A Review on Regenerating Materials from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

Recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted increasing attention for their great significance in environmental protection and cyclic resources utilization. Numerous studies focus on developing technologies for the treatment of spent LIBs. Among them, the regeneration of functional materials from spent LIBs has received great attention due to its short process route and high value-added product. This paper briefly summarizes the current status of spent LIBs recycling and details the existing processes and technologies for preparing various materials from spent LIBs. In addition, the benefits of material preparation from spent LIBs, compared with metals recovery only, are analyzed from both environmental and economic aspects. Lastly, the existing challenges and suggestions for the regeneration process are proposed.     

Comprehensive Characterization of Shredded Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Material

Herein we report on an analytical study of dry-shredded lithium-ion battery (LIB) materials with unknown composition. Samples from an industrial recycling process were analyzed concerning the elemental composition and (organic) compound speciation. Deep understanding of the base material for LIB recycling was obtained by identification and analysis of transition metal stoichiometry, current collector metals, base electrolyte and electrolyte additive residues, aging marker molecules and polymer binder fingerprints. For reversed engineering purposes, the main electrode and electrolyte chemistries were traced back to pristine materials. Furthermore, possible lifetime application and accompanied aging was evaluated based on target analysis on characteristic molecules described in literature. With this, the reported analytics provided precious information for value estimation of the undefined spent batteries and enabled tailored recycling process deliberations. The comprehensive feedstock characterization shown in this work paves the way for targeted process control in LIB recycling processes.     

Direct reuse of LiFePO4 cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries: Extracting Li from brine

Due to the serious imbalance between demand and supply of lithium, lithium extraction from brine has become a research hotspot. With the demand for power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) increased rapidly, a large number of spent LiFePO₄ power batteries have been scrapped and entered the recycling stage. Herein, a novel and efficient strategy is proposed to extract lithium from brine by directly reusing spent LiFePO₄ powder without any treatment. Various electrochemical test results show that spent LiFePO₄ electrode has appropriate lithium capacity (14.62 mg_Li/g_LiFePO4), excellent separation performance (α_Li-Na = 210.5) and low energy consumption (0.768 Wh/g_Li) in electrochemical lithium extraction from simulated brine. This work not only provides a novel idea for lithium extraction from brine, but also develops an effective strategy for recycling spent LIBs. The concept of from waste to wealth is of great significance to the development of recycling the spent batteries.     

From Solid‐Solution Electrodes and the Rocking‐Chair Concept to Today's Batteries

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have become ubiquitous power sources for small electronic devices, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage systems. Despite the success of LIBs which is acknowledged by their increasing commodity market, the historical evolution of the chemistry behind the LIB technologies is laden with obstacles and yet to be unambiguously documented. This Viewpoint outlines chronologically the most essential findings related to today's LIBs, including commercial electrode and electrolyte materials, but furthermore also depicts how the today popular and widely emerging solid‐state batteries were instrumental at very early stages in the development of LIBs.     

From Solid-Solution Electrodes and the Rocking-Chair Concept to Today's Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become ubiquitous power sources for small electronic devices, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage systems. Despite the success of LIBs which is acknowledged by their increasing commodity market, the historical evolution of the chemistry behind the LIB technologies is laden with obstacles and yet to be unambiguously documented. This Viewpoint outlines chronologically the most essential findings related to today's LIBs, including commercial electrode and electrolyte materials, but furthermore also depicts how the today popular and widely emerging solid-state batteries were instrumental at very early stages in the development of LIBs.     

Preparing graphene oxide–copper composite material from spent lithium ion batteries and catalytic performance analysis

