Li-Metal Corp., a developer of lithium metal anode and lithium metal production technologies for next-generation batteries, has successfully demonstrated its electrolyte reconditioning process. This process is a pivotal component supporting Li-Metal’s patented and modular carbonate-to-metal (C2M) technology, an environmentally conscious approach to lithium metal production.
The electrolyte reconditioning process facilitates the conversion of excess anolyte, located near the anode, into catholyte, situated near the cathode. This closed-loop operation enhances operational efficiencies and minimizes wastage of this valuable resource, marking a significant advancement in sustainable lithium metal production.
The company said that the successful completion of testing underscores the viability of its C2M technology, a key enabler and differentiator for Li-Metal’s ultra-thin lithium metal anode business. Li-Metal expects to integrate its reconditioning process into its existing C2M pilot in Markham, Ontario ensuring cost-effective and streamlined operations.
Li-Metal plans to demonstrate its C2M and electrolyte reconditioning technology at scale in Q1 2024 during a metal pilot campaign. In 2022, Li-Metal engaged its global engineering partner for a concept study on a 1,000 tonnes per year commercial-scale lithium metal production plant. The company’s recent testing results validate an assumption critical to operating expense estimates provided by the study.