Facile Gram-Scale Synthesis of Co3O4 Nanocrystal from Spent Lithium Ion Batteries and Its Electrocatalytic Application toward Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate a new approach to easily prepare spinel Co3O4 nanoparticles (s-Co3O4 NPs) in the gram-scale from the cathode of spent lithium ion batteries (SLIBs) by the alkali leaching of hexaamminecobalt(III) complex ions. As-obtained intermediate and final products were characterized with powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the synthesized s-Co3O4 NPs showed better electrocatalytic properties toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in comparison to previously reported Co3O4 NPs and nanowires, which could be due to the more exposed electrocatalytic active sites on the s-Co3O4 NPs. Moreover, the electrocatalytic activity of the s-Co3O4 NPs was comparable to the previously reported RuO2 catalysts. By taking advantage of the proposed recycling route, we would expect that various valuable transition metal oxide NPs could be prepared from SLIBs.

Recycling valuable materials from the spent lithium ion batteries to catalysts: methods, applications, and characterization

“…Co-based catalysts are also widely acknowledged for their outstanding electrocatalytic properties in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Kang et al recovered spent LiCoO 2 cathodes into a three-dimensional layered LiCoO 2 catalyst through a two-step chemical delithiation and hydrogen thermal treatment process [Figure 2B] [44] . This restructuring created additional active sites and oxygen vacancies within the catalyst, enhancing its electrocatalytic performance.…”

“…(A) Schematic diagram of reclaimed CM as a catalyst for activating PS in the degradation of the LFX within wastewater.Quoted with permission from Zhao et al[42] ; (B) Flow chart for the reconstruction and process of spent LiCoO 2 . Quoted with permission from Kang et al[44] . CM: Cathode material; PS: peroxymonosulfate; LFX: levofloxacin hydrochloride; SLCO: spent lithium cobalt oxide; DLSLCO: delithiation from spent lithium cobalt oxide.…”

One–Step Synthesis of Three–Dimensional Na3V2(PO4)3/Carbon Frameworks as Promising Sodium–Ion Battery Cathode

“…Lithium–ion batteries (LIBs) have dominated the market in portable technology for decades due to their high energy density and power density [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. However, further application is hindered by the scarcity and uneven distribution of lithium resources.…”

MoO2/Ni0.2Mo0.8N nanorods on nickel foam as a high performance electrocatalyst for efficient water oxidation

“…3,4 Despite Ru and Ir (including their oxides) being ideal catalysts for the OER, their high-cost and poor stability not only hinder their commercial application but also lead to the development of cost-effective catalysts, such as transition metal compounds. 5–7 Among various catalysts, heterogeneous transition metal oxide (TMOs) and nitride (TMNs) catalysts, including NiO/CoN, 8 Ni 3 Mo 3 N-MoO 2 -NiO, 9 and CoO/CoN, 10 have been reported as OER catalysts. 11,12 This is because the TMOs are suitable for water adsorption, 13 while TMNs exhibit better electronic conductivity than the transition metal oxides.…”