Lithium is an essential element in lithium-ion batteries and is present in the electrode materials of batteries and in the electrolyte solution where lithium ion acts as a charge driver. Lithium-ion batteries have long been used in mobile electronics and can be used for example in existing renewable energy storage applications. Up to 75 % of the lithium chemical production is expected to be used in the future for the manufacture of battery chemicals. Most of the world’s lithium sources and reserves are located in salt lake deposits, mainly in South America. Indeed, most of the primary production of lithium chemicals comes from salt lake deposits and the remainder from crystalline rock minerals, the most important of which is spodume. In the EU, the largest known lithium reserve is located in Central Ostrobothnia. On the other hand, the largest inorganic chemical concentration in the Nordic countries is located in the large industrial area of Kokkola, which already produces lithium-ion battery precursors. Together with the planned lithium mine in the area, the production and further processing of new high-tech chemicals based on the lithium value chain are therefore possible in the area. The aim of the LIAK project is to produce new research data on the manufacturing processes of lithium-ion battery materials, the thermal resistance of battery chemicals and the suitability of battery cells as cathode/anode material. The project will develop new lithium-ion battery chemicals suitable for industrial production and seek solutions for their manufacture. The main focus of the project is on processing methods (high-temperature processes, hydrometallurgical processes and, in particular, chemical precipitation) aimed at high yield and purity and good usability as battery material. Thermal resistance of chemicals are key issues that are explored both from the point of view of mineral processing and from the perspective of the final product (battery cell). The second objective of the project is to produce new information on the heat treatment of spodumene and oezite, which is an integral part of the manufacturing process of battery chemicals and precursors, as well as new knowledge and know-how related to the manufacture of lithium-ion battery chemicals from Co-precursors. The aim of the project is to generate new knowledge also in relation to the thermal behaviour of lithium battery chemicals and, on the other hand, the thermal sustainability of battery cell materials, new technologies and business opportunities for participating companies, as well as the productisation of research and scientific results into new products and production technologies. In addition, the project will strengthen the knowledge and networking of participating universities and universities, as well as promote the business of participating companies. Research data will enable companies in the region to produce more sophisticated and processed products. Research builds on the research environments built in previous projects and does not involve significant investments.
