Selective Extraction of Transition Metals from Spent LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 Cathode via Regulation of Coordination Environment

The complexity of chemical compounds in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) results in great difficulties in the extraction of multiple transition metals, which have similar physicochemical characteristics. Here, we propose a novel strategy for selective extraction of nickel, cobalt, and manganese from spent LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM) cathode through the regulation of coordination environment. Depending on adjusting the composition of ligand in transition metal complexes, a tandem leaching and separation system is designed and finally enables nickel, cobalt, and manganese to enrich in the form of NiO, Co3O4, and Mn3O4 with high recovery yields of 99.1 %, 95.1 %, and 95.3 %, respectively. We further confirm that the combination of different transition metals with well-designed ligands is the key to good selectivity. Through our work, fine-tuning the coordination environment of metal ions is proved to have great prospects in the battery recycling industry.

Automated summary

This study proposes a novel strategy for the selective extraction of nickel, cobalt, and manganese from the cathode of LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM) by regulating the coordination environment. The results show high recovery yields and indicate the potential of fine-tuning the coordination environment of metal ions in the battery recycling industry.