Investigating the leaching performance of ferric chloride solution for metallic alloys resulting from reduction smelting of spent lithium-ion batteries

Smelting reduction of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) produces metallic alloys containing Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, and Fe. Finding suitable reagents in terms efficiency, economics, friendly environment for the dissolution these metals from is very important recovery process metals. In this work, employment ferric chloride solution was studied. The effect parameters like FeCl3 concentration, temperature, time, pulp density on leaching efficiency investigated. Our results indicate that ions solutions act as oxidizing agents metals, while anions ligands formation complexes dissolved metal ions. best conditions full were 0.7 mol/L FeCl3, 12.5 g/L density, 22oC, 30 min. comparison with HCl or H2SO4 agents, shows some advantages a decrease dosage acids fast reaction kinetics, low energy consumption. With its advantages, considered potential agent valuable LIBs.