Application of Eutectic Freeze Crystallization in the Recycling of Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The widespread and increasing use of Li-ion batteries has led to an impending need for recycling solutions. Consequently, recycling of spent Li-ion batteries with energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable strategies has become a research hotspot. In this work, eutectic freeze crystallization (EFC), which requires less energy input than conventional evaporative crystallization (EC), has been investigated as a method for the recovery of Ni and Co sulfates from synthetic acidic strip solution in the recycling of NMC or NCA Li-ion batteries. Two binary sulfate systems have been studied. Batch EFC experiments have been conducted. It is shown that, with suitable control of supersaturation, ice and salt crystals can be recovered as separate phases below the eutectic temperatures. The work shows that EFC is a promising alternative to EC for the recovery of Ni and Co sulfates from spent Li-ion batteries.