Selective extraction of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Several processes for extraction of metals from LIBs have been developed. However, although it could represent a simple and efficient approach, selective leaching of lithium is being rarely investigated. Therefore, in this study, several additives were tested for the selective extraction of lithium from samples (<6.7 mm) of spent LIBs. The effect of NaHCO3 and H2SO4 concentrations, combined with milling (disc mill, 2–10 min) was investigated with more details, and allow obtaining a selective extraction of lithium higher than 60%, with a temperature 120°C, for 3.5 h, a L/S ratio of 10 L/kg and a molar ratio of NaHCO3/H2SO4 of 20. Further investigation at higher pressures and temperatures could result in an increase in the extraction. Therefore, the method studied could represent an alternative approach for the selective leaching of LIBs.