(Invited) Electrified Processes to Enable Sustainable Lithium Ion Battery Recycling

Abstract

A decarbonized energy future will require widespread electrification of the transportation sector. Accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) based around lithium ion batteries (LIBs) is critical to achieve this goal. The growth in the LIB market however has resulted in significant waste. It is estimated that there will be four million metric tons of LIB waste from EV battery packs alone between 2015 and 2040 [1]. The current disposal method of spent LIBs occurs simultaneously with traditional waste streams. This poses several safety risks, as LIBs have the potential to self-ignite during transportation, release toxic compounds during incineration, and can leach contaminants into landfills. Additionally, although EVs are more sustainable than conventional gasoline vehicles over the engine lifetime, LIB manufacturing can produce up to 68% more emissions, the majority of which is attributed to the use of virgin ore based materials instead of recycled materials [1]. Therefore, LIB recycling is critical and could significantly reduce the overall carbon emissions from EV production.LIB recycling is in its infancy, and primarily occurs using pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy approaches. Pyrometallurgy, relies on the use thermal and mechanical processes to recovery metals. However, these processes are energy and carbon intense, and metal recovery is low. Thus, there is a need to rethink how batteries recycling can occur through electrified means. Here, we will present electrified separations and recycling techniques which may be critical to enable high recovery, low carbon footprint LIB recycling.[1] Or, Tyler, et al. "Recycling of mixed cathode lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles: Current status and future outlook." Carbon Energy 2.1 (2020): 6-43.