Syensqo Introduces New Lithium Recovery Process

Syensqo and cylib have announced a technical milestone in lithium recovery from spent electric vehicle batteries, revealing the production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide at pilot scale. The process enables lithium to be extracted and purified from shredded electrodes—or “black mass”—originating from various battery chemistries, including nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), using a single operating line. According to the companies, this approach may offer a more flexible and potentially cost-effective solution compared to current recycling methods.

At the heart of the process is Syensqo’s CYANEX® 936P solvent extractant, developed in partnership with Tenova Advanced Technologies. It was used to process several hundred liters of lithium-rich effluent supplied by cylib. The resulting lithium hydroxide reportedly meets, and in some cases exceeds, the purity levels demanded by manufacturers of cathode active materials. The companies position this as a contribution toward meeting European Union targets for lithium recovery, as outlined in Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.

“Syensqo’s technology perfectly complements cylib’s hydrometallurgical process, enhancing both the yield and purity of recovered lithium. 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.” said Laurent Cohen, in charge of Strategic Development and Alliances for Mining Solutions at Syensqo.

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