Researchers Develop Rapid, Eco-Friendly Lithium Recovery Method Using Microwaves
Rice University researchers, led by Pulickel Ajayan, unveil a microwave-based lithium recovery process with 50 percent efficiency in 30 seconds, using biodegradable solvents. This method addresses inefficiencies in recycling lithium-ion batteries.
August 20, 2024. By EI News Network
Lithium, often referred to as the 'white gold' of clean energy, is a crucial component in batteries that power everything from smartphones and laptops to large-scale energy storage systems. Despite its relative abundance, lithium is becoming increasingly scarce due to rising demand driven by the electric vehicle (EV) boom, net-zero goals, and geopolitical issues. The global lithium-ion battery market, valued at over USD 65 billion in 2023, is projected to grow by more than 23 percent over the next eight years, exacerbating existing supply challenges.
Current methods for recovering lithium from spent batteries are both environmentally taxing and inefficient, with traditional techniques often involving harsh acids and recovering less than 5 percent of the lithium due to contamination and energy-intensive processes. Researchers are now focusing on developing more sustainable solutions to meet the growing demand for lithium.
The Rice University team’s new method leverages microwave radiation to expedite the recovery process and uses a readily biodegradable solvent—a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of choline chloride and ethylene glycol. This DES is effective in selectively leaching lithium from the spent cathodes. The process overcomes significant bottlenecks in LIB recycling technology by specifically targeting lithium, which is usually precipitated last after other metals in conventional recycling methods.
Sohini Bhattacharyya, a lead author and Rice Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, emphasised the importance of recycling spent LIBs to recover critical metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Salma Alhashim, another lead author, noted the challenges of traditional methods and highlighted how the DES facilitates efficient lithium extraction. This advancement represents a crucial step toward more sustainable and effective recycling practices in the face of growing lithium demand.
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