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Development of new technologies of materials and energy storage systems for a green economy
Program-Targeted Funding (PTF)
2023 - 2025
About the program
Relevance

Kazakhstan holds an estimated 3–3.2 million tons of nickel and 147 thousand tons of cobalt, with key deposits in the Kostanay, Aktobe, East Kazakhstan, and Pavlodar regions. Despite significant reserves, most deposits are small and low-grade, with only 8 containing over 60,000 tons. Due to limited processing technologies, domestic development remains minimal, and nearly all nickel is exported. To build a competitive battery industry and boost economic independence, Kazakhstan must advance technologies for nickel extraction and processing, especially amid rising global demand.

Goals
  • Analyze the composition of local nickel-containing raw materials.
  • Develop the technology for the production of high-purity nickel sulfate from local natural resources for cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries.
Expected Results

By the end of the program, we aim to achieve:


Battery-grade nickel sulfate production technology from local primary and secondary resources

Achievements
  • Optimized technology of sulfation-roasting water-leaching processing of local nickel sulfide ore;
  • Method for producing of lithium iron phosphate precursor from the wastes of sulfation-roasting of nickel sulfide ore;
  • Magnesium removal technology in nickel sulfide flotation concentrate by mechanochemical treatment.
  • Selective purification of technogenic Ni-Co concentrate, originating from recycled Boeing aircraft components in Zhezkazgan, using precipitation and solvent extraction to obtain battery-grade nickel sulfate.
Research directions
Analysis of local natural resources
  • to conduct a detailed study of Kazakhstan’s mineral deposits to assess their suitability for the extraction of battery-grade metals.
  • to examine existing technologies for processing metal-containing raw materials to identify areas for innovation and improvement.
  • to evaluate the strategic importance of nickel-based cathode materials in the global battery industry and identify Kazakhstan’s potential role in this value chain.
  • to develop novel processing technologies for nickel-containing mineral resources, with an emphasis on the production of high-purity nickel sulfate.
  • analysis of secondary resources, including high-grade technogenic Ni-Co concentrates derived from recycled aerospace components, to evaluate their potential for battery-grade nickel sulfate production
Pyrometallurgical processing of battery-grade metals
  • to develop processes for the effective separation and purification of nickel sulfate suitable for battery applications.
  • to optimize the sulfation-roasting process by determining the most effective temperature and time parameters to maximize nickel recovery
Hydromettalurgical extraction of valuable metals
  • to impleament a leaching process using distilled water followed by filtration, aiming for efficient metal dissolution.
  • to develop an optimization model for the leaching process using relevant solution compositions (solid-liquid ratio) to enhance nickel recovery rates.
  • to investigate the influence of aqueous leaching on the recovery of key metals, including nickel, cobalt, copper and removing unnecessary iron.
Neutralization and Precipitation of pregnant leach solutions
  1. to identify and test suitable neutralizing agents, considering optimal concentrations, temperature, pH values, reaction durations.
  2. to use Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) to evaluate the efficiency of the neutralization process and determine the optimal pathway.
  3. to determine the most effective agents for mixed hydroxides precipitation, accounting for all potential reactions and outcomes.
  4. to enhance nickel recovery during precipitation by optimizing the quantity of reagents and the duration of the process
Solvent Extraction of target metal
  1. to investigate the effectiveness of various solvent extractants (e.g., D2EHPA, Cyanex, Versatic acid) and define their working pH ranges, temperature parameters, concentration ratios, and other critical properties.
  2. to develop a robust solvent extraction protocol to selectively separate and recover valuable metals from solution
Crystallization for nickel sulfate production
  1. to study different crystallization methods (evaporative, cooling, antisolvent) to determine the most appropriate technique for achieving desired purity and physical characteristics.
  2. to optimize the selected crystallization process to produce high-purity nickel sulfate suitable for use in cathode materials.
Consortium
Lead Institution
Collaborating Institutions
Research group
  • Zhumabay Bakenov
    Professor, Principal Investigator
    ORCID: 0000-0002-4335-8905
  • Nurzhan Umirov
    Leading Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0002-4526-1955
  • Almagul Mentbayeva
    Assistant Professor
    ORCID: 0000-0001-9132-1173
  • Aishuak Konarov
    Assistant Professor, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0001-9352-8602
  • Aliya Mukanova
    Leading Researcher, NLA
    ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1171-176X
  • Arailym Nurpeissova
    Head of the Laboratory, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0002-9657-2964
  • Dauren Batyrbekuly
    Senior Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0002-5172-5744
  • Fail Sultanov
    Leading Researcher, NLA
    ORCID:0000-0002-7789-9398
  • Batukhan Tatykayev
    Leading Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0001-5071-1968
  • Ayaulym Belgibayeva
    Leading Reseacher, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0002-3052-5241
  • Botagoz Amanyazova
    Junior Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0009-0001-5321-2555
  • Elmira Nurgaziyeva
    Senior Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0001-8673-4977
  • Zhandos Shalabayev
    Leading Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0003-3465-8241
  • Nurzhan Baikalov
    Research Assistant, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0001-7490-5804
  • Moldir Sailaukhanova
    Assistant Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0009-0001-1001-4428
  • Saparbek Tugelbay
    Research Assistant, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0002-8781-9320
  • Valeriya Volobuyeva
    Junior Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0002-1391-3904
  • Nazerke Zhumasheva
    Researcher, NLA
    ORCID: 0000-0001-5266-3429
  • Akbar Dauletbay
    Senior Researcher
    ORCID: 0000-0003-0157-1449
  • Islam Rakhimbek
    Junior Researcher
    ORCID: 0000-0003-0137-6061
  • Farizat Aidyn
    Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0000-8824-2386
  • Damira Rakhman
    Junior Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0001-5912-0571
  • Karina Zhumagali
    Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0007-8524-8521
  • Altynay Zhumabekova
    Assistant Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0006-4332-8868
  • Aizhan Kazymbetova
    Researcher
    ORCID: 0000-0001-7795-2980
  • Assem Imangaliyeva
    Researcher
    ORCID: 0000-0003-0482-9900
  • Marzhan Aliyakbarova
    Assistant Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0000-6668-2778
  • Akbota Kelgenbayeva
    Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0006-3493-4890
  • Nazym Makanova
    Assistant Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0008-0208-278X
  • Orazaly Sultan-Akhmetov
    Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0004-3823-4192
  • Mukushev Ilyas
    Junior Researcher
    ORCID: 0009-0008-8679-8274
  • Mukagali Yegamkulov
    Junior Researcher
    ORCID: 0000-0002-1133-3201
Publications
  1. E. Nurgaziyeva, A. Mentbayeva, S. Kalybekkyzy, Z. Bakenov, "Crosslinked Polytetrahydrofuran-based Solid-State Electrolytes with Improved Mechanical Stability and Electrochemical Performance", Applied Materials Today, 40 (2024) 102417. Quartile - Q1, procentile 91%, IF = 7.2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2024.102417
  2. N. Zhumasheva, M. Tursynbek, F. Sultanov, A. Mentbayeva, L.Kudreyeva, Z.Bakenov «Rice husk-based porous graphene-like carbon composite with nickel oxide nanoparticles for lithium-sulfur batteries» Journal NEWS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN SERIES CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY, ISSN 2224–5286 Volume 4. Number 461 (2024), 58–74https://doi.org/10.32014/2024.2518-1491.251
  3. Graphene aerogels and composites based on them for rechargeable batteries: monograph / Sultanov F.R., Tatykaev B.B., Shalabaev Zh.S., Nurgazieva E.K., Mentbaeva A.A., Bakenov Zh.B. - Astana: NLA, 2024. - 150 p.
  4. Rakhman D, Batyrbekuly D, Myrzakhmetov B, Zhumagali K, Issabek K, Sultan-Akhmetov O, Umirov N, Konarov A, Bakenov Z. Polyacrylamide-based hydrogel electrolyte for modulating water activity in aqueous hybrid batteries. RSC advances. 2024;14(54):40222-33.https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RA07551J
  5. Kydyrbayeva, U., Baltash, Y., Mukhan, O., Nurpeissova, A., Kim, S. S., Bakenov, Z., & Mukanova, A. (2024). The buckwheat-derived hard carbon as an anode material for sodium-ion energy storage system. Journal of Energy Storage, 96, 112629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.112629
  6. Belgibayeva, A., Turarova, G., Dangaliyeva, A., Sultanov, F., Nurpeissova, A., Mukanova, A., & Bakenov, Z. (2024). Polysulfide-mediating properties of nickel phosphide carbon composite nanofibers as free-standing interlayers for lithium–sulfur batteries. RSC advances, 14(49), 36593-36601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.234933
  7. Nduka, E. I., Assan, N., Yegamkulov, M., Mukanova, A., & Bakenov, Z. (2024). Effect of magnetic field on the rate performance of a Fe 2 O 3/LiFePO 4 composite cathode for Li-ion batteries. RSC advances, 14(48), 36005-36015. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ra06707j
  8. Uali, A., Kazymbetova, A., Belgibayeva, A., Nurpeissova, A., Bakenov, Z., & Mukanova, A. (2025). Industrial sulfur separation and purification: Paving the way to energy applications. Chemical Engineering Journal, 161574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.161574
  9. Mashekova, A., Umirzakov, A., Yegamkulov, M., Aliyakbarova, M., Uzakbaiuly, B., Nurpeissova, A., ... & Mukanova, A. (2025). Separator-free Li–S thin-film battery with spin-coated S/CNT/SP cathode and PEO/PVDF/LTFSI/LLZO composite electrolyte. RSC advances, 15(15), 11537-11548. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA01602A
  10. Tleukenov, Y. T., Yegamkulov, M., Raiymbekov, Y., Nurpeissova, A., Bakenov, Z., & Mukanova, A. (2024). RF Sputtered In-plane NiO-based Lithium-metal Microbattery. Eurasian Journal of Physics and Functional Materials, 8(3), 111-121. https://doi.org/10.69912/2616-8537.1226
  11. Serikkazyyeva, А., Yegamkulov, M., Raiymbekov, Y., Uzakbaiuly, B., Bakenov, Z., & Mukanova, A. (2025). Morphological Investigation of Li Thin Film Deposited on LiPON Solid Electrolyte and the Influence of Interlayers on It. Bulletin of the Karaganda University" Physics Series", 11730(1), 20-28. https://doi.org/10.31489/2025PH1/20-2.
  12. Issatayev, N., Tassybay, K., Wu, N.-L., Nurpeissova, A., Bakenov, Z., & Kalimuldina, G. (2024). LiF modified hard carbon from date seeds as an anode material for enhanced low-temperature lithium-ion batteries. Carbon, 229, 119479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2024.119479 (Q1, IF=10.5, 96%)
  13. Mukushev, I., Tyan, Y., Kalimuldina, G., Mukanova, A., Jakupova, Z., Kim, S.-S., Bakenov, Z., & Nurpeissova, A. (2025). High-performance Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C cathode for efficient low-temperature lithium-ion batteries. NPG Asia Materials, 17, Article 10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41427-025-00591-x (Q1, IF=8.6, 85%)
  14. Belgibayeva, A., Kydyrbayeva, U., Rakhatkyzy, M., Kalimuldina, G., Nurpeissova, A., & Bakenov, Z. (2025). Low-temperature performance of Zn-modified graphite and hard carbon as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Solid State Sciences, 164, 107923. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2025.107923 (Q2, IF= 3.4, 80
  15. Issatayev, N., Abdumutaliyeva, D., Tashenov, Y., Yeskozha, D., Seipiyev, A., Bakenov, Z., & Nurpeissova, A. (2024). Three-dimensional carbon coated and high mass-loaded NiO@Ni foam anode with high specific capacity for lithium ion batteries. RSC Advances, 14(54), 40069–40076. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RA07119K (Q2, IF = 3.9, percentile 79 (Scopus)
Patents for utility models
  1. Bakenov Z.B., Umirov N.B., Volobueva V.V., Tatykaev B.B., Amanyazova B.T., Tugelbay S.B., Kurmanbaeva I.A.. «National Laboratory Astana» Private Institution, Kazakhstan. Method for Producing of Lithium Iron Phosphate Precursor Using Copper-Nickel Sulfide Ores. No 10134 from 31.01.2025
  2. Bakenov Z.B., Umirov N.B., Tatykaev B.B., Amanyazova B.T., Tugelbay S.B., Kurmanbaeva I.A..«National Laboratory Astana» Private Institution, Kazakhstan. Method of extraction of nickel and cobalt from copper-nickel sulfide ore concentrate. No 9525 from 06.09.2024
  3. Bakenov Z.B., Umirov N.B., Tatykaev B.B., Amanyazova B.T., Tugelbay S.B., Kurmanbaeva I.A., Kylyshbayeva A.S., Sailaukhanova M.A.. «National Laboratory Astana» Private Institution, Kazakhstan. Method for nickel and cobalt recovery from nickel sulfide concentrate by mechanical activation. No 10219 from 21.02.2025.
  4. Patent for utility model «Method of obtaining elemental sulfur» Authors: Assem Imangaliyeva, Amangeldi Abilkhairov, Aliya Mukanova, Zhumabay Bakenov. No 10051 от 10.01.2025
  5. Patent for utility model «Method for producing fine sulfur». Authors: Assem Imangaliyeva, Amangeldi Abilkhairov, Aliya Mukanova, Zhumabay Bakenov. No 9989 от 27.12.2024
Information for potential users & societal impact
Who Can Benefit from This Research?

Battery and EV manufacturers
Access to locally produced battery-grade nickel sulfate, strengthening supply chains and reducing reliance on imports.
Mining and metallurgy companies
Opportunity to advanced technologies to extract and process low-grade nickel ores economically and sustainably
Government agencies
Access to findings to guide industrial policy, promote value-added processing, and support national strategies on clean energy and resource independence.
Environmental organizations
Benefit from waste-reducing methods and sustainable processing technologies that align with circular economy principles.
Educational and research institutions
Incorporate technologies and findings into curricula, research, and training, helping develop expertise in green metallurgy and materials science.
Importance to Society
Environmental Impact

The project introduces innovative, low-waste processing methods and promotes the recovery and reuse of by-products, minimizing environmental damage. Mechanochemical methods and waste-derived precursors align with principles of green chemistry and sustainable industrial development.

Economic Impact
The implementation of efficient processing technologies will enable Kazakhstan to develop a domestic battery materials industry, reducing its reliance on raw material exports and increasing economic self-sufficiency. It will create new industrial value chains, stimulate job creation, and attract foreign investment in high-tech sectors.
Technological Impact
By utilizing local resources for the production of key battery materials, Kazakhstan can take a strategic position in the global transition to clean energy, ensuring long-term national interests in critical raw material supply.
Social Impact
The establishment of new production facilities and research centers in regions with nickel reserves, can stimulate regional development, improve infrastructure, and raise the standard of living through employment and education opportunities.