From black mass, our patented direct recycling process extracts cathode active material (CAM) — the key input for new battery cell production. Our process is exclusive to Renovar and independently validated by India's Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI).
What Is CAM?
Cathode active material is the compound — typically a mixed nickel-manganese-cobalt hydroxide or lithium iron phosphate — that battery manufacturers use as the core component of cathode synthesis. It determines the energy density, cycle life, and rate capability of the cells they produce. Currently, India imports virtually all of its CAM supply.
Our Patented Process
Unlike conventional hydrometallurgical recycling that dissolves cathode material back to individual metal salts, our direct recycling approach regenerates the cathode structure at the precursor stage. This preserves the crystal integrity of the cathode material, reduces processing steps, and — critically — produces output that meets battery-grade specification without full dissolution and re-precipitation.
CECRI Validation
Our process output has been independently characterised by CECRI through XRD structural analysis, ICP composition testing, and electrochemical performance verification (half-cell and full-cell cycling). The recovered CAM demonstrated specific capacity and cycle retention comparable to commercially imported material. This is the credential that allows cell manufacturers to seriously evaluate Renovar CAM for qualification.