An efficient recovery process of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries in acidic medium assisted with waste areca powder

With the deepening of attention to environmental pollution and waste of resources, the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has attracted more and more attention. In this research, a hydrometallurgical process assisted with waste areca powder (WAP) as the reductant has been proposed for the recovery of valuable metals from spent LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2 (NCM) cathode. About 99.9% of Ni, Co, Mn, and Li can be leached under the optimal experimental conditions of 3 mol/L H 2 SO 4 , 1:1 dosage of WAP/NCM, liquid /solid ratio of 20 mL/g and 363 K for 120 min. Reaction kinetics shows the apparent activation energy E a of all studied elements is greater than 40 kJ/mol, suggesting that the leaching procedure is controlled by chemical reactions. To further implement to the concept of protecting the environment and saving resources, the toxicity of the waste residue obtained from the experiment was investigated, and the residue was carbonized and roasted to obtain anode material with good recycling and rate performance. This work provides an efficient, low-cost, and green process to recover the valuable components of spent cathode powder, and realizes the recycling of leaching residue, which has a great application prospect. • Waste areca powder was applied aas a cheap reducing agent for recycling spent LIBs. • Aldehydes, ketones and reducing sugars play a major role in the reduction process. • About 99.9% of valuable metals can be recovered with the reduction of WAP. • The leaching residue can be regenerated into anode material for LIBs.