Lithium recovery from lithium-ion battery (LIB) leachates

CMI researchers at Idaho National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation 
Separation and recovery of battery-grade Li₂CO₃ from lithium-ion battery (LIB) leachate using an electrodialysis process

Achievements

• High purity Li₂CO₃ and MnCO₃ obtained through electrochemical separation after removal of Ni and Co from LIB leachate
• Membrane and catholyte can be re-used multiple times without affecting Li₂CO₃ purity; multiple stages improve purity.
• Energy requirement: 0.5 kWh/g Li

Significance and Impact

• Combination of carbon capture and utilization for mineral production
• Carbon-negative: CO₂, the only chemical required, is solidified
• Generation of high purity Li₂CO₃ (>99.6%, metal basis)
• Application extendable to high purity LiOH production

Hub Targets Addressed 

• Recovery and conversion into high value end products
• Highly selective separation from complex sources

Patent application