In this study, an experiment is performed to recover the Li in Li₂CO₃ phase from the cathode active material NMC (LiNiCoMnO₂) in waste lithium ion batteries. Firstly, carbonation is performed to convert the LiNiO, LiCoO, and Li₂MnO₃ phases within the powder to Li₂CO₃ and NiO, CoO, and MnO. The carbonation for phase separation proceeds at a temperature range of 600°C~800°C in a CO₂ gas (300 cc/min) atmosphere. At 600~700°C, Li₂CO₃ and NiO, CoO, and MnO are not completely separated, while Li and other metallic compounds remain. At 800 °C, we can confirm that LiNiO, LiCoO, and Li₂MnO₃ phases are separated into Li₂CO₃ and NiO, CoO, and MnO phases. After completing the phase separation, by using the solubility difference of Li₂CO₃ and NiO, CoO, and MnO, we set the ratio of solution (distilled water) to powder after carbonation as 30:1. Subsequently, water leaching is carried out. Then, the Li₂CO₃ within the solution melts and concentrates, while NiO, MnO, and CoO phases remain after filtering. Thus, Li₂CO₃ can be recovered.

Citations

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