Ph.D. candidate in Ingegneria Gestionale E Della Produzione , 41st cycle (2025-2028)
Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP)
Profile
PhD
Research topic
Integrated LCA–LCC–MEIO framework for assessing the environmental, economic and technical sustainability of critical material recovery from end-of-life automotive batteries.
Tutors
Keywords
Biography
This doctoral project addresses the growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles and the resulting challenges related to battery end-of-life management and the procurement of critical raw materials. In this context, the recovery of materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese represents a strategic lever for reducing environmental impacts, mitigating resource scarcity risks, and promoting circular economy models in the electric mobility sector.
The research aims to develop and apply an integrated methodological framework based on the combination of the Multi-layer Enterprise Input–Output (MEIO) model with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) methodologies, in order to systematically evaluate the environmental, economic, and technical performance of critical material recovery processes from end-of-life automotive batteries.
The project involves modeling the physical, energetic, and economic flows along the entire battery recycling value chain, including the collection, processing, and material recovery phases. The framework will be validated through one or more case studies, relating to pilot plants or existing or developing industrial supply chains, also in collaboration with industrial partners.
The expected results include the definition of quantitative sustainability indicators to support production planning, technology selection, and plant sizing decisions, as well as the analysis of the potential contribution of low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies in future recycling systems. The project aims to provide useful tools to support industrial decisions and policies geared towards ecological transition and resource security.
The research aims to develop and apply an integrated methodological framework based on the combination of the Multi-layer Enterprise Input–Output (MEIO) model with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) methodologies, in order to systematically evaluate the environmental, economic, and technical performance of critical material recovery processes from end-of-life automotive batteries.
The project involves modeling the physical, energetic, and economic flows along the entire battery recycling value chain, including the collection, processing, and material recovery phases. The framework will be validated through one or more case studies, relating to pilot plants or existing or developing industrial supply chains, also in collaboration with industrial partners.
The expected results include the definition of quantitative sustainability indicators to support production planning, technology selection, and plant sizing decisions, as well as the analysis of the potential contribution of low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies in future recycling systems. The project aims to provide useful tools to support industrial decisions and policies geared towards ecological transition and resource security.