John Anawati

Bio: John Anawati is an academic researcher from University of Toronto. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bauxite & Leaching (metallurgy). The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 16 publications receiving 84 citations.

Closed-Loop Recycling of Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and Manganese from Waste Lithium-Ion Batteries of Electric Vehicles

Abstract: With the growing awareness to protect the urban environment and the increasing demand for strategic materials, recycling of postconsumer lithium-ion batteries has become imperative. This study aims...

Aeriometallurgical Extraction of Rare Earth Elements from a NdFeB Magnet Utilizing Supercritical Fluids

Abstract: There is a global need for efficient and environmentally sustainable processes to close the life cycle loop of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) through recycling. Conventional WEEE recycling processes are based upon pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy. The former is energy-intensive and generates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while the latter relies on large volumes of acids and organic solvents, thus generating hazardous wastes. Here, a novel “aeriometallurgical” process was developed to recycle critical rare earth elements, namely, neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), and dysprosium (Dy), from postconsumer NdFeB magnets utilized in wind turbines. The new process utilizes supercritical CO2 as the solvent, which is safe, inert, and abundant, along with the tributyl-phosphate–nitric acid (TBP–HNO3) chelating agent and 2 wt % methanol as a cosolvent. Nd (94%), Pr (91%), and Dy (98%) extraction was achieved with only 62% iron (Fe) coextraction and minimal waste generation. Fundamental investiga...

Innovative Application of Microwave Treatment for Recovering of Rare Earth Elements from Phosphogypsum

Abstract: Some rare earth elements (REEs) are classified as strategic materials because of their increasingly high demand, supply uncertainty, and near zero recycling. For tackling the sustainability challenges associated with REEs, their technospheric mining, i.e., recovery from secondary sources, is imperative. Characterization results indicate that phosphogypsum, a byproduct of the fertilizer industry, contains about 0.03–0.4 wt % REEs. Here, a novel process was developed that utilizes microwave irradiation to enhance the leaching efficiency of REEs from phosphogypsum. Optimal REE leaching was achieved by either microwaving at low power (600 W) and short duration (5 min) or at high power (1200 W) and long duration (15 min). The former creates cracks and pores in the particles, enhancing the infiltration of lixiviant, with minimal conversion of gypsum into less soluble crystals. The latter results in thermal degradation of the PG particles and the release of REEs at the cost of changing the PG crystal structure t...

Recent Advance in Ionic-Liquid-Based Electrolytes for Rechargeable Metal-Ion Batteries

Abstract: From basic research to industry process, battery energy storage systems have played a great role in the informatization, mobility, and intellectualization of modern human society. Some potential systems such as Li, Na, K, Mg, Zn, and Al secondary batteries have attracted much attention to maintain social progress and sustainable development. As one of the components in batteries, electrolytes play an important role in the upgrade and breakthrough of battery technology. Since room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs) feature high conductivity, nonflammability, nonvolatility, high thermal stability, and wide electrochemical window, they have been widely applied in various battery systems and show great potential in improving battery stability, kinetics performance, energy density, service life, and safety. Thus, it is a right time to summarize these progresses. In this review, the composition and classification of various ILs and their recent applications as electrolytes in diverse metal-ion batteries (Li, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Al) are outlined to enhance the battery performances.