Single-stage and multi-stage systems and methods for the recovery of critical elements in substantially pure form from lithium ion batteries are provided. The systems and methods include supported membrane solvent extraction using an immobilized organic phase within the pores of permeable hollow fibers. The permeable hollow fibers are contacted by a feed solution on one side, and a strip solution on another side, to provide the simultaneous extraction and stripping of elements from dissolved lithium ion cathode materials, while rejecting other elements from the feed solution. The single- and multi-stage systems and methods can selectively recover cobalt, manganese, nickel, lithium, aluminum and other elements from spent battery cathodes and are not limited by equilibrium constraints as compared to traditional solvent extraction processes.

Single-stage and multi-stage systems and methods for the recovery of critical elements in substantially pure form from lithium ion batteries are provided. The systems and methods include supported membrane solvent extraction using an immobilized organic phase within the pores of permeable hollow fibers. The permeable hollow fibers are contacted by a feed solution on one side, and a strip solution on another side, to provide the simultaneous extraction and stripping of elements from dissolved lithium ion cathode materials, while rejecting other elements from the feed solution. The single- and multi-stage systems and methods can selectively recover cobalt, manganese, nickel, lithium, aluminum and other elements from spent battery cathodes and are not limited by equilibrium constraints as compared to traditional solvent extraction processes.

The invention relates to an integrated method for trivalent actinides and lanthanides separation and trivalent actinides mutual separation, which comprises: adjusting the pH value of a solution containing trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions to an appropriate value, wherein the actinide ions include americium ions and curium ions; adding an aqueous phase complexing agent, the solution is contacted with the organic phase of an extractant containing alkyl or aryl dithiophosphonic acid and nitrogen containing reagents, and actinides is extracted into the organic phase. The loaded organic phase containing actinide ions was washed by an aqueous phase with a certain pH value. The loaded organic phase is stripped with an aqueous phase of a certain pH value, and the curium ion is stripped into the aqueous phase to achieve the separation of americium and curium. The organic phase is then contacted with dilute nitric acid solution, and the americium ion in the organic phase is stripped into the aqueous phase. The invention can significantly improve the separation factor of americium and curium and reduce the operating pH value. And within the same system, the separation of trivalent actinides and trivalent lanthanides, as well as the mutual separation of trivalent actinides can be realized simultaneously through extraction and stepwise stripping, simplifying the separation process and improving separation efficiency.