[SMM Analysis] A Brief Overview of the New Requirements for the "Recycled Black Mass Standard for Lithium-Ion Batteries"

SMM, January 20: Recently, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China issued GB/T 45203-2024 "Recycled Black Mass for Lithium-Ion Batteries." This specification outlines detailed requirements for the chemical composition, inspection and acceptance standards, sampling and sample preparation, packaging, and transportation of recycled black mass for lithium-ion batteries. The main highlights are as follows:

1. Chemical Composition Requirements for Black Mass:

Based on the different cathode materials in the raw materials used for production, the products are classified into Type I and Type II.

Type I: Products produced using lithium-ion battery scrap containing nickel and/or cobalt elements as raw materials.

Type II: Products produced using lithium-ion battery scrap containing LFP as raw materials.

Type I is further divided into three grades: Grade 1 requires a total nickel and cobalt content ≥40% and lithium content ≥5%; Grade 2 requires a total nickel and cobalt content ≥25% and lithium content ≥3%; Grade 3 requires a total nickel and cobalt content ≥10% and lithium content ≥2%.

For Type II, lithium content must be ≥2%, iron content should range from 15%-36%, and phosphorus content should range from 8%-20%.

2. Testing and Appearance Requirements for Black Mass:

The determination of moisture content in the product is conducted according to GB/T 6284, particle size determination is conducted according to GB/T 21524, and the product's appearance quality is inspected visually.

3. Marking, Packaging, Storage, and Transportation Requirements for Black Mass:

The product is packaged in double-layered containers, with polyethylene film bags as inner liners inside jumbo bags (ton bags), and sealed. Each bag has a net weight of 0.8 mt to 1.2 mt, or the packaging method and capacity can be determined through negotiation with the buyer. The outer packaging bag must have clear and durable markings, including the supplier's name, factory address, product name, type, grade, net weight, batch number, production date, this document number, and the "Keep Dry" symbol as specified in GB/T 191.

In summary, the new specification provides more detailed and specific guidance and standards for the comprehensive utilisation of NEV waste power batteries, contributing to the healthy development of the industry.

SMM New Energy Research Team

Cong Wang 021-51666838

Rui Ma 021-51595780

Disheng Feng 021-51666714

Ying Xu 021-51666707

Yanlin Lü 021-20707875

Yujun Liu 021-20707895

Xiaodan Yu 021-20707870

Zhicheng Zhou 021-51666711

He Zhang 021-20707850