438 / 2024-04-18 15:37:56

Sustainable Recovery of Critical Metal from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries using Adsorption

Li-Ion battery,Recycling,Adsorption,Sustainability,Cobalt,Nickel

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are pivotal in the proliferation of modern technology, powering devices from portable electronics to electric vehicles. As the demand for these batteries escalates, so does the consumption of critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel, highlighting issues of resource depletion and environmental degradation. This study explores the efficiency of the adsorption process as a viable method for recycling Li-ion batteries and recovering valuable metals, particularly focusing on cobalt and nickel, which are the most critical components due to their economic value and role in battery performance. In this research, three distinct adsorbents were evaluated for their potential to recover metals from spent Li-ion batteries: chitosan, activated carbon produced from coconut shells, and chemically modified flax. Every adsorbent was selected based on its distinctive characteristics, sourced from widely available waste materials. The study meticulously investigated the influence of parameters like pH on the adsorption efficiency. The results showed that chitosan can adsorb cobalt and nickel at a high rate with a low amount of Mn and no Li. The findings from this study are expected to offer substantial contributions toward establishing more sustainable practices within the Li-ion battery recycling sector. By advancing the adsorption-based recovery processes, the study supports ongoing efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of battery disposal and promotes the circular economy model in the electronics industry. This research addresses the urgent need for innovative and environmentally benign technologies that ensure resource conservation and effective waste management, aligning with global sustainability targets.