Battery Industry Research Articles

Sustainable waste-derived cellulose-based nanosensor for cobalt ion detection, removal, and recovery from industrial effluents and battery wastes

Sustainable waste-derived cellulose-based nanosensor for cobalt ion detection, removal, and recovery from industrial effluents and battery wastes

Polyimide/cellulose composite membrane with excellent heat-resistance and fast lithium-ion transport for lithium-ion batteries.

Polyimide membranes have long been of great interest in the battery industries due to their outstanding thermal stability and flame retardancy. However, the preparation of polyimide membranes with ideal pore structure and excellent lithium-ion transference remains a challenge. In this study, we reported for the first time, that a nano-porous fluorinated and partially carboxylated polyimide/cellulose composite membrane was successfully synthesized by selected monomers and prepared by thermal imidization, phase separation, and alkaline hydrolysis method. Particularly, an appropriate addition of cellulose acetate (CA) during the synthesis process can optimize the pore structure of the membrane. Besides, CA was converted to cellulose after alkaline hydrolysis, further enhancing the electrolyte affinity and lithium-ion transference of the membrane. Hence, this composite membrane exhibited distinct heat-resistance, high porosity (78 %), electrolyte absorption (344 %), and lithium-ion transfer number (0.84). Most importantly, thanks to the above characteristics of the membrane, the assembled LiFePO4/Li cells demonstrated excellent cycling stability compared with the cell with PP membrane, showing a capacity retention rate of as high as 93 % after 500 cycles at 1C. We anticipate that this composite membrane with superior physical and electrochemical properties would shed light on the development of next-generation membranes for high-power and high-safety batteries.

Harmless and efficient nickel enrichment from nickel-containing waste slag using vitrification technology.

With the growing demand for nickel in the stainless steel and battery industries, conventional methods of extracting nickel from ores face challenges such as high production costs and environmental concerns. This study proposes a new process for the recovery of nickel metal and the production of nickel-iron alloys from nickel-bearing scrap. The reduction rates of nickel and iron oxides were investigated by optimizing the roasting temperature, time, and C/O ratio, and the process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Through melt experiments on the reduced materials, the Ni-Fe particles were spontaneously aggregated driven by the Gibbs free energy change, which promoted their transfer to the metallic phase, and the recovery of metallic nickel was obtained to be 98.46%, with the nickel content of the nickel-iron alloy being about 24.61 wt%. By combining reduction melting and vitrification, the efficient recovery of metallic nickel and the production of ferro-nickel alloy were achieved, while the prepared glass slag showed low nickel content and dense amorphous structure with good environmental stability and safety. This study provides a new technical method for the comprehensive utilization of nickel-containing waste slag with significant environmental and economic benefits.

Impurity Impacts of Recycling NMC Cathodes

AbstractThe skyrocketing demands for electric vehicles cause large quantities of spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and pressure on the global supply chain, leading to raw materials shortages and cost increases. In LIBs, LiNixMnyCozO2(NMC) cathodes are one of the major cathode materials. Thus, recycling NMC cathodes from spent lithium‐ion batteries is emerging because they contain abundant valuable materials, which can be considered unique “mineral” sources. Impurities are one of the main concerns for introducing recovered materials back into new battery manufacture because impurities are typically considered to impair the properties of recovered materials. However, some impurities can beneficially act as dopants or coatings. To comprehensively understand the effects of different impurities and treat impurities properly, this review summarizes the origin and species of possible impurities which can be introduced during different pretreatment processes, analyzes the methods to remove impurities, and discusses the effects of impurities on the regeneration process and recovered materials. This work also outlines future perspectives for fundamental research about impurities and relevant challenges of the recycling industry, helps academia and manufacturers to create new impurity standards of recovered cathode materials, and suggests opportunities for achieving a circular economy for the lithium‐ion batteries industry.

