Collaborative development of a biorecovery process

composite image showing image of motors as recyclable feedstock, diagram to show bioleachates and line graph to show design of experiments modeling — Bioleaching optimized with thermodynamic and DOE modeling.

CMI researchers at Ames Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of Arizona, Purdue University, and Rutgers University conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation
Diverse CMI research expertise converges to advance recycling of critical materials.

Achievement
Collaboration between microbiologists and experts in thermodynamic and design of experiment (DOE) modeling, chemical separations, and TEA and LCA improves prospects for critical materials biorecovery.

Significance and Impact

Greater yields and higher purity critical materials from magnet and LIB wastes.
Better economic and environmental performance for a novel green technology.

Hub Target Addressed
Increasing the speed of discovery and integration.

composite image showing images of equipment for ion exchange and solvent extraction, and diagrams for bioleaching/electrochemistry and biosorption — Separation of bioleachate components built on other Hub efforts.

composite image with a pie chart showing nutrients dominated cost and a picture of a cornfield after harvesting — TEA and LCA identified benefits of using agricultural waste as nutrient source.