HOUSTON, TX — Scientists at Rice University have developed a novel method for extracting lithium from used lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathodes, achieving up to 50% recovery in as little as 30 seconds. This technique leverages microwave radiation and a biodegradable solvent, representing a major improvement in both the efficiency and environmental impact of battery recycling. Conventional methods for recycling lithium from LIBs typically rely on harsh acids, which have significant environmental and safety drawbacks. While more environmentally friendly options like deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are available, they often fail to efficiently recover lithium, usually achieving less than 5% recovery due to the metal precipitating last. Salma Alhashim, a lead author and Rice University doctoral alumna, stated, “The low recovery rate occurs because lithium tends to precipitate after other metals. We aimed to specifically target lithium using a DES blend of choline chloride and ethylene glycol, which binds lithium with chloride ions and dissolves it into the solution.” The researchers found that choline chloride, a key component of the DES, efficiently absorbs microwave radiation. By placing battery waste in the solvent and applying microwave energy, they could selectively extract lithium, significantly speeding up the process compared to conventional methods.

“This technique is akin to how a microwave oven quickly heats food,” explained Sohini Bhattacharyya, another lead author of the study. “The energy directly affects the molecules, making the reaction much faster than traditional heating methods.”

The microwave-assisted method not only matches the lithium recovery rate of oil bath heating—87%—but also reduces the process time from 12 hours to just 15 minutes. With the global lithium-ion battery market valued at over $65 billion in 2023 and projected to grow by over 23% in the next eight years, this innovative approach offers a crucial advancement for sustainable battery waste management. The Rice University team’s breakthrough could be instrumental in meeting the rising demand for lithium while minimizing environmental harm.

Date: July 30, 2024

Source: https://www.mining.com/new-method-recovers-50-lithium-from-batteries-in-30-seconds/