Selective Lithium Recovery via Stepwise Transition Metal Crystallization in a Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent.

ABSTRACT: The global shift toward electric vehicles is driving unprecedented demand for lithium-ion batteries, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable lithium (Li) recycling technologies. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising green alternatives to conventional leaching agents, yet challenges persist in preferential Li selectivity and process scalability. Here, a natural DES composed of choline chloride, lactic acid, and ascorbic acid (1ChCl-10LA-VC) is designed to overcome these limitations. In this system, LA provides high acidity, VC serves as a mild reductant, and ChCl promotes selective complexation and controlled precipitation of transition metals (TMs: Co, Ni, Mn, Fe). This synergistic formulation enables a stepwise separation mechanism: Li⁺ remains solubilized, while TM

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12677677 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature