Altilium, a materials processing specialist, and Imperial College London have initiated a collaborative R&D effort to recover and validate recycled graphite from end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries using Altilium’s proprietary EcoAnode™ hydrometallurgical process. The partnership—funded by Imperial’s SME Engagement Fund—seeks to assess the quality of reclaimed anode material for reuse in EV battery production, promoting a domestic circular supply chain for critical materials in the UK.
Imperial College’s team, led by Dr. Nuria Tapia Ruiz, Associate Professor in Energy Materials at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, will conduct advanced characterization of graphite samples processed at Altilium’s ACT2 pilot plant in Plymouth. The analyses will focus on key properties such as purity, particle size distribution, and physio-chemical characteristics to benchmark recycled graphite against primary material.
Altilium reports that its EcoAnode technique can recover up to 99% of graphite from end-of-life batteries. Preliminary testing indicates that recycled graphite closely matches virgin graphite in both chemical composition and structural attributes. Given that graphite can account for nearly half of a lithium-ion battery’s volume and that over 90% of global graphite production is concentrated in China, diversifying supply through domestic recycling is a strategic priority for the UK and Europe.
By extending its hydrometallurgical capabilities from cathode metals to include high-value anode materials, Altilium aims to offer integrated recycling solutions encompassing the full spectrum of valuable components within spent EV batteries. This initiative represents one of the first UK-based efforts to develop a closed-loop process for both anode and cathode recovery, aligning with industry goals to reduce raw material dependency and lower the environmental footprint of battery manufacturing.
The project will also explore material performance in small-scale electrode manufacturing trials, assessing electrochemical behavior, cycling stability, and compatibility with existing battery production processes. These tests will help determine potential adjustments needed to optimize recycled graphite for commercial use.
This collaboration not only advances technical validation but also addresses regulatory and environmental objectives. A robust domestic recycling capability can mitigate supply chain risks, reduce reliance on primary mining operations, and contribute to a lower-carbon battery lifecycle. By demonstrating the viability of recycled anode materials, the partnership supports the broader transition toward sustainable mobility and resource stewardship.
If successful, the combined expertise of Altilium and Imperial College London could pave the way for larger-scale demonstration projects and commercial deployment. Stakeholders across the battery value chain—from OEMs to recycling firms—may benefit from a reliable supply of recycled graphite, enabling cost reductions and more sustainable manufacturing practices.
Source: Altilium Tech
