Pilot scale study for precious metals from LIB waste | Nurak Grisdanurak

As lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) approach the end of their life cycle, a significant amount of waste is expected to accumulate. To address this, our research team has been actively engaged in recycling LIBs, focusing specifically on LMO, LCO, and NMC battery types. Our primary objective has been to recover valuable metals such as lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). Since 2019, both laboratory-scale experiments and pilot-scale operations have been conducted. The recycling process is structured into two main phases: 1) Black Mass Production – Designed as a continuous- operation prototype unit, this stage separates black mass from LIB and electronic device waste. The system has a processing capacity of 400 kg/day, successfully converting over 60% of the batteries into high-quality black mass, which serves as raw material for metal recovery. 2) Precious Metal Extraction – Conducted in a 20 and 100 L constant- stirred tank reactor, this stage involves acid leaching (achieving 80% leaching efficiency in 3 hours) and precipitation at varying pH levels. After filtration, the extracted black powder was identified as graphite using XRD analysis. In the further stage, it resulted in the recovery of Cu-Ni compounds, Mn(OH)₂, MnCO₃, and Li₂CO₃. A comprehensive mass balance was recorded throughout, allowing for a full evaluation of the environmental impact associated with the entire recycling process.

This presentation is part of the Power-to-X for a Sustainable Future Workshop 2025, taking place on 14–16 September 2025 at the Montien Hotel Surawong, Bangkok, Thailand. The Power-to-X initiative is supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering.