Laboratory and industrial solutions support lithium-ion battery development and production, from component testing to final battery quality control.
This application note describes a method for determining the cobalt content in battery wastewater using METTLER TOLEDO's EasyPlus as well as Excellence UV/VIS spectrophotometers.
By downloading this application package, you will receive a PDF of the application note as well as the required data for the LabX™ software method.
What is the role of cobalt in batteries?
Cobalt is an essential component used in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries' (LiBs) cathode components. Factories manufacturing lithium batteries generally use lithium cobalt oxide and graphite as positive and negative electrodes, respectively.
Why is it necessary to determine cobalt content in battery wastewater?
The demand for portable electronics worldwide has led to a rise in the production and consumption of batteries. Lithium-ion batteries use cobalt and as a result, the wastewater generated during the manufacturing process contains a large amount of Co2+, leading to environmental pollution. Extended accumulation of cobalt in wastewater may lead to groundwater pollution. It affects aquatic life, but also human health to a greater extent. Thus, it is very important to develop an efficient technique for detecting cobalt at a very low concentration.
How to determine cobalt content spectrophotometrically?
One of the efficient methods for measuring cobalt content in battery wastewater is through UV Vis spectrophotometric analysis using 1-nitroso-2-napthol (NNPh) indicator as the chromogenic reagent in the presence of a surfactant like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The absorbance of the color complex formed can be measured at 425 nm immediately for the quantification of the cobalt.
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