Cobalt recovery technologies from spent Li-ion batteries

Abstract

Demand for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) ramped up lately (2018-2022). Electrical vehicle (EV) industry becomes mature and conventional vehicles featuring thermal combustion engines will be gradually replaced. The evolution of Li-ion cell technology allowed decreasing manufacturing costs. Technical innovations within the sector consist in substituting liquid electrolytes with solid state ones, improving driving range, enhanced safety and faster charging times. The European Union strategy regarding batteries is focused on creating a sustainable, competitive and innovative ecosystem for reducing greenhouse gases. The European market share in Li-ion batteries worldwide production is 3% (Asia leads with 85%). In order to prevent technological dependence on fierce Asian competition and to capitalize on the economic potential that this opportunity represents, The European Union launched the "European Battery Alliance" in October 2017, with a view to stimulating cooperation between the industries of the old continent and building Liion battery production gigafactories. In Romania there are initiatives in the development of this sector, with investments that have mobilized public and private capital. In June 2023, the Romanian-Belgian Romvolt project was launched in Galați city, a production and recycling facility of Li-ion batteries with a total capacity of 22 GW. The paper presents the research undertaken for the recovery of cathodic paste with high content of cobalt (Co) from spent LIBs, by ultrasonography in lactic acid solution (C3H6O3). The hydrometallurgical method uses a non-polluting organic (lactic) acid. The working technique, the results obtained and the investigations carried out on the recovered materials are presented (analysis of optical and electron microscopy, EDX, X-ray diffraction).