Giovanni Maddalena
PhD Student
Hello, my name is Giovanni Maddalena.
I completed a Masters degree in Synthetic Biology from University College London. There I was a member of iGEM where we ran public engagement and human practise activities. During iGEM I grew an interest for bio-entrepreneurship and is now captivated by the idea of starting up a SynBio company.
My research is focused on recovering cobalt, lithium and nickel metals contained in Lithium-ion Batteries. As more electric vehicles hit the road, the demand for these metals may surpass their supply. To overcome this challenge, I will apply synthetic biology to generate cobalt, lithium and nickel nanoparticles.
Public Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries are found in our mobile phones, laptops and electric cars. The government has announced a complete ban on petrol vehicles by 2035 which means a lot more vehicles will need to turn electric. Lithium-ion batteries are made with expensive metals which are expected to be in short supply over the coming decade. Recycling is currently too expensive and not worthwhile for industry. Some bacteria can recover waste batteries by converting the dissolved metals into tiny solid particles known as nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can be reused as part of the battery or can be turned into catalysts to speed up other chemical reactions. This process promotes a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries and adds value to the whole recycling process.
Scientific Abstract
Lithium-ion Batteries contain lithium, cobalt and nickel - metals which are expected to be in short supply by 2030 with rising electrification across the globe. To facilitate the recycling of these batteries metallotolerant bacteria can be applied which selectively convert the relevant metals into metallic nanoparticles. Proteins and redox molecules synthesised by the bacteria are responsible for this process. By applying synthetic biology techniques it’s possible to improve the yield and selectivity. Metal nanoparticles have applications as chemical catalysts and can be used to regenerate battery material. The biorecovery of valuable resources brings us a step closer to promoting a circular economy for Lithium-ion Batteries.