The project is co-funded by the EU (ERDF–IVACE+i Innovation) and developed by a multidisciplinary consortium led by GDES together with Neptury Technologies, Universitat Jaume I (INAM), and ITC-AICE.

As part of its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, GDES coordinates the RESUBAT project (Direct Cathode Recycling for the Comprehensive Regeneration of Lithium-Ion Batteries), an initiative that investigates new solutions for recycling electric vehicle batteries and recovering their critical components. The project is part of the mission of GDES Blue Ventures, the open innovation platform that promotes technologies aimed at a more efficient and sustainable energy model.

An Innovative Alternative to Traditional Recycling

RESUBAT proposes a disruptive approach: the direct recovery of the cathode while preserving its original structure so it can be reused in new batteries. This process avoids highly polluting and costly stages of conventional recycling, helping to reduce dependence on critical raw materials and to minimize environmental impact.

The project, co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) and the Valencian Institute for Competitiveness and Innovation (IVACE+i Innovation), is being developed by a multidisciplinary consortium made up of GDES, Neptury Technologies, Universitat Jaume I (INAM), and the Ceramic Technology Institute (ITC-AICE).

Project Objectives

RESUBAT aims to develop and validate a comprehensive methodology to recover and regenerate NMC (Nickel, Manganese, and Cobalt) cathodes from used batteries. Its main objectives include:

• Designing safe and efficient dismantling processes, reducing risks and optimizing operating costs.

• Defining and validating laboratory-scale regeneration methods for NMC cathodes, restoring their electrochemical properties.

• Manufacturing and evaluating experimental cells using regenerated materials to assess their performance and durability.

• Adapting recycled materials to pre-industrial processes, bringing the technology closer to real-world application.

• Analyzing technical, economic, and environmental feasibility for scaling up to industrial level.

Progress Achieved in 2025

During 2025, RESUBAT achieved key milestones by working with real end-of-life batteries:

• Validated dismantling process: Battery packs from commercial vehicles were analyzed to define safe and efficient protocols for separating cells and preparing them for recycling.

• Regeneration of used NMC cathodes: The team obtained regenerated materials with properties equivalent to the original ones, ready for laboratory evaluation.

• Electrochemical validation in experimental cells: Coin and pouch-type cells were manufactured using recovered cathodes, confirming their electrochemical performance and durability.

• Optimization for industrial applications: The processes and materials obtained are being adapted for integration into pre-industrial production lines, moving closer to a scalable solution.

RESUBAT represents a decisive step toward a comprehensive recycling system for lithium-ion batteries, aligned with the global challenges of sustainable mobility and responsible management of electronic waste. As the coordinating entity, GDES continues to strengthen its commitment to open innovation to advance toward a more sustainable, efficient, and circular future.