The Recycling Journey of Used Batteries

Emphasizing the Importance of Filtration

As the global demand for high power density, Li-ion batteries continue to rise, it becomes increasingly important to develop efficient recycling methods. Countries without domestic lithium resources often rely on imports, which can impact their energy security. By implementing battery recycling programs, they can reduce their dependence on foreign sources and gain greater control over their supply chains, enhancing their energy security and resilience and create new economic opportunities.

Recycling used batteries not only reduces environmental impact but also allows for the recovery of valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium. In this blog post, we will explore the battery recycling process, with a specific focus on the significance of filtration in extracting these valuable metals.

Step 2: Acid Extraction of Valuable Metals:

To extract the valuable metals from the black mass, sulfuric acid is added which dissolves  cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium, however, this process also leaves behind insoluble graphite materials. Bulk filtration is used to separate the insoluble graphite materials from the acid solution and ensures the retention of valuable metals for recovery while removing the graphite materials from the solution.

Step 3: Metal Recovery through Chemical Precipitation:

Next is a metal recovery process using chemical precipitation. In this process, the pH of the acid solution is adjusted using a caustic agent until the different metals start precipitating out. The precipitated metals are then collected through another bulk filtration step which enables efficient separation and recovery of the valuable metals.

Step 4: Crystallization of Lithium Carbonate:

Lithium, an essential component of many batteries, requires a separate step for recovery. The acid solution is treated with sodium carbonate to crystallize lithium from the solution, forming lithium carbonate solids. This final step ensures the effective recovery of lithium, which can then be utilized in the production of new batteries.

Conclusion:

The recycling process of used batteries is a complex journey, where filtration plays a critical role as it separates valuable metals, facilitating their efficient recovery for reuse. By emphasizing the significance of filtration techniques in battery recycling, we can maximize the purity and recovery of valuable metals, contributing to a more sustainable and circular Li-ion battery economy.

To learn more, visit https://www.pall.com/en/chemicals-polymers/energy-storage/li-recycling.html or contact one of our technical experts on the form provided here.