Anode carbonaceous material recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles for environmental application

Abstract

Recycling opportunities for graphitic carbon from lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anodes have been neglected due to its relative low value. Here, we evaluate potential tools for removing toxic metals (lead, barium, and cadmium) and organic compounds (2,4-dinitrotoluene [DNT], 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene [TNT], hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine [RDX], and 2,4-dichlorophenol [DCP]) with anode carbonaceous material (ACM) obtained from the anodes of spent LIBs. Compared with barium and cadmium, the sorption ability of lead to ACM was higher, at 43.5 mg/g of maximal sorption capacity. Similarly, the maximal sorption capacity of DCP to ACM was 6.5 mg/g, higher than those of TNT and DNT (2.6 and 2.3 mg/L, respectively). As a catalyst, ACM significantly enhanced oxidation by persulfate with zero-valent iron and reduction by dithiothreitol and hydrogen sulfides for nitro compounds. Graphitic properties accounted for the enhancement of redox reactions. Our results suggest that ACM from spent LIBs may be effective sorbents and catalysts in redox processes for remediation of contaminated water and soil.