Strategic Uses of Metal Dissolution Processes for pCAM Production and the Battery Value Chain

Abstract

Battery-grade metal sulfates, which are key raw materials for lithium-ion battery manufacturing, are continually growing in demand due to the expansion of the electric vehicle market. One important pathway to produce these battery-grade metal sulfates is via a metal dissolution process, which involves the dissolution of nearly pure metals (e.g. Ni, Co) and the subsequent leachate purification. This is a proven and viable approach that offers producers an accelerated route to enter the battery market.
This paper discusses the various merits of the metal dissolution pathway and explores the strategic uses of the metal dissolution plant across the value chain, including precursor cathode active material (pCAM) producers, battery recyclers aiming to produce pCAM, and metal producers. Furthermore, the benefits of integrating a metal dissolution facility with existing operations are highlighted. Through addressing design considerations and integrating operations, the competitiveness of the metal dissolution plant can be maximized in the rapidly evolving battery market.