Abstract
The leaching of valuable metals (Co, Li, and Mn) from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) was studied using subcritical water extraction (SWE). Two types of leaching agents, hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ascorbic acid, were used, and the effects of acid concentration and temperature were investigated. Leaching efficiency of metals increased with increasing acid concentration and temperature. Ascorbic acid performed better than HCl, which was attributed to ascorbic acid’s dual functions as an acidic leaching agent and a reducing agent that facilitates leaching reactions, while HCl mainly provides acidity. The chemical analysis of leaching residue by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that Co(III) oxide could be totally leached out in ascorbic acid but not in HCl. More than 95% of Co, Li, and Mn were leached out from spent LIBs’ cathode powder by SWE using 0.2 M of ascorbic acid within 30 min at 100 °C, initial pressure of 10 bar, and solid-to-liquid ratio of 10 g/L. The application of SWE with a mild concentration of ascorbic acid at 100 °C could be an alternative process for the recovery of valuable metal in spent LIBs. The process has the advantages of rapid reaction rate and energy efficiency that may benefit development of a circular economy.
Highlights
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the main choice as the electrochemical power source for most portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs)
This study aimed to examine the leaching of valuable metals from spent LIBs using an subcritical water extraction (SWE) process and to explore redox reactions at the spent
The leaching of valuable metals from spent LIBs’ cathode powder using SWE was investigated, and the results showed that SWE was more effective and efficient in leaching of Co, Li, and Mn than the conventional method
Summary
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the main choice as the electrochemical power source for most portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs). The rapid development of and high demand for electronic devices and EVs have caused the rapid increase of both the number of spent LIBs as well as the demand for metal resources, especially lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co). A huge gap between market supply and demand leads to an increase in the price of critical metals, especially for Li and Co [4]. The spent LIBs have gained a lot of attention as an urban mining source of valuable metals such as Li, Co, Ni, Al, and Mn. The recovery of valuable metals from spent LIBs is essential to avoid a negative environmental impact and to ensure the safe supply of the corresponding materials [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
