SIMULTANEOUS RECYCLING OF NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE, LITHIUM ION AND PRIMARY LITHIUM BATTERIES: ACCOMPLISHMENT OF EUROPEAN GUIDELINES BY OPTIMIZING MECHANICAL PRETREATMENT AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION OPERATIONS

In this paper, the recycling of nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-Ion) and primary lithium batteries was examined. The objective was to develop effective mechanical routes for the recovery of essential materials, separating them into three main fractions: ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and electrodic powders. A unique mechanical route was also applied to treat mixed battery types, leading to a powder enriched in cobalt, nickel, and manganese, suitable for further chemical leaching. Experimental tests of solvent extraction were conducted on synthetic leach liquors developed from a feed mixture of spent batteries collected in Northern Italy. It was found that nickel and cobalt could be efficiently separated from manganese using Cyanex 272, though prior removal of manganese was necessary to maintain selectivity. This involved using D2EHPA for manganese extraction, indicating a stoichiometric ratio and pH-dependent process. Overall, mechanical treatments combined with hydrometallurgical methods can achieve a minimum recovery of 50% by weight, in accordance with the European Guideline 2006/66/EC. These findings underscore the potential for advancing battery recycling efforts to meet regulatory standards.