scholarly journals Integrating Flotation and Pyrometallurgy for Recovering Graphite and Valuable Metals from Battery Scrap

Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronja Ruismäki ◽  
Tommi Rinne ◽  
Anna Dańczak ◽  
Pekka Taskinen ◽  
Rodrigo Serna-Guerrero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Froth Flotation ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Inert Atmosphere ◽  
Cleaning Process ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Rapid Reduction ◽  
Slag Cleaning ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Valuable Metals ◽  
Battery Scrap

Since the current volumes of collected end-of-life lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are low, one option to increase the feasibility of their recycling is to feed them to existing metals production processes. This work presents a novel approach to integrate froth flotation as a mechanical treatment to optimize the recovery of valuable metals from LIB scrap and minimize their loss in the nickel slag cleaning process. Additionally, the conventional reducing agent in slag cleaning, namely coke, is replaced with graphite contained in the LIB waste flotation products. Using proper conditioning procedures, froth flotation was able to recover up to 81.3% Co in active materials from a Cu-Al rich feed stream. A selected froth product was used as feed for nickel slag cleaning process, and the recovery of metals from a slag (80%)–froth fraction (20%) mixture was investigated in an inert atmosphere at 1350 °C and 1400 °C at varying reduction times. The experimental conditions in combination with the graphite allowed for a very rapid reduction. After 5 min reduction time, the valuable metals Co, Ni, and Cu were found to be distributed to the iron rich metal alloy, while the remaining fraction of Mn and Al present in the froth fraction was deported in the slag.

scholarly journals Battery Scrap and Biochar Utilization for Improved Metal Recoveries in Nickel Slag Cleaning Conditions

Batteries ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Katri Avarmaa ◽  
Marko Järvenpää ◽  
Lassi Klemettinen ◽  
Miikka Marjakoski ◽  
Pekka Taskinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Reduction Process ◽  
Inert Atmosphere ◽  
Distribution Coefficients ◽  
Industrial Wastes ◽  
Slag Cleaning ◽  
Sustainable Technologies ◽  
Low Co2 ◽  
Valuable Metals ◽  
Battery Scrap

Cobalt is a critical, high-value metal used extensively in batteries and other sustainable technologies. To secure its supply in future, it is utmost important to recover cobalt efficiently from industrial wastes and recycled End-of-Life batteries. This study aims at finding ways to improve the reduction of cobalt as well as valuable metals nickel and copper in nickel slag cleaning furnace conditions by using both traditional fossil-based coke and a more sustainable option, low-CO2 footprint biochar, as reductants. A cobalt-rich fraction of battery scrap (25.5 wt% Co) was also used as a secondary feed. The experimental technique consisted of reduction experiments with different times at 1400 °C under inert atmosphere, quick quenching and Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis. The use of biochar resulted in faster reaction kinetics in the reduction process, compared to coke. Moreover, the presence of battery scrap had a clear impact on the behavior and reduction kinetics of the elements and/or enhanced settling and separation of matte and slag. The addition of scrap increased notably the distribution coefficients of the valuable metals but consequently also the iron concentration in matte which is the thermodynamic constraint of the slag cleaning process.

scholarly journals Recovering Value from End-of-Life Batteries by Integrating Froth Flotation and Pyrometallurgical Copper-Slag Cleaning

Metals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Tommi Rinne ◽  
Anna Klemettinen ◽  
Lassi Klemettinen ◽  
Ronja Ruismäki ◽  
Hugh O’Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Froth Flotation ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Copper Slag ◽  
Metallothermic Reduction ◽  
Flotation Process ◽  
Slag Cleaning ◽  
Active Elements ◽  
Hazardous Metals ◽  
Slag Reduction ◽  
Suitable Process

In this study, industrial lithium-ion battery (LIB) waste was treated by a froth flotation process, which allowed selective separation of electrode particles from metallic-rich fractions containing Cu and Al. In the flotation experiments, recovery rates of ~80 and 98.8% for the cathode active elements (Co, Ni, Mn) and graphite were achieved, respectively. The recovered metals from the flotation fraction were subsequently used in high-temperature Cu-slag reduction. In this manner, the possibility of using metallothermic reduction for Cu-slag reduction using Al-wires from LIB waste as the main reductant was studied. The behavior of valuable (Cu, Ni, Co, Li) and hazardous metals (Zn, As, Sb, Pb), as a function of time as well as the influence of Cu-slag-to-spent battery (SB) ratio, were investigated. The results showcase a suitable process to recover copper from spent batteries and industrial Cu-slag. Cu-concentration decreased to approximately 0.3 wt.% after 60 min reduction time in all samples where Cu/Al-rich LIB waste fraction was added. It was also showed that aluminothermic reduction is effective for removing hazardous metals from the slag. The proposed process is also capable of recovering Cu, Co, and Ni from both Cu-slag and LIB waste, resulting in a secondary Cu slag that can be used in various applications.

scholarly journals Worth from Waste: Utilizing a Graphite-Rich Fraction from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries as Alternative Reductant in Nickel Slag Cleaning

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 784
Author(s):  
Anna Dańczak ◽  
Ronja Ruismäki ◽  
Tommi Rinne ◽  
Lassi Klemettinen ◽  
Hugh O’Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lithium Ion Batteries ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Froth Flotation ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Distribution Coefficients ◽  
Metal Recovery ◽  
Metal Alloy ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Slag Cleaning ◽  
Starting Mixture

One possible way of recovering metals from spent lithium-ion batteries is to integrate the recycling with already existing metallurgical processes. This study continues our effort on integrating froth flotation and nickel-slag cleaning process for metal recovery from spent batteries (SBs), using anodic graphite as the main reductant. The SBs used in this study was a froth fraction from flotation of industrially prepared black mass. The effect of different ratios of Ni-slag to SBs on the time-dependent phase formation and metal behavior was investigated. The possible influence of graphite and sulfur contents in the system on the metal alloy/matte formation was described. The trace element (Co, Cu, Ni, and Mn) concentrations in the slag were analyzed using the laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) technique. The distribution coefficients of cobalt and nickel between the metallic or sulfidic phase (metal alloy/matte) and the coexisting slag increased with the increasing amount of SBs in the starting mixture. However, with the increasing concentrations of graphite in the starting mixture (from 0.99 wt.% to 3.97 wt.%), the Fe concentration in both metal alloy and matte also increased (from 29 wt.% to 68 wt.% and from 7 wt.% to 49 wt.%, respectively), which may be challenging if further hydrometallurgical treatment is expected. Therefore, the composition of metal alloy/matte must be adjusted depending on the further steps for metal recovery.

A breakthrough method for the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries without pre-sorting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jialiang Zhang ◽  
Guoqiang Liang ◽  
Cheng Yang ◽  
Juntao Hu ◽  
Yongqiang Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lithium Ion Batteries ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Valuable Metals

Inspired by the process of "metallurgy first and then beneficiation" for disposing low-grade and complex mineral resources, we proposed a breakthrough method to recover valuable metals from spent entire lithium-ion...

scholarly journals Application of a cashew-based oxime in extracting Ni, Mn and Co from aqueous solution

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi M. Phan ◽  
Son A. Hoang ◽  
Son H. Vu ◽  
Hoang M. Nguyen ◽  
Cuong V. Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Phase ◽  
Extraction Efficiency ◽  
Acidic Solution ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Metal Extraction ◽  
Economic Potential ◽  
Cashew Nut ◽  
Valuable Metals ◽  
Loaded Organic Phase ◽  
Cashew Nut Shell

Abstract Background Cashew nut shell is a by-product of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) production, which is abundant in many developing countries. Cashew nut shell liquor (CNSL) contains a functional chemical, cardanol, which can be converted into a hydroxyoxime. The hydroxyoximes are expensive reagents for metal extraction. Methods CNSL-based oxime was synthesized and used to extract Ni, Co, and Mn from aqueous solutions. The extraction potential was compared against a commercial extractant (LIX 860N). Results All metals were successfully extracted with pH0.5 between 4 and 6. The loaded organic phase was subsequently stripped with an acidic solution. The extraction efficiency and pH0.5 of the CNSL-based extractant were similar to a commercial phenol-oxime extractant. The metals were stripped from the loaded organic phase with a recovery rate of 95% at a pH of 1. Conclusions Cashew-based cardanol can be used to economically produce an oxime in a simple process. The naturally-based oxime has the economic potential to sustainably recover valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. Graphic abstract

Synergic Mechanisms on Carbon and Sulfur during the Selective Recovery of Valuable Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 2271-2279
Author(s):  
Ping Xu ◽  
Chunwei Liu ◽  
Xihua Zhang ◽  
Xiaohong Zheng ◽  
Weiguang Lv ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lithium Ion Batteries ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Selective Recovery ◽  
Valuable Metals

scholarly journals Pyrometallurgical Lithium-Ion-Battery Recycling: Approach to Limiting Lithium Slagging with the InduRed Reactor Concept

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Stefan Windisch-Kern ◽  
Alexandra Holzer ◽  
Christoph Ponak ◽  
Harald Raupenstrauch
Keyword(s):  
Removal Rate ◽  
Oxygen Affinity ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Transfer Coefficients ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Recycling Industry ◽  
Reducing Conditions ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Input Material ◽  
High Oxygen Affinity

The complexity of the waste stream of spent lithium-ion batteries poses numerous challenges on the recycling industry. Pyrometallurgical recycling processes have a lot of benefits but are not able to recover lithium from the black matter since lithium is slagged due to its high oxygen affinity. The presented InduRed reactor concept might be a promising novel approach, since it does not have this disadvantage and is very flexible concerning the chemical composition of the input material. To prove its basic suitability for black matter processing, heating microscope experiments, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry have been conducted to characterize the behavior of nickel rich cathode materials (LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 and LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2) as well as black matter from a pretreatment process under reducing conditions. Another experimental series in a lab scale InduRed reactor was further used to investigate achievable transfer coefficients for the metals of interest. The promising results show technically feasible reaction temperatures of 800 ∘C to 1000 ∘C and high recovery potentials for nickel, cobalt and manganese. Furthermore, the slagging of lithium was largely prevented and a lithium removal rate of up to 90% of its initial mass was achieved.

scholarly journals The COOL-Process—A Selective Approach for Recycling Lithium Batteries

Metals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 259
Author(s):  
Sandra Pavón ◽  
Doreen Kaiser ◽  
Robert Mende ◽  
Martin Bertau
Keyword(s):  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Mass Ratio ◽  
Reaction Conditions ◽  
Cool Process ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Selective Approach ◽  
Valuable Metals ◽  
Housing Materials

The global market of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) has been growing in recent years, mainly owed to electromobility. The global LIB market is forecasted to amount to $129.3 billion in 2027. Considering the global reserves needed to produce these batteries and their limited lifetime, efficient recycling processes for secondary sources are mandatory. A selective process for Li recycling from LIB black mass is described. Depending on the process parameters Li was recovered almost quantitatively by the COOL-Process making use of the selective leaching properties of supercritical CO2/water. Optimization of this direct carbonization process was carried out by a design of experiments (DOE) using a 33 Box-Behnken design. Optimal reaction conditions were 230 °C, 4 h, and a water:black mass ratio of 90 mL/g, yielding 98.6 ± 0.19 wt.% Li. Almost quantitative yield (99.05 ± 0.64 wt.%), yet at the expense of higher energy consumption, was obtained with 230 °C, 4 h, and a water:black mass ratio of 120 mL/g. Mainly Li and Al were mobilized, which allows for selectively precipitating Li2CO3 in battery grade-quality (>99.8 wt.%) without the need for further refining. Valuable metals, such as Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Mn, remained in the solid residue (97.7 wt.%), from where they are recovered by established processes. Housing materials were separated mechanically, thus recycling LIB without residues. This holistic zero waste-approach allows for recovering the critical raw material Li from both primary and secondary sources.

Growth Mechanism and Electrochemical Properties of Porous Hollow Tin Dioxide Nanospheres

NANO ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (06) ◽  
pp. 1550087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youwen Yang ◽  
Dongming Ma ◽  
Ting Cheng ◽  
Yuanhao Gao ◽  
Guanghai Li
Keyword(s):  
Growth Mechanism ◽  
Tin Dioxide ◽  
Ostwald Ripening ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Average Diameter ◽  
Reversible Capacity ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Electrochemical Tests ◽  
Hydrolysis Method

Porous hollow SnO 2 nanospheres were prepared by means of enforced Sn 2+ hydrolysis method under hydrochloric acid medium. These hollow nanospheres with an average diameter of 220nm had a very thin shell thickness of about 40nm and were surrounded by elongated octahedral-like nanoparticles with the apex oriented outside. The experimental conditions, such as HCl content, reaction temperature and time directly dominated the morphology, structure and crystallinity of the obtained samples. A pre-oxidation-nucleation-growth mechanism and inside-out Ostwald-ripening method was proposed on the basis of the previous research and time-dependent experiments. Electrochemical tests showed that the porous hollow SnO 2 nanospheres exhibited improved cycling performance for anode materials of lithium-ion batteries, which retained a high reversible capacity of 540.0mAhg-1, and stable cyclic retention at 120th cycle.

scholarly journals Automated mineralogy as a novel approach for the compositional and textural characterization of spent lithium-ion batteries

2021 ◽  
Vol 169 ◽  
pp. 106924
Author(s):  
Anna Vanderbruggen ◽  
Eligiusz Gugala ◽  
Rosie Blannin ◽  
Kai Bachmann ◽  
Rodrigo Serna-Guerrero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lithium Ion Batteries ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Textural Characterization ◽  
Automated Mineralogy
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