Bacterial acidic agents-assisted multi-elemental (Ni, Co, and Li) leaching of used lithium-ion batteries at high pulp densities

Abstract

Accumulating used lithium-ion battery cathodes and associated environmental concerns necessitate efficient recycling strategies. Biohydrometallurgical processes often face challenges at high pulp densities due to microbial inhibition and substrate limitations, particularly sulfur availability, which is crucial for bacterial acidic agent production. This study introduces a breakthrough spent-medium bioleaching approach optimized for high-pulp-density conditions. We systematically addressed key challenges, including bacterial inhibition, sulfuric acid optimization, and its impact on critical metal dissolution. Using response surface methodology, we optimized sulfur dosage, inoculum size, and initial pH to enhance bacterial acidic agent production by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, achieving a sulfate concentration of 40.3 g/l and a ΔpH of 1.87. Metal removal efficiency was assessed at pulp densities of 10-50 g/l, demonstrating high extraction rates of Li (92%), Ni (88%), and Co (78%) at 50 g/l after 7 days. Comparative analysis with chemical leaching confirmed the effectiveness of this green strategy. Furthermore, a kinetic study using the Avrami equation and shrinking core model revealed that both models yield comparable results, and diffusion through the product layer controlled the leaching rate. This study presents a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for waste recycling at high pulp densities by integrating process optimization, spent-medium bioleaching, and kinetic modeling for critical metal extraction from lithium-ion battery cathodes.

Keywords: Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans; Bacterial acidic agent; Biohydrometallurgy; High pulp density; Response surface methodology; Used lithium-ion batteries.

Fig. 1

Contour plots of interactions of factors for SC; (a) SD and initial pH at a constant inoculum size of 4% v/v, and (b) SD and inoculum size at a constant initial pH of 2.5. Contour plots of interactions of factors for ΔpH; (c) SD and initial pH at constant inoculum size of 10%v/v, and (d) SD and inoculum size at a constant initial pH of 2.4.

Fig. 2

(a) The influence of pulp density on the metal extraction of Co, Ni, and Li, (b) a comparison between bioleaching and chemical leaching, and (c) the impact of bioleaching time on metals extraction in optimum conditions.

Fig. 3

Model fitting to experimental data by shrinking core model; (a) conventional model for lithium; (b) modified model for lithium; (c) conventional model for nickel; (d) modified model for nickel; (e) conventional model for cobalt; and (f) modified model for cobalt; and Avrami equation for; (g) lithium; (h) nickel; (i) cobalt.

Fig. 4

FE-SEM images of ULIB; (a) before and (b) after the bioleaching process at different magnitudes.