Researchers from China have developed an innovative method to recover valuable metals from used batteries, utilizing a natural acid found in grapes. This advancement comes amid the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, driven by the rise of technologies such as electric vehicles. The study, published in Science Advances, highlights the use of tartaric acid, a bioacid present in the grapevine (Vitis vinifera). This compound alters the chemical environment of certain metals in solution, allowing for a more efficient separation with a lower environmental impact compared to traditional techniques.
In particular, it facilitates the selective recovery of cobalt and nickel, metals that exhibit similar chemical properties and are difficult to isolate. Tests revealed that the new system can recover cobalt with a purity of 99.1% and nickel with an efficiency of 96.5%. Furthermore, the cost of obtaining cobalt through this method is remarkably low, estimated at $0.042 per gram, compared to $0.20 to $0.30 for conventional processes.
This breakthrough not only enhances the efficiency of metal recovery but could also be crucial for the circular economy in the technology and energy sectors, as noted in a recent report on innovations in battery recycling.
