MOFsorbMET: Metal-organic frameworks for recovery and separation of critical metals

The MOFSORBMET project is developing MOFs for the adsorption-enhanced recovery of critical metals from the primary (mining) and secondary sources (e-waste). Our initial focus is the metals for batteries and the sustainable recovery of resources from battery waste.

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Facts
Project leader

Sachin Maruti Chavan

Duration

2021-2024

Financing

Research Council of Norway

Developing MOFs for the adsorption-enhanced recovery of critical metals
MOFSORBMET

A low carbon future relies on the share of clean energy technologies (Solar PV, wind, geothermal, hydro battery) in the energy sector. These clean energy technologies are mineral intensive and with its growth, demand for critical metals (Li, Co, REE, and Pt etc.) is growing exponentially. Therefore, increasing the recovery and recycling of critical metals offers a double win, securing metal supply for clean energy development and reducing the environmental impact from mining and waste pollution.

The main idea of our project MOFSORBMET is to develop MOFs for the adsorption-enhanced recovery of critical metals from the primary (mining) and secondary sources (e-waste). We aim at decreasing the load of chemicals and energy while improving the recovery and recycling processes. Our initial focus is the metals for batteries and the sustainable recovery of resources from battery waste. We aim to demonstrate recovery of lithium and cobalt from two different sources with recovery over 90% and purity over 95% in three and a half years of the project duration.

To meet this new challenge, a team of experts in material synthesis, metal recycling, materials physics, computational chemistry and organic chemistry domains was consolidated. We aim at developing current technology to a higher readiness level (technology readiness level 2 to 4).

Project team

Associate Professor
51831541
Kjølv Egelands bygning
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering
Associate Professor
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Mathematics and Physics
Professor
51832306
Kjølv Egelands bygning
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering
Professor
51834514
Stavanger
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Mathematics and Physics
PhD Candidate
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering
PhD Candidate
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering

Advisory board

Professor
51831761
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering
Professor
51832270
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Energy Resources
Oluf Bøckman
Senior Specialist
Glencore Nikkelverk
National collaborators

Prof. Pascal D. C. Dietzel, University of Bergen

International collaborators

Dr. Roberto Fernández de Luis, BCMaterials Spain
Ass. Prof. Mark Foreman, Chalmers University of Technology Sweden
Prof. Emmanouil Manos, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Greece