Search Results (42)

Tannin-modified Li₂TiO₃ powders (TA-Li₂TiO₃) were prepared by a precipitation-peptization process with titanium sulfate as the titanium source, lithium acetate as the lithium source, ammonia as the precipitator, and hydrogen peroxide as the complexing agent. The effects of the tannin addition ratio and the calcination temperature on the crystal structure and surface morphology of TA-Li₂TiO₃ were studied. After pickling TA-Li₂TiO₃ with diluted hydrochloric acid, TA-H₂TiO₃ was obtained. Its elution behavior and lithium adsorption performance were studied and the adsorption isotherm and kinetics were investigated. The results indicated that the crystal structure was well-defined, and a uniform mesoporous surface morphology was observed on the sample surface with a calcination temperature of 750 °C and a tannin addition ratio of 1 g:1 L. The specific surface area was increased by 15.1 m²/g compared with the unmodified one, and the hydrophilicity of the TA-H₂TiO₃ significantly improved. After elution with 0.2 mol/L hydrochloric acid for 8 h, the elution equilibrium was achieved, the lithium elution ratio reached 98.15% and the lithium adsorption capacity reached 39.13 mg/g, which were significantly higher than that of the unmodified one. The adsorption isotherm is more consistent with the Langmuir model, the adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo second order model, and the adsorption mechanism is chemical monolayer adsorption. Full article

This study demonstrates that sunflower plants display integrated, multilevel responses to excessive lithium (Li) exposure. Li concentrations above 5 mM markedly impair germination, growth, and biomass accumulation. Li is preferentially accumulated in the shoots, showing high translocation and bioaccumulation factors, and disrupts mineral nutrient homeostasis, particularly potassium (K) and sodium (Na) uptake, while inducing oxidative stress. Although photosynthetic pigment contents decline, photosynthetic efficiency is largely maintained, except at 10 mM Li. Li treatment enhances superoxide anion (O₂^.−) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production exclusively in leaves. Consequently, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR) increase in leaves, whereas only APX and GR are stimulated in the roots. Nitric oxide (NO) accumulation is detected only in leaves, while hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and glutathione (GSH) contents decline. Leaf ascorbate (AsA) levels decrease concomitantly with dehydroascorbate (DHA) accumulation. Expression analyses of catalase, DHAR, DHAR-like, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes confirm their involvement in Li stress responses. Moreover, global DNA methylation analyses reveal hypomethylation in leaves and hypermethylation in the roots. Overall, Li exposure induces dose- and organ-specific physiological, molecular, and epigenetic adjustments in sunflower plants under environmentally relevant concentrations and controlled experimental conditions in this study. Full article

The accelerating global demand for cobalt, driven primarily by lithium-ion batteries, has intensified the search for alternative sources of supply. Mine tailings represent a promising secondary resource, particularly in regions with extensive mining histories such as Chile. This study evaluates cobalt leaching from copper tailings using a deep eutectic solvent (DES), choline chloride–citric acid (ChCl–CA), with controlled addition of hydrogen peroxide. The tailings were subjected to pretreatments (froth flotation, chlorination, and thermal roasting) and then leached with choline chloride–citric acid-based DES or H₂SO₄. Temperature, leaching time, and solid–liquid ratio were evaluated. Results show that roasting significantly enhanced cobalt recovery when followed by citric acid or DES leaching, reaching up to 100% Co recovery. Under optimized conditions, DES-based leaching was effective and selective in a polymetallic matrix and achieved recoveries comparable to or better than acid leaching without generating toxic emissions. Although flotation and chlorination had limited effects on overall recovery, the results demonstrate the viability of integrated and cleaner technologies for valorizing tailings that contain critical metals such as cobalt. Full article

Near-complete (>99%) dissolution of lithium and cobalt was achieved by the leaching of black mass from spent (end-of-life) lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) using 4 M H₂SO₄ or HCl at 60 °C. Raising the temperature to 90 °C did not increase the overall extraction of lithium or cobalt, but it increased the rate of extraction. At 60 °C, 2 M H₂SO₄ or 2 M HCl performed similarly to the 4 M H₂SO₄/HCl solution, although extractions were lower using 1 M H₂SO₄ or HCl (~95% and 98%, respectively). High extractions were also observed by leaching in low pulp density (15 g/L) at 60 °C with 2 M CH₂ClCOOH. Leaching was much slower with hydrogen peroxide reductant concentrations below 0.5 mol/L, with cobalt extractions of 90–95% after 3 h. Pulp densities of up to 250 g/L were tested when leaching with 4 M H₂SO₄ or HCl, with the stoichiometric limit estimated for each test based on the metal content of the black mass. Extractions were consistently high, above 95% for Li/Ni/Mn/Cu with a pulp density of 150 g/L, dropping sharply above this point because of insufficient remaining acid in the solution in the later stages of leaching. The final component of the test work used leaching parameters identified in the previous experiments as producing the largest extractions, and just sulphuric acid. A seven-stage semi-continuous sulphuric acid leach at 60 °C of black mass from LiBs that had undergone an oxidising roast (2h in a tube furnace at 500 °C under flowing air) to remove binder material resulted in high (93%) extraction of cobalt and near total (98–100%) extractions of lithium, nickel, manganese, and copper. Higher cobalt extraction (>98%) was expected, but a refractory spinel-type cobalt oxide, Co₃O₄, was generated during the oxidising roast as a result of inefficient aeration, which reduced the extraction efficiency. Full article

