Description

Critical raw materials (CRMs) are raw materials which are economically and strategically important for society, but for which long-term supply is not secure. The CRMs needed for the Energy Transition are a special concern and their exploration has high priority worldwide. They include Rare Earth Elements (REE, such as neodymium) for magnets in the generators of wind-turbines, and lithium for batteries of electric vehicles. In addition, recycling of end-of-life materials containing these elements (e.g., urban mining) is a growing field. Here are examples of possible academic research projects that can ultimately contribute to securing a global supply of critical materials.

Objectives and Methodology

Short and longwave infrared spectroscopy of end-of-life battery materials is a new field of interest. Li-ion batteries have many different active cathode materials, and we can foresee that fast ‘smart sorting’ is needed in recycling plants in the future.
In this project, you will investigate how to best identify different cathode materials used in the batteries industry using a combination of imaging and non-imaging spectroscopy and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques, and you will develop a strategy to identify and distinguish different types of battery materials.

Further reading