By Srikanto Mandal 29 Nov. 2023
Chile-based start-up T-Phite is revolutionizing electric vehicle sustainability by transforming used tires into batteries through a process called pyrolysis.
CEO Bernardita Diaz explains that pyrolysis subjects tires to extreme heat, breaking them down into smaller molecules, producing pyrolytic oil, steel, and carbon black.
Carbon black, known for excellent electrical conductivity and wear resistance, is a crucial component for creating an electric pathway within batteries.
T-Phite's innovative approach addresses two issues: the proper disposal of tires and the growing demand for materials in electromobility, contributing to a circular economy.
In the U.S., where approximately 250 million tires become scrap annually, less than half are recycled or used for tire-derived fuel, highlighting the significance of T-Phite's solution.
Diaz emphasizes the importance of finding solutions in waste, stating that their process can extend beyond lithium-ion batteries to the next generation of electromobility, including sodium batteries.
The Federal Highway Administration's data underscores the limited recycling of tires, emphasizing the critical role T-Phite plays in turning waste into valuable resources.
T-Phite's process has garnered interest from potential investors, indicating a possible scale-up to an industrial level, marking a significant step towards sustainable battery production.
Building on research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2014 and recent findings in 2021, T-Phite's innovation showcases the potential for tire-derived ...
carbon to systematically improve battery performance, offering a promising solution for the future of electric vehicles.