A major challenge for Li-O₂ batteries is the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction (ORR) and evolution (OER) reactions. This work presents a high-performance Pt₃Rh/C composite cathode where Pt-Rh nanoalloys are uniformly dispersed on 3D nanoporous carbon. The bimetallic architecture demonstrates significantly enhanced ORR/OER activity compared to conventional catalysts. Super P, with a large specific surface area and omnipresent pores with diverse size distribution, provided sufficient storage space for Li₂O₂ and facilitated transport channels for Li⁺ and O₂, while the highly conductive Pt₃Rh NPs optimized catalytic efficiency. XPS reveals a prominent electron transfer process between Pt and Rh; the Rh sites in Pt₃Rh/C alloy can effectively act as electron donors to improve the oxygen/lithium peroxide (O₂/Li₂O₂) redox chemistry in LOB. Therefore, the Pt₃Rh/C electrode shows the minimum overpotential (0.60 V) for efficient oxygen reduction and evolution under an upper-limit capacity of 2000 mAh g⁻¹. This work introduces a Pt₃Rh/C nanoalloy synthesis method that boosts Li-O₂ battery efficiency by accelerating oxygen reaction kinetics. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage. However, the commercial graphite anode is not suitable for SIBs due to its low Na⁺ ion storage capability. Currently, hard carbon has been considered a promising anode material for SIBs. Herein, the surface porousized hard carbon anode materials have been prepared by using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) with a hydrothermal method (HC-HO) and utilized as the anode material for SIBs. The porous structure of HC-HO provides more storage space for Na⁺ ions and enhances the intercalation/deintercalation reversibility and diffusion rate of Na⁺ ions. Moreover, HC-HO can effectively alleviate the particle volume expansion and generate a thin and stable SEI film during charge/discharge processes. Thus, the HC-HO exhibits a high reversible capacity (314.4 mAh g⁻¹ with an ICE of 92.3% at 0.05 C), excellent rate performance (241.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 3 C), and outstanding cycling stability (a capacity retention of 78.6% after 500 cycles at 1 C). The preparation of porous hard carbon provides new ideas for the future development direction of hard carbon. Full article

Microbial lipids are substances of high added value produced by single-cell organisms grown on simple substrates. These lipids, depending on the producing organism, may contain rare fatty acids, whose isolation and purification from non-microbial sources usually is an inefficient and costly procedure. Such fatty acids mostly include members of the omega-3 and omega-6 families of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are credited with potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective actions. However, their poor solubility in aqueous solutions often restricts their potential applications, as routes other than dietary consumption are unavailable. A promising approach for administering them is their conversion into alkali salts, mostly with lithium or potassium, which are water-soluble and bio-assimilable. In this article, all studies investigating the potential anticancer effects of alkali salts of fatty acids isolated from microorganisms were reviewed in an attempt to sum up existing knowledge and encourage further research. Full article

Oxidative stress and membrane damage are believed to be principally involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. This study aimed to assess the effects of phenosanic acid (PA), an antioxidant and membrane protector, in acute pentylenetetrazole and chronic lithium–pilocarpine seizure models in male Wistar rats. PA was administered acutely (ip, 120 mg/kg BW ip, or 240 mg/kg BW per os) or chronically (80 mg/kg BW/day per os). Indices of free radical oxidation, the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenocortical axis, and the nitrergic system were assessed in blood and brain regions. Morphological analysis of the hippocampus was performed in the lithium–pilocarpine model. PA exerted an acute anti-seizure effect in the pentylenetetrazole model. In the lithium–pilocarpine model, acute PA treatment decreased the death rate and corticosterone levels in the neocortex and brainstem. In contrast, the level of free radical oxidation products reacting with thiobarbituric acid declined in the brain stem in response to chronic PA treatment. In the lithium–pilocarpine model, the neuronal density in the dentate gyrus was elevated, and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive (PCNA+) cell counts in the subgranular zone did not differ between groups. Doublecortin positive (DCX+) cell count was significantly increased after chronic PA treatment. PA-induced reduction in mortality in the lithium–pilocarpine epilepsy model may be partially mediated by decreasing the lipid peroxidation and corticosterone levels in different brain regions. Chronic PA treatment may affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis by either prolonging the action of factors that increase neurogenesis after status epilepticus or by slowing down the neuronal differentiation rate. These data suggest that PA may be a disease-modifying AED able to hamper epileptogenesis. Full article

