable organic solvents without high temperatures or corrosive acids that are associated with incumbent processes. These environmental advantages, and the focus on lithium-ion batteries, is of particular interest in the EU, the US and Australia.
Optimising technology
Iondrive CEO Dr Ebbe Dommisse said: “Collaborating with PEM and Koch Modular, both distinguished leaders in their respective fields, is a significant milestone for Iondrive. Their extensive expertise and state-of-the-art facilities will be instrumental in commercialising our DES battery recycling technology.
“These collaborations validate our approach and ensure we align with industry best practices. By leveraging PEM’s and Koch Modular’s advanced methodologies and extensive databases, we aim to optimise our technology for commercial scalability, ensuring economic viability and securing future investments.
“These partnerships are crucial for the progression of our pre-feasibility study and the ultimate commercialisation of our technology.”
Benchmarking study with PEM
Iondrive has commenced a Benchmarking Study with the PEM Department at RWTH Aachen University, a leader in automotive battery technology and recycling.
PEM's reputation includes successful partnerships, such as with Henkel, focusing on next-generation battery technologies and enhancing battery safety and sustainability.
The benchmarking study will compare the economics of Iondrive’s battery recycling technology for a 10,000-tonne per annum black mass operation in Europe against conventional hydrometallurgical processes.
This study will compare the capex and opex costs of the DES battery recycling process against conventional hydrometallurgical methods, identifying and quantifying cost drivers.
Engineering study with Koch Modular
The engineering study with Koch Modular Process Systems will provide insights on commercialising Iondrive’s DES battery recycling process. It will review laboratory testing and each step of the process, including solvent recovery and the use of DES, to develop an economical, commercial-scale process.
In evaluating the DES recycling process, the study will suggest alternative, innovative process equipment to improve efficiencies and reduce capex/opex costs.
Koch Modular provides early-stage technology companies with critical data and insights to enhance economic viability for successful commercialisation. Its recent advancements in metals recovery and purification, using proprietary SCHEIBEL® and KARR® liquid-liquid extraction technologies, offer the battery recycling industry efficient, cost-effective solutions compared to conventional hydrometallurgical processes.
PFS progress
Both the benchmarking and engineering studies will inform the Pilot Plant phase, ensuring the process is optimised for commercial scalability.
These efforts are critical components of Iondrive's PFS which is scheduled for completion by October. The PFS will focus on de-risking strategies, including technological, commercial and executional aspects, to ensure a solid foundation for the commercialisation of Iondrive’s recycling technology.
The PFS activities and pilot plant planning is focused on three sections of the battery recycling value chain:
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