Leaching kinetics and interface reaction of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 materials from spent LIBs using GKB as reductant.

Abstract The application of green reductant is signification to recycling of cathode materials from spent lithium ions batteries. Here, ginkgo biloba was developed for enhancing leaching of spent LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 materials with systematically analysis of leaching kinetics and interface reaction. The leaching efficiencies of Ni, Mn, Co, and Li reach respectively 98.65 %, 98.25 %, 98.41 % and 99.99 % under optimal condition of 1.8 mol/L H2SO4 concentration, 9 g/L ginkgo biloba, 80 °C leaching temperature, 40 min time and 15 g/L pulp density. The apparent activation energies for leaching of Ni, Co, Mn and Li determined as 74.63, 79.33, 73.14 and 23.43 kJ/mol, respectively, indicates that the leaching process was controlled by the surface chemical reaction during the leaching process. Meanwhile, the regenerated material with better electrochemical performance was obtained by co-precipitation and calcination from leachate. Finally, the process is environmental friendly and economical feasible for recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries.