The growing production of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for electric vehicles and consumer electronics has increased the need for the raw components, particularly cathode materials (lithium and cobalt). By recycling materials from spent LIB systems, not only removes these metals from waste streams, but also eases the anticipated demand for raw materials. Currently the more commonly used pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling processes involve separating the cathode into its constituent elements or salts followed by fresh synthesis of the cathode. Alternatively, direct recycling maintains much of the existing structure, limiting the reinvestment of energy used in regeneration. The price and supply of cobalt has driven research to focus on high nickel, low cobalt cathode compositions, leaving a difference between the currently used cathodes and those coming out of service. For this work, starting NMC cathodes were chemically delithiated (15-25% Li removal) by treatment with (NH4)2S2O8 to model lithium loss in end-of-life cathodes. Lithium was added back in using solid state methods to fill structural vacancies before reaction with nickel. Approaches to increase the nickel content via solid state reaction to match the current generation of NMC cathodes will be made. Characterization of the recycled cathode powders includes powder XRD, scanning electron microscopy, GDOES, ICP and electrochemical performance.

Direct recycling and keeping up with changing cathode chemistries

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.