CarbonCycle: Transforming Plastic Waste into Clean Battery Solutions
Key Ideas
  • The CarbonCycle project by ZSW aims to convert non-recyclable plastic waste into high-purity carbon for battery production, reducing reliance on fossil carbon.
  • This innovative process involves a high-temperature thermolysis method to produce solid carbon and hydrogen-rich gas from plastic residues.
  • The recovered carbon will be tested for use in battery electrodes, contributing to decarbonizing battery supply chains and promoting a circular economy.
  • The project, supported by BMWK, is seen as a key step towards achieving an EU-wide circular economy and sustainable energy practices.
The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) has launched the CarbonCycle project, aimed at transforming previously non-recyclable plastic waste into a valuable resource for battery production. With backing from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the project focuses on using a high-temperature thermolysis process to convert plastic residues into solid carbon and hydrogen-rich gas. This innovative approach targets the repurposing of industrial plastic waste into high-purity carbon suitable for battery electrodes, especially amidst increasing demand for graphite in electric vehicles. The project intends to showcase the technical and economic feasibility of recovering carbon from plastic waste, contributing to a circular economy in the EU. Unlike traditional plastic pyrolysis for oil production, CarbonCycle emphasizes solid carbon and hydrogen, with the hydrogenated gas potentially serving as a low-carbon industrial fuel similar to turquoise hydrogen. Initial lab trials will lead to a pilot-scale system processing 5kg of plastic per hour, with a focus on developing a full process chain from waste to battery half-cell. By reducing dependence on imported fossil carbon, the project signifies a significant advancement in decarbonizing battery supply chains and promoting sustainable energy practices.
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