Lithium Nickel Extraction Process Using Selective Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting lithium and nickel from battery waste streams are inefficient, generating significant waste and requiring multiple costly stages, which hampers effective separation and recovery of these materials.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a continuous loop system with pH adjustment and the use of lithium and nickel selective extractants to efficiently extract lithium and nickel from a Nickel(II)/Lithium(I) solution, reducing the number of stages and solvent usage, and allowing for virtually complete recovery of these elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If current extraction methods using various oxidizers are employed, then lithium and nickel can be extracted from battery waste streams, but a large amount of waste is generated requiring extensive processing and cleanup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction system by using hydroxide solutions (pH 9-13) instead of traditional oxidizers, and by controlling the Li:Ni ratio in the feed solution. This parameter change eliminates the need for extensive waste processing while maintaining effective extraction of both lithium and nickel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary components (lithium and nickel) using selective extractants that target these specific metals. The organic extractants are then regenerated and reused, removing the harmful oxidizer waste generation step entirely while maintaining extraction effectiveness
2Productivity
If multi-stage co-extraction methods are used to recover multiple materials, then individually extracted materials can be produced, but four co-extraction stages and six total steps are required making the process very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extraction of lithium and nickel into a single simultaneous extraction step using a mixed organic extractant system. Both metals are extracted together in one stage, and then separated in a single subsequent step, reducing the process from six steps to just two while maintaining effective recovery of both materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal organic extractant system that can extract both lithium and nickel simultaneously in one operation. The same extractant mixture handles both metals, eliminating the need for multiple specialized extraction stages and significantly simplifying the overall process
3Productivity
If multi-stage co-extraction processes are implemented, then multiple materials can be recovered individually, but different solvents are needed during each step increasing the monetary cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal organic extractant system comprising multiple extractants (such as LIX 84-I, LIX 63, and LIX 65) working together in a single mixture. This universal system extracts both lithium and nickel in one step and can be regenerated for reuse, eliminating the need for multiple different solvents and significantly reducing solvent costs
4Productivity
If current extraction methods are used, then materials can be extracted from waste streams, but effective separation of the extracted components is not provided making individual recovery impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different extractants with specific selectivities for different metals within the same extraction system. The organic phase contains extractants tailored to bind lithium and nickel with different affinities, enabling effective separation and individual recovery of each component while maintaining high recovery rates for both materials
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
This process enables time-efficient and cost-effective recovery of lithium and nickel, minimizing waste production and operational costs, while allowing for the reuse of extracted materials in subsequent processes.
Implementation Method 1
treating the Ni2+/Li+ solution with a lithium selective extractant, the lithium selective extractant being suitable to extract lithium from the Ni2+/Li+ solution
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are processes for extracting lithium and optionally nickel from a Nickel(II)/Lithium(I) (Ni2+/Li+) solution. The extraction is optionally performed in a series of steps with counterflow of aqueous and organic flows to thereby produce a lithium poor solution. The lithium poor solution may be treated so that remaining Ni in the lithium poor solution may be directly precipitated therefrom in the form of a Ni salt. Once complete, the process provides for recoverable nickel and/or lithium that may be recycled into batteries or sold for other uses.