Invited talk – Nordbatt 2022

Invited talk: Process Alternatives for Li-recovery from spent batteries

27th July 201930th July 2019
by Prof. Dr. Bernd Friedrich

Authors: Prof. Dr. Bernd Friedrich; M.Sc Lillian Peters
Title: Process Alternatives for Li-recovery from spent batteries
Affiliation: RWTH Aachen University – IME Process Metallurgy and Metal Recycling

Abstract

Due to the rising demand of Lithium-Ion Batteries in many applications like electric mobility or portable consumer goods the scrap volumes arising in the future are likely to increase, too. Nonetheless, exact calculations are challenging because the highly dynamic market, also in view of battery chemistries, is subject to uncertainties. Scenario-based approaches by means of several parameters such as the cell weight, the battery lifetime, the collection rate or the export quota lead to helpful estimations, which are crucial for recyclers. In terms of the process technology there are many concepts and process paths available serving to recover relevant metals and materials and such contribute to the global target of a circular economy of raw materials. Depending on specific interests, the prerequisites in terms of knowledge or existing equipment technology, different paths can be chosen. Still, in many processes less noble but valuable components, such as the core element Li, are presently not recovered.

For each process path alternative a “recycling efficiency” (RE) can be consequently calculated. The European Union has defined a threshold for an efficient recycling process, namely a 50 wt.% RE referring to cell level. In contrast to that, only a few companies in Europe are capable of realizing this aim by mobilizing sufficient products from this waste instead of dumping important metals such as Lithium in a slag. This presentation aims to give an insight into the prevalent concepts for holistic recycling with a special focus on Li, and highlights their shortcomings and benefits. Hereby potentials and needs for political or technological modifications from the status-quo are pointed out.

Invited talk

Invited talk: Operando synchrotron and neutron based techniques to…

26th July 201918th September 2019
by Dr. Claire Villevieille

Presenter: Claire Villevieille
Title: Operando synchrotron and neutron based techniques to probe battery materials
Affiliation: Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble INP, LEPMI laboratory, France

Abstract

The Li-ion chemistry is thus far the most advanced chemistry employed in battery technology. To date, Li-ion batteries dominate the market of the electronics and portables devices. However, in the field of electric and hybrid vehicles further improvements are required in terms of performance, safety, and cost. The same set of criteria concerns other systems based on alternative chemistries such as Na-ion and solid-state batteries. Advanced Li-ion batteries and the pre-cited novel systems utilize less understood electroactive materials and thus show new reaction mechanisms during electrochemical cycling, the understanding of which requires new characterization tools and techniques.

Unfortunately, in most cases the electrochemical cells used for operando measurement are not ideal and suffer from low internal pressure (i.e. poor contact between the electrodes). It shorts the lifespan of the cell and as a consequence most of the studies presented in the literature focus on the first/second cycle. Herein we present different cell designs developed in our laboratory and used for operando/in situ studies. Having overcome earlier mentioned obstacle our operando/in situ cells are able to sustain more than 100 cycles and simultaneously to perform structural studies such as X-ray and neutron diffraction. For the latter one, we also developed a new set-up called stroboscopic mode. It allows operando study of the batteries that are cycling at very high rates (e.g. 10C) with a neutron patterns collected each 1 s along 200 cycles and more.

Additionally, we will use bulk, surface and imaging techniques to better understand the limitation of all solid state batteries. As an example, Operando neutron imaging has been employed to understand the Li diffusion within the electrode and inside an all-solid state batteries employing Li3PS4 as solid electrolyte whereas operando X-ray microscopic tomography was employed to follow the possible electro-mechanical fracture occurring during cycling and the possible impact on the electrochemical performance.

Other examples based on different operando/in situ techniques such as X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, neutron imaging, and X-ray tomography microscopic used to characterize batteries will be presented during the talk.

Invited talk

Invited talk: Zero Emission Ferry Operation between Helsingborg-Helsingør

25th July 20192nd September 2019
by Jens Ole Hansen

Presenter: Jens Ole Hansen
Title: Zero Emission Ferry Operation between Helsingborg-Helsingør
Affiliation: COO at ForSea AB

Abstract

Towards a more sustainable future with the world’s largest battery ships!
ForSea operates a sustainable ferry route, deploying state-of-the art technology to lessen the impact on the environment, while constantly striving to strengthen regional integration around Øresund. After a 4 year long journey, ForSea has initiated the introduction of full battery operation on the two ferries Tycho Brahe and Aurora to further reduce the ferries’ environmental impact. The conversion to battery operation means that ForSea today has two vessels that are completely emission-free in electric power and that the business can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 65%. Converting two 25-year-old vessels to electric power has not only been a huge challenge, but has also meant long working hours and a lot of frustration. The problems have been many and not only of a technical nature, but also regulations and legal requirements have been poorly adapted for conversion.
Today, however, we are very proud of what we have achieved and we are pleased to see that all the work we have put in now shows result.