The global lithium-ion battery market is growing rapidly. Once spent, these batteries are carefully recycled to reclaim valuable materials. However, a major battery component, the hazardous liquid electrolyte, is not adequately recycled and is instead released into the environment, causing serious health and environmental risks.
As a Schmidt Science Fellow, Emily plans to develop a practical electrolyte recycling procedure by improving electrolyte extraction and lithium salt purification.
Emily’s project aims to address the urgent need for lithium-ion battery recycling strategies that balance the growing challenge of hazardous electrolyte waste with the ultimate goal of a circular battery economy.
Emily will pivot from Inorganic Chemistry to Chemical Engineering