A long-standing member of the MMTA, Alfred H Knight (AHK) has enabled global trade for over 140 years. They instil trust and certainty in the global supply chain through the delivery of independent inspection, sampling and analytical services. In this article, AHK provides insight into the innovative research they are conducting on black mass and how the organisation is adapting to the changing needs of industry.
Looking to lithium
As part of the global drive to electrification, batteries are being produced at an unprecedented scale. In particular, Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are seeing demand soar as the market share of Electric Vehicles (EVs) gains compared to traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. This growth is then furthered by the increasing prevalence of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
With more Gigafactories being announced and demand for the component materials of LIBs rising, it is necessary that cell manufacturers, traders and other parties involved in the LIB supply chain are able to determine an accurate composition and textural variability to value their traded materials.
Alongside other key component materials, lithium is present in the majority of LIB cell chemistries, which drives the forecasted rising global demand for lithium. Particularly where lithium material is intended to be utilised in battery applications, it is not solely the lithium content that is important. Depending on the specific material and stage of the value chain, a range of other characteristics can also be integral to its value.
With a Spodumene Concentrate for example, in addition to the Li2O content, there are also thermal and physical properties that can have a bearing on its suitability due to the impact they can have on the material’s melting characteristics during the calcination process. Other factors include particle size distribution (PSD) and abrasiveness, tests such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) can also be helpful in determining the temperature at which the alpha-to-beta spodumene conversion takes place.
Despite the exact specification of a battery-grade Lithium Carbonate material often varying, it is important that the total metallic content of elements, such as iron and zinc, remains extremely low. This is because these metallic elements have the ability to later precipitate within the cell and cause short circuits as a result. Though they can typically be treated, bromine and chlorine at elevated levels can also cause electrochemical issues within cells and shorten their lifespan.
There is more to black mass than just its elemental composition
Black mass is the name given to the resulting black powder material produced once a Li-ion battery (LIB) has been processed for recycling. This product typically contains metals including nickel, cobalt and lithium.
Sample of Black Mass Material. Source: Alfred H Knight Technical Department
Alfred H Knight (AHK) has engaged in research and development to develop a black mass-specific digestion method to allow for improved analytical determinations for commercial settlement. As an organisation, we have also worked to establish standardised approaches to sample black mass, informed through our inspectors regularly attending appointments across North America, Europe, China and Asia.
AHK’s Technical and Consultancy department has undertaken innovative investigations to determine the ‘mineralogical’, chemical and textural variability of black mass, using techniques such as automated mineralogy (SEM-EDS) upon samples from Europe, North America and China.
This research to determine the phase characteristics of black mass has informed our clients on heterogeneity, which has permitted the development of appropriate sampling and sample preparation ahead of assaying. These results also provide an appreciation of the payable and penalty components as well as the potential impact of recycling processes.
The textural variability that can be seen within black mass
Source: Alfred H Knight Technical DepartmentAlfred H Knight is conducting an innovative global research and development investigation that enables our clients to optimise sampling and sample preparation strategies to ensure than black mass samples are fully representative and unbiased.
This research work helps to verify the contend of black mass, quantify he phases present and determine both the payable and penalty components.
In addition to conventional geological sources, the recovery of valuable metals from black mass is important for the future supply of battery raw materials.”
Dr Laurance Donnelly, Chief Geologist, Head of Technical Department
Alfred H Knight has since had research into black mass published in a number of peer-reviewed publications and has presented findings at major industry events including Rho Motion, WCSB 2022 and ICBR 2023.
Alfred H Knight Sampling Hub Services, located in the Netherlands
Photo by A H Knight Technical Services
Continued innovation to support the evolving metal markets
Alfred H Knight has not only identified opportunities to innovate within the battery material sector but also across a range of other commodities.
Established in response to increasing flows of recycled materials such as Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA), our Sampling Hub service offers recyclers, smelters and reprocessors the ability to increase their sampling capacity, while still ensuring an accurate, independent and reliable profile of their materials can be determined while in transit and prior to arrival at the end receiver.
The efficiency and accuracy of this service enables clients to extract the maximum value from their metal recovery by improving the overall accuracy of their value determination. The figure below outlines the stages involved in the sampling, preparation and analysis of IBA material, conducted to recognised ISO methods and standard operating procedures to ensure the highest accuracy.
Industry-leading sampling and analysis
Established in 1881, Alfred H Knight has built a global reputation as a leading provider of independent inspection, sampling and analytical services. Our continuous investment in our people, facilities and equipment has enabled us to innovate and grow as a business, whilst ensuring clients receive a consistently high level of service.
For more information on the services Alfred H Knight can provide and the markets we serve, visit our website or get in touch via [email protected].
