Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Thanh Tuan Tran, Hyun Seung Moon, Man Seung Lee
Summary: The research optimized leaching conditions to completely recover metals from metallic alloys generated from spent lithium-ion batteries through a hydrometallurgical process. Through solvent extraction and oxidative precipitation, Co, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Si were separated in a sequential manner, achieving a recovery and purity percentage of the metal ions of over 99.9%.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wang Chen, Xiaowei Li, Linlin Chen, Guolang Zhou, Qingqiang Lu, Yan Huang, Yanhong Chao, Wenshuai Zhu
Summary: This study successfully extracted high concentration Li+ from the mother liquor using a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent as a novel coextraction reagent, showing good selectivity, stability, and reusability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Viet Nhan Hoa Nguyen, Man Seung Lee
Summary: A process was developed to recover cobalt, nickel, and manganese from spent lithium ion batteries using solvent extraction and selective extraction methods. Adjusting reaction conditions allowed for the selective extraction and separation of metals, resulting in a raffinate containing only lithium.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sadia Ilyas, Rajiv Ranjan Srivastava, Hyunjung Kim
Summary: The selective separation of cobalt versus nickel from an HCl leached solution of spent lithium-ion batteries using a green ionic liquid has been developed, achieving a cobalt recovery rate of over 99%.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Amit Barnwal, Mudavath Balakrishna, Priyadarshini Bais, Rajesh Kumar Sivasankaran Nair, Ratheesh Ravendran, Ajay Kaushal
Summary: The study presents an effective methodology for selectively recovering lithium (Li) from different types of discarded Li-ion batteries. By thermally reducing the complex stoichiometry of the cathode composition at 850 degrees C with 10% carbon addition, more than 99% of Li can be dissolved using sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8) as an oxidant. The dissolved Li can be recovered as lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) with a purity of over 99% through precipitation and can be used for battery cathode composition and other applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuxun Ren, Arumugam Manthiram
Summary: In this study, a dual-phase electrolyte was designed using the phase separation phenomenon between solvents with different polarities to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The high-polarity TMS as the cathode electrolyte can effectively solvate LiPSs to promote sulfur redox reaction, while the composite of DBE and a polymeric ion conductor serves as the anode electrolyte to prevent crossover of corrosive species and improve Li-metal anode stability.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pankaj Kumar Choubey, Om Shankar Dinkar, Rekha Panda, Archana Kumari, Manis Kumar Jha, Devendra Deo Pathak
Summary: A novel route has been developed to selectively extract lithium, cobalt, and manganese from discarded lithium ion batteries, achieving high efficiency in separation and recovery through a series of solvent extraction and precipitation steps.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Thi Thu Huong Nguyen, Man Seung Lee
Summary: A hydrometallurgical process is proposed for recovering base metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The process involves steps such as precipitation, solvent extraction, and oxidative precipitation to effectively separate Ni, Co, Cu, Mn, and Fe. It offers advantages such as low energy requirements and high purity products.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiahui Hou, Xiaotu Ma, Jinzhao Fu, Panawan Vanaphuti, Zeyi Yao, Yangtao Liu, Zhenzhen Yang, Yan Wang
Summary: This research presents a sustainable lithium recovery process that efficiently recovers lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries and separates it from other valuable metals. Compared to conventional hydrometallurgical processes, this method is more cost-effective.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sibananda Sahu, Niharbala Devi
Summary: This study proposes a sustainable hydrometallurgical route for recovering lithium and cobalt from spent LIBs using DL-lactic acid as a lixiviant. With the optimization of leaching parameters, the maximum leaching efficiencies of lithium and cobalt reach 99.8% and 99%, respectively.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Manlin Li, Hanxue Wang, Xiaohan Huan, Ning Cao, Huida Guan, Hongmei Zhang, Xuemei Cheng, Changhong Wang
Summary: The study aimed to improve analyte coverage by evaluating six protocols for sample pretreatment methods, with SALLE producing broader analyte coverage with satisfactory reproducibility, acceptable recovery, and low matrix interference. The developed SALLE method showed good sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and stability, making it suitable for pharmacokinetic studies of herbal medicines.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chunqing Cai, Takafumi Hanada, Adroit T. N. Fajar, Masahiro Goto
Summary: This study presents an efficient extraction method for recovering lithium from salt lake solutions using a novel extraction system. The research systematically investigated the extraction conditions, demonstrating the effective use of ionic liquids as extractants for lithium, even under acidic conditions. The results also showed high selectivity for lithium over sodium and potassium in the extraction process.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rujie Li, Wanhang Wang, Yangyang Wang, Xiaoyu Wei, Ziqi Cai, Zhiyong Zhou
Summary: A novel ionic liquid was synthesized and used as co-extractants for selective extraction of lithium ions from salt lake brines with high magnesium to lithium ratio. The extraction process showed high separation efficiency and environmental friendliness, making it a promising method for lithium extraction.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lingqi Wang, Changyong Cai, Jiajia Liu, Zhijian Tan
Summary: Ionic liquids show great potential in extracting active ingredients from medicinal plants, offering efficient separation and extraction improvements. By optimizing the phase volume ratio and other parameters, high efficiency extraction and separation of baicalin and baicalein can be achieved.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hossein Salehi, Samane Maroufi, Sajjad S. Mofarah, Rasoul Khayyam Nekouei, Veena Sahajwalla
Summary: The recycling of nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMHBs) has gained attention due to the demand for critical metals and environmental legislation. The majority of rare earth elements (REEs) in NiMHBs are discarded in landfills, causing global concern. Extracting REEs through urban mining is one strategy to address this issue. This study provides a comprehensive review on strategies and technologies for REEs recovery from spent NiMHBs, along with challenges, shortcomings, and potential future directions.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Armando Santos Alves, Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Marcela dos Passos Galluzzi Baltazar
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the use of biomass from a polluted area for the adsorption of Zn and Cu in wastewater treatment. The results showed that the biomass demonstrated high efficiency in adsorbing the metallic ions, making it a technically feasible option for industrial wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Carlos Gonzalo Alvarez Rosario, Amzy Tania Vallenas-Arevalo, Santiago Justo Arevalo, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio
Summary: Artisanal and small-scale mining are informal activities that help generate family income, but also lead to environmental and health impacts. This study explores the potential of a native strain to biodegrade cyanide under alkaline conditions, providing an alternative technology.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miguel Antonio Soplin Pastor, Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Marcela dos Passos Galluzzi Baltazar
Summary: This study explores different approaches to remove organic matter in alumina production due to the decreased quality of bauxite resources. Advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) are considered as a potential solution, as they are commonly used in wastewater treatment and hydrometallurgy processes to degrade organic pollutants. The project focuses on ozonation of Bayer liquor for organic matter removal. The results show that under optimized conditions, a 19% removal of total organic carbon (TOC) can be achieved with a kinetic rate of 0.0157 h(-1) -21.9 mg/L O-3, 0.05 mol/L H2O2 at 80 degrees C. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the feasibility of applying AOP in an extremely alkaline condition.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lidiane Maria Andrade, Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior, Carlos Gonzalo Alvarez Rosario, Hugo Hashimoto, Cristiano Jose Andrade, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio
Summary: As modern electronics become more advanced, printed circuit boards are becoming smaller and more complex, resulting in an increase in copper concentrations in smartphones. Establishing standardized recycling processes to improve metal recovery is challenging. Biohydrometallurgy is a clean and cost-effective process for extracting critical metals from low-grade sources and waste electronic equipment.
