Ni-Co Solvent Extraction Using Picolinic Esters for Mn Selectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recycling nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) from battery and catalyst materials face challenges in achieving selective extraction due to the complexity and cost of multi-step processes, particularly when dealing with mixtures containing Ni, Co, and manganese (Mn), as existing solvent extractants like D2EHPA extract all three metals, making it difficult to obtain pure extracts.
Innovation Solution
The use of picolinic acid esters and amides in combination with a phase transfer catalyst in a liquid-liquid extraction process allows for the selective extraction of Ni and/or Co from acidic aqueous recycling feeds, enabling co-extraction followed by selective stripping using acids of different strengths to produce separate aqueous solutions, while leaving Mn and other metals in the aqueous phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If D2EHPA is used as a solvent extractant, then cobalt and nickel can be extracted from the effluent solution, but manganese is also extracted along with them, resulting in a mixed extract that is difficult to purify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extractant by using picolinic acid ester/amide instead of D2EHPA, and adjusts the pH range to 2.0-4.0 to achieve selective extraction of Co and Ni while leaving Mn in the aqueous phase. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by improving extract purity without sacrificing extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phase transfer catalyst as an intermediary substance that facilitates the selective extraction process. The catalyst mediates between the aqueous phase containing Co, Ni, and Mn, and the organic extractant phase, enabling selective transfer of Co and Ni while excluding Mn, thus resolving the purity issue
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate extraction steps using different solvent extractants are performed to selectively extract metals, then pure extracts can be obtained, but the process becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the picolinic acid ester/amide extractant universal by enabling it to selectively extract multiple metals (Co and Ni) from a mixed solution containing other metals (Mn) in a single extraction step. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high purity extracts without requiring multiple separate extraction steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the extraction of cobalt and nickel into a single extraction step using the picolinic acid ester/amide system, merging what would traditionally require separate extraction steps. This simplifies the overall process while maintaining high purity, resolving the contradiction between purity and process complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate extraction steps are performed to selectively extract metals, then selective extraction can be achieved, but the procedure becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The picolinic acid ester/amide extractant provides universal selectivity for Co and Ni extraction from mixed metal solutions, achieving what would traditionally require multiple specialized extractants. This reduces the number of steps and associated costs while maintaining high selectivity, resolving the contradiction between selectivity and manufacturing cost
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 method effectively recycles Ni and Co from battery and catalyst materials, achieving high extraction efficiency and purity, with the ability to produce clean Ni and Co streams suitable for re-use in new materials, while minimizing the presence of impurities like Mn.
Implementation Method 1
picolinic acid esters and amides...allows for the selective extraction of Ni and/or Co from acidic aqueous recycling feeds
Implementation Method 2
contacting the acidic aqueous recycling feed with an organic solvent extraction composition...wherein the organic solvent extraction composition comprises...a phase transfer catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
A method of recycling Ni and/or Co from a functional material such as a battery or catalyst material, the method comprising: forming an acidic aqueous recycling feed of the functional material by acid leaching the functional material or a derivative thereof, the acidic aqueous recycling feed comprising Ni and/or Co in solution; contacting the acidic aqueous recycling feed with an organic solvent extraction composition; and extracting one or both of Ni and Co from the acidic aqueous recycling feed into the organic solvent extraction composition, wherein the organic solvent extraction composition comprises: an organic solvent which is immiscible with the acidic aqueous recycling feed; a picolinic acid ester or picolinic acid amide which is soluble in the organic solvent; and a phase transfer catalyst.