The FREE4LIB project aims to develop innovative recycling technologies (TRL 5–6) to recover valuable materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Beyond improving battery recycling efficiency, the project also explores how recovered materials can be reused, either within the battery value chain or in alternative industries.
As part of this ambition, Deliverable D3.7 investigates the potential use of recycled cobalt, nickel, and manganese in the ceramic sector, expanding circular economy opportunities beyond battery manufacturing.
Context and objective of the deliverable
Work Package 3 (WP3) focuses on recovering valuable materials such as metal oxides, metals, and polymers, particularly from active materials like NMC622 and LMNO cathodes.
Within WP3, Task 3.9 specifically evaluates whether recycled cobalt, nickel, and manganese can be used in alternative industrial applications. The ceramic industry was identified as a promising candidate, as metal oxides such as NiO, MnO₂, and CoO are widely used in:
• Ceramic pigments for tiles, glass, and tableware,
• Frits for enamelling steel in household appliances,
• Protective and decorative coatings.
The objective was to assess the technical feasibility and sustainability benefits of replacing virgin raw materials with recycled sources.
Key findings
The study confirmed the technical viability of using recycled materials in ceramic applications:
• Recycled cobalt, nickel, and manganese oxides were successfully integrated into ceramic pigments and frits.
• Minor impurities such as aluminum and copper did not negatively affect performance in these applications.
• The use of recycled oxides can help:
o Reduce EU dependence on imported raw materials,
o Lower greenhouse gas emissions linked to mining and transport,
o Contribute to addressing social concerns associated with cobalt mining.
These results demonstrate that battery recycling can generate value not only within the battery sector but also in other high-demand European industries.
Recommendations and next steps
Building on these promising outcomes, the next steps include:
• Feeding results into WP4, where upscaling of these applications will be explored.
• Further validating recycled materials in industrial ceramic processes.
• Continuing to explore additional alternative uses for recovered materials that cannot be directly reused in batteries.
By demonstrating the feasibility of cross-sector material reuse, FREE4LIB strengthens the case for a fully circular and diversified battery ecosystem, where recovered materials remain valuable resources across multiple industries.
You can read the full deliverable here
