Solvent Extraction Technology in Lithium Battery Recycling

With the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry and the global transition toward sustainable energy, lithium-ion battery recycling has become a critical concern. As a company specializing in chemical extraction equipment and environmental systems, Hangzhou Tianyicheng New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (TYIC) plays a vital role in advancing the recycling of valuable battery materials. Among the key technologies enabling high-efficiency recovery is solvent extraction. TYIC offers advanced, customized systems that deliver superior performance and comply with international environmental standards.

What is Solvent Extraction?

Solvent extraction is a selective separation process that utilizes the difference in solubility of metal ions between two immiscible liquid phases—typically an aqueous and an organic phase. It enables the targeted isolation and purification of valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from complex mixtures.

Application in Lithium Battery Recycling

In the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, solvent extraction is primarily used to recover valuable metals from black mass, a fine powder obtained by shredding and processing spent batteries. TYIC’s high-performance extraction equipment supports each critical stage of this recycling process, enhancing recovery efficiency while ensuring environmental compliance.

Key Process Steps:

1. Leaching
   The black mass is treated with a leaching solution to dissolve metal ions. TYIC’s high-efficiency mixing systems optimize material contact and improve metal dissolution rates.

2. Solid-Liquid Separation
   The resulting leach solution contains lithium, cobalt, nickel, and impurities. TYIC offers modular separation systems designed for high throughput and low energy consumption.

3. Purification
   Pre-treatment steps remove undesired ions, preparing the solution for solvent extraction. TYIC’s expertise in micro-interface control ensures high selectivity in the separation process.

4. Solvent Extraction
   The purified solution is mixed with an organic solvent that binds selectively to the target metal ions. TYIC’s micro-interface extraction systems provide superior phase separation efficiency with minimal solvent loss—ideal for continuous industrial operations.

5. Stripping
   The loaded organic phase is treated to release the metal ions into a new aqueous phase, usually by adjusting pH or adding a stripping agent. TYIC’s systems offer precise reaction control to maximize recovery and minimize contamination.

6. Metal Recovery
   The extracted metal ions are recovered from the aqueous phase through precipitation, crystallization, or electrolysis, resulting in high-purity products ready for reuse in battery manufacturing.

Advantages of TYIC’s Solvent Extraction Systems

• High Separation Efficiency: Precision mixing and micro-interface control technologies enhance extraction efficiency and phase separation speed.

• Customized Design: Modular layouts and corrosion-resistant materials tailored to client-specific process needs.

• Environmental Compliance: All equipment meets international environmental and safety standards, supporting closed-loop recycling operations.

• Operational Stability: Industrial-grade construction ensures long-term, continuous operation under demanding conditions.

Conclusion

Solvent extraction is a core technology in the green recycling of lithium-ion batteries. TYIC’s full-process solutions—from equipment design to system integration—empower clients to efficiently recover critical metals, reduce dependency on raw material mining, and contribute to a circular economy.

As the world accelerates toward electrification and energy storage, TYIC remains committed to driving technological innovation and delivering reliable, high-performance extraction systems that support a low-carbon future for clean energy.