Abstract:
Examples are disclosed of methods to recycle positive-electrode material of a lithium-ion battery. In one example, the positive-electrode material is heated under pressure in a concentrated lithium hydroxide solution. After heating, the positive-electrode material is separated from the concentrated lithium hydroxide solution. After separating, the positive electrode material is rinsed in a basic liquid. After rinsing, the positive-electrode material is dried and sintered.
Abstract:
Methods for making a recycled or refurbished electrode material for an energy-storage device are provided. One example method comprises harvesting a lithium-deficient electrode material from a recycling or waste stream, and replenishing at least some lithium in the lithium-deficient electrode material. A second example method comprises breeching an enclosure of a cell of an energy storage device, replenishing at least some lithium in a lithium-deficient electrode material of the cell, and sealing the enclosure of the cell.
Abstract:
Embodiments related to reconditioning of electrode materials for energy storage devices are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method, comprising obtaining a quantity of spent electrode material, wherein the quantity of spent electrode material comprises a portion of material in a second crystallographic state, applying heat to the quantity of spent electrode material under such conditions as to cause at least some of the portion of material in the second crystallographic state to convert to the first crystallographic state, thereby forming a processed spent electrode material, and cooling the processed spent electrode material to thereby recover a reconditioned electrode material. Other embodiments may comprise relithiation of the spent electrode material.
Abstract:
Embodiments related to recycling alkaline batteries are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a method for recycling a battery having a basic electrolyte comprises rupturing the battery under anaerobic conditions and flooding the interior of the battery with carbon dioxide in an anaerobic chamber.
Abstract:
A system and method of removing an electrolyte from energy storage and conversion devices using a supercritical fluid are provided. The method includes placing a selected device in a container, adding a fluid to the container, adjusting at least one of a temperature and a pressure of the fluid in the container to form the supercritical fluid from the fluid in the container, exposing the supercritical fluid to the electrolyte, and removing the supercritical fluid from the container, wherein removal of the supercritical fluid causes removal of the electrolyte from the container.
Abstract:
Embodiments related to recycling alkaline batteries are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a method for recycling a battery having a basic electrolyte comprises rupturing the battery under anaerobic conditions and flooding the interior of the battery with carbon dioxide in an anaerobic chamber.
Abstract:
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to devices for discharging batteries. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a battery discharge device including a positive battery contact for forming an electrical contact with a positive battery terminal of a battery, a negative battery contact for forming an electrical contact with a negative battery terminal of the battery, and a battery discharge indicator including a resistive heating material in electrical communication with the positive battery contact and with the negative battery contact, and also including a reversible thermochromic indicator in thermal communication with the resistive heating material.
Abstract:
Methods for making a recycled or refurbished electrode material for an energy-storage device are provided. One example method comprises harvesting a lithium-deficient electrode material from a recycling or waste stream, and replenishing at least some lithium in the lithium-deficient electrode material. A second example method comprises breeching an enclosure of a cell of an energy storage device, replenishing at least some lithium in a lithium-deficient electrode material of the cell, and sealing the enclosure of the cell.
Abstract:
Examples are disclosed herein that relate to identifying batteries of different chemistries such as in a battery recycling stream. One example provides a method for differentiating between batteries of different chemistries, the method comprising determining an expected mass of a sample of one or more batteries based upon an expected chemistry of the sample of one or more batteries, weighing the sample of one or more batteries to determine a sample mass, comparing the sample mass to the expected mass, and if the sample mass does not match the expected mass within a threshold range, then determining that the sample contains one or more batteries of a different chemistry than the expected chemistry.
Abstract:
Embodiments related to recycling alkaline batteries are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a method for recycling a battery having a basic electrolyte comprises rupturing the battery under anaerobic conditions and flooding the interior of the battery with carbon dioxide in an anaerobic chamber.