BATTERY PROCESSING PROCESS AND BATTERY PROCESSING SYSTEM

Abstract

[Problem] Providing a battery processing method that can efficiently recover lithium from a lithium-ion battery. [Solution] A battery processing method for processing a lithium-ion battery 1, which includes a positive electrode material 31 and a negative electrode material 35 and is configured by laminating the positive electrode material 31 and the negative electrode material 35 in a lamination direction A, includes a lithium deposition step S2 in which the lithium-ion battery 1 is charged by increasing a pressure force in the lamination direction A on at least a part of the battery compared to a remaining section in order to deposit lithium on the negative electrode material 35.

Description

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery processing method and a battery processing system. [STATE OF THE ART]

[0002] In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have been widely used as vehicle batteries in electrically powered vehicles such as electric and hybrid vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries contain valuable substances, including lithium. There is a growing demand to recycle these valuable substances from used lithium-ion batteries for material recovery.

[0003] The following method is disclosed in patent literature 1. In this method, the used lithium-ion battery is discharged to increase the amount of lithium in the material of the positive electrode, and then the lithium is recovered from the material of the positive electrode. [SOURCE REFERENCES][PATENT LITERATURE]

[0004] [Patent literature 1]JP 2022 - 049 831 A [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION][TECHNICAL PROBLEM]

[0005] The positive electrode material is generally configured by depositing a positive electrode active material onto a current collector foil, such as aluminum. In the case of a ternary system (NMC), the positive electrode active materials include, for example, valuable substances such as nickel, manganese, and cobalt. To extract the valuable substances from the positive electrode active material, the positive electrode material is roasted and pulverized along with a reducing agent. Subsequently, a black mass or similar residue containing the positive electrode active material is selected. This black mass is then subjected to stepwise solvent extraction to successively extract manganese, cobalt, and nickel, with lithium being extracted last. Therefore, lithium extraction, in particular, is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a battery processing method and a battery processing system with which lithium can be efficiently recovered from a lithium-ion battery.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a battery processing method and a battery processing system to prepare a lithium-ion battery in such a way that lithium can be efficiently recovered from the lithium-ion battery.

[0008] These problems are solved by the independent claims. Specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. [SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM]

[0009] One aspect of the invention presents A battery processing method for processing a lithium-ion battery, which includes a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material and is configured such that the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material are laminated in one lamination direction, wherein the battery processing method includes: a lithium deposition step in which the lithium-ion battery is charged by applying an increased pressure force, particularly in the lamination direction, in at least one section of the battery or exclusively there, compared to a remaining section, in order to deposit lithium, particularly on the material of the negative electrode.

[0010] In other words, one aspect of the invention represents A battery processing method for processing a lithium-ion battery, which includes a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material, wherein the positive electrode material and the The material of the negative electrode can be laminated in one lamination direction, the battery processing method comprising: a lithium deposition step for charging the lithium-ion battery by or during the application or increase of a pressure force in at least one part or only one part of the lithium-ion battery, particularly in the lamination direction.

[0011] The pressure force can be increased or applied in particular to deposit, for example, lithium onto the material of the negative electrode.

[0012] The pressure force can be increased or applied, especially in comparison to the rest of the section.

[0013] In other words, in the lithium deposition step, a pressure force can be applied and / or increased on at least part of the lithium-ion battery, in particular to deposit lithium on the material of the negative electrode.

[0014] The remaining section of the lithium-ion battery can be defined as a section on which no pressure is applied or increased. That is, in contrast to the part of the lithium-ion battery on which pressure is applied or increased, this is not the case for the remaining section.

[0015] Accordingly, the lithium-ion battery can be locally pressed during the lithium deposition step, in particular by a pressure device.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention provides a battery processing system that includes the following: a charging device that charges or is configured to charge a lithium-ion battery, comprising a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material, and configured by laminating the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material in one lamination direction; and A pressure device that presses the lithium-ion battery into place, or is configured to press the lithium-ion battery into place, by applying or increasing a pressure force, particularly in the lamination direction, in at least one or only a part of it, particularly in comparison to a remaining section.

[0017] In other words, another aspect of the invention can provide a battery processing system, comprising: a charging device that charges or is configured to charge a lithium-ion battery, comprising a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material, wherein the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material may be laminated in one lamination direction; and a pressure device that presses the lithium-ion battery into at least one or only part of the lithium-ion battery by applying or increasing a pressure force, particularly in the lamination direction, or is configured to press the lithium-ion battery into.

[0018] The part of the lithium-ion battery that is pressed down, at least or only pressed down, may be a part that differs from the rest of the lithium-ion battery.

[0019] The pressure device can be configured to apply or increase pressure locally in the lithium-ion battery, particularly in the lamination direction of the lithium-ion battery. [BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION]

[0020] According to the invention, lithium can be efficiently recovered from a negative electrode of the lithium-ion battery. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a reuse system according to a first embodiment. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a lithium-ion battery. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery cell. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing device. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the process of reusing the lithium-ion battery. [Description of the embodiments]

[0021] The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive investigations to efficiently recover lithium from a lithium-ion battery and have discovered that lithium can be efficiently recovered by intentionally generating lithium deposits (e.g., dendrites) on a material of the negative electrode, which are undesirable during a normal charging reaction. Based on this finding, the inventors of the present invention have developed a battery processing method and a battery processing system with which lithium can be efficiently recovered from the lithium-ion battery.

[0022] A method for reusing a lithium-ion battery according to an embodiment of the invention includes a battery processing method for processing the lithium-ion battery, which includes a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material and is configured by laminating the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material in a lamination direction, and includes To charge the lithium-ion battery, a lithium deposition step is introduced by increasing a pressure force in the lamination direction in at least one part of the battery compared to a remaining section, in order to deposit lithium onto the material of the negative electrode. [First embodiment]

[0023] A reuse system for a lithium-ion battery according to a first embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a reuse system 100 of a lithium-ion battery 1. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the reuse system 100 can include: a reuse unit 10 that uses the lithium-ion battery 1 secondarily, which was used, for example, primarily in an electric vehicle, and a recycling unit 20 that recovers lithium from the lithium-ion battery 1 that was used secondarily.

[0025] This means that the reuse system 100 can be a battery processing system, in particular for the secondary use of the lithium-ion battery 1, and for the subsequent recovery of lithium from the lithium-ion battery 1, in other words for the processing of the lithium-ion battery 1.

[0026] The reuse unit 10 can reuse the lithium-ion battery 1, which was used primarily, for example, as an electrical storage device.

[0027] In general, a deteriorated condition of the lithium-ion battery, for example for an electric vehicle, is determined based on the battery's state of health (SOH), which indicates, for example, how much capacity is available compared to a new battery when the battery is fully charged.

[0028] If, due to the extent of deterioration, it is determined that the lithium-ion battery 1 is unsuitable for its primary purpose, such as use in an electrically powered vehicle, the lithium-ion battery 1 can be removed from the vehicle and used in the reuse unit 10, for example, as an electrical storage device for various secondary applications, such as storing renewable energy, including solar and wind energy, and / or as an emergency power source, for example, in the event of a disaster.

[0029] If the state of health (SOH) of the battery is, for example, 70% or less, it can be determined that it is unsuitable for primary use, i.e., for use in an electrically powered vehicle.

[0030] The reuse unit 10 can include the lithium-ion battery 1, which is used, for example, in particular secondarily as an electrical storage device, a charging device 12 and a printing device 301.

[0031] The charging device 12 can charge the lithium-ion battery 1 in any suitable charging pattern, for example by adjusting the voltage and / or current.

[0032] For example, the lithium-ion battery 1 can be charged continuously, in particular with a predetermined voltage and / or current, but also intermittently, for example with the predetermined voltage and / or current (also known as pulse charging).

[0033] An upper limit of the charging voltage by the charging device 12 can be the open-circuit voltage of the lithium-ion battery 1 or less, and is, for example, 4.3 V or less. The pressure device 301 is described in detail following a description of the structure of the lithium-ion battery 1.

[0034] The recycling unit 20 may include: a disassembly device 21 that disassembles the lithium-ion battery 1, for example, by means of a lithium deposition step as described in more detail below, in particular into a material 31 of the positive electrode, a material 35 of the negative electrode and / or the like, or is configured to disassemble it, for example, if it is determined on the basis of SOH that the lithium-ion battery 1 may be unsuitable for reuse; an extraction device 22 that extracts lithium, in particular after disassembly, from the material 35 of the negative electrode, or is configured to extract it; and a recovery device 23 that recovers (extracted) lithium or is configured to recover it.

[0035] If the SOH value is, for example, 40% or less, it can be determined that the product is unsuitable for secondary use.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the lithium-ion battery 1, which is installed, for example, in an electric vehicle. The lithium-ion battery 1 can form a battery pack with battery modules 4, each of which integrates one or more functions such as a charging and / or discharging circuit and a cooling mechanism.

[0037] Furthermore, the multiple battery modules 4 can be connected to each other and / or housed in a casing.

[0038] Each of the battery modules 4 can be formed by connecting several battery cells 3 in series or parallel and / or adapted to the desired capacity and / or voltage.

[0039] The lithium-ion battery 1 may be a rechargeable lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0040] In this patent specification, the term “lithium-ion battery” may refer collectively to the battery cell, the battery module and the battery pack, unless otherwise specified.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates battery cell 3.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the battery cell 3 is a laminated cell according to a particular embodiment.

[0043] The battery cell 3 can include: a laminated electrode body 38 in which the material 31 of the positive electrode, a separator 34 and the material 35 of the negative electrode are laminated in that order in a lamination direction A; and a housing 40 that can accommodate the laminated electrode body 38.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, the laminated electrode body 38 can be formed by laminating several sets of the material 31 of the positive electrode, the separator 34 and the material 35 of the negative electrode in the lamination direction A.

[0045] The battery cell 3 can have a rectangular shape, which is particularly thin and long in the width direction B when viewed in the lamination direction A.

[0046] The material 31 of the positive electrode can include a current collector 32 of the positive electrode and an active material 33 of the positive electrode, which is arranged on a surface of the current collector 32 of the positive electrode facing the separator 34.

[0047] In an end section 32a of the current collector of the positive electrode, the several current collectors of the positive electrode 32 can be connected to each other at one end (a left side in Fig. 3), for example in the lateral direction B, which is orthogonal to the lamination direction A.

[0048] For one or more or each of the current collectors 32 of the positive electrode, a metal foil suitable for a positive electrode can be used.

[0049] The active material of the positive electrode can be a material that is used as active material 33 of the positive electrode of a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0050] In a particular embodiment, one or more or each of the current collectors 32 of the positive electrode consists of aluminium and / or the active material 33 of the positive electrode consists of NMC (nickel, manganese and cobalt).

[0051] The material 35 of the negative electrode can include a current collector 36 of the negative electrode and an active material 37 of the negative electrode, which is arranged on a surface of the current collector 36 of the negative electrode facing the separator 34.

[0052] In a terminal section 36a of the current collector of the negative electrode, the several current collectors 36 of the negative electrode can be connected to each other at one end (a right side in Fig. 3) as in the latitude direction B.

[0053] For one or more or each of the current collectors 36 of the negative electrode, a metal foil suitable for a negative electrode can be used.

[0054] A material used as the active material of the negative electrode of a lithium-ion secondary battery is configured to be used as the active material 37 of the negative electrode.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, one or more or each of the current collectors 36 of the negative electrode consists of copper and / or the active material 37 of the negative electrode is a carbon material (graphite) with a layered structure.

[0056] The active material 33 of the positive electrode and / or the active material 37 of the negative electrode can each contain an electrolyte solution 39.

[0057] For example, electrolyte solution 39 is an organic solvent in which lithium ions can move.

[0058] In a particular embodiment, the electrolyte solution 39 contains dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC), in particular in a volume ratio of 1:1:1, and / or it contains lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), for example in a concentration of 1 mol / l.

[0059] The separator 34 is arranged between the material 31 of the positive electrode and the material 35 of the negative electrode and separates them, in particular physically and / or electrically, from each other.

[0060] The separator 34 can be a porous body, in particular having several tiny pores through which the lithium ions can pass. In a particular embodiment, the separator 34 is a porous film, which can be made of polyolefin.

[0061] The housing 40 can include a first housing 41 and a second housing 42, which are provided as a pair, in particular on both sides, especially in the lamination direction A of the laminated electrode body 38.

