PAMCO, EFT develop raw material-manufacturing process for lithium-ion batteries

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Pacific Metals Co Ltd (PAMCO), in collaboration with Emulsion Flow Technologies Ltd (EFT), has developed a process for manufacturing raw materials of lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathodes utilising emulsion-flow technology.

PAMCO has also developed a practical, cost-effective emulsion-flow solvent extraction process applicable to commercial production, the company said in a statement today.

“The rapid migration towards electric vehicles is expected to pave the way towards carbon neutrality, however, in connection with this trend, securing a stable supply of the critical metals necessary for LIB has become a challenge.

“In this context, PAMCO has been developing a manufacturing process utilising hydrometallurgical technology in order to create a business for manufacturing and sales of raw materials for LIB.

“Having focused on emulsion-flow technology to reduce the cost of the solvent extraction process, PAMCO has been working with EFT to develop a manufacturing process that utilises the technology,” it said.

Emulsion-flow technology is an innovative technology enabling the separation of high-purity elements at lower cost and higher efficiency than is attainable with conventional solvent extraction technology, and it is expected to contribute to resolving social issues around critical metals.

Established in April 2021, EFT is a start-up established by researchers from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency that first developed the emulsion flow solvent extraction technology to separate specific elements from spent, or used, nuclear fuel.

“PAMCO has concluded a comprehensive support agreement (EF custom design agreement) with EFT for process development and basic plant design and has been studying the practical application of emulsion-flow solvent extraction to the process of manufacturing raw materials for LIB,” it said.

The company aims to achieve its long-term vision of becoming a comprehensive materials company that co-creates a sustainable, recycling-oriented society by developing and commercialising not only manufacturing processes for LIB raw materials but also low-cost, high-efficiency, high-purity refining processes for other critical metals.

-- BERNAMA