A comparison of two methods of recovering cobalt from a deep eutectic solvent: Implications for battery recycling

Progress towards a sustainable industrial process for the recycling of unwanted batteries using a deep eutectic solvent is presented. The effect of lactate anions on the recovery of metals from chloride media by extraction by a lipophilic chloride ionic liquid has been investigated with using solvent extraction experiments with a special emphasis on the behaviour of cobalt and nickel. A new solvent extraction system for the recovery of both cobalt and nickel from acidic (lactic acid) media is presented. The relative impacts of the new extraction system and an aliquat system on both workplace air and the wider environment are compared. The new system was found to pose a smaller threat to both workers and the environment.