Separation and recovery of cobalt from spent lithium ion batteries (LIBs) with supported Membrane Solvent Extraction (MSX)

Integrated MSX process to separate and recover all the constituent elements from spent LIB
Integrated MSX process to separate and recover all the constituent elements from spent LIB

CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Achievement
We have demonstrated separation and recovery of constituent elements of a spent LIB (cobalt, nickel, manganese, lithium) with 99.0-99.9 wt.% purity from a wide variety of real-life spent cathode materials (Chevy Volt & mixed LIB black mass from Retriev Technologies) using MSX process.

Significance and impact

  • Separated highly pure constituent elements can be used in manufacturing new LIB cathode materials, superalloys and cemented carbides, and in a variety of chemical industry applications.
  • MSX: Energy efficient technology with low capital and operating cost.

Next steps

  • Development of effective, efficient pretreatment methods to remove undesirable materials such as copper, aluminum, and iron from a wide variety of mixed LIB “black mass”. 
  • Work with industry partners for process development and commercialization.