Synergistic Recovery of Valuable Metals from Spent Nickel–Metal Hydride Batteries and Lithium-Ion Batteries

Fupeng Liu,Antti Porvali,Benjamin P Wilson,Chao Peng,Mari Lundström,Zulin Wang

doi:10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b02863

Abstract

This research presents a sustainable approach for the simultaneous recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and nickel–metal hydride batteries (NiMHs). First, dissolution of LIBs and NiMHs w...

Highlights

Nickel−metal hydride batteries (NiMHs) and lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are the most widely used secondary consumer batteries in the world, both because of their excellent electrochemical performance and their environmental acceptability when compared to lead−acid and nickel cadmium batteries.[1,2]
The maximum life cycle of these batteries is ca. 1000 cycles, which means that large quantities of spent nickel−metal hydride batteries (NiMHs) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are discarded after 3−5 years of useful life.[4]
The tremendous growth in demand, increasingly strict mining regulations, and fragilities within the supply chain are predicted to lead to a shortage of both rare-earth elements (REEs) and lithium (Li), which are critical for preparation of NiMHs and LIBs, within only a few decades.[6,7]

Summary

■ INTRODUCTION

Nickel−metal hydride batteries (NiMHs) and lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are the most widely used secondary consumer batteries in the world, both because of their excellent electrochemical performance and their environmental acceptability when compared to lead−acid and nickel cadmium batteries.[1,2] Currently, NiMHs and LIBs represent ca. 28% and. Compared to the published acid leaching process in the presence of H2O2 (2−6%, v/v), this distinctive process can save 0.6−1.8 tonnes of H2O2 (35% purity) for per 1 tonne of spent LIBs. In addition, the circular utilization of high sodium content byproducts Na2SO4 and NaOH can save the Na2SO4 consumption of 0.4−0.8 tonnes per 1 tonne of spent NiMHs. there are no additional costs and ecological pressures resulting from the need to treat wastewater due to the recirculation of the raffinate; the new process outlined is advantageous from both an economical and environmental point of view

■ CONCLUSIONS

■ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

■ REFERENCES