Researchers Create More Eco-Friendly Trick to Retrieve Cobalt from Used Lithium-ion Batteries
Researchers at Linnaeus University have developed a more environmentally friendly way of retrieving cobalt from used lithium-ion batteries. With a liquid solvent made of readily available substances, derived from urine and acetic acid, over 97 percent of the cobalt can be recovered. The researchers see good potential for large-scale application.
The new solvent is composed of ammonia and a source of acetate, both of which are derived from urine and acetic acid. This isn't the first time urine has been used for environmentally friendly methods; its high ammonium content makes it an ideal source for extracting cobalt.
The cobalt extraction process is expensive and highly energy intensive, so this method of extraction is both cost-effective and energy-saving. It also uses chemicals that are much safer for the environment compared to traditional methods.
The team aims to improve the solvent's performance even further to allow for the extraction of other valuable metals such as nickel, manganese and molybdenum. They also plan to investigate potential applications in other industries, such as the production of fuel cells and batteries.
This research demonstrates the viability of using sustainable, natural methods to recover metals from used lithium-ion batteries. The researchers' method is a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable future.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/almost-all-cobalt-can-be-recycled-using-new-method-requiring-less-energy-with-little-environmental-impact
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