Work

Microwave-assisted process for sustainable recycling of blended cathodes from E-scooter batteries: An integrated optimization approach

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study focuses on mitigating the challenge of recycling Lithium-ion Batteries by proposing an optimized process for recovering critical metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The study focuses on the leaching of black mass from used blended cathode material composed of lithium-manganese oxide (LiMn 2 O 4 ) and lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 ), employing two approaches: hot plate and microwave-assisted methods. Experimental results revealed that the microwave method , using nitric acid as a leaching agent, offers several advantages over conventional techniques, such as shorter leaching times and reduced energy consumption. A comprehensive analysis of process variables was performed using Doehlert's experimental design . The initial stage involved separating the aluminum collector from the cathode material, accomplished with a NaOH solution at a concentration of 100 g/L and 1.8 mol/L over 125 min. Furthermore, the microwave-assisted leaching technique was more effective in dissolving these metals, with a complete dissolution of Li, Co, Mn, and Ni. The leached solution that was recovered was subsequently used to regenerate LiNi 1∕3 Co 1∕3 Mn 1∕3 O 2 , which demonstrated outstanding electrochemical performances with a specific capacity of 160 mAh/g after 100 cycles at C/5 rate.

Source: Journal of Power Sources

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237003