Discover how our revolutionary method is transforming sample preparation of black mass, derived from recycled lithium-ion batteries — with accuracy and scalability, and even greater speed and safety than traditional methods.
This Q&A offers additional insights into the process of preparing black mass samples using ColdBlock technology. If you have further questions, please contact us at info@coldblock.ca.
ColdBlock digestion methods are effective across a wide range of lithium-ion battery chemistries, including NMC, LCO, and LMO. They consistently deliver high recoveries of critical elements such as Ni, Co, Li, and Mn. Ongoing method development is focused on improving recoveries for aluminum and addressing the challenges posed by complex chemistries like LFP.
You can see full application notes for the black mass leach digestion method on our website at this link.
ColdBlock digestion methods are effective across a wide range of lithium-ion battery chemistries, including NMC, LCO, and LMO. They consistently deliver high recoveries of critical elements such as Ni, Co, Li, and Mn. Ongoing method development is focused on improving recoveries for aluminum and addressing the challenges posed by complex chemistries like LFP.
ColdBlock uses a power-based heating approach rather than relying on temperature control. Its infrared heating source delivers energy directly to the sample particles, effectively superheating them. This particle-level heating rapidly transfers energy to the surrounding acid, which remains at its boiling point, driving efficient and accelerated digestion without overheating the acid itself.
Triton X-100, a non-ionic surfactant, was used to control foaming, and is especially effective with carbon-rich and reactive samples. However, users are encouraged to choose whatever surfactant, or foaming agent works best for their specific samples and applications.
No, tube size is determined by sample mass. Anti-foaming agents mainly allow higher power application and better control of reactivity.
Yes, adequate ventilation is essential, so a fume hood, ducted enclosure, or other well-ventilated setup can be used to safely manage acid vapors.
In the ColdBlock R&D Lab, an Agilent 5100 ICP-OES with vertical dual-view configuration is used as it is suitable for high-matrix samples. Comparable setups from other brands are also viable.
Yes, both ColdBlock methods have been benchmarked against data generated by an industry-accepted multi-step protocol currently being utilized by a major commercial lab.
ColdBlock digestion methods are effective across a wide range of lithium-ion battery chemistries, including NMC, LCO, and LMO. They consistently deliver high recoveries of critical elements such as Ni, Co, Li, and Mn. Ongoing method development is focused on improving recoveries for aluminum and addressing the challenges posed by complex chemistries like LFP.
The leach is not a full digestion but yields excellent recoveries for target metals, simulating industry-standard screening methods like aqua regia.
Yes. Solutions can be filtered to remove solids and then diluted before ICP analysis.
The ColdBlock system is highly scalable. Multiple digesters can run concurrently, operated by a single programmable touch pad, supporting the digestion of many samples in batch mode. Some of our customers run 48 samples at a time, and you could run even more concurrently.
A comprehensive dataset is available upon request, detailing MDLs, recoveries, and ICP instrument conditions. Please reach out to info@coldblock.ca.
ColdBlock has not tested lead-acid batteries. Future studies are possible upon request. Please reach out to info@coldblock.ca.
Yes, we have analyzed elements beyond Li, Co, Ni, and Mn. The methods are flexible and can be adapted to target a wide range of elements as needed. Aluminum recovery is within range in near-total digestion but requires some optimizing in the leach method
We haven’t yet published an application note for Petalite, but methods for similar lithium-rich materials like pegmatites can be found in the ‘Resources’ section on the ColdBlock web page. (please see links below). Suggestions for new method types to be added to our database are welcome. Please get in touch
A 0.2 g sample can be sufficient for addressing heterogeneity in black mass when the material is a well-homogenized powder, as is often the case with processed black mass. In these situations, our near-total digestion method at 0.2 g provides reliable and representative results.
Yes. The cooling zone and rapid digestion time help retain volatiles like mercury and arsenic effectively, with strong recovery results.
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ColdBlock Technologies Inc.
4551 Zimmerman Ave
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3M5
info@coldblock.ca.
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