The wide use of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has created much waste, which has become a global issue. It is vital to recycle waste LIBs considering their environmental risks and resource characteristics. Anode graphite from spent LIBs still possess a complete layer structure and contain some oxygen-containing groups between layers, which can be reused to prepare high value-added products. Given the intrinsic defect structure of anode graphite, copper foils in LIB anode electrodes, and excellent properties of graphene, graphene oxide–copper composite material was prepared in this work. Anode graphite was firstly purified to remove organic impurities by calcination and remove lithium. Purified graphite was used to prepare graphene oxide–copper composite material after oxidation to graphite oxide, ultrasonic exfoliation to graphene oxide (GO), and Cu²⁺ adsorption. Compared with natural graphite, preparing graphite oxide using anode graphite consumed 40% less concentrated H₂SO₄ and 28.6% less KMnO₄. Cu²⁺ was well adsorbed by 1.0 mg L^?1 stable GO suspension at pH 5.3 for 120 min. Graphene oxide–copper composite material could be successfully obtained after 6 h absorption, 3 h bonding between GO and Cu²⁺ with 3/100 of GO/CuSO₄ mass ratio. Compared to CuO, graphene oxide–copper composite material had better catalytic photodegradation performance on methylene blue, and the electric field further improved the photodegradation efficiency of the composite material.     

A Simple Prelithiation Strategy To Build a High‐Rate and Long‐Life Lithium‐Ion Battery with Improved Low‐Temperature Performance

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are being used to power the commercial electric vehicles (EVs). However, the charge/discharge rate and life of current LIBs still cannot satisfy the further development of EVs. Furthermore, the poor low‐temperature performance of LIBs limits their application in cold climates and high altitude areas. Herein, a simple prelithiation method is developed to fabricate a new LIB. In this strategy, a Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode and a pristine hard carbon anode are used to form a primary cell, and the initial Li⁺ extraction from Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ is used to prelithiate the hard carbon. Then, the self‐formed Li₂V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode and prelithiated hard carbon anode are used to form a 4 V LIB. The LIB exhibits a maximum energy density of 208.3 Wh kg⁻¹, a maximum power density of 8291 W kg⁻¹ and a long life of 2000 cycles. When operated at −40 °C, the LIB can keep 67 % capacity of room temperature, which is much better than conventional LIBs.     

Adsorption of Li by a lithium ion-sieve using a buffer system and application for the recovery of Li from a spent lithium-ion battery

A lithium ion-sieve manganese oxide (MO) derived from Li-enriched MO was prepared by the glycolic acid complexation method. The Li adsorption performance in a LiCl–NH₃·H₂O–NH₄Cl buffer solution, simulated a spent lithium-ion battery (LIB) processing solution, and actual spent LIB processing solution were studied. An adsorption capacity of 27.4 mg/g was observed in the LiCl–NH₃·H₂O–NH₄Cl buffer solution (Li concentration of 0.2 mol/L, pH?=?9), and the adsorption behavior conformed to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation with a linear correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.9996. An adsorption capacity of 19 mg/g was observed in the simulated buffer spent battery solution (Li concentration of 0.15 mol/L, pH?=?7), and an adsorption capacity of 17.8 mg/g was observed in the actual spent battery solution (Li concentration of 0.15 mol/L, pH?=?7). X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and infrared spectrum results revealed that the structure and morphology of MO are stable before and after adsorption, and the adsorption of MO in all of the abovementioned buffer systems conforms to the Li⁺–H⁺ ion-exchange reaction mechanism. The lithium ion-sieve MO demonstrates promise for the recovery of lithium from spent LIBs.     

SnO_2 nanospheres among GO and SWNTs networks as anode for enhanced lithium storage performances

Conducting supporters of purified single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNTs) and graphene oxide(GO)were used to confine pomegranate-structured Sn O2 nanospheres for forming SnO_2-GO-SWNT composites.As anode material for lithium ion batteries(LIBs), this composite exhibits a stable and large reversible capacity together with an excellent rate capability. In addition, an analysis of the AC impedance spectroscopy has been used to confirm the enhanced mechanism for LIB performance. The improved electrochemical performance should be ascribed greatly to the reinforced synergistic effects between GO and SWNT networks, and their enhanced contribution of the conductivity. These results indicate that this composite has potential for utilization in high-rate and durable LIBs.     

The development of lithium ion secondary batteries

Lithium ion secondary batteries (LIBs) were successfully developed as battery systems with high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities, which were inherited from lithium secondary batteries (LSBs) with metallic lithium anodes. LSBs have several drawbacks, however, including poor cyclability and quick-charge rejection. The cell reaction in LIB is merely a topochemical one, namely the migration of lithium ions between positive and negative electroces. No chemical changes were observed in the two electrodes or in the electrolytes. This results in little chemical transformation of the active electrode materials and electrolytes, and thus, LIBs can overcome the weaknesses of LSBs; for example, LIBs show excellent cyclability and quick-charge acceptance. Many difficulties, however, were encountered during the course of development, including capacity fade during cycling and safety issues. This article is the story of the development of LIBs and it describes how the difficulties were surmounted.     

Revealing the conversion mechanism of CuO nanowires during lithiation-delithiation by in situ transmission electron microscopy

Being promising candidates for anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), transition metal oxide anodes utilizing the so-called conversion mechanism principle typically suffer from the severe capacity fading during the 1st cycle of lithiation-delithiation. Herein, we directly investigated these processes using an individual CuO nanowire anode and constructed a lithium ion battery (LIB) prototype within a transmission electron microscope.     

Probing Degradation in Lithium Ion Batteries with On-Chip Electrochemistry Mass Spectrometry**

The rapid uptake of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) for large scale electric vehicle and energy storage applications requires a deeper understanding of the degradation mechanisms. Capacity fade is due to the complex interplay between phase transitions, electrolyte decomposition and transition metal dissolution; many of these poorly understood parasitic reactions evolve gases as a side product. Here we present an on-chip electrochemistry mass spectrometry method that enables ultra-sensitive, fully quantified and time resolved detection of volatile species evolving from an operating LIB. The technique's electrochemical performance and mass transport is described by a finite element model and then experimentally used to demonstrate the variety of new insights into LIB performance. We show the versatility of the technique, including (a) observation of oxygen evolving from a LiNiMnCoO₂ cathode and (b) the solid electrolyte interphase formation reaction on graphite in a variety of electrolytes, enabling the deconvolution of lithium inventory loss (c) the first direct evidence, by virtue of the improved time resolution of our technique, that carbon dioxide reduction to ethylene takes place in a lithium ion battery. The emerging insight will guide and validate battery lifetime models, as well as inform the design of longer lasting batteries.     

Oxygen Vacancy Diffusion and Condensation in Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathode Materials

Oxygen vacancies (OV) are native defects in transition metal (TM) oxides and their presence has a critical effect on the physicochemical properties of the oxide. Metal oxides are commonly used in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) cathodes and there is still a lack of understanding of the role of OVs in LIB research field. Here, we report on the behavior of OVs in a single‐crystal LIB cathode during the non‐equilibrium states of charge and discharge. We found that microcrack evolution in a single crystal occurs due to OV condensation in specific crystallographic orientations generated by the continuous migration of OVs and TM ions. Moreover, understanding the effects of the presence and diffusion of OVs in metal oxides enables the elucidation of most of the conventional mechanisms of capacity fading in LIBs and provides new insights for new electrochemical applications.     

Benign Recycling of Spent Batteries towards All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most significant energy storage devices applied in power supply facilities. However, a huge number of spent LIBs would bring harmful resource waste and environmental hazards. In this study, a benign hydrometallurgical method using phytic acid as precipitant is proposed to recover useful metallic Mn ions from spent LiMn₂O₄ batteries. Besides Mn-based cathodes, this recovery process is also applicable for other commercial batteries. More importantly, for the first time, the as-obtained manganous complex is employed as a nanofiller in a polyethylene oxide matrix to largely improve Li⁺ conductivity and transference number. As a result, when applied in all-solid-state lithium batteries, high capacity and outstanding cyclic stability are achieved with capacity retention of 86.4 % after 60 cycles at 0.1 C. The recovery of spent lithium batteries not only has benefits for the environment and resources, but also shows great potential application in all-solid-state lithium batteries, which opens up a costless and efficient circulation pathway for clean and reliable energy storage systems.     

Manganese Oxide(MnO) and Cadmium Dioxide(CdO_2) Attached to Carbon Nanotube(8, 0) as Anodes of Metal-ion Batteries: a DFT Study

Performance of carbon nanotube(CNT) and their attached metal oxides(manganese oxide(MnO) and cadmium dioxide(CdO2)) structures as anode electrodes in lithium-ion battery(LIB) and potassium-ion battery(KIB) are investigated. The Gibbs free energy of adsorption of Li and K atoms/ions on surfaces of CNT(8, 0), CNT(8, 0)-MnO and CNT(8, 0)-CdO2 are calculated. The cell voltages(Vcell) of Li and K atoms/ions adsorption on studied surfaces are examined. The Vcell of LIBs with metal-oxides attached to CNT(8, 0) as anode electrodes are higher than those KIBs. The adsorbed metal oxides(MnO and CdO2) on CNT(8, 0) increased the charges, electronic conductivity and Vcell of LIB and KIB, efficiently. The CNT(8, 0)-CdO2 as anode electrodes in LIB and KIB is proposed.     

