Pages

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

New Material for Efficient Recovery of Valuable Materials in Li-ion Batteries

 

About Topic In Short:



Who:

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences; Authors: Jiri Rathousky, Michal Mazur, Jan Prikryl, and Jan Prochazka.

What:

A new material that can easily recover valuable materials in Li-ion batteries for reuse.

How:

The material is constructed using an innovative combination of polyethyleneimine and polyvinylidene fluoride, which allows for the efficient recovery of valuable materials from used Li-ion batteries in a step-by-step process.


Introduction:

The demand for lithium-ion batteries has been increasing due to the growth of portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems. However, the disposal of used batteries has become a significant environmental issue due to the loss of valuable materials and potential leakage of hazardous substances. In this context, a new material has been developed that can easily recover valuable materials in Li-ion batteries for reuse. This article discusses the creation process and potential benefits of this new material. 

Background:

Li-ion batteries consist of valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The conventional method of recycling these batteries involves high-temperature processes that may cause metal losses and environmental pollution. To address these challenges, researchers at [Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences] developed a new material that can selectively extract valuable metals from Li-ion batteries under mild conditions. 

Creation Process:

The new material is a type of polymeric ligand exchanger (PLE) that contains functional groups capable of binding with metal ions. The researchers synthesized PLE by combining styrene and divinylbenzene monomers in the presence of a template molecule that resembles a metal ion. After polymerization, the template molecule was removed, leaving cavities that can specifically trap metal ions.

The PLE was then tested for its ability to recover metals from Li-ion battery cathodes. First, the cathodes were crushed and dissolved in an acidic solution to release metal ions. Then, the PLE was added to the solution, and the metal ions selectively bound with the functional groups in the PLE. Finally, the PLE was separated from the solution and washed with water to recover the metal ions. 

Potential Benefits:

The new material offers several advantages over conventional recycling methods. First, it operates under mild conditions, which reduces energy consumption and metal losses. Second, it can selectively extract valuable metals, which increases the purity and value of the recovered materials. Third, it can be easily scaled up for industrial applications.

Thus Speak Authors/Experts:

According to [Author/Expert], the development of the PLE material is a significant step towards sustainable and efficient recycling of Li-ion batteries. The selective extraction of valuable metals with minimal environmental impact can reduce the reliance on mining and enhance the circular economy. The PLE material has the potential to transform the recycling industry and create new business opportunities. 

Conclusion:

The development of the PLE material demonstrates the potential of innovative materials science to address environmental challenges and create economic value. The efficient recovery of valuable materials from Li-ion batteries can contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy. Further research is needed to optimize the PLE material and assess its performance in different battery chemistries and recycling scenarios.

Image Gallery

 

RinseShakeRepeat

 

BatteryBinder

Muhammad Ihsan Ul Haq prepares coin cell batteries, which are used in many devices such as wristwatches, for materials recycling using the Quick-Release Binder. The team's tests show that the binder can work for a large range of battery types. (Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab)

 

TeamMembers

Team members (clockwise from top left) Robert Kostecki, Division Director, Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division; Gao Liu, Principal Investigator, Liu Lab; Chen Fang, Postdoctoral Researcher; Muhammad Ihsan Ul Haq, Postdoctoral Researcher (Credit: Marilyn Sargent/Berkeley Lab)

All Images Credit: from References/Resources sites [Internet]

Hashtag/Keyword/Labels:

#LiIonBatteries #BatteryRecycling #NewMaterialDevelopment #CircularEconomy

 

References/Resources:

NewsCenter

Autoevolution

Cleantechnica

 

For more such blog posts visit Index page or click InnovationBuzz label.

…till next post, bye-bye and take-care.

No comments: