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Qing J, Wu X, Zeng L, Guan W, Cao Z, Li Q, Wang M, Zhang G, Wu S. High-efficiency recovery of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries: Optimization of SO 2 pressure leaching and selective extraction of trace impurities. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120729. [PMID: 38537464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The recovery of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is crucial for environmental protection and resource optimization. In the traditional recovery process of spent LIBs, the leaching of high-valence metals has the problems of high cost and limited reagent utilization, and some valuable metals are lost in the subsequent purification process of the leaching solution. To reduce the cost of reagents, this study proposes the use of low-cost SO2 as a reagent combined with pressure leaching to efficiently recover high-valence metals from delithiated materials of spent LIBs, while selective solvent extraction is used to remove trace impurities in the leaching solution to avoid the loss of valuable metals. Experimental results demonstrated that by optimizing the conditions to 0.25 MPa SO2 partial pressure and 60 min reaction time at 70 °C, the leaching efficiencies for Ni, Co, and Mn reached 99.6%, 99.3%, and 99.6%, respectively. The kinetic study indicated that the leaching process was diffusion-controlled. Furthermore, the delithiated materials were used to completely utilize the residual SO2 in the solution to obtain a high concentration Ni-Co-Mn rich solution. Subsequently, Fe and Al impurities were deeply removed through a synergistic extraction of Di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) without loss of valuable metals, achieving a high-purity Ni-Co-Mn solution. The process developed based on this work has the characteristics of environmental friendliness, high valuable metal recovery, and high product purity, providing a reference technical method for the synergistic treatment of waste SO2 flue gas with spent LIBs and the deep purification of impurities in spent LIBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Qing
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Xinsheng Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Li Zeng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; CSIRO Minerals Resources National Research Flagship, Australia
| | - Wenjuan Guan
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Zuoying Cao
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Qinggang Li
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Guiqing Zhang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
| | - Shengxi Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Laboratory of Metallurgical Separation Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
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Sahu S, Agrawala M, Patra SR, Devi N. Synergistic Approach for Selective Leaching and Separation of Strategic Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:10556-10565. [PMID: 38463278 PMCID: PMC10918833 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Recycling spent Li-ion batteries (LIBs) is paramount to pursuing resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study introduces a synergistic approach for selectively leaching and separating strategic metals from waste LIBs, representing a more efficient alternative to traditional single-acid-based leaching methods. The research also thoroughly analyzes diverse extraction parameters, aiming to achieve clean metal separation through synergistic concepts rather than single-phase extraction. The outcome of this study is developing a comprehensive downstream process, advancing the cause of sustainable waste management in the LIB industry. Under specific conditions with 0.6 mol/L total acid content (0.5 mol/L tartaric acid + 0.1 mol/L ascorbic acid), 99.9% cobalt and 100% lithium were effectively leached. The subsequent extraction process achieved a clean separation, with 48.3% of cobalt extracted using a mixture of 0.1 mol/L Alamine-336-Cyanex-272 (A-336-Cy-272) from the leach liquor with no coextraction of lithium, and this efficiency was improved to 67.3% by adjusting the pH from 2.44 to 7.5. However, it is worth noting that increasing the extractant concentration led to an antagonistic effect. To further enhance cobalt enrichment in the organic phase, the McCabe-Thiele plot method was recommended, employing saponified Cy-272. Moreover, the regeneration of saponified Cy-272 was investigated, and the stripped solution was processed with NaOH to form Co(OH)2, subsequently converting it into cobalt oxide (Co3O4) through calcination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibananda Sahu
- Biofuels and Bioprocessing Research Center, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha "O" Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India
| | - Mili Agrawala
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha "O" Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India
| | - Smruti Rekha Patra
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha "O" Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India
| | - Niharbala Devi
- Biofuels and Bioprocessing Research Center, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha "O" Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha "O" Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India
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Zhang J, Ding Y, Shi H, Shao P, Yuan X, Hu X, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Luo D, Wang C, Yang L, Luo X. Selective recycling of lithium from spent LiNi xCo yMn 1-x-yO 2 cathode via constructing a synergistic leaching environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 352:120021. [PMID: 38183916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The global response to lithium scarcity is overstretched, and it is imperative to explore a green process to sustainably and selectively recover lithium from spent lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathodes. This work investigates the distinct leaching behaviors between lithium and transition metals in pure formic acid and the auxiliary effect of acetic acid as a solvent in the leaching reaction. A formic acid-acetic acid (FA-AA) synergistic system was constructed to selectively recycle 96.81% of lithium from spent LIB cathodes by regulating the conditions of the reaction environment to inhibit the leaching of non-target metals. Meanwhile, the transition metals generate carboxylate precipitates enriched in the leaching residue. The inhibition mechanism of manganese leaching by acetic acid and the leaching behavior of nickel or cobalt being precipitated after release was revealed by characterizations such as XPS, SEM, and FTIR. After the reaction, 90.50% of the acid can be recycled by distillation, and small amounts of the residual Li-containing concentrated solution are converted to battery-grade lithium carbonate by roasting and washing (91.62% recovery rate). This recycling process possesses four significant advantages: i) no additional chemicals are required, ii) the lithium sinking step is eliminated, iii) no waste liquid is discharged, and iv) there is the potential for profitability. Overall, this study provides a novel approach to the waste management technology of lithium batteries and sustainable recycling of lithium resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Hui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China.
| | - Penghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Xinkai Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Xingyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Qiming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Delin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Chaoqiang Wang
- Ganfeng Lithium Group Co. LTD, Xinyu 338004, PR China; Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Liming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Xubiao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; School of Life Science, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, PR China.
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Luo S, Zhu X, Gong M, Mo R, Yang S. Coupling the recovery of spent lithium-ion batteries and the treatment of phenol wastewater: A "treating waste with waste" strategy. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140018. [PMID: 37657706 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The recovery of spent lithium-ion batteries and the treatment of phenol wastewater are both environmental and social issues. In this study, the enhanced recovery of spent lithium-ion batteries and the efficient treatment of phenol wastewater are smartly coupled via a "treating waste with waste" strategy. Under optimal conditions, the leaching process involving phenol achieves 98% and 96% efficiency for Co and Li, respectively. After precipitation, Co and Li could be recovered as Co(OH)2 and Li2CO3, and the precipitated Co(OH)2 was further calcined to generate Co3O4. Furthermore, the organic contaminants that remained in the waste-leaching solution could be removed by a spent graphite-activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process. It is noteworthy that the total organic carbon (TOC) in the waste-leaching solution could be removed using fewer PMS compared with the original phenol wastewater owing to the pre-oxidation of phenol during the leaching process, further confirming the advantage of this "treating waste with waste" strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Luo
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Xuhui Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Mengqi Gong
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Ran Mo
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Shun Yang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China.
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