Battery Recycling Research Articles

Relation-aware graph convolutional network for waste battery inspection based on X-ray images

With the popularization of various electronic devices, the demand for batteries is rapidly increasing. Batteries bring convenience to our daily lives, but how to effectively achieve battery recycling is a challenge. In fact, improper disposal can cause serious environmental pollution and resource waste. Currently, it is inefficient and time-consuming to manually locate batteries from waste electronic devices by employing a large number of professional workers. Therefore, we propose an efficient solution based on deep learning and X-ray images, which can automatically detect batteries without opening waste electronic devices. Specifically, we construct a High-quality X-ray Battery Inspection dataset called HiXray-BI, which not only contains 6000 X-ray images collected from the existing dataset, but also provides 23,994 battery instances. In addition, we propose a novel deep learning model called Relation-Aware Graph Convolutional Network (RA-GCN) for X-ray waste battery inspection, which introduces a novel Multi-scale Feature Relation Module (MFRM) and Semantic Feature Relation Module (SFRM) to improve detection performance. Experimental results on the HiXray-BI dataset show that our method compares favorably with state-of-the-art methods. Our solution provides new insights into recycling waste batteries, which is beneficial for environmental protection and sustainable development.

Study on the Catalytic Oxidation of Toluene Using CeO2@S-AZMB Prepared from Spent Zn-Mn Batteries

The recycling and utilization of waste alkaline zinc manganese batteries (S-AZMB) has always been a focus of attention in the fields of environment and energy. However, current research mostly focuses on the recycling of purified materials, while neglecting the direct reuse of waste batteries. Here, we propose a new concept of preparing thermal catalysts by combining unpurified S-AZMB with CeO2 by means of ball milling. A series of characterizations and experiments have confirmed that the combination with S-AZMB not only enhances the thermal catalytic activity of CeO2 but also significantly enhances the concentration of surface oxygen vacancies. In the toluene removal experiment, the temperature (T90) at 90% toluene conversions of CeO2@S-AZMB was 180 °C, lower than the 220 °C for CeO2. More noteworthy is that this S-AZMB-based thermal catalyst can maintain a good structure and thermal catalytic stability in cyclic catalysis.

A Comprehensive Review of Lithium-Ion Battery (LiB) Recycling Technologies and Industrial Market Trend Insights

Adopting EVs has been widely recognized as an efficient way to alleviate future climate change. Nonetheless, the large number of spent LiBs associated with EVs is becoming a huge concern from both environmental and energy perspectives. This review summarizes the three most popular LiB recycling technologies, the current LiB recycling market trend, and global recycling magnates’ industrial dynamics regarding this subject. We mainly focus on reviewing hydrometallurgical and direct recycling technologies to discuss the advancement of those recycling technologies and their future commercialization pathway.

Spectral Characterization of Battery Components from Li-Ion Battery Recycling Processes

Considering the increasing demand for Li-ion batteries, there is a need for sophisticated recycling strategies with both high recovery rates and low costs. Applying optical sensors for automating component detection is a very promising approach because of the non-contact, real-time process monitoring and the potential for complete digitization of mechanical sorting processes. In this work, mm-scale particles from shredded end-of-life Li-ion batteries are investigated by five different reflectance sensors, and a range from the visible to long-wave infrared is covered to determine the ideal detection window for major component identification as relevant input signals to sorting technologies. Based on the characterization, a spectral library including Al, Cu, separator foil, inlay foil, and plastic splinters was created, and the visible to near-infrared range (400–1000 nm) was identified as the most suitable spectral range to reliably discriminate between Al, Cu, and other battery components in the recycling material stream of interest. The evaluation of the different sensor types outlines that only imaging sensors meet the requirements of recycling stream monitoring and can deliver sufficient signal quality for subsequent mechanical sorting controls. Requirements for the setup parameters were discussed leading to the setup recommendation of a fast snapshot camera with a sufficiently high spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.

Characterisation of the Grain Morphology of Artificial Minerals (EnAMs) in Lithium Slags by Correlating Multi-Dimensional 2D and 3D Methods

Slags from the metallurgical recycling process are an important source of resources classified as critical elements by the EU. One example is lithium from Li-ion battery recycling. In this context, the thermodynamic properties of the recycled component system play a significant role in the formation of the Li-bearing phases in the slag, in this case, LiAlO2. LiAlO2 crystal formation could be engineered and result in varying sizes and occurrences by different metallurgical processing conditions. This study uses pure ingredients to provide a synthetic model material which can be used to generate the valuable phase in the slag, or so-called engineered artificial minerals (EnAMs). The aim is to investigate the crystallisation of LiAlO2 as an EnAM by controlling the cooling conditions of the model slag to optimise the EnAM formed during crystallisation. Characterisation of the EnAMs is an important step before further mechanically processing the material to recover the valuable element Li, the Li-bearing species, respectively. Investigations are conducted using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (µXRF), and X-ray Computer Tomography (XCT) on two different artificial lithium slags from MnO-Al2O3-SiO2-CaO systems with different cooling temperature gradients. The result shows the different EnAM morphology along the height of the slag, which is formed under different slag production conditions in a semi-pilot scale experiment of 5 kg. Based on the different EnAM morphologies, three defined qualities of the EnAM are identified: granular, dendritic, and irregular-shape EnAM.

A Review of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Technologies, Sustainability, and Open Issues

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a widely used energy storage technology as they possess high energy density and are characterized by the reversible intercalation/deintercalation of Li ions between electrodes. The rapid development of LIBs has led to increased production efficiency and lower costs for manufacturers, resulting in a growing demand for batteries and their application across various industries, particularly in different types of vehicles. In order to meet the demand for LIBs while minimizing climate-impacting emissions, the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of LIBs is a critical step toward achieving a sustainable battery economy. This paper provides a comprehensive review of lithium-ion battery recycling, covering topics such as current recycling technologies, technological advancements, policy gaps, design strategies, funding for pilot projects, and a comprehensive strategy for battery recycling. Additionally, this paper emphasizes the challenges associated with developing LIB recycling and the opportunities arising from these challenges, such as the potential for innovation and the creation of a more sustainable and circular economy. The environmental implications of LIB recycling are also evaluated with methodologies able to provide a sustainability analysis of the selected technology. This paper aims to enhance the comprehension of these trade-offs and encourage discussion on determining the “best” recycling route when targets are in conflict.

Spent graphite regeneration: Exploring diverse repairing manners with impurities-catalyzing effect towards high performance and low energy consumption

Spent battery recycling has received considerable attention because of its economic and environmental potential. A large amount of retired graphite has been produced as the main electrode material, accompanied by a detailed exploration of the repair mechanism. However, they still suffer from unclear repair mechanisms and physicochemical evolution. In this study, spent graphite was repaired employing three methodologies: pickling-sintering, pyrogenic-recovery, and high-temperature sintering. Owing to the catalytic effect of the metal-based impurities and temperature control, the as-obtained samples displayed an ordered transformation, including the interlayer distance, crystalline degree, and grain size. As anodes of lithium ions batteries, the capacity of repaired samples reached up to 310 mA h g−1 above after 300 loops at 1.0 C, similar to that of commercial graphite. Meanwhile, benefitting from the effective assembly of carbon atoms in internal structure of graphite at >1400 °C, their initial coulombic efficiency were >87%. Even at 2.0 C, the capacity of samples remained approximately 244 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles. Detailed electrochemical and kinetic analyses revealed that a low temperature enhanced the isotropy, thereby enhancing the rate properties. Further, economic and environmental analyses revealed that the revenue obtained through suitable pyrogenic-recovering manners was approximately the largest value (5500 $ t−1). Thus, this study is expected to clarify the in-depth effect of different repair methods on the traits of graphite, while offering all-round evaluations of repaired graphite.

Pretreatment of Lithium Ion Batteries for Safe Recycling with High-Temperature Discharging Approach

The ongoing transition toward electric vehicles is a major factor in the exponential rise in demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). There is a significant effort to recycle battery materials to support the mining industry in ensuring enough raw materials and avoiding supply disruptions, so that there will be enough raw materials to produce LIBs. Nevertheless, LIBs that have reached the end of their useful lives and are sent for recycling may still have some energy left in them, which could be dangerous during handling and processing. Therefore, it is important to conduct discharge pretreatment of LIBs before dismantling and crushing them, especially in cases where pyrometallurgical recycling is not used. Electrochemical discharge in conducting solutions has been commonly studied and implemented for this purpose, but its effectiveness has yet to be fully validated. Non-electrochemical discharge has also been researched as a potentially cleaner and more efficient discharge technology at the same time. This article presents a non-electrochemical discharge process by completely draining the energy from used batteries before recycling. A comprehensive investigation of the behavior of LIBs during discharge and the amount of energy remaining after fully discharging the battery at different temperatures is analyzed in this work. According to the experimental findings, completely discharging the battery at higher temperatures results in a reduced amount of residual energy in the battery. This outcome holds great importance in terms of safe and environmentally friendly recycling of used LIBs, emphasizing that safety and environmentally friendly recycling must go hand in hand with a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

Research on power battery recycling mode selection considering dual behavioral preferences under different government subsidies

Abstract Efficient and stable recycling of power batteries requires the construction of a perfect and reasonable recycling system; the current research however fails to take into account the comprehensive influence of government policies outside the supply chain and internal members’ behavioral preferences at the same time, hence fail to reflect the whole and true recycling reality. This paper studies how different battery recycling subsidy policies and relevant players’ behavioral preferences affect decision-making along the supply chain and tries to work out the optimal power battery recycling model. The results show that (1) Which recycling subsidy policy is better at promoting battery recycling is related to the size of battery capacity; (2) Behavioral preferences of key players, i.e. the risk aversion of the battery manufacturer and the fairness concern preference of the vehicle manufacturer, can be irrelevant or have a negative impact on power battery recycling; (3) The preferred recycling models vary among key stakeholders in the recycling ecosystem. The government encourages battery producers to lead the recycling operation, consumers and battery producers check the risk sensitivity, and vehicle manufacturers prefer to recycle batteries alone.

Balancing the Components of Biomass and the Reactivity of Pyrolysis Gas: Biomass-Assisted Recycling of Spent LiCoO2 Batteries.

Waste biomass is one of the promising feedstocks to supply syngas that can be used as fuels, chemicals, reductants, etc. However, the relationship between the component of biomass and the constituent of pyrolysis gas remains unclear. Here, we study the pyrolysis behaviors of various biomasses and reveal the relationship between the biomass components and gas compositions. Further, different pyrolysis gases are applied for the reduction of spent lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) below 500 °C. The pyrolysis gas with a higher concentration of CO has a higher reductivity to convert LiCoO2 to CoO and Li2CO3 with a conversion rate close to 100% in 1 h at 500 °C. The biomass rich in cellulose and with a lower content of lignin tends to produce pyrolysis gas with a high concentration of CO, which comes from the deliberate breakdown of carboxyl, carbonyl, ether, and ester linkages. Moreover, LiCoO2 exerts catalytic functions over the deoxygenation and enhancement of oxygenates and single-ring aromatics. Overall, this paper offers a tailored approach to regulating biomass pyrolysis gases, enabling highly efficient battery recycling and syngas production.

A systematic review of nanotechnology for electric vehicles battery

Abstract Nanotechnology has increased electric vehicle (EV) battery production, efficiency and use. Nanotechnology is explored in this electric car battery illustration. Nanoscale materials and topologies research has increased battery energy density, charge time and cycle life. Nanotubes, graphene and metal oxides improve energy storage, flow and charging/discharge. Solid-state and lithium-air high-energy batteries are safer, more energy dense and more stable using nanoscale catalysts. Nanotechnology improves battery parts. Nanostructured fluids reduce lithium dendrite, improving batteries. Nanocoating electrodes may reduce damage and extend battery life. Nanotechnology benefits the planet. Nanomaterials allow battery parts to employ ordinary, safe materials instead of rare, harmful ones. Nanotechnology promotes battery recycling, reducing waste. Change does not influence stable, cost-effective or scalable items. Business opportunities for nanotechnology-based EV batteries need more research. High-performance, robust and environmentally friendly batteries might make electric cars more popular and transportation more sustainable with research and development. An outline of EV battery nanotechnology researchexamines the publication patterns, notable articles, collaborators and contributions. This issue was researched extensively, indicating interest. Research focuses on anode materials, energy storage and battery performance. A research landscape assessment demonstrates EV battery nanotechnology’s growth and future. A comprehensive literature review examined nanosensors in EVs. Our study provides a solid foundation for understanding the current state of research, identifying major trends and discovering nanotechnology breakthroughs in EV sensors by carefully reviewing, characterizing and rating important papers.

Data‐Driven Online Prognosis of Rechargeable Batteries: Prospect and Perspective

AbstractAlong with the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and smart grids, rechargeable batteries are playing an increasingly important role in the field of energy storage. To ensure a safe and stable operation, it remains essential to estimate the states of batteries accurately and efficiently in advance. Herein, we provide a perspective on data‐driven online prognosis of rechargeable batteries, where its scope and superiorities are first introduced. Four promising application scenarios in real world including battery manufacture, EVs, smart grid, and battery recycling are then discussed, followed by the challenges that require further investigation. We anticipate this perspective to attract more interest to this field, to illuminate potential directions for future researches, and to broaden the context of data‐driven physical and engineering sciences.

A proof-of-concept of direct recycling of anode and cathode active materials: From spent batteries to performance in new Li-ion cells

Recycling End-of-Life (EoL) Li-ion Batteries (LiBs) is a major target, driven mainly by recently published EU guidelines and by supply risks of primary resources for meeting the increasing demand of cell production. Even though LiBs recycling is technically feasible, it is limited by insufficient recycling efficiencies and high environmental impact of the currently available technologies. With moderate energy consumption and waste production, direct recycling is virtually the ideal approach in a circular economy perspective. However, the lack of verification of recycled materials under industrially relevant conditions hinders its attractiveness for large-scale applications. Here, we demonstrate direct recycling of NCM622 and graphite from spent cells and validate the recycled materials in new cells with commercially valid characteristics. We extend the recycling from the layered oxide cathode to the graphite anode with high efficiency and no toxic solvents used during the process. New cells with both recycled anode and cathode show very promising electrochemical performance comparable to those of commercially available active materials. The proof-of-concept of direct recycling offers the basis for identifying scalable routes and fast advancement of battery recycling.

Recovery of Residual Lead from Automotive Battery Recycling Slag Using Deep Eutectic Solvents.

In this study, we address the ecological challenges posed by automotive battery recycling, a process notorious for its environmental impact due to the buildup of hazardous waste like foundry slag. We propose a relatively cheap and safe solution for lead removal and recovery from samples of this type of slag. The analysis of TCLP extracts revealed non-compliance with international regulations, showing lead concentrations of up to 5.4% primarily in the form of anglesite (PbSO4), as detected by XRF/XRD. We employed deep eutectic solvents (DES) as leaching agents known for their biodegradability and safety in hydrometallurgical processing. Five operational variables were systematically evaluated: sample type, solvent, concentration, temperature, and time. Using a solvent composed of choline chloride and glycerin in a 2:1 molar ratio, we achieved 95% lead dissolution from acidic samples at 90 °C, with agitation at 470 rpm, a pulp concentration of 5%, and a 5 h duration. Furthermore, we successfully recovered 55% of the lead in an optimized solution using an electrowinning cell. This research demonstrates the ability of DES to decontaminate slag, enabling compliance with regulations, the recovery of valuable metals, and new possibilities for the remaining material.

Research on the trade-in modes for electric vehicle power batteries under deposit and fund policies

Abstract Recycling power batteries has gained attention as electric vehicles (EVs) develop rapidly. Government deposit and fund policies encourage battery recycling and cascade utilization. Thus, we construct six trade-in modes for battery supplier, EV manufacturer, and external recycler as recycle entity under deposit and fund policies. Supply chain member profits, battery recycling rate, environmental impact, and social welfare are compared between modes. The results are as follows: (1) Deposit policy has a greater battery recycling rate and lower environmental impact than fund policy, so the best trade-in mode is with the EV manufacturer as recycling entity; (2) Battery supplier and EV manufacturer gain more from the fund policy when recycling themselves, whereas external recycler prefers the deposit policy; (3) Battery supplier recycling under ‘high deposit-high subsidy’ is more likely to promote social welfare, while EV manufacturer recycling under ‘high deposit-low subsidy’ will help the government balance revenue and expenditure.

