What is the core innovation of the LiSA consortium's lithium refining process, and how does it improve sustainability compared to conventional methods?

The core innovation of the LiSA consortium's lithium refining process is Nobian’s patented salt-assisted crystallization technology, which combines electrochemistry with salt-based crystallization to convert lithium chloride into battery-grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate. Specifically, the lithium chloride solution is reacted with caustic soda and subjected to two crystallization steps that separate lithium hydroxide from sodium chloride; the recovered sodium chloride is then reused in Nobian’s existing chlor-alkali electrolyzers to regenerate caustic soda, creating a closed-loop material flow. This process is expected to use around 50% less energy and reduce CO₂ emissions by around 50% compared with conventional lithium refining methods, while also being more cost-efficient, using less water, and generating fewer waste streams.

Which European lithium sources will the LiSA project refine, and how does it integrate recycling into a circular value chain?

The LiSA project will refine lithium from European sources including geothermal brines and recycled batteries, producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate. It directly tests recycled lithium from end-of-life batteries in the refining process, leveraging feedstock supplied by consortium partner Back to Battery BV. By combining lithium recovery from used batteries with localized, low-carbon refining — coordinated through ISPT and executed via Nobian’s circular process — the project integrates lithium recycling and refining into a single, circular European value chain.

Nobian-led consortium awarded €2M to scale circular, low-carbon lithium refining in Europe

ChemBrief

Nobian-led consortium awarded €2M to scale circular, low-carbon lithium refining in Europe — ChemBrief Topics

Nobian-led consortium awarded €2M to scale circular, low-carbon lithium refining in Europe

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