Graphite Recycling from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
Sergej Rothermel1, Marco Evertz1, Johannes Kasnatscheew1
1MEET Battery Research Center, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 46, 48149, Münster, Germany.
Chemsuschem
|November 19, 2016
Summary
Recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is crucial for electric vehicles (EVs). Subcritical CO2 extraction prior to thermal treatment yields the best recycled graphite anode performance, even surpassing new graphite.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) increases spent lithium-ion battery (LIB) waste.
- Efficient recycling of LIB components is essential for sustainability and resource management.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate anode recycling from spent LIBs.
- Evaluate three electrolyte extraction methods before thermal treatment.
- Determine the optimal method for high-performance recycled graphite anodes.
Main Methods:
- Thermal treatment of graphite without electrolyte recovery.
- Subcritical carbon dioxide (CO2) assisted electrolyte extraction followed by thermal treatment.
- Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction followed by thermal treatment.
Main Results:
- Subcritical CO2 extraction yielded the best performing recycled graphite anodes.
- Electrochemical performance of the best recycled graphite exceeded that of a newly synthesized graphite anode.
- The optimal recycled graphite anode was tested with a recycled LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode.
Conclusions:
- Subcritical CO2-assisted electrolyte extraction is a highly effective method for recycling graphite anodes from spent LIBs.
- This approach can lead to recycled anode materials with superior electrochemical properties compared to virgin materials.
- Further investigation into combining recycled anodes and cathodes is warranted for complete battery recycling.
