Steam-enabled recovery of lithium from lithium iron phosphate batteries

Among different types of spent lithium ion batteries (LIBs), recycling the spent LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries in industry is challenging, due to their low extraction efficiency, low recycling selectivity of lithium, and secondary waste generation by usage of mineral acids and bases. A facile, economical and sustainable method is proposed to selectively leach Li from spent LFP batteries.

Specifically, based on thermodynamic analysis, we plan to only use steam, CO2 (as acidic agent), and air (as oxidant) to oxidize Fe2+ and de-intercalate Li+ from LFP. The high efficiency of Li leaching and the easy separation of Li and Fe can be achieved simultaneously.

Economic, environmental and energy consumption analyses will be conducted to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of the approach.

This project offers a promising methodology to recycle the spent LFP by incorporating the principles of green chemistry, and probably contributes to the sustainability of the LIB industry.