Use of Recovered Mn, Co, Ni, and Li Metals from Cell Phone and Laptop Batteries in Enamel Frits

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable materials recovery has sparked renewed interest in repurposing metals extracted from spent lithium-ion batteries. This study examines the direct integration of recovered Co, Ni, Mn, and Li oxides, sourced from mobile phone and laptop batteries, into the formulation of functional enamel frits used in industrial applications. Two types of frits, acid-resistant black and easy-to-clean (ETC) black frits, were produced by substituting traditional raw materials with recycled metal oxides. Characterization of the recycled materials was conducted using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The resulting frits were evaluated for their color, surface quality, acid resistance, flowability, adhesion, and ETC properties. All tested parameters exhibited performance comparable to or exceeding those of frits made with virgin raw materials. The use of battery-derived materials produced darker enamel hues due to interactions with cobalt, resulting in uniform adhesion and chemical resistance on coated surfaces. Furthermore, this approach enabled a 15-20% reduction in production costs by substituting high-purity commercial oxides with lower-cost alternatives. The findings present a viable pathway for implementing a circular economy in the ceramic coatings industry by combining waste recovery with high-performance product design.