Lou is a third-year PhD student in the Anderson Group at the University of Birmingham, researching novel processes for recycling PVDF binder from lithium-ion batteries. Their work focuses on identifying green solvents for the targeted removal and recovery of PVDF from electrodes, enabling direct recycling of both the binder and other electrode materials. Combining thermodynamic modelling with experimental validation, Lou’s research seeks to identify candidates to replace conventional hazardous solvents such as NMP and presents an alternative approach to typical binder removal processes employing pyrolysis or chemical degradation, minimising hazardous HF and PFAS emissions while enabling the recovery of high-value active materials.

Specialism: Chemistry
Institution: University of Birmingham