Solvent extraction of cobalt from spent lithium-ion batteries: Dynamic optimization of the number of extraction stages using factorial design of experiments and response surface methodology
Journal article, 2023

The optimization of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) recycling is crucial not only from a waste management perspective but also to decrease the dependence on imports of critical raw materials. In addition, the diversification of the recycling technologies is very important for better flexibility of the market. This study aims at investigating the recovery of Co from spent LiBs using solvent extraction from a real chloride-based solution obtained after the removal of Mn, which is very rarely reported. Cyanex 272 was used as the extractant and the effect of several variables on the extraction efficiency was considered to model and optimize the separation of Co and Ni. The number of extraction stages directly affects not only the process efficiency but also its cost. Thus, in this work, a novel approach was developed to assist in the selection of the number of extraction stages using a dynamic method based on the factorial design of experiments and response surface methodology combined with the Kremseŕs Equation. This method can assist the process design, decrease the overall cost of the operation, and optimize the separation of Co and Ni in a reduced number of extraction stages. The concentration of Co and Ni in the feed solutions is ∼ 8.3 g/L and 1.9 g/L, respectively. Based on the results, 98% extraction efficiency for Co can be achieved in 1 to 2 extraction stages with low co-extraction of Ni (<5%) when using 0.6–0.8 M Cyanex 272, O:A ratio below 1 and pH ∼ 5, but several combinations of conditions could provide similar results.

Recycling

Cobalt

Solvent extraction

Cyanex 272

Lithium-ion batteries

Author

Nathalia Cristine Vieceli

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Energy and Material

Thomas Ottink

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Energy and Material

Srecko Stopic

RWTH Aachen University

Christian Dertmann

RWTH Aachen University

Thomas Swiontek

Accurec Recycling

Claudia Vonderstein

RWTH Aachen University

Reiner Sojka

Accurec Recycling

Niclas Reinhardt

Meab Metallextraktion

Christian Ekberg

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Energy and Material

Bernd Friedrich

RWTH Aachen University

Martina Petranikova

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Energy and Material

Separation and Purification Technology

1383-5866 (ISSN) 18733794 (eISSN)

Vol. 307 122793

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Analytical Chemistry

Chemical Process Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122793

More information

Latest update

1/11/2024