The characterization of historical tailings bodies is crucial for optimizing environmental management and resource recovery efforts. This study investigated the Bielatal tailings dam (Altenberg, Germany), examining its internal structure, material distribution influenced by historical flushing technology, and the spatial distribution of valuable elements. To evaluate the tailings resource potential, drill core sampling was conducted at multiple points at a depth of 7 m. Subsequent analyses included geochemical characterization using sodium peroxide fusion, lithium borate fusion, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Particle size distribution analysis via a laser particle size analyzer and wet sieving was conducted alongside milieu parameter (pH, Eh, EC) analysis. A theoretical assessment of the tailings’ potential for geopolymer applications was conducted by comparing them with other tailings used in geopolymer research and relevant European standards. The results indicated average concentrations of lithium (Li) of 0.1 wt%, primarily hosted in Li-mica phases, and concentrations of tin (Sn) of 0.12 wt%, predominantly occurring in cassiterite. Particle size analysis revealed that the tailings material is generally fine-grained, comprising approximately 60% silt, 32% fine sand, and 8% clay. These textural characteristics influenced the spatial distribution of elements, with Li and Sn enriched in fine-grained fractions predominantly concentrated in the dam’s central and western sections, while coarser material accumulated near injection points. Historical advancements in mineral processing, particularly flotation, had significantly influenced Sn distribution, with deeper layers showing higher Sn enrichment, except for the final operational years, which also exhibited elevated Sn concentrations. Due to the limitations of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in detecting Li, a strong correlation between rubidium (Rb) and Li was established, allowing Li quantification via Rb measurements across varying particle sizes, redox conditions, and geological settings. This demonstrated that Rb can serve as a reliable proxy for Li quantification in diverse contexts. Geochemical and mineralogical analyses revealed a composition dominated by quartz, mica, topaz, and alkali feldspars. The weakly acidic to neutral conditions (pH 5.9–7.7) and reducing redox potential (Eh, 570 to 45 mV) of the tailings material indicated a minimal risk of acid mine drainage. Preliminary investigations into using Altenberg tailings as geopolymer materials suggested that their silicon-rich composition could serve as a substitute for coal fly ash in construction; however, pre-treatment would be needed to enhance reactivity. This study underscores the dual potential of tailings for element recovery and sustainable construction, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical processing techniques for informed resource utilization. Full article

The recycling of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles was investigated, by applying mechanical pretreatment and hydrometallurgical methods. The aim was to extract lithium (Li) into the aqueous solution and precipitate iron (Fe) in the form of ferric iron phosphate (FePO₄). Samples of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from small electric vehicles provided by the company BEEV were used in this study. Initially, the black mass was isolated using mechanical crushing, screening, and sink–float separation methods, avoiding the need for costly chemical or thermal treatments. The cathodic material was then leached with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to oxidize ferrous to ferric iron, resulting in the precipitation of iron phosphate, which was collected in the solid residue from the leaching process. Leaching tests were conducted by varying the concentrations of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, as well as the leaching time. It has been indicated that by using a sulfuric acid concentration equal to the stoichiometric requirement, and hydrogen peroxide at four times the stoichiometric amount, Li extraction of greater than 98% was achieved within the first few minutes of leaching, while iron extraction remained below 0.5%. Full article

This study explores the optimization of hydrometallurgical processes for recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) containing a mixture of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel–manganese–cobalt (NMC) cathodes. Two approaches were investigated: acid-excess leaching and acid-deficient leaching with residue recirculation. A design of experiments (DoE) framework was applied to assess the impact of key parameters, including sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, as well as solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratios, on the dissolution yields of target metals (Ni, Mn, Co, and Li). Acid-excess leaching achieved nearly complete dissolution of target metals but required additional purification steps to remove impurities. Acid-deficient leaching with a 60% recirculation of leaching residue improved dissolution yields by up to 12.5%, reduced reagent consumption, and minimized operational complexity. The study also evaluated separation strategies for manganese and cobalt through solvent extraction. Results indicate that while acid-excess leaching offers higher yields, acid-deficient leaching with residue recirculation is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. These findings provide valuable insights for developing sustainable LIB recycling technologies. Full article

