Columbia Technology Ventures

In-situ production of hydrogen peroxide within lithium-recovery reactors

This technology is an in-situ method of producing hydrogen peroxide from spent batteries within lithium-recovery reactors.

Unmet Need: Simultaneous and production of hydrogen peroxide during lithium recovery

Lithium recovery is a chemically and resource-intensive process, requiring the use of large quantities of hydrogen peroxide. Currently, there is no known technology that combines the metal extraction of spent battery materials with a method that simultaneously produces hydrogen peroxide, requiring separate and other complicated processes for battery recycling.

The Technology: In-situ production of hydrogen peroxide during battery material processing

This technology combines two electrochemical processes inside a leaching reactor: the production of hydrogen peroxide and the separation of spent battery materials. By applying a current with a lead-based, high-surface-area electrode during spent battery material processing, hydrogen peroxide production can be sustained. Furthermore, this technology is robust against the harsh chemical environment inside the leaching reactor.

This technology has been validated with a mini leaching reactor prototype.

Applications:

  • Metal processing
  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Electrochemical manufacturing and production
  • Green technologies
  • Hydrometallurgical processing
  • Lithium production

Advantages:

  • Reduced processing time for lithium recycling
  • Simultaneous metal extraction and hydrogen peroxide production
  • Stable operation of hydrogen peroxide production
  • Cost-effective

Lead Inventor:

Dan Steingart, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: