Membranes Based on Metal–Organic Framework Nanostructures for Recovering Nickel, Cobalt, and Manganese Ions from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new membrane technology using metal-organic frameworks to efficiently recover nickel, cobalt, and manganese from spent lithium-ion batteries.

Contribution

The study introduces mixed matrix membranes with amino-functionalized MOFs for simultaneous recovery of multiple metal ions from spent batteries.

Findings

ZIF-8-PES membranes achieved over 90% removal efficiency for Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) simultaneously.

Amino-functionalized MOFs showed enhanced adsorption performance compared to non-functionalized analogs.

The membranes demonstrated excellent reusability for at least three cycles.

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries
(LIBs) are central to sustainable energy
technologies, and while lithium (Li) is the most recognized component,
its rapid growth has also intensified demand for other critical metals,
particularly manganese (Mn­(II)), nickel (Ni­(II)), and cobalt (Co­(II)).
Recovering these valuable metal cations from spent LIBs and associated
wastewater is essential to reduce production costs, conserve resources,
and mitigate environmental risks. Here, we present mixed matrix membranes
(MOF-PES MMMs) as versatile adsorbents for the simultaneous recovery
of Ni­(II), Co­(II), and Mn­(II) from multicomponent solutions. Five
metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)ZIF-8, MIL-53­(Al), UiO-66,
and their amino-functionalized analogues (NH2-MIL-53­(Al)
and NH2–UiO-66)were synthesized and incorporated
into poly­(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes. The choice of MOF filler
significantly influenced metal affinity, with amino functionalization
enhancing adsorption relative to the parent structures. Among all
formulations, ZIF-8-PES exhibited broad-spectrum performance, achieving
>90% removal efficiency for all three metal ions simultaneously
as
well as excellent reusability for at least three cycles. These resultsachieved
using oligomineral water with common interferons present in solutionhighlight
MOF-PES MMMs as efficient, scalable platforms for multimetal recovery,
offering a sustainable pathway for LIB recycling.

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