Microrecycled Co3O4 from waste lithium-ion battery: Synthesis, characterisation and implication in environmental application

Microrecycling based techniques are developed to synthesise phase pure porous Co3O4 using thermal isolation and controlled recycling pathways to achieve environmental outcomes that could manufacture and recycle hazardous spent Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The existing synthesising strategies for high surface area and small crystal grains of Co3O4 rely on raw materials, complex chemicals and experimental conditions. Herein the proposed facile technique produces Co3O4 with nanosized crystal grains and a large specific surface area of 79.2 m2 g-1 by utilising the cathode and anode material (CAM) of spent LIBs. The controllable synthesis of the Co3O4 also offers value added co-product of Lithium in the form of Li2CO3. Further utilisation of synthesised Co3O4 as a catalyst for toxic dye degradation offers an excellent opportunity to deliver benefits for society by creating a resource from waste that could treat other waste in our environment.

Automated summary

This study explores microrecycling based techniques for synthesising phase pure porous Co3O4 to achieve environmental outcomes in the manufacturing and recycling of hazardous spent Lithium-ion batteries. The study finds that by utilizing the cathode and anode materials of spent batteries, nanosized crystal grains and a large specific surface area of Co3O4 can be produced, along with a valuable co-product of Lithium in the form of Li2CO3. Additionally, the synthesised Co3O4 can serve as a catalyst for toxic dye degradation, providing an opportunity to create a resource from waste and treat other waste in the environment.