Optimized Ammonia Leaching and Energy-Efficient Stripping for Lithium and Cobalt Recovery from Spent LiCoO2 Cathodes


Batkal A. Kamunur K. Mussapyrova L. Milikhat B. Nadirov R.
July 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Metals
2025#15Issue 7

This study investigates the optimization of an ammonia-based leaching process for the recovery of lithium and cobalt from spent LiCoO2 cathodes, coupled with an energy-efficient ammonia stripping approach. Kinetic analysis revealed that both lithium and cobalt extraction follow pseudo-first-order kinetics, with activation energies of 76.54 kJ/mol and 97.22 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating a chemically controlled process. Optimal leaching conditions were established at 6 M NH3, 1.5 M (NH4)2CO3, liquid-to-solid ratio of 10:1, and 70 °C for 5 h, achieving 82.5% lithium and 96.1% cobalt recovery. The ammonia stripping process was optimized for energy efficiency, with operations at 95–98 °C providing the best balance between rapid NH3 removal and energy consumption. At 98 °C, energy demand was reduced to ~282 kJ/mol, a sevenfold improvement over lower temperature operations. A stepwise separation strategy was developed, involving selective lithium precipitation at pH 10.7–10.8, followed by controlled ammonia stripping to precipitate cobalt at pH 8.8–9.0. This integrated approach offers a promising alternative to conventional acid-based recycling methods, combining high metal recovery with improved energy efficiency and reagent recyclability.

ammonia leaching , ammonia stripping , cobalt , energy efficiency , kinetics , LiCoO2 cathodes , lithium , lithium-ion batteries recycling , metal recovery

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Institute of Combustion Problems, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan

Institute of Combustion Problems
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology

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