A compact process to prepare LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode material from nickel-copper sulfide ore

- A compact process for preparation of cathode has been proposed.
- Process consists of leach, separation & purification and preparation of cathode.
- Separation & purification includes boiling, purification and enrichment.
- Electrochemical properties of ore sample are similar to those of pure sample.

In this work, a compact process was introduced to prepare LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode material from nickel-copper sulfide ore. Compared with the traditional process, the strategy introduced herein saved the steps of preparing pure metal salts from the ore. This new process consisted of three procedures: oxidative ammonia leaching, purification and concentration of lixivium, and preparation of the cathode material. Among these, purification and concentration of lixivium was the key procedure in this process. In this process, the lixivium was boiled to remove most of the copper; the fresh and amorphous MnS was added for copper deep removal, and a high concentration of NaOH solution was used for zinc separation and nickel/cobalt/manganese enrichment. After this process, the Cu, Ca and Zn concentrations were adjusted to a range that had no harmful effect on the performance of the material. The electrochemical properties of the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 material prepared by this process were similar to those of the material prepared from chemical reagents, indicating that the process was feasible and practical.