Contact

Prof. Dr. Jens Gutzmer (PhD ZA)
Director
Phone: +49 351 260 - 4400

PD Dr. Simone Raatz
Administrative Manager
Phone: +49 351 260 - 4747

Anne-Kristin Jentzsch
Press Officer
Phone: +49 351 260 - 4429

Vanessa Weitzel
Secretary
Phone: +49 351 260 - 4404

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Optimized materials characterization

Foto: Cathode active material coated with binder ©Copyright: HZDR/HIF

Cathode active material coated with binder

Source: HZDR/HIF

Characterization techniques help to understand the chemical, physical, or mechanical properties of any given material. We apply and develop modern characterization methods capable of accurately determining minerals and metals in primary and secondary raw materials to: 

  • explore their resource and recovery potential,
  • gain fundamental understanding of beneficiation and extraction processes,
  • evaluate process efficiency. 

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB), for example, are known to have diverse cathode chemistries which result in the application of different recycling routes and parameters. For that reason, we investigate the application of novel key methods such as the automated material characterization which provides information relevant for recovery processes. That includes information on modal phase composition, liberation, phase locking and association, elemental deportment, as well as particle shape, size and density. 

At HIF, we have a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical methods at our disposal. Both bulk and micro-analytical analyses of many different inorganic matrices, especially rock samples, can be performed. By using techniques such as Atomic Force Microscopy, we investigate surface characteristics on a micro and nano scale to understand the interaction between minerals and reagents for processes such as flotation. 

As good results begin with good preparation, our labs comprise a complete sample preparation infrastructure, in charge with providing high-quality samples and with creating workflows for new materials such as black mass from spent LIB.