The market for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries is projected to grow in the near future. However, recycling methods targeting LFP batteries, especially production scraps, are still underdeveloped. This study investigated the extraction of iron phosphate and lithium from LFP production scraps using selective leaching, considering technical and economic aspects. Two leaching agents, sulfuric acid (0.25–0.5 M, 25 °C, 1 h, 50 g/L) and citric acid (0.25–0.5 M, 25 °C, 1 h, 70 g/L) were compared; hydrogen peroxide (3–6%vv.) was added to prevent iron and phosphorous solubilization. Sulfuric acid leached up to 98% of Li and recovered up to 98% of Fe and P in the solid residues. Citric acid leached 18–26% of Li and recovered 98% of Fe and P. Totally, 28% of Li was precipitated for sulfuric acid process, while recovery with citric acid did not produce enough precipitate for a characterization. Sulfur is the main impurity present in the precipitates. The total operative costs associated with reagents and energy consumption of the sulfuric acid route were below 3.00 €/kg. In conclusion, selective leaching provided a viable and economic method to recycle LFP production scraps, and it is worth further research to optimize Lithium recovery. Full article

This study introduces an innovative strategy for the selective leaching of lithium from spent Li-ion batteries. Based on thermodynamic assessments and exploiting waste eggshells as a source of calcium carbonate, an impressive 38% of lithium was dissolved selectively through mechanical milling and water leaching, outperforming conventional thermochemical methods. Afterwards, a hydrogen peroxide-assisted sulfuric acid leaching was also implemented to solubilize targeted elements (Mn, Co, Ni, and Li), with an exceptional 99% efficiency in Mn removal from the leachate using potassium permanganate and a pH range of 1.5 to 3.5. Selective separations of Co and Ni were then facilitated utilizing CYANEX 272 and n-heptane. This comprehensive study presents a promising and sustainable avenue for the effective recovery of Li and associated co-elements from spent lithium batteries. Full article

Metals such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and manganese are widely used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electronic devices and electric vehicles. It is forecast that there will be a strong increase in the number of electronic devices and electric vehicles in the coming years. (1) Background: In this paper, the application of ultrasound waves on improving Li, Co, Mn, and Ni leaching efficiency from mixed active cathode materials from different types of LIBs is presented. (2) Methods: Environmentally friendly, low-concentrated (0.75 M) organic acids (oxalic acid, citric acid) and, additionally, sulfuric acid, were used in sonochemical and chemical leaching (stirring process) at a temperature of 60 °C. (3) Results: The results showed significantly higher leaching efficiency of metals with ultrasound-assisted treatment, especially when using organic acids. An average of 50% better leaching results were obtained for Li in oxalic acid (99.6%) and for Co (93.1%) in citric acid during sonochemical leaching. (4) Conclusions: Based on the theory of hydrogen peroxide formation during ultrasound wave transition in solutions, the role of H₂O₂ as one of the most effective reductants used to enhance cobalt, manganese, and nickel leaching from LIBs is indicated. Full article

Lithium-ion portable batteries (LiPBs) contain valuable elements such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lithium (Li) and manganese (Mn), which can be recovered through solid–liquid extraction using choline chloride-based Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and bi-functional ionic liquids (ILs). This study was carried out to investigate the extraction of metals from solid powder, black mass (BM), obtained from LiPBs, with various solvents used: six choline chloride-based DESs in combination with organic acids: lactic acid (1:2, DES 1), malonic acid (1:1, DES 2), succinic acid (1:1, DES 3), glutaric acid (1:1, DES 4) and citric acid (1:1, DES 5 and 2:1, DES 6). Various additives, such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDACl) surfactant, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), pentapotassium bis(peroxymonosulphate) bis(sulphate) (PHM), (glycine + H₂O₂) or (glutaric acid + H₂O₂) were used. The best efficiency of metal extraction was obtained with the mixture of {DES 2 + 15 g of glycine + H₂O₂} in two-stage extraction at pH = 3, T = 333 K, 2 h. In order to obtain better extraction efficiency towards Co, Ni, Li and Mn (100%) and for Cu (75%), the addition of glycine was used. The obtained extraction results using choline chloride-based DESs were compared with those obtained with three bi-functional ILs: didecyldimethylammonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate, [N_10,10,1,1][Cyanex272], didecyldimethylammonium bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, [N_10,10,1,1][D2EHPA], and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate, [P_6,6,6,14][Cyanex272]/toluene. The results of the extraction of all metal ions with these bi-functional ILs were only at the level of 35–50 wt%. The content of metal ions in aqueous and stripped organic solutions was determined by ICP-OES. In this work, we propose an alternative and highly efficient concept for the extraction of valuable metals from BM of LiPBs using DESs and ILs at low temperatures instead of acid leaching at high temperatures. Full article