Microwave-Assisted Recovery of Spent LiCoO2 Battery from the Corresponding Black Mass

Year: 2023

Authors: Scaglia M., Cornelio A., Zanoletti A., La Corte D., Biava G., Alessandri I., Forestan A., Alba C., Depero LE., Bontempi E.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Brescia, Consorzio Interuniv Nazl Sci & Tecnol Mat INSTM, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; Univ Brescia, Chem Technol Lab, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; Univ Brescia, Dept Informat Engn, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; CNR INO Brescia Res Unit, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; R&D Spirit Srl Soc Unipersonale, Via Laghi 67, I-36072 Vicenza, Italy.

Abstract: The literature indicates that utilizing pyrometallurgical methods for processing spent LiCoO2 (LCO) batteries can lead to cobalt recovery in the forms of Co3O4, CoO, and Co, while lithium can be retrieved as Li2O or Li2CO3. However, the technology’s high energy consumption has also been noted as a challenge in this recovery process. Recently, an innovative and sustainable approach using microwave (MW) radiation has been proposed as an alternative to traditional pyrometallurgical methods for treating used lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). This method aims to address the shortcomings of the conventional approach. In this study, the treatment of the black mass (BM) from spent LCO batteries is explored for the first time using MW-materials interaction under an air atmosphere. The research reveals that the process can trigger carbothermic reactions. However, MW makes the BM so reactive that it causes rapid heating of the sample in a few minutes, also posing a fire risk. This paper presents and discusses the benefits and potential hazards associated with this novel technology for the recovery of spent LCO batteries and gives information about real samples of BM. The work opens the possibility of using a microwave for raw material recovery in spent LIBs, allowing to obtain rapid and more efficient reactions.

Journal/Review: Batteries-Basel

Volume: 9 (11)      Pages from: 536-1  to: 536-10

More Information: The authors thank Milestone s.r.l. for the support in sample digestion. The graphical abstract was created with BioRender.com, accessed on 16 October 2023.
KeyWords: lithium-ion batteries; LCO; black mass; recovery; recycle; microwave treatment; lithium cobalt oxide; e-waste; pyrometallurgy; sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/batteries9110536

ImpactFactor: 4.600
Citations: 7
data from “WEB OF SCIENCE” (of Thomson Reuters) are update at: 2024-11-03
References taken from IsiWeb of Knowledge: (subscribers only)

Connecting to view paper tab on IsiWeb: Click here
Connecting to view citations from IsiWeb: Click here