Update: Princeton NuEnergy launches end-to-end LIB recycling production line

According to a news release from PNE, the joint pilot line hosts a full range of capabilities, including plasma equipment. As what it describes as the first end-to-end, production-scale direct recycling line in the U.S., Princeton PNE’s proprietary technology directly processes LIBs ranging from consumer electronics to full EV battery packs. This highly modular facility can process up to 500 tons of LIB manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries annually.  The line is housed inside the 200,000-square-foot Wistron GreenTech consumer electronics recycling factory in McKinney.

The line is part of a pilot project conducted through a partnership the two companies began along with Grand Prairie, Texas-based electronics recycler eTak Worldwide during the summer of 2021.

PNE says the project at the Wistron factory will begin with the recycling of LIBs found in consumer electronics, then expand into EV battery recycling, using the company’s patented plasma technology that it claims is cheaper and cleaner than traditional methods.

The company’s LIB recycling process involves mechanically separating the cathode and anode materials in LIBs and running the cathode powder through a low-temperature plasma reactor to remove contaminants. Princeton NuEnergy says that its method enables the repair of cathode and anode materials without completely breaking down the chemical compounds, significantly reducing energy and chemical consumption.

According to the company, its LIB recycling process reduces costs and emissions, eliminates rare metal mining, promotes sustainable development, is eco-friendly and will bring new jobs to the industry.

"We are excited that PNE and Wistron's innovative battery recycling pilot production line will soon be launched operations," says Jeff Lin, president of Wistron Corp. "Our joint pilot production line will increase Consumer Electronics, Storage and EV battery recycling capabilities, strengthen Texas's battery and electric vehicle supply chains and achieve our [environmental, social and governance] goals."