Continuous Polarizability-Based Separation of Lithium Iron Phosphate and Graphite Using a Dielectrophoretic Particle...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) recycling is crucial due to increasing demand for valuable materials.
• Current LIB recycling methods are energy-intensive, costly, inefficient, and environmentally polluting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an efficient and eco-friendly dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based method for separating lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and graphite from LIB "black mass".
• To develop a custom microparticle separator for high-throughput continuous separation.
• To provide a theoretical foundation for sustainable LIB recovery.

Main Methods:

• Developed a custom microparticle separator utilizing dielectrophoresis (DEP).
• Constructed a theoretical model integrating electric and flow fields to predict particle behavior.
• Performed numerical simulations and experimental validation of particle separation.
• Investigated the impact of operating parameters (voltage, flow rate, sheath-to-feed ratio).

Main Results:

• Achieved over 80% separation efficiency for LFP at 10.8 mL/min flow rate and 100 V.
• Demonstrated good agreement between numerical simulations and experimental results.
• Identified optimal operating parameters for high separation efficiency and particle purity.
• Explored potential for separating other lithium-metal-oxide mixtures.

Conclusions:

• The DEP-based microparticle separator offers an efficient, sustainable, and low-energy solution for LIB recycling.
• The study provides a validated theoretical framework for designing advanced LIB separation processes.
• This approach has the potential to significantly improve the environmental footprint of battery recycling.