Recovery of Cathode Copper and Ternary Precursors from Cus Slag Derived by Waste Lithium-Ion Batteries: Process Analysis and Evaluation

Abstract

A large amount of recyclable solid metal waste will be generated in the process of recycling waste lithium batteries. Recycling of waste residue is challenging because its complex composition and low content of valuable metal elements. Using CuS slag as an example, this work successfully recovered high purity cathode copper and commercially available ternary precursors. A new process of acid leaching–selective electroprecipitation–deep impurity removal–regeneration was proposed. Cathode copper with purity of 99.67% was prepared when the condition of -0.55 V and 2 h. In addition, a new impurity remover–Mn powder, was used firstly in this study. It can’t only remove residual impurities, but also can be used as raw materials to regenerate the ternary precursor NCM523. This process is superior to the traditional process in economy, energy consumption, CO2 emissions, product purity and process duration. This study provides a new approach for solid waste recovery and precious metal enrichment.

Keywords: CuS slag, Electrodeposition, Cathode copper, Ternary precursor