Study level

PhD

Master of Philosophy

Honours

Vacation research experience scheme

Faculty/School

Science and Engineering Faculty

School of Chemistry and Physics

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Supervisors

Associate Professor Deepak Dubal
Position
Future Fellow
Division / Faculty
Science and Engineering Faculty

Overview

Recycling end-of-life batteries remains a challenging task due to the complexity of the leach liquors, which contains several metals in acidic solution. The recovery of valuable metals is also difficult due to the similar chemical behavior of the divalent metal ions.

Solvent extraction is mainly used for the separation of these metals, but the conventional extractants used in combination with molecular diluents usually lack selectivity.

This project aims to develop novel, green and cost-effective solvents to recover and extract metal from the spent lithium-ion batteries. The applications of these solvents can be extended to mining industries as well as separation technologies.

Research activities

This project will focus on the metal recovery from used batteries using novel and green solvents.

The main research activities can include:

  • synthesising various green solvents
  • conducting metal leaching from the recovered battery electrodes
  • characterising recovered metals using different characterization techniques
  • repurposing recovered materials in next-generation applications.

The supervisory team has a strong track record and a wide range of expertise in energy storage. You'll work in a well-established, highly-motivated research group using the advanced characterisation facilities available at the Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF). This will provide you with an effective and rich learning experience.

Outcomes

The project aims are:

  • developing novel solvents for metal recovery
  • discovering innovative leaching methods
  • scaling-up the technology for industrial applications
  • conducting market search for recovered materials.

The outcomes of the project involves

  • high-quality results that are published in international journals/conferences.
  • direct industrial applications.

The project will advance the field of metal extraction and recovery from the batteries (primary and secondary batteries) with a potential breakthrough in developing green and cost-effective solvents, leaching methods and new applications of the recovered materials.

Skills and experience

As a candidate for this project, a strong background in physics, chemistry, material science or metallurgy engineering will be preferred.

The research group is well-equipped with all the necessary facilities.

Scholarships

You may be able to apply for a research scholarship in our annual scholarship round.

Annual scholarship round

Keywords

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.