EXTREME · sElective eXtraction of plaTinum gRoup mEtals froM spent autocatalysts using deep Eutectic solvents

EXTREME is a unique research and training project tailored to merge the knowledge and expertise of Stylianos Spathariotis (ER), YS Cypriot Catalysts (SME) and TECNALIA (RTO), to conduct research regarding the chemistry of platinum group metals (PGMs) during their selective extraction from spent autocatalysts (ACCs) of petrol/diesel and hybrid electric vehiles, by using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs). Specifically, the project aims to utilize 4 novel concepts and techniques to conduct research regarding i) the chemical reactions and process mechanisms during PGMs leaching from spent ACCs; and ii) the complexation/interactions of the PGMs with other organic/inorganic compounds in the DESs and the corresponding reactivities of the species formed, as well as the chemical reactions and process mechanisms during electrowinning and cementation to achieve the selective recovery of PGMs streams. Once the knowledge involved has been well established, an eco-friendly and cost efficient integrated single-step process will be developed at TRL4 to demonstrate the selective extraction of PGMs from spent ACCs powder into three separate streams Pt, Pd, Rh, and investigate the environmental and financial sustainability of the process through dedicated life cycle analysis. The project progresses well beyond the state of the art in the related scientific fields involved in the leaching, recovery and holistic PGMs extraction processes and will make a significant contribution to secure the PGMs supply chain in the EU. Besides, i) it will broadly enhance the ER career prospects to reach professional maturity, through the dedicated technical and soft skills trainings provided by the two hosts and also external training materials; ii) enhance the business activities of the host which aims to further develop the process beyond the project and establish it as a main activity; and iii) facilitate the networking of the secondment organisation to develop research synergies.