3235
Application of Electrodialysis for the Selective Lithium
Extraction from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
Alexandre Chagnes, Soumaya Gmar, Laurence Muhr
Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Nancy, France
ABSTRACT: Electrodialysis, an established technology, holds untapped potential in hydrometallurgical
processes despite being underutilized. The effectiveness of this process hinges on membrane properties and
electrodialyzer design, necessitating optimal operational conditions to minimize membrane aging and prevent
clogging. Seamless integration into the broader hydrometallurgical workflow is imperative. This study explores
leveraging electrodialysis for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries. Examining highly selective membranes for
lithium(I) recovery towards cobalt(II), nickel(II), and manganese(II) using monovalent ion-selective membranes
reveals that the presence of divalent cations in the leach solution leads to metal precipitation within the
membrane after more than 15 hours. Based on these findings, a conceptual flowchart encompassing leaching,
solvent extraction, precipitation/crystallization, and electrodialysis operations is proposed.
INTRODUCTION
The ubiquitous presence of lithium-ion batteries in our daily
lives makes them the technology of choice for ensuring the
autonomy of electric vehicles. While this technology has
reached a level of maturity, there remain numerous chal-
lenges to meet the demands of increasingly energy-intensive
applications. For instance, the immediate need to enhance
battery energy density for electric vehicles requires ensur-
ing impeccable safety in usage. Achieving this entails the
development of new positive electrode materials capable of
cycling at higher voltages and electrolytes compatible with
these materials. However, the scope extends beyond craft-
ing high-performing materials for electrochemical energy
storage. Technologies associated with batteries rely on the
utilization of raw materials, some of which are critical and
result in environmental pollution at the end of their life
cycle. Hence, it becomes crucial to embed battery design
and development within a sustainable framework, integrat-
ing them into a circular economic system. The integration
of this circular vision aims to foster a continuous posi-
tive development cycle, preserving and expanding natural
capital, optimizing resource efficiency, and minimizing sys-
temic risks.
Consequently, optimizing the recycling and reutiliza-
tion of battery components becomes imperative to signifi-
cantly reduce their environmental impact while mitigating
geopolitical tensions related to mineral resources required
for their production. Although recycling will never fully
substitute mining, it serves to decrease reliance on exter-
nal resources, ensuring the presence of exploitable resources
domestically—a particularly salient point for countries
like France and European countries, where available or
exploitable resources are limited. This strategic move not
only minimizes environmental footprints but also bolsters
resource security within national boundaries.
Most of hydrometallurgical processes rely on the imple-
mentation of solvent extraction and precipitation-crystalli-
zation operations to extract and separate the different metals
contained in the black mass. However, implementation of
Application of Electrodialysis for the Selective Lithium
Extraction from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
Alexandre Chagnes, Soumaya Gmar, Laurence Muhr
Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Nancy, France
ABSTRACT: Electrodialysis, an established technology, holds untapped potential in hydrometallurgical
processes despite being underutilized. The effectiveness of this process hinges on membrane properties and
electrodialyzer design, necessitating optimal operational conditions to minimize membrane aging and prevent
clogging. Seamless integration into the broader hydrometallurgical workflow is imperative. This study explores
leveraging electrodialysis for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries. Examining highly selective membranes for
lithium(I) recovery towards cobalt(II), nickel(II), and manganese(II) using monovalent ion-selective membranes
reveals that the presence of divalent cations in the leach solution leads to metal precipitation within the
membrane after more than 15 hours. Based on these findings, a conceptual flowchart encompassing leaching,
solvent extraction, precipitation/crystallization, and electrodialysis operations is proposed.
INTRODUCTION
The ubiquitous presence of lithium-ion batteries in our daily
lives makes them the technology of choice for ensuring the
autonomy of electric vehicles. While this technology has
reached a level of maturity, there remain numerous chal-
lenges to meet the demands of increasingly energy-intensive
applications. For instance, the immediate need to enhance
battery energy density for electric vehicles requires ensur-
ing impeccable safety in usage. Achieving this entails the
development of new positive electrode materials capable of
cycling at higher voltages and electrolytes compatible with
these materials. However, the scope extends beyond craft-
ing high-performing materials for electrochemical energy
storage. Technologies associated with batteries rely on the
utilization of raw materials, some of which are critical and
result in environmental pollution at the end of their life
cycle. Hence, it becomes crucial to embed battery design
and development within a sustainable framework, integrat-
ing them into a circular economic system. The integration
of this circular vision aims to foster a continuous posi-
tive development cycle, preserving and expanding natural
capital, optimizing resource efficiency, and minimizing sys-
temic risks.
Consequently, optimizing the recycling and reutiliza-
tion of battery components becomes imperative to signifi-
cantly reduce their environmental impact while mitigating
geopolitical tensions related to mineral resources required
for their production. Although recycling will never fully
substitute mining, it serves to decrease reliance on exter-
nal resources, ensuring the presence of exploitable resources
domestically—a particularly salient point for countries
like France and European countries, where available or
exploitable resources are limited. This strategic move not
only minimizes environmental footprints but also bolsters
resource security within national boundaries.
Most of hydrometallurgical processes rely on the imple-
mentation of solvent extraction and precipitation-crystalli-
zation operations to extract and separate the different metals
contained in the black mass. However, implementation of