Metal Refining Filtration Aids for Faster Battery Metal Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and scarcity of cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium in rechargeable lithium batteries necessitate efficient recycling methods to recover these valuable metals while improving filterability for refining processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of filtration aids such as silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, or calcium hydroxide to enhance the filterability of metal refining processes by forming precipitates, allowing for the separation of metals and impurities through controlled pH adjustments and filtration techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional filtration methods are used to separate metals from impurities, then the separation process can be performed, but the filtration rate is slow and filterability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filtration aid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the precipitate and the filtration system. The filtration aid forms a porous matrix that traps impurities while allowing metal-containing solution to pass through, significantly improving both filtration rate and filterability without requiring complex equipment modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the filtration system by adding filtration aids that alter the pore structure, surface area, and filtration characteristics of the medium. This transforms the filtration process from a slow, clogging-prone operation to a high-rate process with sustained filterability
2Ease of operation
If filtration aids are added to improve filterability, then filtration rate increases, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available filtration aids (such as diatomaceous earth, cellulose, or synthetic polymers) that can be easily added and discarded after use. These disposable filtration aids simplify the overall process by eliminating the need for complex, expensive, or difficult-to-maintain filtration equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the filtration system by incorporating filtration aids with specific properties (porosity, surface charge, particle size) that enhance filterability. These parameter changes are achieved through simple mixing operations rather than complex process equipment
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 method significantly improves filtration rates and purity of recovered metals, enabling efficient recycling and reuse in the production of positive electrode active materials for lithium batteries.
Implementation Method 1
adding a filtration aid to the acid solution to make a precipitation reaction solution
Implementation Method 2
controlled pH adjustments and filtration techniques
Implementation Method 3
filtering the precipitation reaction solution to separate a liquid including the metal and a solid including the impurity and the filtration aid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Methods of refining metals and methods of manufacturing positive electrode active materials are disclosed. The methods of refining metals comprise preparing an acid solution that includes an impurity and metal, adding a filtration aid to the acid solution to make a precipitation reaction solution, and filtering the precipitation reaction solution to separate a liquid including the metal and a solid including the impurity and the filtration aid. The filtration aid includes one or more of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).