The Recycling of End-of-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries and the Phase Characterisation of Black Mass

Black mass is the industry term applied to end-of-life (EoL) lithium-ion batteries that have been mechanically processed for potential use as a recycled material to recover the valuable metals present, including cobalt, lithium, manganese, nickel and copper. A significant challenge to the effective processing of black mass is the complexity of the feed material. Two samples of black mass from a European source were analysed using a combination of methods including automated SEM-EDS (AMICS) to characterise and quantify the phases present and particle chemistry. Micro X-CT imaging, overlain onto automated mineralogy images, enabled the 3D morphology of the particles to be determined. Micro-XRF was used to map the copper, nickel, manganese and cobalt-bearing phases. Since Li cannot be detected using SEM-EDS, its abundance was semi-quantified using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The integration of these complimentary analytical methods allowed for detailed phase characterisation, which may guide the potential hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical recycling routes and chemical assaying.

Automated summary

Black mass refers to mechanically processed end-of-life lithium-ion batteries used for recycling valuable metals such as cobalt, lithium, manganese, nickel, and copper. The complexity of the feed material poses a significant challenge in effective processing. Analytical methods such as automated SEM-EDS, micro X-CT imaging, and micro-XRF were used to characterize the phases and particle chemistry of black mass samples from a European source. The integration of these analytical methods allows for detailed phase characterization and potential guidance for recycling routes and chemical assaying.