Sustainable Approach for Critical Metals Recovery through Hydrometallurgical Processing of Spent Batteries Using Organic Acids

Author(s)

Martins, Livia Salles ; Rovani, Suzimara ; Botelho Junior, Amilton Barbosa ; Romano Espinosa, Denise Crocce

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research; v. 62, n. 44, p. 11-pg., 2023-10-24.

Abstract

Recycling is the bottom line to promote the circularity of the materials into the closed loop. Among the Li-ion batteries, the LiCoO2-cathode type is used in a few vehicles but mostly in electric equipment. This study aimed to design a recycling process for LiCoO2-pouch batteries. The entire process was designed using organic acids. The cells were milled and physically separated. Leaching experiments were performed with citric acid. No reducing agent was necessary, and all Co and Li were leached using 1 mol/L of citric acid at 90 degrees C with a solid-liquid ratio of 1/10 for 2 h. Co was separated using oxalic acid at 50 degrees C for 30 min in a Co/oxalic acid molar ratio of 1:2. Resynthesis of the cathode was possible, producing a similar material directly from the leach solution, which opens possibilities for the future. The present study fits SDGs 7, 9, 11, 12, and 13. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/14842-0 - Elucidation of the organometallic complexation mechanism between organic extractants and rare earth elements
• Grantee: Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/00493-0 - Sustainable mining: recovery of critical raw materials from batteries using environmentally friendly technologies
• Grantee: Jorge Alberto Soares Tenório
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/11866-5 - Development of innovative processes for the recovery of critical metals
• Grantee: Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants