Green method for recovering lithium and iron from lithium batteries

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method for recovering lithium (Li) and iron (Fe) from a substrate (S) containing LiFePO4/C(s), the method comprising the steps of: i.—Bringing the substrate (S) into contact with an aqueous leaching solution comprising an organic acid chosen from alkylsulfonic, alkylarylsulfonic, arylsulfonic acids, ethylenediamine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) or a mixture thereof, and optionally an oxidizing agent, whereby a liquid phase L1 rich in lithium and iron is recovered; ii.—Precipitation of iron in the liquid phase L1 obtained in step i), and recovery of the iron precipitate; iii.—Precipitation of lithium in the L2 liquid phase obtained in step ii) and recovery of the lithium precipitate; and optionally iv.—Recovery of the liquid phase L3 obtained in step iii) and recovery of the organic acid used in step i).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.