Solid-State Electrolyte Recovery by pH-Controlled Metal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for recovering rare metals from all-solid-state batteries, particularly LLZO solid electrolytes, face challenges in pH adjustment precision and inconsistency with thermodynamic E-pH diagrams, leading to inefficient separation of lanthanum, zirconium, and lithium components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving crushing or grinding the all-solid-state battery, followed by acid leaching, addition of oxalic acid to separate lanthanum oxalate, adjustment of pH with sodium hydroxide to isolate zirconium dioxide, and use of sodium phosphate to recover lithium phosphate, enhancing the recovery process through precise pH control and selective precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hydrometallurgical process is used for LLZO solid electrolyte recovery, then all components can be classified as rare metals, but pH adjustment precision cannot be achieved and inconsistency with thermodynamic E-pH diagram occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting pH to specific decimal precision values (e.g., pH 4.0, pH 8.0, pH 10.0) and controlling precipitation temperatures (e.g., 60°C, 80°C, 100°C) to achieve selective separation of metal components. These precise parameter controls resolve the contradiction by ensuring both measurement precision and thermodynamic consistency in the recovery process.
2Manufacturing precision
If selective precipitation method is used to separate lanthanum, zirconium, and lithium components, then separation efficiency is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the recovery process into distinct stages: first precipitating lanthanum oxalate at pH 4.0, then zirconium dioxide at pH 8.0-10.0, and finally lithium phosphate at pH 10.0+. Each stage targets a specific metal component with optimized conditions, achieving high separation efficiency while managing process complexity through systematic segmentation of the recovery workflow.
3Quantity of substance
If acid leaching is used to dissolve metal components from crushed battery, then metal recovery is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy consumption by controlling leaching temperature (60-100°C) and acid concentration (1-6 M H2SO4) to achieve complete metal dissolution with minimal energy input. The subsequent precipitation steps occur at optimized temperatures (60-100°C) that balance recovery efficiency with energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between metal recovery rate and energy use.
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 achieves high recovery rates of lanthanum oxide (>99%), zirconium dioxide (>98%), and lithium phosphate (>89%), ensuring efficient and selective recovery of rare metals from all-solid-state batteries.
Implementation Method 1
adding a first precipitant to the leaching solution to separate the leaching solution into a first precipitate and a first leachate
Implementation Method 2
adding a pH modifier to the first leachate to separate the first leachate into a second precipitate and a second leachate
Implementation Method 3
adding a second precipitant to the second leachate to recover a third precipitate
Implementation Method 4
acid leaching the crushed or ground all-solid-state battery to form a leaching solution
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method for recovering a solid state electrolyte from an all-solid-state battery, which simultaneously recovers rare metals through a hydrometallurgical process. In order to achieve the purpose, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for recovering a solid state electrolyte from an all-solid-state battery, the method comprising steps of: (a) crushing or grinding the all-solid-state battery; (b) acid leaching the crushed or ground all-solid-state battery to form a leaching solution; (c) adding a first precipitant to the leaching solution to separate the leaching solution into a first precipitate and a first leachate; (d) adding a pH modifier to the first leachate to separate the first leachate into a second precipitate and a second leachate; and (e) adding a second precipitant to the second leachate to recover a third precipitate.