Sustainable Tandem Strategy for Recycling the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode and Treating Waste by Cheap and Biocompatible Deep Eutectic Solvents

The recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries can not only reduce the potential harm caused by solid waste piles to the local environment but also provide raw materials for manufacturing new batteries. Power ultrasound is one of the effective means to enhance the resourceful recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries, and the unique physical and chemical effects are the main mechanisms that lead to the enhancement. A large number of studies reported the recycling and utilization of cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries with the assistance of ultrasound. In this paper, first, we discuss the pathway of ultrasonic enhancement of the resource-based recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries regarding the introduction of ultrasonic cavitation theories; second, we systematically review the research of ultrasonic applications in the separation of metal collectors from, the recovery of, and the regeneration of cathode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries; finally, shortcomings of the ultrasound-assisted technology in industrial applications are discussed, and prospects of industrial ultrasonic applications in the resource recycling and utilization of spent lithium-ion batteries are proposed.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Valuable Metals Recovery From Cathode Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of Ultrasound-Assisted Recycling and Utilization of Cathode Materials from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: State-of-the-Art and Outlook

Tong,

Ren,

et al. 2023

“…DESs can form different types of interactions with metal ions, such as coordination, complexation, solvation, and ion exchange . These interactions can enhance the dissolution and stabilization of metal ions in DESs, making them suitable for metal extraction and recovery from various sources, such as spent lithium ion batteries …”

Section: Battery Disposalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deep Eutectic Solvents for Batteries and Fuel Cells: Biosubstitution, Advantages, Challenges, and Future Directions

Hariyanto,

Ng,

Siew

et al. 2023

The rapid shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is imperative for achieving the United Nations’ net-zero emissions target by 2050. This paper explores deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as sustainable alternatives to traditional solvents in batteries and fuel cells. DESs, sourced from renewables, offer numerous advantages, including low toxicity, affordability, and biodegradability, aligning with sustainable energy goals. The review underscores the importance of addressing challenges such as high viscosity, limited solubility, and compatibility issues for enhanced performance. This study primarily delves into how DESs can boost electrolyte performance through biosubstitution and ion recovery, extending their potential to metal recovery for resource efficiency. Additionally, DESs’ flame-retardant, antifreeze properties, and robust thermal and electrochemical stability enhance battery safety, positioning them as a promising avenue for future research. Given the ambitious EV transition targets set globally, this Review provides an overview of DES advancements and their integration with other materials and technologies. Despite potential drawbacks in specific energy and energy density, sodium-based batteries are emerging as a viable alternative to their lithium counterparts. The future of EVs and DESs in battery technology hinges on their economic viability, infrastructure development, and life cycle emissions. In conclusion, this study underscores the pivotal role of DESs in driving sustainable energy solutions during the EV transition.

“…The key technology of direct regeneration of spent cathode materials is to ensure the stoichiometric ratio of each metal element, especially the Li content, repair the broken or collapsed crystal structure, and ensure the smooth transfer of lithium ions. It generally involves relithiation and structure reordering, such as solid-state sintering, , a combined hydrothermal with short annealing method, , electrochemical relithiation, eutectic molten salts, − chemical lithiation, and inothermal lithiation . For instance, Gupta et al reported a combined strategies of purification and relithiation processes for cathode black mass, and a 100 g batch of NCM111 can be regenerated to its pristine state, which is promising for scalable production at an industrial level.…”

Section: Pretreatment and Recycling Of Spent Libsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Upcycling of Cathode Materials from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Outlook

Zheng,

Pan,

et al. 2023

With the growing popularity of electronic devices and electric vehicles, the number of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is increasing dramatically. It is a promising and sustainable strategy to recycle transition metal resources from cathodes of spent LIBs to prepare functional materials for energy storage and conversion systems. This review summarizes the recycling and upcycling of cathode materials from spent LIBs, especially the upcycling, an alternative route to direct regeneration. Multicomponent transition metal-based materials are reported to be promising effective catalysts with the merits of good electrochemical reactivity and excellent stability. The regeneration of metal-based materials from spent cathodes for catalysts are summarized, with an emphasis on oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for water-splitting and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)/OER bifunctional catalysts for Zn–air batteries. Subsequently, we review in detail the upcycling of valuable components from spent cathodes to prepare electrode materials for supercapacitors. Finally, it concludes with challenges and an outlook to ensure long-term sustainability of battery industry.