Selective Extraction of Lithium from Spent Lithium Batteries by Functional Ionic Liquid

Abstract

The recovery of valuable elements such as Li, Co, and Ni from spent lithiumion batteries is essential for environmental protection and energy conservation. However, the inadequate recovery efficiency of lithium by traditional methods hinders the development of this industry. Thus, a sustainable and efficient approach for the selective extraction of lithium from spent batteries by a carboxyl-functionalized ionic liquid (carboxymethyl trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonimide) to increase the recovery efficiency of lithium was designed and developed in this work. By appropriately adjusting and controlling the parameters including the pH value, extractant concentration, and phase ratio, the selective extraction of lithium was optimized with excellent selectivity and recovery efficiency. After optimization, the lithium extraction efficiency reached 96.8%. The slope method combined with FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to characterize the variations in the functional groups during extraction to reveal possible extraction mechanisms. The extraction of lithium ions from organic phases and the recycling of ionic liquids were subsequently investigated. This work proposes the concept of a green, recyclable extractant for selectively separating and recovering lithium from spent LIBs.

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Modified with Disulfonic Acid Functionalized Imidazolium Ionic Liquids for Use as Electrorheological Materials

“…40−42 Functional ILs are formed by adjusting the types of anions and cations or adding functional groups to the alkyl chain. 43 Acidic functionalized ILs have attracted considerable interest due to their acidic and ionic characteristics. The strong Coulomb force and van der Waals force between ions of acidic ILs result in stronger polarity compared with conventional ILs.…”

“…ILs are a type of molten salt that was composed of bulky, asymmetrical organic cations and organic or inorganic anions, which are usually in a liquid state at room temperature. , Movable ions endow ILs with some special properties, such as negligible vapor pressure, wide electrochemical windows, and high thermal stability. Due to their unique properties, ILs have been widely used as solvents, catalysts, and reagents in chemical synthesis and materials processing. − Functional ILs are formed by adjusting the types of anions and cations or adding functional groups to the alkyl chain . Acidic functionalized ILs have attracted considerable interest due to their acidic and ionic characteristics.…”

Significant Improvement in Dissolving Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes Using Novel Deep Eutectic Solvents at Low Temperature

“…LCO dissolution is the key to recovery of LCO from spent LIBs. Strong acids (e.g., HNO 3 , HCl, H 2 SO 4 ) could dissolve LCO with high efficiency at mild temperature while polluting the environment and corroding the equipment meanwhile. ,, The dissolution of LCO by molten salts requires high temperature. , Efficiency of LCO dissolution by ionic liquids (ILs) is still needed to be improved − in addition to their shortcomings − in many applications. ,, Novel green solvents are anticipated to efficiently dissolve LCO at a mild condition.…”

Ammonia Reduction System for the Diversity of Cathode Processing of Li-Ion Batteries

“…By extracting processes, 27 transition metals including Co, Ni, and Mn. 28,29 Now, the focus is to realize the selective separation of Li in the cathode. 30−33 Therein, transition metals can be recovered together as the precursor of the new cathode once lithium is selectively extracted out.…”

“…By extracting processes, the metal separation is easy to implement. Considering subsequent metal separation, current studies tried to reduce the leaching rate of transition metals including Co, Ni, and Mn. , Now, the focus is to realize the selective separation of Li in the cathode. − Therein, transition metals can be recovered together as the precursor of the new cathode once lithium is selectively extracted out . In comparison to raw metal ores, metal extraction from the spent cathode is much easier.…”