Research progress on electrolytes for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries

Fast-charging is considered to be a key factor in the successful expansion and use of electric vehicles.Current lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) exhibit high energy density, enabling them to be used in electric vehicles(EVs) over long distances, but they take too long to charge. In addition to modifying the electrode and battery structure, the composition of the electrolyte also affects the fast-charging capability of LIBs. This review provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the research pr...     

Niobium oxyphosphate nanosheet assembled two-dimensional anode material for enhanced lithium storage

The development of high-capacity and high-rate anodes has become an attractive endeavor for achieving high energy and power densities in lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).Herein,a new-type anode material of reduced graphene oxide(rGO) supported niobium oxyphosphate(NbOPO_4) nanosheet assembled twodimensional composite material(NbOPO_4/rGO) is firstly fabricated and presented as a promising highperformance LIB anode material.In-depth electrochemical analyses and in/ex situ characterizations reveal that the intercalation-conversion reaction takes place during the first discharge process,followed by the reversible redox process between amorphous NbPO_4 and Nb which contributes to the reversible capacity in the subsequent cycles.Meanwhile,the lithiation-generated Li3 PO_4,behaving as a good lithium ion conductor,facilitates ion transport.The rGO support further regulates the structural and electron/ion transfer properties of NbOPO_4/rGO composite compared to neat NbOPO_4, resulting in greatly enhanced electrochemical performances.As a result,NbOPO_4/rGO as a new-type LIB anode material achieves a high capacity of 502.5 mAh g^-1 after 800 cycles and outstanding rate capability of 308.4 mAh g^-1 at 8 A g^-1.This work paves the way for the deep understanding and exploration of phosphate-ba sed high-efficiency anode materials for LIBs.     

Cathode pre-lithiation/sodiation for next-generation batteries

Electrochemical energy storage is playing a pivotal role in the global pursuit of a clean and sustainable energy future. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the state-of-the-art technology, but future energy requirements demand higher energy densities and a more diverse battery landscape to meet a wide variety of applications. Unfortunately, many next-generation LIB chemistries and beyond-LIB technologies suffer from large first-cycle irreversible capacity caused by active ion loss. The field of pre-lithiation/sodiation has recently emerged as researchers attempt to mitigate active ion loss and boost the energy density of next-generation LIBs and sodium-ion batteries. In this short review, we highlight recent advances in cathode pre-lithiation/sodiation using sacrificial additives and pre-lithiation/sodiation of cathode active materials.     

基于高效回收废旧锂离子电池正极材料的低共熔溶剂的筛选

针对废旧锂离子电池(LIBs)回收过程中产生的二次污染及高能耗等问题, 提出了一种绿色高效浸出废旧LIBs正极材料中有价金属的新方法. 以氯化胆碱和不同的氢键供体(草酸、 丙二酸、 戊二酸和苯磺酸)为原料, 合成了氯化胆碱/酸二元低共熔溶剂(DES)、 氯化胆碱/酸/水和氯化胆碱/酸/乙醇等三元DES. 通过傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)和核磁共振波谱(NMR)表征了氯化胆碱和酸之间氢键的形成过程, 探究了DES中羧酸的烷基链长、 酸性大小以及添加水和乙醇组分对浸出废旧LiCoO₂正极材料的影响. 研究结果表明, 羧酸烷基链长的增加会使DES的浸出能力下降; 酸的酸性大小不能作为溶解金属氧化物能力强弱的主要依据; 加入等摩尔量的水对DES的浸出效率影响较小, 而等摩尔量加入无水乙醇会影响DES的氢键结构, 对浸出结果影响较大. 筛选出氯化胆碱/苯磺酸/乙醇DES作为废旧LiCoO₂绿色高效的浸出剂, Li和Co的浸出效率分别高达98.6%和95.2%.