Résumé
Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are the mainstream power source of electric vehicles (EVs) due to their excellent performance and mature technology. The scCO2 extraction conditions such as pressure, temperature, functional copolymer concentration, and the presence of additives are varied to optimize the metals extraction from LiCoO2 cathode material. In this study, functional copolymers are playing the triple role of leaching agent, complexing agent and surfactant, corresponding to an unprecedented inorganic acid free process. Leaching, complexation and extraction proof of concept has been performed. Optimization is in progress for quantitatively extracting cobalt and lithium using this innovative dry extraction process.