Recovery of valuable elements from spent Li-batteries

This work examines two recycling processes for spent Li/MnO2 and Li-ion batteries. The anode, cathode and electrolyte (LiPF6) were submitted to one of the following procedures: (a) calcination at 500 °C (5 h) followed by solvent extraction to recover lithium salts (fluoride, phosphate) in good yield (90 wt%). The residual solid was treated with H2SO4 containing H2O2 and on evaporation gave high purity grade cobalt or manganese sulfate; (b) fusion with KHSO4 (500 °C, 5 h). The resulting aqueous solution was added dropwise to a solution of NaOH, giving cobalt or manganese as impure precipitate. Addition of KF precipitated high purity grade LiF in moderate yield (50 wt%). The final aqueous solution on treatment with calcium sulfate precipitated the corresponding phosphate and fluoride salts.