Proposal of a Correlation Model Integrating FDRM and CLSCM Practices and Performance Measures: A Case Study from the Automotive Battery Industry in Brazil

The field of closed-loop supply chain management (CLSCM) seeks to replace the linear flow of materials and energy with a cyclical model in which the outputs of the production system become inputs to the same system, thus closing the cycle of materials and energy within the supply chain. Current literature on CLSCM reports a wide variety of practices, and combining these practices with environmental performance measures is an ongoing challenge, mainly because results from these practices are often diffuse and linking them with performance results is not a straightforward task. This paper addresses this problem by proposing a model to prioritize CLSCM practices and performance measures. The correlation model integrating the fuzzy direct rating method (FDRM) and CLSCM practices and performance measures was tested in a real company that is part of a closed-loop supply chain that recycles lead obtained from automotive batteries in Brazil. The results allowed the identification of which management practices are more relevant to the organization by correlating their impact with performance measures. The most relevant practices for the company under study were demand forecasting, with 21.68% of relative importance, followed by reverse logistics practices (21.15%) and production planning and control (18.16%). Another relevant finding is that upstream performance measures account for 77.72% of the company’s CLSCM performance.

Trump could be a mixed bag for the US battery industry

Trump could be a mixed bag for the US battery industry

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)-Trimethylaluminum (TMA) Chemistry: First-Principles Investigation and Experimental Insights.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a popular method of coating battery electrodes with metal oxides for improved cycling stability. While significant research has focused on the interaction between the reactive metal alkyl precursor and the electrode materials, little is known about the reactivity of the precursor toward other components of the battery electrode, such as the polymer binder. This study presents a combined computational and experimental investigation of the reaction between the popular polyvinylidene (PVDF) binder and the trimethylaluminum (TMA) precursor commonly used for coating Al2O3 by ALD. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to interrogate the reactivity of PVDF toward TMA and to characterize the reaction products. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations identified an exothermic reaction of TMA with PVDF, yielding methane (CH4), dimethyl aluminum fluoride, and nonsaturated carbons at the reaction site in the PVDF backbone, which is well aligned with XPS results. The newfound chemistry involving TMA and PVDF reveals that PVDF undergoes side reactions in ALD, contradicting the previous belief that PVDF is chemically inert as a battery binder. This discovery prompts a reassessment of PVDF's application scenarios in the battery industry.

Recovery of graphite from industrial lithium-ion battery black mass

A streamlined workflow is established for the recovery of graphite from industrial lithium-ion battery black mass, which could be seamlessly integrated into the existing cathode materials recycling processes developed in the industry.

Indented metallic bipolar plates for vanadium redox flow batteries

The standard industrial vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) stack is made of thick graphite bipolar plates to support the flow field required for optimal circulation of electrolyte. These thick plates suffer from electrolyte seepage, poor mechanical properties, and high machining and processing costs. In the present study, we report on the use of metallic bipolar plates for the construction of the VRFB cell. We show, through comprehensive electrochemical and hydrodynamic investigations, that Hastelloy C276, a corrosion-resistant high Nickel alloy, is a suitable bipolar plate material in VRFB cells. We show further that surface texture modification, in the form of a mix of concave and convex spherical indentations on the metallic bipolar plate, can have beneficial effects on cell performance. Comparative experiments on medium-size cells of a nominal area of 440 cm2 operating in the current density range of 75–125 mA/cm2 show that discharge energy gains of 25% or higher can be obtained together with a 10–15% reduction in pressure drop in comparison with similar cells with flat bipolar plates. It is posited that the concave indentations spread over the entire area ensure uniform electrolyte circulation while regions of low and high electrode compression create flow channeling possibilities that lead to reduced pressure drop.

Bi-level real-time pricing model in multitype electricity users for welfare equilibrium: A reinforcement learning approach

The diverse load profile formation and utility preferences of multitype electricity users challenge real-time pricing (RTP) and welfare equilibrium. This paper designs an RTP strategy for smart grids. On the demand side, it constructs utility functions reflecting user characteristics and uses multi-agents for different user interests. Considering industrial users, small-scale microgrids, distributed generation, and battery energy storage systems are included. Based on supply and demand interest, a distributed online multi-agent reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm is proposed. A bi-level stochastic model in the Markov decision process framework optimizes the RTP strategy. Through information exchange, an adaptive pricing scheme balances interest and achieves optimal strategies. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method and algorithm in peak shaving and valley filling. Three load fluctuation scenarios are compared, showing the algorithm's adaptability. The findings reveal the potential of the RL-based bi-level pricing model in resource allocation and user benefits in smart grids. Innovations in user modeling, model construction, and algorithm application have theoretical and practical significance in the electricity market research.

Drive Down the Cost: Learning by Doing and Government Policies in the Global EV Battery Industry

Drive Down the Cost: Learning by Doing and Government Policies in the Global EV Battery Industry

Removal of lithium from aqueous solutions by precipitation with sodium and choline alkanoate soaps.

