Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2024-2025
Title: Birgit Gerke: Innovator in Battery Recycling Technologies
Introduction
Birgit Gerke is a prominent inventor based in Ludwigshafen, Germany. She has made significant contributions to the field of battery recycling, focusing on the recovery of valuable materials from waste batteries. With a total of 5 patents to her name, her work is paving the way for more sustainable practices in the industry.
Latest Patents
One of her latest patents is titled "Battery recycling by reduction and carbonylation." This invention outlines a process for recovering transition metals from battery materials. The process involves providing a battery material containing oxidic nickel and/or cobalt compounds, heating it above 350° C. to yield a reduced material, and carbonylating the reduced material with carbon monoxide. This innovative method allows for the separation of volatile carbonyls from solid residues, enhancing the efficiency of metal recovery.
Another significant patent is the "Process for the recovery of lithium from waste lithium ion batteries." This process details the steps for recovering lithium from waste batteries, including providing a particulate material containing transition metal compounds and lithium salts. The method employs a polar solvent and alkaline earth hydroxide to achieve high purity lithium separation, along with the recovery of valuable transition metals.
Career Highlights
Birgit Gerke is currently associated with BASF SE Corporation, where she continues to develop innovative solutions for battery recycling. Her work not only contributes to the advancement of recycling technologies but also supports environmental sustainability by reducing waste and promoting the circular economy.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Birgit has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Wolfgang Rohde and Kerstin Schierle-Arndt. These collaborations have further enriched her research and development efforts in the field of battery recycling.
Conclusion
Birgit Gerke's contributions to battery recycling technologies exemplify her commitment to innovation and sustainability. Her patents reflect a deep understanding of material recovery processes, making her a key figure in the advancement of eco-friendly practices in the industry.