Process Simulation for Li-MnO 2 Primary Battery Recycling: Cryo-Mechanical and Hydrometallurgical Treatments at Pilot Scale

Pier Giorgio Schiavi, Ludovica Baldassari, Pietro Altimari, Emanuela Moscardini, Luigi Toro and Francesca Pagnanelli
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Pier Giorgio Schiavi: Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Ludovica Baldassari: Eco Recycling Srl, Via di Vannina 88/94, 00156 Rome, Italy
Pietro Altimari: Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Emanuela Moscardini: Eco Recycling Srl, Via di Vannina 88/94, 00156 Rome, Italy
Luigi Toro: Eco Recycling Srl, Via di Vannina 88/94, 00156 Rome, Italy
Francesca Pagnanelli: Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-12

Abstract: Li primary batteries are currently treated along with other Li batteries in several big pyro- metallurgical plants in Northern EU countries. Nevertheless, pyro-metallurgical processes do not allow for Mn and Li recycling and present negative environmental impacts, on the other hand hydrometallurgical processing can potentially ensure the integral recovery of all materials in Li primary batteries. In this work, preliminary experimental findings obtained in the LIFE-LIBAT project (LIFE16 ENV/IT/000389) are reported. In this project, end of life Li(0)-MnO 2 batteries were cryo-mechanically treated and then the metals were recovered by a hydrometallurgical process. Representative samples of end of life Li(0) batteries were characterized by type and composition. Batteries were stabilized in an N 2 bath and then crushed, sieved, and magnetically separated in the SEVal pilot units. Separated fractions (fine fraction, magnetic coarse fraction, and non-magnetic coarse fraction) were chemically characterized for target metal content (Li and Mn). Fractions were first treated for Li extraction and recovery, then the fine fraction was also leached for Mn recovery. Mass balances evidenced a 55% recycling rate and process simulations outlined profitability in the potentiality range in agreement with battery collection fluxes.

Keywords: Li primary batteries; recycling; pilot scale demonstration; process simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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