Hydro- and Pyrometallurgical Recovery of Battery Materials

In the area "Battery Recycling"

Level
Senior Technical
Focus
Theory and Practical
Activity
Unpopulated

Table of Contents

Objectives

Objective Minimum Expected Coverage

Understand principles of hydro- and pyrometallurgical processes for battery recycling.

Hydrometallurgy: Leaching: Acid (H₂SO₄, HCl) or alkaline (NaOH) dissolution of metals; Solvent extraction: Selective separation of Ni/Co/Mn; Electrowinning: Metal plating (e.g., Co, Ni) from solution. • Pyrometallurgy: Smelting: High-temperature (1200–1500°C) reduction to alloy (Ni-Co-Mn); Slag formation: SiO₂/CaO additives to capture impurities.

Operate leaching, precipitation, and smelting equipment for metal recovery.

Hydrometallurgical: Leach reactors (titanium-lined for acid resistance); Precipitation tanks (for Li₂CO₃ recovery). • Pyrometallurgical: Electric arc furnaces (for alloy production); Scrubbers (for SO₂/CO₂ emission control).

Recover high-purity metals (Li, Ni, Co, Mn) from black mass.

Lithium: ≥95% as Li₂CO₃ (battery-grade, ≤0.1% impurities). • Cobalt/Nickel: ≥98% purity for cathode precursor (pCAM) synthesis.

Optimize process parameters (temperature, pH, reagent dosage) for efficiency.

Leaching: Optimal pH (1.5–2.5 for H₂SO₄); Reductants (H₂O₂) for LiCoO₂ dissolution. • Smelting: Coke/coal ratio adjustment for reducing atmosphere.

Manage waste streams and emissions to meet environmental regulations.

Neutralization of acidic effluents (Ca(OH)₂). • Slag vitrification for safe disposal. • Baghouse filters (particulate control). • SO₂ scrubbing (wet limestone systems).

Troubleshoot common recovery challenges (impurities, low yields).

Low Li recovery: Incomplete leaching (increase acid/oxidant). • Alloy contamination: Excessive Fe/Al in feed (pre-sorting).

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