METHOD OF RECYCLING EXPIRED LITHIUM CELLS Russian patent published in 2014 - IPC H01M6/52 

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to electrochemistry and specifically to recycling lithium-containing wastes, particularly spent lithium cells. The present method is intended for use in special-purpose plants for recycling lithium cells. The method uses a fraction of C₄-C₆ fatty alcohols which are immiscible with water as a working medium for chemically active lithium and lithium-containing compounds at steps of opening, depressurising, crushing and use thereof as raw material for producing lithium alcoholates. Sonolytic action on the reaction mass and maintenance of temperature conditions (up to 80°C) is provided using an ultrasonic bath of the type UZV-3/100-TN. Addition of a phase-transfer catalyst (tetrabutylammonium chloride) to the reaction mixture intensifies the process of alcoholysis of lithium-containing wastes in heterophase system conditions. The combination of sonolysis and the phase-transfer catalyst enables to recycle lithium-containing wastes with degree of fineness of the lithium-containing wastes of up to 20 mm.

EFFECT: practical use of the present method improves efficiency of recycling lithium cells and provides safe operation.

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