Li‐ion Capacitor via Solvent‐Co‐Intercalation Process from Spent Li‐ion Batteries

Abstract

AbstractLi‐intercalation into graphite is the key underlying mechanism in the energy storage process. However, the intercalation of solvated Li‐ion/co‐intercalation of Li‐ion into graphite is considered unfitting, as it can initiate exfoliation of graphene layers. But later, it is revealed that co‐intercalation of Li does not destroy graphene layers and the compatibility of graphite host; moreover, the type of lithiated solvent molecule decides the reversibility of co‐intercalation process. Here, we report the fabrication of glyme‐based Li‐ion capacitors (LIC). The battery‐type electrode, graphite, is recovered from a spent Li‐ion battery (LIB) and serves as an anode, active along with a commercial activated carbon cathode. The assembled LIC with a co‐intercalation mechanism could deliver a maximum energy density of ∼46.40 Wh kg−1 at ambient temperature conditions. In addition, the performance of LIC is studied at various temperature conditions to ensure compatibility at different environmental conditions. The developed dual‐carbon LICs with low cost and high performance using recovered graphite as the anode can be considered as a real solution for recycling spent LIBs in an effective way by incorporating the waste‐to‐wealth approach.