Volume 99
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Mishra, A., & Sahu, R. (2025). Cutting-edge recycling solution at pilot-scale for end-of-life LiFePO4 batteries and recovery of graphite using centrifuge filtration. Particuology, 99, 11-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2025.02.012
Cutting-edge recycling solution at pilot-scale for end-of-life LiFePO4 batteries and recovery of graphite using centrifuge filtration
Abhilash Mishra a b *, Rina Sahu a
a National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
b ReCy Energy Pvt. Ltd, Pune, Maharashtra, India
10.1016/j.partic.2025.02.012
Volume 99, April 2025, Pages 11-22
Received 25 January 2025, Revised 12 February 2025, Accepted 14 February 2025, Available online 28 February 2025, Version of Record 8 March 2025.
E-mail: mishra.ab1993@gmail.com

Highlights

• Black mass is raw material for leaching instead of cathode powder.

• Research work performed at pilot scale instead of lab.

• For filtration centrifuge filter system is used.

• Economical process for recycling of LFP batteries.

• Graphite recovered with 93% carbon.


Abstract

The rapid growth of the electric vehicle market has led to an unprecedented demand for lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, renowned for their exceptional safety, performance, and environmental benefits. However, the escalating volume of spent LiFePO4 batteries poses significant environmental and resource challenges. To address these concerns, this study develops an innovative industrial-scale recycling process utilizing centrifuge filtration to recover graphite assisted hydrometallurgy for efficient recovery of lithium, iron and phosphorus from LiFePO4 black mass powder (cathode powder + graphite). Hydrometallurgical acid leaching of LiFePO4 black mass powder is optimized under following conditions; 1.2 M sulfuric acid, 5% hydrogen peroxide, 100 g/L pulp density at 60 °C for 180 min reaction time in a 500 L reactor at pilot plant scale, achieving 99.7% lithium extraction efficiency and 93.5% fixed carbon in graphite residue. Metal composition and crystal structure were all revealed by extensive characterization utilizing atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle size analyzer. This research provides a ground-breaking recycling pathway for LiFePO4 batteries, at pilot scale, promoting sustainable resource management, mitigating environmental risks, and supporting the circular economy. By leveraging centrifuge filtration-assisted hydrometallurgy, the recycling industry can efficiently recover valuable materials, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Black mass; Graphite; Hydrometallurgy; Leaching; LiFePO4; Sulfuric acid