Hydrometallurgical extraction method for Cu separation and Co recovery from spent batteries using synergistic effects

Hydrometallurgical extraction method for spent batteries that enhances copper and cobalt separation factors through synergistic mixed extractants

This technology improves the separation factor between Co and Cu and reduces the number of stages in the refining process by inducing a synergistic effect. This is achieved by mixing D2EHPA solvent with PC88A or Cyanex 272 in a specific ratio during the impurity removal stage of the spent battery hydrometallurgical process.

In the process of recovering valuable metals (Ni, Co, Li) from spent batteries, the difficulty in separating specific impurities, particularly copper (Cu), has led to an increase in the number of washing stages and higher overall process costs.

By using an organic solvent based on D2EHPA mixed with PC88A or Cyanex 272 in a ratio of 1:1 to 3:1 (preferably 2:1) to remove impurities at a pH of 2.0 to 3.0, this technology can substantially contribute to securing commercial competitiveness in resource circulation and recycling.

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Key Features:

• Impurity removal process that removes copper-containing impurities from spent battery raw materials and discharges an aqueous phase containing nickel and cobalt
• Hydrometallurgical method using a mixture of D2EHPA and PC88A or Cyanex 272 as a solvent extractant in the impurity removal process
• Cobalt extraction process that extracts cobalt from the aqueous phase containing nickel and cobalt, and discharges an aqueous phase containing nickel
• Nickel extraction process that recovers valuable metals by extracting nickel from the aqueous phase containing nickel

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