Submerged comminution of lithium-ion batteries in water in inert atmosphere for safe recycling

Abstract

We would like to discuss the recycling process of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the viewpoint of “safety”. We consider that the comminutions in water are safer process than dry comminution...

An Overview of the Sustainable Recycling Processes Used for Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…Grinding in the presence of a water spray has also been proposed [72], in which the sprayed H 2 O acts as a heatsink and mitigates the temperature rise due to the short-circuit occurring during the comminution. Also, immersion in water can mitigate the risk of thermal runaway, with the issue of having, in turn, to treat the water used in the process [73].…”

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

“…12 Our group proposed the submerged comminution in water in an inert atmosphere, especially in lime water (saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) solution), to deactivate the spent LIBs even at a charged state. 13 The submerged comminution in water is superior in terms of low ignition risk to comminution in the gas phase, but treatment of wastewater containing electrolytes of LIBs, i.e., organic solvents such as carbonate ester and Li salts such as LiPF 6 , is required. [13][14][15] Phosphorus (P) and fluorine (F) in aquatic ecosystems cause eutrophication and health hazards, respectively, and effluent standards for wastewater are established in many countries.…”

“…13 The submerged comminution in water is superior in terms of low ignition risk to comminution in the gas phase, but treatment of wastewater containing electrolytes of LIBs, i.e., organic solvents such as carbonate ester and Li salts such as LiPF 6 , is required. [13][14][15] Phosphorus (P) and fluorine (F) in aquatic ecosystems cause eutrophication and health hazards, respectively, and effluent standards for wastewater are established in many countries. [16][17][18] For example, the concentrations of P and F in industrial wastewater are regulated at 16 ppm and 8 ppm, respectively, in the representative Japanese standards.…”