CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight.
Achievement
Efficient new approach for removal of impurity metals from lithium-ion battery leachates.
Significance
- Simple method to remove Al, Fe and Zn while minimizing critical elements losses.
- Coupled with EC-Leach, produces a solution ready for conventional separation by SX or IX.
Details and Impact
- Al and Fe are deleterious for separation and final product purity, and removal typically requires large pH swing and difficult removal of fine precipitates.
- New method operates at pH 4 and generates a coarse precipitate that is easy to separate.
Hub Target Addressed
Recovery and conversion of critical minerals into high value refined products.
