OUR MISSION
To develop, organise & implement problem-driven, science-deep research & future-oriented education, contributing to the environmentally friendly production & recycling of metals, minerals & engineered materials, supporting (…) a climate-friendly, circular-economy. Read more >
News
Closed-loop process for Co & REE recovery from NdFeB magnets
SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET researchers developed a new closed-loop metal recovery process for NdFeB-based permanent magnets. The work was published in the journal Separation and Purification technology.
A novel method to determine chloride impurities in liquids using WDXRF
SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET/PROCESS researchers developed a new method for the measurement of chlorides in ionic liquids using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). The work was published in ACS Omega.
Deep Learning Computer Vision for separation of cast & wrought aluminium scrap
The lifecycle engineering (LCE) research group (SIM² KU Leuven) has explored a new method to classify cast and wrought aluminium scrap. The presented research is an essential step towards improved metal sorting and recycling.
Which geological processes control Nb-Ta-Li and W-Sn pegmatite deposits?
SIM² KU Leuven geologists have revealed a close relationship between the geometry of W-Sn and Nb-Ta-Li bearing hydrothermal veins and pegmatites in Iberia and the deformation processes active during the Variscan orogeny.
Meet our SIM² colleagues
“Recycling of lithium-ion batteries is no longer an option but a necessity.”
With a background in hydrometallurgy and recycling, Giuseppe Granata recently started as an Associate Professor at KU Leuven Campus Group T. His work in Leuven will focus on critical metal recovery from secondary resources.
Exploiting physicochemical interactions between fluid and solid phases
Holding a PhD in geology SIM² member Veerle Vandeginste is an associate professor (Dep’ Materials Engineering, KU Leuven-Campus Bruges). Her research is motivated by the challenges of global warming and sustainability.
Research Results
Why does only ferric chloride facilitate efficient lithium extraction with TBP?
In a new paper in Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET researchers have revealed the mechanism why FeCl3 facillitates the most efficient extraction of lithium with tri-n-butyl phosphate from magnesium-rich brine.
Closed-loop process for Co & REE recovery from NdFeB magnets
SIM² KU Leuven – SOLVOMET researchers developed a new closed-loop metal recovery process for NdFeB-based permanent magnets. The work was published in the journal Separation and Purification technology.
