Background
The increasing global demand for energy storage solutions, particularly due to the rise of portable devices and electric vehicles, has led to the widespread adoption of lithium-based technologies. These technologies offer high energy density and are long-lasting and environmentally friendly, making them a popular choice. However, the consequent decrease in lithium reserves has highlighted the importance of finding efficient ways to recover and reuse lithium. Various processes, including mechano-chemical, pyrometallurgical, and hydrometallurgical procedures, have been developed to recycle lithium-ion batteries.
Description
This technology involves a novel approach to lithium recovery from spent lithium-ion batteries using hydrobromic (HBr) and hydroiodic (HI) acids as lixiviants. The process is built around the principles of hydrometallurgy, involving the use of aqueous chemistry for the recovery of metals from ores, concentrates, and recycled or residual materials. The method optimizes leaching conditions to maximize lithium recovery efficiently and sustainably.
Advantages
- Superiority Over Conventional Acids: The HI system proves superior to conventional inorganic acids, capable of optimally treating more solid material per given volume of lixiviant.
- Efficiency: High lithium recovery rates are achieved, 83.5% for the HI system and 80.3% for the HBr system.
- Additional Metal Recovery: The proposed method also recovers significant amounts of other metals, such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese, contributing to comprehensive recycling.
Related Patent and Publication
Patent pending
