Recovery of cathode copper and ternary precursors from CuS slag derived by waste lithium-ion batteries: Process analysis and evaluation

• Published in: Chinese chemical letters 2024-07, Vol.35 (7), p.109172, Article 109172
• Main Authors: Wei, Yun, Zhou, Lei, Hu, Wenbin, Yang, Liming, Yang, Guang, Wang, Chaoqiang, Shi, Hui, Han, Fei, Feng, Yufa, Ding, Xuan, Shao, Penghui, Luo, Xubiao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cathode copper; CuS slag; Electrodeposition; Solid waste recovery; Ternary precursor
• ISSN: 1001-8417; 1878-5964
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.109172

The efficient and environmentally friendly recycling technology of waste residue that including abundant heavy metal produced during the recovery of lithium batteries has become a research hotspot. Herein, a novelty process of acid leaching-selective electrodeposition-deep impurity removal-regeneration was proposed to recovery of the CuS slag, which has been efficient transferred to high purity cathode copper and commercially available ternary precursors. Copper cathode with a purity of 99.67% was prepared under electrochemical reaction conditions at −0.55 V for 2 h. A novel impurity remover-Mn powder, which was used to remove the residual impurities and as a feedstock for the ternary precursor. Finally, NCM523 was regenerated by co-precipitation. The process is superior to the traditional process in economy, energy consumption, CO2 emissions, product purity and process duration. This study provides a new approach for solid waste recovery and precious metal enrichment. For the resourceful recovery of secondary waste from retired lithium-ion batteries, a novel process of acid leaching-selective electrodeposition-deep decontamination-regeneration was proposed to recover CuS slag, and regenerate it efficiently with high-purity cathode copper and commercially available ternary precursors. A new pathway for solid waste recovery and precious metal enrichment is provided. [Display omitted]