NEU Battery Materials co-founder and CEO Bryan Oh
In 2020, serial entrepreneur Bryan Oh and Kenneth Palmer identified a growing challenge that would shape the future: the recycling of lithium batteries. Traditional recycling methods were not only expensive but also lacked scalability, creating a pressing need for innovation. Driven by a vision to develop a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly solution, the duo founded NEU Battery Materials.
“We wanted to make a real impact by enhancing the value chain managed by existing recycling players and making life better for everyone,” Oh shared with e27.
A groundbreaking approach to recycling
Based in Singapore and co-founded by Oh and Palmer, NEU Battery Materials has developed a proprietary electrochemical redox-targeting technology designed for the sustainable recycling of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Unlike conventional methods like hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, NEU’s process uses electricity as the sole consumable and employs regenerative chemicals, avoiding toxic waste and harsh acids.
Also Read: NEU Battery Materials scores US$3.7M for sustainable recycling of Li-ion batteries
Oh explained that this approach is less polluting than traditional methods, paving the way for the widespread adoption of a cleaner, more sustainable way to recycle lithium batteries, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The technology produces battery-grade lithium, which can be supplied directly to manufacturers, contributing to a circular economy in the battery industry.
An alternative to conventional recycling
Traditional recycling techniques, such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, are resource-intensive and often deprioritise lithium extraction. NEU’s innovative electrochemical redox process relies solely on water and electricity, which means it can leverage renewable energy sources to produce green lithium and green hydrogen as by-products.
“We can recycle LFP batteries more economically compared to incumbent technologies. At the same time, we can drive positive climate impact by reducing the carbon footprint and pollution levels while meeting the exponential demand for batteries,” Oh said.
The process eliminates the need for wastewater treatment, reduces operational pollution, and significantly lowers costs by avoiding chemical usage. Its scalable electrolyser technology allows NEU to expand without requiring massive infrastructure investments. “Instead of duplicating facilities, we simply add cells to the electrolyser, enabling us to process 100,000 to 300,000 tonnes of batteries per year from the same commercial assets,” Oh elaborated.
This modular approach–likened to building with Lego blocks–positions NEU as a leader in scalable recycling solutions.
Addressing a gap in LFP recycling
Unlike nickel and cobalt, which dominate traditional battery recycling due to their high economic value, lithium often receives less attention. NEU’s focus on lithium positions it as a unique player in the industry. “By supplying recycled lithium, we help companies meet regulatory requirements and embrace sustainable practices,” Oh said.
NEU’s expertise has attracted interest from larger recycling firms specialising in nickel and cobalt, who now look to NEU for collaboration on LFP recycling. This symbiotic relationship allows NEU to fill a critical gap while larger players focus on their strengths.
Scaling for global impact
NEU Battery Materials operates a 150-square-metre pilot recycling plant in Singapore, with the capacity to process approximately 200 tonnes of lithium batteries annually. However, the company’s ambitions stretch far beyond its home base.
“Recycling is a global challenge that requires collaboration and innovation. From the start, our goal has been to become a global recycling company,” Oh said. NEU takes an open, partnership-driven approach, working with local recycling companies worldwide to complement their expertise and leverage their networks.
Also Read: German Li-ion battery recycling startup tozero wins EPiC 2024 in Hong Kong
Oh emphasised that NEU’s technology offers a competitive advantage, enabling the company to address a pressing global issue while adding value to ecosystem players. “With recent geopolitical tensions and proposed trade restrictions, NEU is positioned to play a critical role in securing access to these vital materials for nations around the world.”
In 2023, NEU Battery secured US$3.7 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by SGInnovate, with participation from ComfortDelGro Ventures, Shift4Good, Paragon Ventures I and angels.
Looking ahead
As the world transitions to cleaner energy and electrification, the demand for sustainable battery recycling will only grow. With its innovative technology, commitment to collaboration, and focus on scalability, NEU Battery Materials is poised to lead the way in transforming how batteries are recycled, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The post How NEU Battery Materials is powering the circular economy for lithium appeared first on e27.