Recovery of cobalt from lithium-ion batteries

In recent years, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become increasingly prevalent due to their diverse applications in energy storage systems and electric vehicles. These batteries utilize various cathode materials, including NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), LCO (Lithium Cobalt Oxide), LMO (Lithium Manganese Oxide), NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum), and LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate). While LIBs offer significant advantages, their relatively short lifespan, the challenges associated with the sourcing of raw materials, and the management of battery waste present notable concerns. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach to waste management, considering technical, environmental, and economic aspects. This study focuses on the recovery of cobalt from NMC-type lithium-ion batteries. The research involves the processing of cathode materials obtained from spent NMC LIBs. To remove binders and organic compounds from the cathode material, a pyrolysis process was conducted under a nitrogen (N₂) atmosphere, with a heating rate of 10°C/min up to a temperature of 450°C. Following pyrolysis, the resulting black mass, referred to as "NMC Black Mass," was separated using a sieving method. The recovery of cobalt from this black mass was carried out through two different leaching processes. An inorganic reducing agent, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and an organic reducing agent, grape seed extract were employed at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 90 g/L. Cobalt recovery was found to be 52.25% in Method I and 45.15% in Method II.