Biological recovery of metals from lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and synthesis of nanoparticles
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Biological Sciences
Abstract
The Horsfall group is engineering bacteria to recover metals from spent lithium ion batteries (LiBs) once reuse is no longer possible. By using the new tools and techniques provided by advances in biology we will engineer microbes with the ability to selectively recover metals in the form of nanoparticles adding value to the recovery process. Desulfovibrio alaskensis can recover a variety of metals through the production of nanoparticles but it cannot discriminate between Co and Ni, both of which are likely to be present in battery leachates. Therefore, this PhD project will investigate the selective recovery of Ni through engineering of D. alaskensis. This project will also investigate the recovery of two other important metals in LiBs, Al and Li, using Pseudomonas species. Furthermore, the elemental composition and physicochemical properties of biogenic nanoparticles are known to differ depending on the bacterial species and conditions used. Thus, the production of biogenic Ni, Li and Al nanoparticles will be studied under varying factors (e.g. aerobic/anaerobic, media composition, temperature).
This project will examine native bacterial metal resistance systems, their potential for genetic manipulation and opportunities for their application. This may involve the characterisation of promoters and ribosomal binding sites with reporter genes, the optimisation of proteins in the metal nanoparticle synthesis pathway and investigation of the resultant effects on the metal resistance exhibited by the organism. The identification of relevant molecules for the selective recovery of Ni, Al and Li will contribute to the development of a of bio-based system for the recovery of metals. The project offers training in molecular biology, synthetic biology, biochemistry and nanotechnology. The work in this project will provide the necessary tools and knowledge needed to improve upon current metal biorecovery yields.
This project will examine native bacterial metal resistance systems, their potential for genetic manipulation and opportunities for their application. This may involve the characterisation of promoters and ribosomal binding sites with reporter genes, the optimisation of proteins in the metal nanoparticle synthesis pathway and investigation of the resultant effects on the metal resistance exhibited by the organism. The identification of relevant molecules for the selective recovery of Ni, Al and Li will contribute to the development of a of bio-based system for the recovery of metals. The project offers training in molecular biology, synthetic biology, biochemistry and nanotechnology. The work in this project will provide the necessary tools and knowledge needed to improve upon current metal biorecovery yields.
Publications
Harper G
(2023)
Roadmap for a sustainable circular economy in lithium-ion and future battery technologies
in Journal of Physics: Energy
Echavarri-Bravo V
(2022)
Selective bacterial separation of critical metals: towards a sustainable method for recycling lithium ion batteries.
in Green chemistry : an international journal and green chemistry resource : GC
Description | Spent Li-ion battery leachates contain a mixture of metals (consisting of aluminium, manganese, cobalt, nickel and lithium) which require recycling. Current recycling methods can result in generation of hazardous waste and result in high energy consumption. This work developed some fundamentals towards a more sustainable platform using bacteria to recycle metals. Three bacterial strains were primarily used - two for the removal of aluminium and manganese, and a third for the removal of cobalt and nickel. Of the two former, a comparative study demonstrated one to be far superior. The bacterial removal of cobalt and nickel suggests there may be biological pathways responsible for the selective removal of each metal. We have identified potential biomolecules which might be involved in the selective removal of the two metals. This would offer a route into further selectively recovering the aforementioned metals. |
Exploitation Route | The development of a bio-recycling e-waste facility which can ensure critical and valuable metals from Li-ion batteries are maintained within the economy in a sustainable way. |
Sectors | Chemicals Electronics Energy Environment Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | Bioleachate metal recovery |
Organisation | Coventry University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | A metal-rich leachate provided by a collaborator at Coventry University was treated with our metal-recovering bacteria. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partner provided the metal-rich leachates, and organised an extended collaboration observing metal recovery using three different approaches (of which one was ours). |
Impact | A potential publication. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Bang Goes The Borders |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Virtual event with a primary school in the Scottish Borders. We gave an interactive presentation discussing life as a biologist followed by a tour of the lab. The aim was to inspire a career path in the field and to spark questions about what biology is. Students asked questions along the lines of "are bacteria bad?". |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Power Our Sustainable Future at the Royal Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended a discussion panel on 'life as a battery scientist' organised by the Faraday Institution. Students engaged through questions and conversation throughout the event which also included various science stalls. The multidisciplinary nature of battery science was highlighted by my biology-based presentation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.faraday.ac.uk/powering-our-sustainable-future/ |
Description | STEM Ambassador Training |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | We visited primary school and gave an interactive presentation educating young students on the power of batteries. We took them through a classic experiment of powering a digital clock using a lemon. This was followed by questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |