Effective and environmentally friendly recycling process designed for LiCoO2 cathode powders of spent Li-ion batteries using mixture of mild organic acids. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nayaka, G.P.; Zhang, Yingjie; Dong, Peng; Wang, Ding; Pai, K.V.; Manjanna, J.; Santhosh, G.; Duan, Jianguo; Zhou, Zhongren; Xiao, Jie
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 78(2018)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Environmentally friendly recycling -- Spent lithium-ion batteries -- Mixture of organic acids; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.05.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: A complete dissolution was achieved using mixture of citric acid, tartaric acid and ascorbic acid, at 80 °C. Formation of Co(III)-L and Co(II)-L complex was evident from UV–Vis spectra. Selective precipitation of Co as Co(II)-oxalate from the dissolved solution was done. The mild and dilute organic acids used here are highly advantageous, unlike strong acids. Abstract: An effective and environmentally friendly recycling process designed for LiCoO2 cathode powders of spent Li-ion batteries using mixture of mild organic acids, citric acid (CA), tartaric acid (TA) and ascorbic acid (AA), to recover the metals. Almost complete dissolution of Li and nearly 90% dissolution of Co occurred in at 80 °C for 6 h. The reducing agent, ascorbic acid (AA), converts the dissolved Co(III) to Co(II) thereby selective recovery of Co as Co(II)-oxalate is possible. The formation of Co(III)–and Co(II) complex is evident from the UV–Vis spectra of the dissolved solution as a function of dissolution time. Thus, the reductive-complexing dissolution mechanism is proposed here. These mild organic acids are environmentally benign unlike the mineral acids.