The Efficiency of Black Mass Preparation by Discharge and Alkaline Leaching for LIB Recycling

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are dangerous to recycle, as they pose a fire hazard when cut and contain various chemical hazards. If recycled safely, LIBs provide rich secondary source for metals such lithium cobalt, while reducing the environmental impact of end-of-life LIBs. Discharging spent in 5 wt.% NaCl electrolyte at room temperature enables their safe dismantling. A sludge was observed form during LIB discharging, with composition 34.9 Fe, 35 O, 17.7 Al, 6.2 C, 4.2 Na. The average electrolytic solution after first discharge cycle contained only 12.6 mg/L 4.5 Li, 2.5 Mn, trace amounts Ni Co. Separating active cathode powder from aluminum 10 NaOH leach produced an aqueous filtrate Al metal purity 99.7%. consisted 9558 13 8.7 Co, Mn Ni. hydrometallurgical sample preparation processes this study production pure black mass less than 0.05 0.2 0.02 losses material.