Objectives

Available secondary resources in Europe have the potential to supply raw materials to the European battery manufacturing chain

The aim of the RHINOCEROS project is to develop economically and environmentally viable routes for re-using and recycling end-of-life LIBs from electric vehicles and stationary energy storage. Within the project, these innovative solutions will be tested and demonstrated in industrially relevant environments.

Goals breakdown structure

Develop a smart sorting and dismantling system that enables the automated classification and dismantling of LIBs from EVs and stationary energy systems, and the reassembly of operational modules in new repurposed batteries.

Propose novel solutions for the reuse and repurpose of batteries for
second life applications.

Develop a set of cost-efficient, flexible and environmentally friendly routes targeting the recycling of all materials present in LIBs (e.g., metals, graphite, fluorinated compounds and polymers, active materials).

Identify and address health risks, environmental impacts, safety hazards and new safety practices related to the developed processes; perform cost analysis.

Validate the recovered material through the synthesis of new high-performance electrodes and elements for next generation batteries – thus demonstrating the circularity, societal, environmental and economic benefits.