In order to comply with the expected tightening of discharge limits for lithium to surface waters, the lithium-ion battery industry will need access to methods to reduce the concentration of lithium in wastewater down to ppm levels. In this Communication, we discuss the possibility of using sodium and choline soaps as precipitating agents for lithium, comparing the two soap classes and probing the influence of the carbon chain length. It was found that lithium concentrations down to 10 ppm can be reached with sodium stearate, and down to 1 ppm with choline stearate, using a slight excess of the precipitating agent. However, in solutions containing sodium salts, sodium interferes with lithium removal, such that the equilibrium lithium concentration is proportional to the concentration of sodium in the feed. After precipitation, lithium could be recovered from the precipitate by dissolution in an ethanolic hydrogen chloride solution.

Smart manufacturing system with rework and partial outsourcing for battery industry

Smart manufacturing system with rework and partial outsourcing for battery industry

Advances in Recycling Technologies of Critical Metals and Resources from Cathodes and Anodes in Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

With the rapid economic development and the continuous growth in the demand for new energy vehicles and energy storage systems, a significant number of waste lithium-ion batteries are expected to enter the market in the future. Effectively managing the processing and recycling of these batteries to minimize environmental pollution is a major challenge currently facing the lithium-ion battery industry. This paper analyzes and compares the recycling strategies for different components of lithium-ion batteries, providing a summary of the main types of batteries, existing technologies at various pre-treatment stages, and recycling techniques for valuable resources such as heavy metals and graphite. Currently, pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy processes have matured; however, their high energy consumption and pollution levels conflict with the principles of the current green economy. As a result, innovative technologies have emerged, aiming to reduce energy consumption while achieving high recovery rates and minimizing the environmental impact. Nevertheless, most of these technologies are currently limited to the laboratory scale and are not yet suitable for large-scale application.

Highly Sensitive Non-Dispersive Infrared Gas Sensor with Innovative Application for Monitoring Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Runaway.

The safety of power batteries in the automotive industry is of paramount importance and cannot be emphasized enough. As lithium-ion battery technology continues to evolve, the energy density of these batteries increases, thereby amplifying the potential risks linked to battery failures. This study explores pivotal safety challenges within the electric vehicle sector, with a particular focus on thermal runaway and gas emissions originating from lithium-ion batteries. We offer a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas sensor designed to efficiently monitor battery emissions. Notably, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensors are emphasized for their ability to enhance early-warning systems, facilitating the timely detection of potential issues and, in turn, improving the overall safety standards of electric vehicles. In this study, we introduce a novel CO2 gas sensor based on the advanced pyroelectric single-crystal lead niobium magnesium titanate (PMNT), which exhibits exceptionally high pyroelectric properties compared to commercially available materials, such as lithium tantalate single crystals and lead zirconate titanate ceramics. The specific detection rate of PMNT single-crystal pyroelectric infrared detectors is more than four times higher than lithium tantalate single-crystal infrared detectors. The PMNT single-crystal NDIR gas detector is used to monitor thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, enabling the rapid and highly accurate detection of gases released by the battery. This research offers an in-depth exploration of real-time monitoring for power battery safety, utilizing the cutting-edge pyroelectric single-crystal gas sensor. Beyond providing valuable insights, the study also presents practical recommendations for mitigating the risks of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, with a particular emphasis on the development of effective warning systems.

A Mini-Review on Lead Ion Removal Using Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes from Aqueous Solutions

The rapidly increasing global population and industrialisation are the main causes of the problem of water contamination. Issues with heavy metals are the main cause of this contamination. At least 20 metals are considered toxic and one of the most toxic is lead (Pb). Even though lead is being used in various industries, 86% of lead is remarkably used in battery industries, contributing to lead pollution. Water is utilised extensively during the battery-making process, particularly for washing battery parts for recycling. Hence, the process water becomes heavily contaminated, majorly with Pb compounds. Accordingly, treating Pb-containing effluent is mandatory for humanity and industrial survival. The conventional purification techniques were not sophisticated and resulted in waste and complex effluents harmful to the environment, demanding more advanced purification systems. A non-destructive separation, known as membrane separation, is a well-established technique for treating wastewater containing heavy metal ions and producing high-quality treated effluent. Polymeric membranes are of primary interest, as they can be easily modified and compatible with different materials like polymers and nanoadditives to improve membrane performance. The performance is primarily evaluated based on porosity, hydrophilicity, permeability, rejection capacity and anti-fouling nature. This study compiles research on polymer nanocomposite membranes for lead removal from the last five years.

