Separation of Graphites and Cathode Materials from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Roasting–Froth Flotation

The separation of graphites and cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is essential to close the loop material used in LIBs. In this study, roasting characteristics LIB are carefully analyzed, effects on surface morphology elemental chemical states electrode fully investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, SEM-EDS, XPS explore roasting–flotation enhancement mechanism. Then, froth flotation utilized separate materials. optimal temperature determined analysis SEM-EDS results suggest that organic binder can be effectively removed at 500 °C, there almost no loss graphite. indicate that, process roasting, decomposition products easily react with valuable metals (Ni, Co, Mn) produce corresponding metal fluoride. after conditions efficiently recovered through roasting–froth flotation. When dosage kerosene 200 g/t methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) 150 g/t, grade 91.6% a recovery 92.6%, while graphite 84.6% 82.7%. method lays foundation for subsequent metallurgical process.