BIOPROCESS AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Juliana Mendes de Oliveira, Iara Alves Anes, Jorge Luis Coleti, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Marcelo Siqueira de Carvalho, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio
Summary: Niobium (Nb) and Tantalum (Ta) are used to enhance mechanical resistance and produce lighter alloys. Nb production reached 78,000 tons globally in 2020. Recycling of these metals from tin slag contributes to the circular economy. Industrial challenges exist in extracting Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 from primary sources or tin slag, but various dissolution processes have been implemented.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ana Eluiza Esther da Cunha Domingos, Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior, Heitor Augusto Duarte, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Marcela dos Passos Galluzzi Baltazar
Summary: The study aimed to extract titanium (Ti) and vanadium (V) from the non-magnetic fraction of a Fe-Ti-V deposit in Brazil. Leaching experiments using HCl solution were conducted to evaluate the effect of various factors. The highest extraction rates of Ti (88.1%) and V (82.0%) were achieved using 30%HCl, a solid-liquid ratio of 1/6, and a NaHF2 dosage of 10% w/w at 85 degrees C. Kinetic modeling revealed diffusion control as the main mechanism for V leaching and solid product diffusion control for Ti leaching. The hydrometallurgical route proposed in this study is simple and allows for the production of high-purity products.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dilshan Sandaruwan Premathilake, Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Mentore Vaccari
Summary: In order to achieve global CO2 net zero, transport vehicles need to be adapted to an electrification system for electric vehicles. Furthermore, with the increasing consumption of electric devices and batteries, it is crucial to recycle spent batteries to achieve a circular economy. This review thoroughly examines recent literature on Lithium-ion Battery (LIB) recycling and proposes a decentralized line for pretreating different types of LIBs, identifying and discussing various treatment possibilities and segments to include in a common line.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
David da Silva Vasconcelos, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
Summary: The exponential growth of electric and hybrid vehicles in the last five years has led to a potential waste problem with the end-of-life of their batteries. Li-ion batteries for vehicles are made from natural resources such as Li, Fe, Al, Cu, Co, Mn, and P. Among them, LiFePO4 cathode materials have demonstrated advantages in various aspects. The recycling of these batteries can be accomplished through pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy, with the latter being more advantageous due to its low energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
Summary: The increasing demand for critical metals for net-zero technologies has led to the need for improved extraction and recycling processes. Membrane separation techniques have been evaluated for hydrometallurgical processes and have shown promising results. This study provides a literature review on the application of membrane techniques in industrial processes for obtaining critical metals, with a particular focus on lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Iara Alves Anes, Franco Garjulli, Marcelo Siqueira de Carvalho, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Jorge Luis Coleti
Summary: The aim of this study is to extract Nb from tin slag while leaving Ta solid. Leaching using a combined solution of HCl-NH4F was performed, and 100% of Nb and 5% of Ta were recovered from the leaching liquor within 4 hours at 85 degrees Celsius, using an L:S ratio of 20:1, NH4F: slag ratio of 0.12 g, and HCl concentration of 9.79 mol/L.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
A. B. Botelho, M. D. C. R. da Silva, P. S. S. Camargo, D. D. Munchen, M. P. Cenci, D. A. Bertuol, H. M. Veit, J. A. S. Tenorio, D. C. R. Espinosa
Summary: The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on society, including the generation of electronic waste. Behavior changes have led to increased consumption of electronic equipment and are expected to affect electronic waste generation in the years to come. This review article examines the differences between developed and emerging countries regarding electronic waste management and analyzes the effects of the pandemic. It suggests that emerging countries should focus on waste management policies to achieve recycling targets and emphasize circular economy and sustainable development goals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tiago Fernandes de Oliveira, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
Summary: This paper focuses on the processing technologies for the exploitation and purification of Nb and Ta from primary and secondary ore sources. Fusion and leaching processes, along with solvent extraction and ion exchange technology, are commonly used in hydrometallurgical strategies to obtain mixed Nb and Ta products or separated compounds with a desired industrial purity. The use of organic or different mineral acids instead of fluoride-based acids allows the use of tertiary amines as organic extractants, providing an innovative and environmentally friendly strategy for separation and purification of Nb and Ta. Ion exchange technology also offers a way to obtain highly pure Nb and Ta compounds from low-grade sources. The paper provides an overview of recent literature on these hydrometallurgical processes and strategies.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Amilton Barbosa Botelho, Natalia Olim Martins da Silva, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa
Summary: The main challenge in separating REEs through hydrometallurgical processes is their chemical similarities. The present study aimed to evaluate different extractants (neutral, anionic, and acid extractants) for separating La, Y, and Nd. The extraction efficiencies were evaluated, and the structure investigation was carried out in FT-IR, revealing the potential improvement in separation processes using organometallic complexation.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lucio Rosso Neto, Carlos Henrique Borgert, Jose Roberto de Oliveira, Felipe Fardin Grillo, Gabriel Valerio Pereira Manfredi, Jorge Luis Coleti, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Jorge Alberto Soares Tenorio, David Batista Gesuino, Tiago Elias Allievi Frizon, Eduardo Junca
Summary: This study investigates the potential of lime sludge as a fluxing material in pelletization and proposes an alternative route for waste utilization.
MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.