The breakthrough by scientists at CSMCRI is set to boost India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) mission by enabling eco-friendly lithium extraction.
Lithium Extraction Method: Old batteries in India will now play a pivotal role in meeting the country’s lithium needs. In a major development, the scientists at the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) in Gujarat’s Bhavanipur have reportedly discovered a new method to extract lithium from old batteries. Lithium is called “white gold” because it is essential for mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Mission to Get a Boost
The discovery by the scientists from CSMCRI promises to strengthen India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) mission and help extract lithium without harming the environment. It is important to note that currently India is totally dependent on imports to meet its lithium requirements.
As per the Times of India report, the latest technology could significantly reduce import costs. The discovery has been published in a major journal of the German Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Scientists say this technology will accelerate India’s progress toward green energy.
How Is Lithium Extracted from Old Batteries?
The process to extract lithium from old batteries is not easy. It takes 28 tons of battery waste to obtain just one ton of lithium. The existing methods are slow, expensive, and less effective. These processes usually involve extracting metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese first, which reduces the quality of lithium and results in significant wastage.
Due to this, battery manufacturers are not very interested in sourcing lithium from old batteries. Moreover, traditional methods also harm the environment, making the battery waste business less profitable. The new technology discovered by the scientists will extract lithium first and in its purest form. After recovering black powder from old lithium-ion batteries, lithium is separated using anthraquinone salt and hydrogen peroxide.
New Technology to Benefit Electric Vehicles
- If implemented on a large scale, the technology could greatly benefit battery waste handlers.
- They will get better prices, and the environment will be spared from harm.
- This is a major step for India as it moves toward becoming self-reliant in the field of electric vehicles and green energy.
- This discovery will not only reduce India’s import costs but also turn old batteries into a valuable resource.
