EV batteries: Recycling startup extracts cobalt, nickel 100 times faster

Japan's Emulsion Flow Technologies aims to begin commercial operations next year

Hirochika Naganawa, chief technology officer at Japanese startup Emulsion Flow Technologies, previously worked for Japan's atomic energy agency. (Photo courtesy of Emulsion Flow Technologies)

TOMOYUKI ENDO, Nikkei staff writer

July 15, 2022 15:15 JST

TOKYO -- As companies scramble for the resources to power electric vehicles, a Japanese startup aims to slash the time and cost needed to extract cobalt, nickel and other metals from used EV batteries.

Hirochika Naganawa and his team at Japanese startup Emulsion Flow Technologies say they have developed an extraction process that is 100 times faster than the conventional approach. The company is working on commercializing the process.