As part of our series of partner interviews, it is Lurederra's turn to give us an outlook of their role in the project.
Can you give us a short description of what is the Lurederra foundation for technological and social development?
Lurederra is a private technological center founded in 1999 in Navarra, Spain. One of our goals is to conduct and promote research and technological development activities in the service of companies and economic operators, including the subsequent implementation of innovations developed in their own production facilities not only nationally but also internationally. Our expertise lies particularly in advanced materials, nanotechnology, and circular economy processes, especially in recycling and reuse of critical raw materials.
What are the benefits for Lurederra in participating in an EU-funded research project like FREE4LIB?
Participating in FREE4LIB allows us to contribute to and benefit from a European-wide collaboration focused on addressing the critical challenge of recycling lithium-ion batteries. It strengthens our position as a key player in sustainable materials innovation and provides access to new partners, advanced methodologies, and knowledge-sharing that enrich our technological capabilities. Moreover, it enhances our ability to transfer lab-scale technologies, like Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP), to real industrial applications.
What exactly is the material analysis that you are working on, and how will it help improve the overall recycling process of lithium batteries?
Lurederra is focused on analyzing and processing recycled black mass obtained from lithium-ion batteries. We study its composition, purity, and physico-chemical characteristics to evaluate how to process it to get a suitable precursor for synthesizing new active powder for future cathode materials. In order to get this product, we use the Flame Spray Pyrolysis technology (FSP). Our work helps to validate the quality and consistency of recovered materials, ensuring they meet the required standards for reuse in battery manufacturing. This contributes to closing the materials loop and reducing dependence on primary raw materials.
Lurederra is also working on the recycling of black mass at lab-scale. Can you tell us how do you explore ways of turning this recovered metal mixture into new materials for batteries?
Lurederra works with black mass recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries, especially focusing on the cathode-rich fraction. Using our FSP technology, we transform the cathodic material from this recycled black mass into new pure nano-structured powders, suitable for battery electrodes (again for cathode manufacture). The FSP process allows us to control particle morphology and composition, which are key parameters for battery performance. Our goal is to demonstrate that high-quality cathode materials of different compositions can be produced from recycled sources, fostering a more circular and sustainable battery value chain.
Finally, how can research on electrode synthesis support and improve the overall recycling process of electric batteries?
Research on electrode synthesis is crucial to ensuring that recycled materials can be reintegrated into battery manufacturing without compromising their performance. Using synthesis methods, like FSP, which is adaptable to different recycled inputs, we enable the production of functional electrode materials from secondary sources. This flexibility helps to close the recycling loop, supports resource efficiency, and reduces environmental impact, finally contributing toa more resilient and sustainable battery ecosystem in Europe.
