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Lithium Batteries and the Circular Economy
Lithium batteries power a range of personal consumer products (e.g., cell phones, medical devices, vehicles, etc.). Efficient, cost-effective recovery and recycling of the critical minerals stored in these batteries helps the U.S. meet its objectives of sustaining domestic critical mineral supplies, developing energy independence, and moving into a circular economy.
Introduction
Lithium batteries are vital components in many everyday consumer products, such as cell phones and backup power storage units. They play a crucial role in the rapidly growing U.S. markets for vehicle manufacturing, energy storage, medical services, and agricultural technology. These batteries also may contain important minerals and materials, including lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni), which are essential for many technologies driving U.S. commerce.
Efficient and cost-effective recovery and reuse of these critical minerals can help secure a domestic supply and support a transition away from a “linear economy,” where materials are extracted, manufactured into products, used, and then discarded. Instead, this program aims to support the transition to a model where the atoms and molecules that are included in products continually cycle within an economy and retain their value, comprising a more circular economy.
Contribution to the Circular Economy
To support U.S. industries, NIST is examining current market conditions and collaborating with stakeholders and agency partners to understand the rapidly changing needs for measurement and technology. NIST evaluates incoming data through its Circular Economy Program, utilizing staff expertise in measurement innovation, materials science, standards development, digital products, and manufacturing systems engineering.
The findings from this research are used to design new instruments and measurement techniques for lithium and lithium-ion batteries and to support standards development activities. This initiative is part of NIST's broader mission to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness.
Learn More
NIST Activities
- An internal workshop on current NIST lithium battery research efforts (report coming soon).
- Circular Economy in the High-Tech World, an external workshop on material circularity for High Tech products.
- Watch the recording.
- Read the workshop report.
- Read the peer-reviewed journal article.
- Engage with stakeholders through national trade organizations and professional society meetings.
- Providing subject matter expertise for other agencies and national and international standards organizations.
- Program development coordination with other federal agencies.
"Black Mass" and Critical Mineral Recovery
What happens when lithium batteries “die”? First, they are shredded to produce “black mass,” or shredded lithium (Li) battery material. “Black mass" contains several materials, including critical minerals and advanced materials (like graphite). Separating critical materials, minerals, and materials from “black mass” for reuse could help the U.S. sustain a domestic critical mineral supply. As demand for advanced technologies increases, reliable processing and material evaluation techniques will impact U.S. commerce and domestic interests. NIST works with stakeholders and performs research to support “black mass” production and critical mineral and material retention.