Process And System For Recovering Lithium From Lithium-Ion Batteries

Systems and methods for recovering lithium (Li) from a lithium-ion battery waste stream including lithium sulfate (LiSO), sodium sulfate (NaSO), and water (HO) are provided. The systems may include an evaporator unit with an optional heating system and a crystallizer unit downstream or upstream of the evaporator unit for cooling and solidifying sodium sulfate (NaSO). A lithium recovery unit is disposed downstream of the crystallizer unit or the evaporator unit that generates lithium carbonate (LiCO) product. Methods include evaporating a portion of water from the waste stream to generate water vapor and an effluent stream, which is then cooled to solidify sodium sulfate (NaSO) in a crystallizer vessel. The solid sodium sulfate (NaSO) is removed and the effluent stream is heated, followed by introducing sodium carbonate (NaCO) to produce lithium carbonate (LiCO) product, which is then recovered.