NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) batteries are lithium-ion batteries whose cathode materials are composed of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO₂). Their cathode precursors are manufactured using nickel, cobalt, and manganese salts, with the ratio of these three metals adjusted according to specific application requirements. Thanks to their high energy density and excellent cycle performance, NMC batteries have become the primary power source for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and energy storage systems.
However, with the rapid growth in the installation of NMC batteries, the disposal of spent batteries has become an increasingly pressing issue. If not properly treated, waste lithium-ion batteries may release hazardous substances, including heavy metals, fluorides, organic solvents, and decomposition products. Once these substances enter the environment, they can pose long-term threats to water resources, soil, and ecosystems. Therefore, from the perspectives of both resource recycling and environmental protection, the efficient recovery of valuable metals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese from spent NMC batteries has become not only a policy priority but also an industrial necessity.
To address the recovery of nickel, cobalt, and manganese from spent NMC batteries, Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction Technology Co., Ltd. has developed an integrated process combining pretreatment and hydrometallurgical centrifugal solvent extraction, which is suitable for processing spent NMC batteries from various sources and in different specifications.
Pretreatment
The pretreatment stage mainly includes discharge, dismantling, and material classification. Spent batteries are first safely discharged in a saline solution, after which the outer casing and steel shell are removed to obtain the internal battery cells. Each cell consists of a cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte. The cathode active material is coated on aluminum foil, while the anode material is coated on copper foil. Through sorting and enrichment of the dismantled materials, cathode active materials rich in nickel, cobalt, and manganese are obtained for subsequent hydrometallurgical processing.
Hydrometallurgical Centrifugal Solvent Extraction
The hydrometallurgical centrifugal solvent extraction stage is the core of the entire process. Unlike pyrometallurgical recycling routes, the hydrometallurgical process uses acidic or alkaline solutions as the transfer medium to leach metal ions from the electrode materials into the liquid phase. Through a series of operations including solvent extraction, scrubbing, stripping, and solvent regeneration, the metal ions are selectively separated and recovered in the form of metal salts or oxides.
The key equipment used in this stage is the CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor, independently developed by Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction Technology Co., Ltd. As the core liquid-liquid extraction equipment, it offers several advantages. Its compact structure requires minimal installation space while providing high processing flexibility to accommodate different production capacities. The simplified process flow and user-friendly operation enable rapid continuous production. In addition, stable metal solutions can be obtained during the stripping stage to meet the purity requirements of downstream processing. The regenerated extractant can also be recycled, significantly reducing reagent consumption.
During operation, the CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor utilizes a high-speed centrifugal force field to achieve rapid mixing and phase separation between the extractant and the feed solution. It features high stage efficiency and low phase entrainment, effectively ensuring high recovery rates and separation purity for nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Furthermore, compared with traditional solvent extraction equipment, the CWL-M series Centrifugal Extractor operates with lower power consumption and reduced energy usage, helping to lower the overall operating costs of the recycling production line. The entire hydrometallurgical centrifugal solvent extraction process generates relatively small amounts of wastewater, waste gas, and solid waste, making it a green recycling technology that aligns with sustainable manufacturing principles.
Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction Technology Co., Ltd. provides complete equipment integration solutions for the recovery of nickel, cobalt, and manganese from spent NMC batteries. The company offers comprehensive technical services covering material analysis, process design, core liquid-liquid extraction equipment selection, system integration, and commissioning, helping recycling enterprises achieve both efficient resource recovery and cleaner production.
Email: sales@tieiextraction.com
Whatsapp: +86 19069612820
