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Separation of Li and Co from LiCoO2 Cathode Material Through Aluminothermic Reduction: Thermodynamic Calculations and Experimental Results

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Abstract

The increase in electric vehicle (EV) commercialization consequently escalates the number of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (EOL LIBs) which leads to environmental concerns. Different routes have been proposed and investigated to recycle EOL LIBs. This current study evaluates the aluminothermic reduction as an alternative route for separating Li and Co from LiCoO2 (the common cathode material) through thermodynamic modeling and experimental study. Three different atmospheres: ambient air, inert, and vacuum, were tested. A thermite reaction leading to ignition and melting of the sample was observed in experiments in all atmospheres. The reaction was found to be kinetically fast and highly exothermic resulting in the melting of the sample forming Co droplets in liquid slag. The experiments of the three atmospheres showed that Li and Co can be extracted in the form of LiOH, LiAlO2, and CoAl alloy. The approach presented could be the basis for the development of a low-energy alternative route to recover both Li and Co in a single process.

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Acknowledgment

This work was conducted under the Swinburne-Automotive Engineering Graduate Program (AEGP) scholarship, funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources [previously known as the Department of Industry, Innovation, and Science (DIIS)]. The work was also co-funded by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia.

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The authors report no declarations of conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fluid and Process Dynamics (FPD) Group, Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia

    D. C. Nababan, R. Mukhlis, Y. Durandet & M. A. Rhamdhani

  2. CSIRO Manufacturing, Clayton, VIC, 3169, Australia

    L. H. Prentice

Authors
  1. D. C. Nababan
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  2. R. Mukhlis
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  3. Y. Durandet
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  4. L. H. Prentice
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  5. M. A. Rhamdhani
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Correspondence to D. C. Nababan or M. A. Rhamdhani.

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Nababan, D.C., Mukhlis, R., Durandet, Y. et al. Separation of Li and Co from LiCoO2 Cathode Material Through Aluminothermic Reduction: Thermodynamic Calculations and Experimental Results. Metall Mater Trans B 55, 352–375 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-023-02962-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-023-02962-7

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