As a result of the current targets of electrification, the demand of raw materials for the production of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is expected to increase significantly during the next decades. To alleviate the depletion of natural resources, the circular economy (CE) model proposes the recovery of materials from end-of-life products. Despite the growing interest on the CE, there are no objective parameters or scientific methodologies to develop technology following its principles by design. SmartCycle will find parameters for value and functionality of battery materials which, combined with material flow analysis, will allow the optimization of recycling processes according to CE targets. As measurable parameters are developed, SmartCycle will be the first project to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools for multiobjective optimization of CE technology. SmartCycle is a research action that will support the establishment of a new type of engineering with the CE goals at its core.

2022

2025