Comparing Electrochemical Discharge Methods for Lithium-ion Battery Recycling
Arjun Muralidharan
Aalto University
Emerging battery technologies boost energy density, lifespan, and safety. However, the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), coupled with material scarcity and recycling challenges like inefficient processes, and batteries containing various elements, results in low-quality recovered materials. Discharged voltage below 0% state of charge (SOC) is proposed to enable more efficient recycling methods. While aqueous NaCl was suggested, experiments revealed its high corrosiveness during discharge. Experimentation with various inorganic salts in aqueous solutions aimed to achieve low discharge voltage, but water-splitting reactions persisted due to the high voltage of LIBs. Therefore, the organic solvents and ionic liquids in non-aqueous media offer the electrochemical window to maintain stable electrolytes and help mitigate casing corrosion.