Integrated reforming of cellulose pyrolysis gas and reductive recovery of metals from spent lithium-ion batteries
Shuxuan Yan, Y.C. Zhang, Fangyi Zhou, Xiangping Chen, Ying Yang, Tao Zhou
Abstract
Improper disposal of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) compromises both resource utilization and environmental sustainability, as conventional pyrometallurgical processes prioritize metal recovery while neglecting the valorization of gas products. This study proposes a thermochemical strategy that synergistically couples cellulose with spent LIBs cathode materials to enable concurrent pyrolytic gas reforming and metal reduction. Transition metals in the cathodes not only catalyze the reforming of pyrolysis gases but are themselves reduced by H 2 and CO derived from cellulose cracking, forming Li 2 CO 3 , Ni, Co, and MnO at 300–700 °C. Distinct temperature-dependent catalytic roles are observed: Ni promotes H 2 production at lower temperatures (∼300 °C), while Mn enhances CO generation at elevated temperatures (700–900 °C). Mn and Co further support sustained gas–solid reduction and reforming cycles, contributing to dynamic evolution of gas composition. This integrated approach leverages the reciprocal interactions between gas generation and metal reduction, offering an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly pathway for the co-valorization of spent LIBs and biomass waste into valuable gases and metal products.