Comparison of Li(I) Precipitation from the Leaching Solution of the Dust from Spent Lithium-ion Batteries Treatment between Sodium Carbonate and Ammonium Carbonate

Abstract

Smelting reduction of spent lithium-ion batteries results in metallic alloys, slag, and dust containing Li(I). Precipitation of Li 2 CO 3 was performed using the synthetic leachate of the dust. Herein, the effects of the precipitant and addition of non-aqueous solvents on the precipitation of Li(I) were investigated. Na 2 CO 3 was a more effective precipitating agent than (NH 4 ) 2 CO 3 owing to the hydrolysis reaction of dissolved ammonium and carbonate. The addition of acetone or ethanol improved the Li(I) precipitation percentage for both the precipitants. When using (NH 4 ) 2 CO 3 , the Li(I) precipitation percentage increased at a solution pH of 12. Under the same conditions, the Li(I) precipitation percentage using Na 2 CO 3 was much higher than that using (NH 4 ) 2 CO 3 .