Open Access

Sabrina Sasse

• This bachelor thesis investigates the characterization of active material from spent lithium ion batteries (SLIBs) using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). With the growing use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications, the proper recycling of these batteries is crucial to mitigate environmental hazards and recover valuable materials. This study aims to address three primary research questions: (1) the extent to which SLIB active material can be characterized using XRD and SEM-EDS, (2) the improvement in XRD characterization of active material through simulated froth flotation, and (3) the fundamental efficiency of simulated froth flotation in separating Graphite and Lithium metal oxide (LMOs). The research begins with a comprehensive theoretical background, covering the structure and composition of LIBs, and current recycling processes, including mechanicalThis bachelor thesis investigates the characterization of active material from spent lithium ion batteries (SLIBs) using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). With the growing use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications, the proper recycling of these batteries is crucial to mitigate environmental hazards and recover valuable materials. This study aims to address three primary research questions: (1) the extent to which SLIB active material can be characterized using XRD and SEM-EDS, (2) the improvement in XRD characterization of active material through simulated froth flotation, and (3) the fundamental efficiency of simulated froth flotation in separating Graphite and Lithium metal oxide (LMOs). The research begins with a comprehensive theoretical background, covering the structure and composition of LIBs, and current recycling processes, including mechanical pretreatment and metallurgical methods. The materials analyzed in this study were sourced from EV-SLIBs with NMC and Graphite as the primary cathode and anode materials, respectively. Initial XRD analysis revealed multiple mineralogical phases, thus requiring the use of SEM-EDS to provide detailed elemental composition data. The SEM-EDS results indicated the presence of key elements such as Al, C, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, O, and Si consistent with typical LIB compositions. Notably, the high oxygen content suggested prior thermal treatment. XRD analysis further identified the presence of Graphite, CoO, MnO, various Li compounds, and metallic Ni, with some discrepancies in elemental proportions between XRD and SEM-EDS results. To enhance XRD characterization, a simulated froth flotation process was employed, which successfully reduced the number of mineralogical phases and provided clearer diffraction patterns. The froth flotation process demonstrated effective separation of Graphite and LMOs, improving the clarity of XRD analysis. The froth product showed an increased concentration of Graphite and a decreased concentration of Ni, while the pulp product contained higher proportions of Li2(CO3). These findings support the viability of froth flotation as a pretreatment step in LIB recycling, enhancing the recovery of valuable materials and contributing to a more sustainable recycling process. In conclusion, this thesis provides a detailed characterization of SLIB active materials using XRD and SEM-EDS, highlights the benefits of froth flotation in improving XRD analysis, and underscores the importance of developing efficient recycling methods to support the circular economy in LIB production and disposal.…