Recycling Batteries with Citric Acid
(Source: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202414484)
November 15, 2024 – Researchers from the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing have developed an innovative, eco-friendly method for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This process uses only a small amount of citric acid to extract over 99% of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese metals from NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) cathodes. Unlike conventional methods that require large quantities of chemicals and are associated with high energy consumption and emissions, this new technique offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution with lower CO₂ emissions.
In this process, protons from citric acid break the bonds between metals and oxygen in the cathodes, allowing the metals to be bound to citrate anions in a solution. Through an intramolecular reaction, a gel-like structure forms that can be easily separated. The final product is a recycled NCM material that can be directly used to create new electrodes.
According to the researchers, the research could lead to the development of a method to make the recycling of LIBs more sustainable and cost-effective, thereby contributing to the transition to renewable energy sources by reusing rare metals and reducing harmful emissions.
The research was published on November 15 in Angewante Chemie under the title ‘The Fischer-Lactonization-Driven Mechanism for Ultra-Efficient Recycling of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries’ (https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202414484)
