Treatment of end of life Li primary batteries. Cryo-mechanical and hydrometallurgical treatment
Li primary batteries are currently treated along with other Li batteries in few big pyrometallurgical plants in northern EU countries. Pyrometallurgical processes present negative environmental impacts while hydrometallurgical processing can potentially ensure the integral recovery of all materials in li primary batteries. In this work, preliminary experimental findings obtained in LIFE-LIBAT project (LIFE16 ENV/IT/000389) about cryo-mechanical and chemical treatment of Li(0)-MnO2 batteries were reported. Representative samples of Li(0) batteries collected by SEVal were characterized for type and composition. Batteries were stabilised in N2 bath and then crushed and sieved in SEVal pilot units. Separated fractions (external case and electrodic materials) were chemically characterized for target metal content (Li and Mn). Electrodic powder was then treated hydrometallurgically for Li and Mn extraction and their recovery as carbonate and hydroxide, respectively.