Application of metal oxide-based materials for improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries

With the continuous development of electric vehicles, battery technology has also been developed rapidly. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with a variety of advantages become the primary choice of the current battery industry. The global demand for lithium element also shows a rapidly rising trend, however, the global supply of lithium is in a relatively urgent stage. By improving the service life and efficiency of LIBs has become a hot research topic. One of the research directions is to improve the performance of battery by improving the structure of electrode materials, and metal oxide materials have become an important part of improving the performance of electrode materials by virtue of their low cost, high structural stability, high service life and high energy density. This research will introduce manganese-based oxide cathode materials, chromium oxide cathode materials, nanostructured copper oxide anode materials, and carbon/metal oxide composite anode materials. These four types of materials can improve the service life and electrochemical performance of LIBs by improving the structural stability of the materials and increasing the flow rate of lithium ions at the electrode.

The Impact of Public Policy on the Lithium Battery Industry- Taking the United States as an Example

Lithium battery plays a notable role in global manufacturing. As the demand for clean energy increases worldwide, the lithium battery industry is expanding rapidly. The United States, which stands at a leading status, aims to strengthen its competitive position. Policies support the development of technological innovation and enhanced domestic production capabilities. The objective of this research is to analyze the impact of public policies in the United States on local lithium battery production. The tariff policy, tax policy, research and development, and subsidy policies will be discussed separately in the following sections. This study includes a review of academic literature, industry reports, and policy papers. By analyzing the impact, this paper draws the following conclusions. Firstly, the local policies strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience to enhance the international position. Secondly, the market in the US encourages the consumption of electric vehicles, which fosters the demand for lithium batteries. To further enhance the global competitiveness of the United States in the lithium battery industry, the US government should continue to contribute to the current status.

An Innovative Polydopamine/Polyvinyl Alcohol Binder System for High‐Performance Micro‐Sized Silicon Anodes

Micro‐sized silicon (Si) is expected to be widely used in the future lithium‐ion battery industry due to its abundant resources, low price, and high energy density. However, the rapid capacity degradation resulting from its significant volume expansion remains a critical challenge. Herein, an innovative binder system for micro‐sized Si anodes is presented. Utilizing a high‐energy ball milling reaction, Si particles are coated with a thin polydopamine (PDA) layer, forming Si@PDA particles. Subsequently, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) binder is incorporated to form the Si@PDA/PVA binder system. The numerous hydroxyl groups in PDA form hydrogen bonds with PVA binder, establishing robust interactions among electrode components, thereby stabilizing the overall structure of the Si anode and maintaining the integrity of its electrical contacts. As a result, the obtained Si@PDA/PVA anode exhibits a high specific capacity of 1215 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 100 cycles. In addition, the rate performance test demonstrates that it delivers a high capacity of over 800 mAh g−1 at 3 C. This approach provides a promising strategy for the overall design of micro‐sized Si electrodes, offering enhanced cyclic performance and durability.

A Study on the Battery Recycling Process and Risk Estimation.

The demand for the use of secondary batteries is increasing rapidly worldwide in order to solve global warming and achieve carbon neutrality. Major minerals used to produce cathode materials, which are key raw materials for secondary batteries, are treated as conflict minerals due to their limited reserves, and accordingly, research on the battery recycling industry is urgent for the sustainable secondary battery industry. There is a significant risk of accidents because there is a lack of prior research data on the battery recycling process and various chemicals are used in the entire recycling process. Therefore, for the safety management of related industries, it is necessary to clearly grasp the battery recycling process and to estimate the risk accordingly. In this study, the process was generalized using the information on the battery recycling process suggested in the preceding literature. And to estimate the relative risk of each battery recycling process, the RAC (Risk Assessment Code) matrix described in the US Department of Defense's "MIL-STD-882E" was used. Severity was derived by using "NFPA 704", and probability was derived by combining generalized event analysis for each process and the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) report. The results confirmed that the process using H2SO4 had the highest risk when extracting Li during the leaching process, and that dismantling and heat treatment had the lowest risk. Using the probability factor for each process calculated through the research, it is expected to be used in future battery recycling process research as basic data for quantitative risk assessment of the battery recycling process.