Room: Yangtze 1
Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 16:15 - 17:15 CEST
Session code 6AO.6
Processes and technologies for biochemical and biomaterials production
Biomass-derived Lixiviant for Sustainable Recycling of Cathode Material from Lithium-ion Batteries
Short Introductive summary
This study proposed a benign yet effective biomass-derived lixiviant, pyroligneous acid (PA), as a greener solution for recycling cathode material. PA achieved = 95 % extraction of Ni, Li and Mn and = 83 % of Co from different cathode materials at 70 ? in just 30 min, without additional agents. The recovered material demonstrated its viability as a new cathode material precursor, while the residual PA remained reusable as the lixiviant, thus minimizing chemical consumption in subsequent recycling processes. A life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed that PA is a more environmentally favorable lixiviant compared to conventional organic and inorganic counterparts, as evidenced by a threefold reduction in acidification potential and up to a 20-35% decrease in global warming potential and ecotoxicity associated with the recycling process. The use of PA not only enhances the sustainability of LIBs recycling but also offers an innovative approach to biomass valorization.
Presenter
Cherry NGUYEN
Adelaide University, School of Chemical Engineering, AUSTRALIA
Presenter's biography
Dr. Cherry Nguyen is currently a research associate in the School of Chemical Engineering at Adelaide University. Cherry completed her Bachelor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Adelaide in 2021 and was awarded a PhD with Dean’s Commendation in 2025 at the same institution.
Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited
Co-authors:
H. Nguyen, Adelaide University, AUSTRALIA
P. Kwong, Adelaide University, AUSTRALIA
Session reference: 6AO.6.4