Changing the game
cylib is a start-up for holistic and innovative battery recycling, starting from discharging to recovery of all components of the lithium battery.
cylib was founded in Aachen in 2022 by Lilian Schwich, Paul Sabarny, and Dr. Gideon Schwich.
Our process
cylib's proprietary end-to-end process is characterized by the efficient, resource- and climate-friendly recovery of all valuable metals in an electric car battery from pack to cell level.
The process has been developed over the years at RWTH Aachen University within an experienced research team.
Our drive was to develop a process that, in addition to robustness, has sustainability as a central element. Thus the cylib process is accompanied by a reduction in CO2 emissions.
cylib's technology enables the recovery of all battery components regardless of whether it is an end-of-life battery or not. Recovery of green secondary raw materials from the cylib process enables the realization of the true Circular Economy on the European market.
Discharging
Dismantling
Mechanical treatment
Thermal treatment
Hydrometallurgy
Our team
For achieving our mission to establish a real circular economy in the battery sector we are building an interdisciplinary team of experts.

Lilian has a strong track record in battery recycling. She led the battery recycling group at the RWTH Aachen University’s IME and worked in numerous consulting projects in the battery recycling industry with MIMI Tech GmbH.

Paul has a background in mining and metallurgy. He built up and managed the IME battery laboratory at RWTH Aachen University, collaborated and coordinated several nationally funded projects, and worked on consulting projects for MIMI Tech GmbH.

Gideon has a background in business engineering and production technology. He did his Ph.D. at RWTH Aachen University. Prior to being COO at cylib he led the sustainability team at umlaut - part of Accenture.
Georg has completed his professional training as an industrial mechanic at the IME. During that time he gathered extensive experiences in hydro- and pyrometallurgical processes. At cylib he is responsible for the set-up and maintenance of the manufacturing plants.

Hannah is currently writing her master thesis about battery recycling with focus on the recovery of graphite and lithium with the founders Lilian and Paul. She studies Business Engineering at RWTH Aachen University and is currently supporting cylib as a working student.
Hans is studying mechanical engineering with focus on production technology. Besides the technical component he is very enthusiastic about cylib because of the opportunity to work on a climate neutral future by sustainability through innovation.
Maximilian is studying chemical engineering M.Sc. at RWTH Aachen University. During his studies, he was able to gain practical insights at both the IME and the AVT of RWTH Aachen University and thus brings together the metallurgical and chemical engineering experience.

Miray studies Material Engineering B.Sc. at RWTH Aachen University and worked at IME as a student assistant for Lilian in the field of battery recycling. There she gained experience in pyro and hydro metallurgy.
Qiaoyan has a background of metallurgy and battery recycling. She studied in Metallurgical Engineering in Beijing and at RWTH Aachen University. She has over 8 years of experience in battery recycling industry and has implemented multiple EU research projects.
Therese studies environmental and civil engineering M.Sc. at RWTH Aachen University. Besides cylib’s already sustainable recycling process, she supports the vision to become the most environmentally and socially sustainable company.