Deep Eutectic Solvent for Li-ion Battery Metal Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion battery recycling methods, such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, face challenges including high energetic costs, pollution, and incomplete metal recovery, particularly due to the use of harsh chemicals and inefficient metal extraction processes.
Innovation Solution
A deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of a hydrogen bond acceptor and donor, like choline chloride and ethylene glycol, is used to leach metals from spent lithium-ion batteries, eliminating the need for additional chemicals and processes, and allowing for efficient metal extraction and regeneration of cathode materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pyrometallurgy is used to extract metals from spent batteries, then metal extraction can be achieved, but high energetic cost and harmful fume emission occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction system by replacing traditional hydrochloric acid with a deep eutectic solvent system (choline chloride-ethylene glycol). This parameter change allows metal extraction to proceed without producing harmful fumes, while maintaining effective leaching of cobalt, nickel, and manganese from the cathode material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful hydrochloric acid leaching process into a beneficial green chemistry process by using the deep eutectic solvent. The solvent system that would normally be considered an alternative is instead presented as the primary solution, eliminating the harmful aspects while preserving the extraction functionality.
2Productivity
If pyrometallurgy is used to extract metals from spent batteries, then metal extraction can be achieved, but extreme temperatures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the temperature parameter of the extraction process by using a deep eutectic solvent system that operates at mild temperatures (room temperature to moderate heating). This replaces the high-temperature pyrometallurgical approach, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective metal leaching through the chemical properties of the DES.
3Productivity
If traditional hydrometallurgy is used to extract metals, then high metal leaching rate is achieved, but caustic reagents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful caustic reagent system into a beneficial green solvent system. The deep eutectic solvent (choline chloride-ethylene glycol) replaces traditional hydrochloric acid, eliminating the need for caustic reagents while maintaining high metal leaching rates through its unique solvation properties and ability to form stable complexes with metal ions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using a eutectic mixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol instead of traditional acids. This parameter change maintains effective metal extraction through the synergistic interaction between the chloride ions and ethylene glycol, which together create a powerful leaching environment without the harmful effects of conventional reagents.
4Productivity
If existing recycling technologies are used, then some metal recovery is achieved, but complete metal recovery is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical environment parameters by using a deep eutectic solvent system that creates optimal conditions for complete metal dissolution. The specific composition (choline chloride-ethylene glycol in 1:2 molar ratio) and controlled pH conditions enable thorough leaching of all valuable metals including cobalt, nickel, and manganese, preventing the incomplete recovery typical of conventional methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The DES achieves high metal extraction efficiencies, up to 99.3%, with the potential for multiple recycling cycles, reducing environmental impact and operational costs, and enabling the recovery of valuable metals for new energy applications.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a battery waste product comprising metals and/or metal alloys with a deep eutectic solvent, wherein the deep eutectic solvent comprises a hydrogen bond acceptor compound and a hydrogen bond donor compound and leaching the metal from the battery waste product and extracting the metal into the deep eutectic solvent
Implementation Method 2
extracting the metal into the deep eutectic solvent with heat and agitation
Data Source
AI summary
A process for extracting, recovering and recycling metals and materials from spent lithium ion batteries (LIB) that comprises the contacting battery waste products with a deep eutectic solvent, and leaching the metal from the battery waste product and extracting the metal into the deep eutectic solvent with heat and agitation. After the leaching and extracting, the process further includes recovering the dissolved metals ions from the deep eutectic solvent solution, followed by a step of regeneration of cathode materials.