Optimized Ammonia Leaching and Energy-Efficient Stripping for Lithium and Cobalt Recovery from Spent LiCoO<sub>2</sub> Cathodes
This study investigates the optimization of an ammonia-based leaching process for the recovery of lithium and cobalt from spent LiCoO<sub>2</sub> cathodes, coupled with an energy-efficient ammonia stripping approach. Kinetic analysis revealed that both lithium and cobalt extraction follo...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Metals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/15/7/690 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | This study investigates the optimization of an ammonia-based leaching process for the recovery of lithium and cobalt from spent LiCoO<sub>2</sub> cathodes, coupled with an energy-efficient ammonia stripping approach. Kinetic analysis revealed that both lithium and cobalt extraction follow pseudo-first-order kinetics, with activation energies of 76.54 kJ/mol and 97.22 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating a chemically controlled process. Optimal leaching conditions were established at 6 M NH<sub>3</sub>, 1.5 M (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>, liquid-to-solid ratio of 10:1, and 70 °C for 5 h, achieving 82.5% lithium and 96.1% cobalt recovery. The ammonia stripping process was optimized for energy efficiency, with operations at 95–98 °C providing the best balance between rapid NH<sub>3</sub> removal and energy consumption. At 98 °C, energy demand was reduced to ~282 kJ/mol, a sevenfold improvement over lower temperature operations. A stepwise separation strategy was developed, involving selective lithium precipitation at pH 10.7–10.8, followed by controlled ammonia stripping to precipitate cobalt at pH 8.8–9.0. This integrated approach offers a promising alternative to conventional acid-based recycling methods, combining high metal recovery with improved energy efficiency and reagent recyclability. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2075-4701 |