Data sets for spectrums and chronoamperometry of cobalt-nickel alloys and inorganic compounds recovered from spent lithium ion battery cathodes using electrowinning and sodium-based precipitation

The demand for lithium-ion batteries (Li-ionBs) has surged, with a projected market value of $116 billion by 2030. However, only 5% of spent Li-ionBs are currently recycled due to the high costs, energy consumption, and environmental risks of existing recycling methods. This study focuses on developing an efficient, eco-friendly process to recover valuable metals like lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn) from Li-ionB waste, specifically targeting NMC 532 cathodes.

Key innovations include using potentiostatic electrowinning with rotating cathodes and Pt-coated Ti anodes to selectively recover high-purity Ni-Co alloys (99% pure) , avoiding traditional, energy-intensive hydrometallurgical steps. Optimized leaching achieved recovery efficiencies of ~98.9% for Li, ~97.1% for Co, ~96.9% for Ni, and ~95.7% for Mn. Subsequent multi-stage precipitation recovered Ni, Co, Mn, and Li in various forms, lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃, 99 % pure), manganese hydroxide (Mn(OH)₂, 99 % pure), and 0.6[Ni(OH)₂].0.3[Mn(OH)₂].0.1[Co(OH)₂] (99 % pure). The spectra and chronoamperometry of the recovered materials are presented in the presented data sets.