Our team focuses on the development and optimization of processes in the field of battery waste treatment, with a special emphasis on the steps of recycling pre-treatment.
With the growing use of battery technologies in electromobility, energy storage, and electronics, the need for effective and safe handling of retired batteries also grows. Therefore, our work concentrates on the key phases of recycling pre-treatment, such as discharging, crushing, and the separation of material fractions, which allow for the maximum recovery of valuable raw materials while minimizing environmental impacts. Part of our research is also a detailed analysis of material composition and electrolyte stability using advanced methods. The chosen approach allows us to design innovative and sustainable recycling processes that contribute to closing material flows and supporting the circular economy.
In the context of global efforts to reduce emissions and sustainably use natural resources, our activities represent a key contribution to the ecological transformation of the battery industry and the overall energy transition.
Team Members
Ing. Zbyněk Plachý
Ing. et Mgr. et Bc. Jan Kočí, Ph.D.
Ing. Dominik Pilnaj
Ing. Jonáš Uřičář
Where can you meet us?
In addition to teaching the course Ecology and Materials, we actively participate in events organized by our research group and partner institutions.
Examples of Final Thesis Topics
- Analysis of wastewater and risks associated with electrochemical discharging of lithium-ion cells.
- Improvement of black mass quality using mechanical and physicochemical methods.
- Influence of the time and conditions of storing retired cells on the yield and composition of recycled fractions.
- Acquisition, characterization, and possibilities of utilizing polymer fractions from the mechanical separation of batteries.
- Discharging of lithium-ion cells with inaccessible contacts: methods, safety, and process efficiency.
Our Results
- Pražanová, A., J. Kočí, J. Uřičář, D. Pilnaj, D.-I. Stroe, and V. Knap, “Optimized Thermal Treatment of Lithium-Ion Battery Components as a Basis for Sustainable Pyrometallurgy,” ChemSusChem, p. e202501753, 2025. doi: 10.1002/cssc.202501753.
- Pražanová, V. Knap, and D.-I. Stroe, “Literature Review, Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries from Electric Vehicles, Part I: Recycling Technology,” Energies, vol. 15, p. 1086, 2022. doi: 10.3390/EN15031086.
- Pražanová, Z. Plachý, J. Kočí, M. Fridrich, and V. Knap, “Direct Recycling Technology for Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: Limitations of Current Implementation,” Batteries, vol. 10, p. 81, 2024. doi: 10.3390/BATTERIES10030081.
- Pražanová, D. Pilnaj, Z. Plachý, and V. Knap, “Techno-Environmental Evaluation of Recycling Pretreatment of Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery: Discharging via Salt-Based Solution,” 46th International Spring Seminar on Electronics Technology (ISSE 2023), pp. 1–4, May 2023. doi: 10.1109/ISSE57496.2023.10168348.
- Pražanová, Z. Plachý, J. Uřičář, D. Pilnaj, J. Kočí, and V. Knap, “Sustainability Challenges: The Circular Economy Dilemma in Lithium-Ion Battery Cell Electrochemical Discharging Processes,” Proceedings of the International Spring Seminar on Electronics Technology (ISSE 2024), 2024. doi: 10.1109/ISSE61612.2024.10603724.
In case you are interested in cooperation, do not hesitate to contact us!
Ing. Anna Pražanová, Ph.D. (anna.prazanova@cvut.cz)