Research on Useful Metal Recovery from Spent Li-Ion Batteries

摘要

The paper presents research undertaken to recover active paste (LiCoO_2) from spent Li-ion batteries. After the unit cells were discharged in brine at room temperature, the spent batteries were dismantled and separated. The next step was to separate active pasta (LiCoO_2) from cathode (aluminum foil) in an ultrasonic bath (50 kHz, 50 W) in a various organic, biodegradable solutions (citric and acetic acid). In each experiment, we tried to obtain the proper parameters for a maximum recovery potential. A cleaning efficiency over 80% was achieved using a solution of 1.25 M citric acid, respectively, 1.5 M acetic acid after certain time intervals. We also presented analysis of X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDAX) of the paste, before, during and after ultrasonic treatment.