Battery-grade lithium chloride production by solvometallurgy
In May 2020 the SOLVOMET Group filed the patent application “Method for producing battery grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate” that became public in November 2021. The first part of the patented flowsheet is now disclosed in JSM.
Panagiotis Xanthopoulos obtains PhD on recovery of metal ions by ion flotation
On June 8, 2022, Panagiotis Xanthopoulos (SOLVOMET/SIM2 & MSCA-ETN SULTAN) obtained his PhD degree in Chemistry. He successfully defended his PhD thesis “Recovery of metal ions from dilute aqueous solutions by ion flotation”.
Comparison of mixer-settlers and an agitated column in cobalt/nickel SX
Within the framework of the EU Horizon 2020 project NEMO, SOLVOMET/SIM2 researchers have compared the effect of mixer-settlers and agitated columns on the separation of cobalt and nickel with Cyanex 272.
Global perspectives on reprocessing of mine tailings (High-level expert panel)
On March 10, 2022, the joint NEMO/CROCODILE/TARANTULA expert panel discussed the “Global perspectives on the reprocessing of mine tailings”. The objective was to find common ground and to enable the elaboration of specific EU policy recommendations.
Heavy rare-earth separation process successfully tested on pilot-scale level
Within the context of EU NEMO, SIM² KU Leuven/SOLVOMET researchers developed a non-aqueous solvent extraction process for the separation of heavy rare earths (HREEs). The work was published in Separation & Purification Technology.
Counter-current ionic liquid metathesis reduces environmental impact
SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET researchers have studied the metathesis or anion-exchange of ionic liquids in a lab-scale, counter-current mixer-settler set-up. The work was published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.
Enhancing metal separation by non-aqueous solvent extraction: a critical review
SOLVOMET/SIM² researchers have published a critical review paper in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research on the different systems and mechanisms of non-aqueous solvent extraction, providing a framework for future processes.
Recovery of REEs from spent fluorescent lamps using methanesulfonic acid (MSA)
SIM²/SOLVOMET developed a new solvometallurgical process, using methanesulfonic acid (MSA), for the selective recovery of REEs from spent fluorescent lamps. The work was published in Industrial Engineering and Chemistry Research.
Closed-loop process for Co & REE recovery from NdFeB magnets
SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET researchers developed a new closed-loop metal recovery process for NdFeB-based permanent magnets. The work was published in the journal Separation and Purification technology.
A novel method to determine chloride impurities in liquids using WDXRF
SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET/PROCESS researchers developed a new method for the measurement of chlorides in ionic liquids using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). The work was published in ACS Omega.