New energy vehicle battery recycling strategy considering carbon emotion from a closed-loop supply chain perspective

The negative impact of used batteries of new energy vehicles on the environment has attracted global attention, and how to effectively deal with used batteries of new energy vehicles has become a hot issue. This paper combines the rank-dependent expected utility with the evolutionary game theory, constructs an evolutionary game model based on the interaction mechanism between decision makers' emotions and decision making, and studies the recycling strategy of new energy automobile trams under the heterogeneous combination of emotions. The study shows that: (1) In addition to the establishment of effective external norms, the subjective preference of decision makers can also positively affect the recycling strategy of new energy vehicle batteries. (2) Fairness preferences can have a significant nonlinear effect on new energy vehicle battery recycling strategies by changing the utility function of decision makers. (3) When new energy vehicle manufacturers remain optimistic and new energy vehicle demanders remain rational or pessimistic, the new energy vehicle battery recycling strategy can reach the optimal steady state.

Towards sustainable battery recycling: selective dynamic adsorption of nickel(II) and cobalt(II) in an adsorbent fixed-bed reactor at elevated temperature

Caused by the scarce resources of critical heavy metals which are in high demand, e.g., for lithium-ion batteries, processes for the recovery of such materials for recycling are of high interest. Adsorption is an effective method in order to selectively separate metal ions from aqueous solutions. Unfortunately, the prerequisites in battery recycling, like acidic pH-value and high temperature, are in general impairing the adsorption process. In this study, the competitive dynamic adsorption of nickel(II) (Ni(II)) and cobalt(II) (Co(II)) by a silica adsorbent functionalized with amino-polycarboxylate derivative ligands (designated as HSU331) under recycling process conditions, (pH = 3.5, T = 20 °C, and T = 50 °C, respectively) and varying concentrations (Ni(II):Co(II) 1:1 (5.0, and 10 mmol·L−1, respectively), Ni(II):Co(II) 3:1 and 1:3 (3.0 mmol·L−1 and 1.0 mmol·L−1 vice versa)) were investigated. A displacement desorption of Co(II) in favor of the binding of Ni(II) was observed, achieving maximum loadings of 0.95 µmolNi(II)·µmolLigand−1 (28.3 mgNi(II)·gAdsorbent−1), and 0.48 µmolCo(II)·µmolLigand−1 (14.3 mgCo(II)·gAdsorbent−1) at T = 20 °C and 1.0 µmolNi(II)·µmolLigand−1 (29.9 mgNi(II)·gAdsorbent−1) and 0.18 µmolCo(II)·µmolLigand−1 (5.38 mgCo(II)·gAdsorbent−1) at T = 50 °C, respectively. These results demonstrate a distinctly selective separation of Ni(II) in the presence of Co(II) by HSU331, achieving an even higher efficiency at elevated temperatures.

Electric Vehicles—An Overview of Current Issues—Part 1—Environmental Impact, Source of Energy, Recycling, and Second Life of Battery

The rapid transition to electric-drive vehicles is taking place globally. Most automakers are adding electric models to their lineups to prepare for the new electric future. From the analysis of the automotive market, it is evident that there is a growing interest in such vehicles. They are expected to account for half the models released after 2030. Electric-drive vehicles include battery-electric vehicles. As indicated in the research literature and emphasized by experts, electric vehicles (EVs) are supposed to be an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles. The rising number and variety of EVs contribute to a better understanding of their performance. With more EVs on the market, there are problems to be solved and challenges to overcome. This article is the first part of a two-article series reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of EVs. The article analyzes the environmental effects of EVs at each stage of their life cycle, compares large- and small-scale recycling methods, and explores the potential applications of second-life batteries. This article is an attempt to find out how environmentally friendly EVs are.

Analysis of the generation and physical-chemical characteristics of slag from the recycling of lead-acid batteries

Analysis of the generation and physical-chemical characteristics of slag from the recycling of lead-acid batteries

Removal of phosphorus and fluorine from wastewater containing PF6−via accelerated decomposition by Al3+ and chemical precipitation for hydrometallurgical recycling of lithium-ion batteries

During hydrometallurgical recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), one important challenge is the efficient treatment of wastewater containing LiPF6 used as a lithium salt in the LIBs.