Enhancement of syngas production via plastic gasification in low-concentration CO2 by using spent lithium-ion batteries-derived black mass.

This study investigates the thermochemical and co-thermochemical conversion of black mass (BM), derived from spent lithium-ion batteries, with and without polyethylene (PE) under various atmospheric conditions (N2, 25 % CO2, and 99.999 % CO2) at temperatures ranging from 700 °C to 900 °C. In an inert N2 environment, gas emissions were minimal, while significant CO production was observed under CO2-rich conditions due to the Boudouard and catalytic reactions facilitated by Ni-based components in BM. The addition of PE enhanced the generation of H2 and CO, particularly under CO2 environments, through catalytic conversion of pyrolyzed volatiles. Even with low CO2 concentrations (∼18 mol%), considerable CO2-to-CO conversion was achieved. Heating rate and feedstock ratio (BM:PE) notably influenced gas profiles and syngas yield. Reusability tests showed that processed BM retained partial catalytic activity and maintained structural integrity, making it viable for subsequent hydrometallurgical applications. These results suggest the potential of BM as both a catalyst and a valuable resource for CO2-assisted syngas production.