Research Progress on Hydrometallurgical Recycling Technology for Cathode Materials in Waste Lithium-ion Batteries
GUO Zhanyong, REN Xiangrui, SUN Jingjing, FENG Zhen*
Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Cable Materials and Intelligent Manufacturing, Henan Engineering Research Center for Modification Technology of Metal Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Institute of Technology, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
Abstract: As the extensive application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electronic devices, electric vehicles and other fields has led to a sharp increase in the quantity of waste LIBs, the cathode materials-as a key component of LIBs that are rich in valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, ni-ckel, and manganese-have become the focus of effective recycling for their significant environmental and economic benefits. Hydrometallurgical technology, owing to its advantages of mild operating conditions, high metal recovery rate and environmental friendliness, has emerged as an important recycling method for waste LIB cathode materials. This paper focuses on the hydrometallurgical recycling technology of waste LIB cathode materials, introduces the structural characteristics of LIB cathode materials, and systematically discusses the advantages and limitations of separation and purification technologies for metal ions in leachate, such as the precipitation method, solvent extraction method, and ion exchange method. Finally, an outlook on the development trends of hydrometallurgical recycling technology for waste LIB cathode materials is proposed, aiming to promote the breakthrough of recycling technology for waste LIB cathode materials and facilitate the sustainable development of the LIB industry.
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