Economic and Environmental Sustainability of an Innovative Cryo-Mechano-Hydrometallurgical Process Validated at Pilot Scale for the Recycling of Li Batteries

An innovative cryo-mechano-hydrometallurgical process (named LIBAT) was demonstrated at pilot scale for the treatment of EOL lithium primary batteries with chemistry Li(0)-MnO2. The allowed recycling steel scraps from external cases after cryomechanical dismantling, and recovery Mn Li products hydrometallurgical processing. During demonstration activities, about nine tons were treated in section, one ton black mass section hydroxides Li2CO3. environmental impacts evaluated comparison an pyrometallurgical approach allowing recovery, confirming benefits proposed due to a reduction energy consumption. Process simulations performed considering different mixture feeds (only primary, or Li-ion batteries) options integral process) assess lower limits potentiality that would ensure economic sustainability.