Using ICP-OES to Assess Elemental Purity in Battery Recycling

This episode considers the complex processes involved in handling and processing black mass after lithium-ion batteries are shredded, emphasizing environmental, safety, and regulatory considerations. Panelists highlight how thermal and hydrometallurgical treatments recover critical metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, while ICP-OES plays a central role in monitoring air, water, and solid waste to ensure safe and efficient recycling practices. The discussion also covers how recyclers comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive when reintroducing recovered metals into new battery production.

The episode delves into the occupational and environmental challenges of black mass processing, including the hazards posed by fine powders containing reactive fluorine and heavy metals. Experts discuss safety strategies such as proper PPE, respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and water-spray systems to minimize airborne particulates and fire risks.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Methods for processing black mass through thermal and chemical treatments to extract battery-grade metals.
• Role of ICP-OES in monitoring elemental content in air, water, and solid waste for safe recycling.
• Environmental and occupational safety considerations when handling nanoparticulate and fluorine-rich materials.
• Ensuring RoHS compliance by analyzing recovered metals before reintroduction into manufacturing.
• Best practices for mitigating dust, fire, and chemical hazards during battery recycling operations.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Li, S. Agilent Technologies. (2023, January 24). Determination of metals in recycled Li-ion battery samples by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-5561EN).
• Amorin, A. Agilent Technologies. (2025, January 23). Elemental analysis of lithium-ion Battery black mass recycling material by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-8064EN.
• Riles, P. Agilent Technologies. (2019, March 25). Workplace air monitoring: multi-element analysis of air-filters using ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-0690EN).
• Singha, S., & Drvodelic, N. Agilent Technologies. (2023, June 23). Elemental analysis of intermediate feedstock chemicals for Li-Ion batteries (LIBs) by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-6188EN).
• Riles, P. Agilent Technologies. (2020, June 3). Analysis of waste samples according to US EPA Method 6010D (Publication No. 5994-2027EN).
• Huang, L. Agilent Technologies (2025, January 27). Sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling: recovery of metals in green solvents by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-8017EN).
• Zou, A. & Li, S. Agilent Technologies. (2025, March 18). Enhanced RoHS compliance testing with Agilent 5800 ICP-OES: accurate measurement of multiple elements including Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg in plastic materials (Publication No. 5994-8252EN).