Korea Zinc has patented a method for recovering valuable metals from spent secondary batteries. The process involves pre-processing, melting with a chlorinating agent, and recovering metals, including lithium in dust form. It also includes analyzing and adjusting the composition of generated slag to specific percentages of CaO, SiO2, and Al2O3. GlobalData’s report on Korea Zinc gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Korea Zinc, Solvent extraction processes was a key innovation area identified from patents. Korea Zinc's grant share as of June 2024 was 51%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for recovering metals from spent secondary batteries
The granted patent US12046727B2 outlines a method for recovering valuable metals from spent secondary batteries through a multi-step process. The method begins with a pre-processing phase that includes discharging, disassembling, shredding, and drying the spent batteries. Following this, the pre-processed material undergoes a melting process where it is heated to temperatures of 1500 degrees Celsius or higher, and a chlorinating agent—such as CaCl2 or CuCl2—is added to facilitate the recovery of metals. The resulting molten solution allows for the extraction of lithium in the form of lithium dust, specifically as LiCl. Additionally, the process generates a slag composed of CaO, SiO2, and Al2O3, with specific proportions of 21-28% CaO, 55-63% SiO2, and 12-17% Al2O3.
The patent further details a slag composition analysis process that enables adjustments to the input amount of flux based on the analysis results, ensuring the desired slag composition is achieved. The chlorinating agent is added in a quantity that provides an equivalent of chlorine to lithium of 1.2 or more. Moreover, the method includes a composition analysis of the pre-processed battery to optimize the flux input. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the efficiency of metal recovery from spent batteries, contributing to resource recycling and sustainability in battery management.
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