INNOVATIVE BLACK MASS TREATMENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE RECOVERY: A MATERIAL FLOW ANALYISIS OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERY RECYCLING.

This thesis focuses on the description and evaluation of innovative black mass treatments aimed at enhancing the sustainable recovery of valuable resources from spent lithium-ion batteries. Through a detailed material flow analysis (MFA), the research investigates the efficiency and effectiveness of novel hydrometallurgical processes (AMELIE Project) designed to extract precious metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from black mass, a byproduct of LIB recycling. Methodologically, the study employs a combination of laboratory experiments (provided by the DIATI department of Turin Polytechnic), and comprehensive material flow analysis to quantify the inputs, outputs, and efficiencies of the proposed recycling processes. Data collection involves both primary experimental data and secondary data from existing literature and industry reports. The final section propose a methodology for scaling up the process to a pilot scale, incorporating assumptions on the possible machinery to be used and estimates to define a credible material flow.