Ferrofluid-Assisted Magnetic Separation of Lithium Manganese Oxide as a Step Toward Sustainable Battery Recycling

The rising global demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) motivates development of sustainable recycling strategies. We investigate a magnetically assisted liquid-phase method for recovering Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) using an oil-based ferrofluid. The research experiment employs a three-component simulant (LMO + non-magnetic battery material + ferrofluid) to mimic spent-battery feedstock and isolate physical separation behavior. By varying ferrofluid concentration and applied magnetic field strength, recovered material is assessed by mass yield, crystallographic integrity (XRD), and elemental composition (Li:Mn) to quantify process efficacy and material quality.

This ongoing study will provide insights into a potential energy-efficient, and low-carbon alternative to conventional hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical recycling approaches, and lay a  foundation for sustainable material recovery in future circular battery technologies.