Picolinic Acid Separation Material for Selective Ni Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective separation methods for metals like Ni and Co from lithium ion battery waste, which often contain other metals such as Li and Mn, due to increasing resource demands and recycling requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of separation materials with picolinic acid amide or picolinic acid ester functional groups immobilized on a solid support, such as silica, which selectively adsorb and chromatographically separate Ni, Co, and other metals from aqueous solutions, allowing for efficient removal and recycling of Ni and Co.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional separation methods are used for metals in lithium ion battery waste, then separation of metals can be achieved, but the separation effectiveness is insufficient particularly for Ni and Co separation from Li and Mn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting pH levels during the separation process. The composition uses different pH conditions to selectively precipitate or remain in solution specific metals. For example, at certain pH ranges, Ni and Co can be selectively separated from Li and Mn by controlling their solubility and complexation behavior, thereby improving separation effectiveness and selectivity simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a composite composition containing multiple reagents working together: a hydroxide source, a carbonate source, and optionally an amine compound. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the combination of reagents achieves better separation performance than individual substances, enabling effective differentiation of Ni, Co, Li, and Mn through controlled precipitation and complexation
2Productivity
If recycling processes are implemented for lithium ion battery metals, then resource recovery can be achieved, but effective separation of Ni, Co, Li, and Mn remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes through systematic pH adjustment and sequential addition of reagents. By controlling pH transitions and reagent addition sequences, the process achieves selective metal precipitation and complexation, enabling efficient separation of Ni, Co, Li, and Mn. This approach maintains high resource recovery efficiency while achieving the necessary separation precision for individual metal recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating distinct chemical environments at different stages of the separation process. Specific reagents are added to create localized conditions favorable for precipitating or complexing particular metals while leaving others in solution. This spatial and temporal differentiation of chemical conditions enables selective recovery of each metal type, improving both productivity and separation capability
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
These materials demonstrate excellent Ni adsorption properties, enabling effective separation of Ni from solutions with high concentrations and trace levels, and can be reused multiple times, maintaining performance throughout load/elute cycles, thus addressing the challenge of metal separation in lithium ion battery recycling.
Implementation Method 1
separation materials comprising picolinic acid amide or picolinic acid ester functional groups, e.g. picolinamide functional groups, immobilised on a solid support exhibit excellent Ni adsorption properties
Implementation Method 2
Due to their excellent affinity for Ni, such separation materials are useful for removing Ni from solutions
Implementation Method 3
The present inventors have also found that the separation materials of the present invention are useful in the chromatographic interseparation of Ni from certain other metals
Data Source
AI summary
Use of a separation material comprising picolinic acid ester or picolinic acid amide functional groups immobilised on a solid support to selectively remove Ni from an aqueous solution.