Production of cathode grade Co and Ni salts from recycled lithium-ion batteries 

diagram of steps in a process

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

Achievement
Demonstrated recovery of Ni and Co cathode grade salts from over 500g of black mass.

Significance

  • Using larger bench-scale process equipment, a recovery flowsheet option was executed using >500g LIB black mass.
  • Co and Ni cathode grade sulfates were obtained without using organic solvents and isolated at low temperatures and pH.

Details and impact

  • CMI developed processes were combined to recover over 95% of Ni, Co, Mn, and Li from black mass.
  • Cathode grade Co and Ni material yields of 50% and 68.7%, respectively were achieved in a single pass. 

Hub Target Addressed 
Recovery and Conversion of Critical Minerals into High Value Refined Products.