Selective extraction of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries

Several processes for extraction of metals from LIBs have been developed. However, although it could represent a simple and efficient approach, selective leaching of lithium is being rarely investigated. Therefore, in this study, several additives were tested for the selective extraction of lithium from samples (<6.7 mm) of spent LIBs. The effect of NaHCO₃ and H₂SO₄ concentrations, combined with milling (disc mill, 2–10 min) was investigated with more details, and allow obtaining a selective extraction of lithium higher than 60%, with a temperature 120°C, for 3.5 h, a L/S ratio of 10 L/kg and a molar ratio of NaHCO₃/H₂SO₄ of 20. Further investigation at higher pressures and temperatures could result in an increase in the extraction. Therefore, the method studied could represent an alternative approach for the selective leaching of LIBs.