[0062] The first housing 41 and / or the second housing 42 can each be shaped to have a hat-shaped cross-section.

[0063] The first housing 41 can include: a pair of flanged sections 41a arranged at both ends in the width direction B; and a body section 41b arranged between the paired flanged sections 41a, which in particular bulges away from the second housing 42 in the lamination direction A. Additionally or alternatively, the second housing 42 can similarly include a pair of flanged sections 42a and a body section 42b, which in particular bulges away from the first housing 41.

[0064] The first housing 41 and the second housing 42 can be connected to each other in a state in which the end section 32a of the current collector of the positive electrode and the end section 36a of the current collector of the negative electrode are enclosed between the flange sections 41a, 42a, and can thereby form the housing 40.

[0065] That is, in a state in which the laminated electrode body 38 is housed in the housing 40, the end section 32a of the current collector of the positive electrode and the end section 36a of the current collector of the negative electrode can be enclosed between the paired flange sections 41a, 42a, and / or a remaining section of the laminated electrode body 38 can be housed in a space defined between the paired body sections 41b, 42b.

[0066] In the state of being housed in the casing 40, the laminated electrode body 38 can be crimped, in particular with a predetermined pressure in the lamination direction A, through the paired body sections 41b, 42b.

[0067] An example of a tap 43 according to the invention can be formed by a section enclosed between the paired flange sections 41a, 42a in the battery cell 3.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, it is assumed that the aging of the lithium-ion battery 1 is not yet far advanced and that the electrolyte solution 39 is evenly distributed within the battery cell 3.

[0069] Next, the printing device 301 will be described.

[0070] The pressure device 301 is a device that presses the battery cell 3, in particular with a predetermined pressure force, especially in the lamination direction A.

[0071] To generate a charging and / or discharging reaction in the lithium-ion battery 1, the pressure device 301 can be provided at the lithium-ion battery 1, which was used primarily, for example, in the electrically powered vehicle, and / or can be provided at the lithium-ion battery 1, which was used primarily, for example, in the reuse unit 10.

[0072] Alternatively, a pressure device can be provided separately that can adjust a pressure force automatically or manually, or is configured to adjust it automatically or manually.

[0073] The pressure device 301 is not subject to any special restrictions and any suitable actuator, for example a hydraulic cylinder and / or a pneumatic cylinder, can be used.

[0074] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating the printing device 301.

[0075] Fig. Figure 4 schematically illustrates the battery cell 3, which can be pressed down in particular by the pressure device 301.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the pressure device 301 can include several sets of pressure plate pairs 302, one or more of which, or each set, can be provided as a pair on both sides of the battery cell 3, particularly in the lamination direction A, and which can be divided or separated in the width direction B of the battery cell 3. In other words, the several sets of pressure plate pairs 302 can be separated (from each other), particularly in the width direction B of the battery cell 3.

[0077] In a particular embodiment, the printing device 301 can include: one or more, two or more, or three or more of a central pressure plate pair 302A, which is arranged in particular in the middle in the width direction B; a pressure plate pair 302B on one side, which is arranged on one side (a left side in Fig. 4), in particular in the width direction B; and a pair of pressure plates 302C on the other side, arranged on the other side (a right side in Fig. 4), especially in the latitudinal direction B.

[0078] The number of pressure plate pairs 302 is not limited to three and can be divided into two, four or more.

[0079] In particular, the multiple sets of pressure plate pairs 302 can include one or more, two or more, or three or more of a middle pressure plate pair 302A, a pressure plate pair 302B on one side, and a pressure plate pair 302C on the other side.

[0080] This means that the printing device 301 can, for example, include one or more, two or more, or three or more of the following elements: a central pressure plate pair 302A; a pressure plate pair 302B on one side, which is arranged, in particular, on one side of the central pressure plate pair 302A, especially in the width direction B; and a pressure plate pair 302C on the other side, which is arranged, in particular, on the other side of the central pressure plate pair 302A, especially in the width direction B. The pressure plate pair 302C on the other side can, in particular, be arranged opposite the pressure plate pair 302B on one side, especially in the width direction B, and especially with respect to the central pressure plate pair 302A.

[0081] The middle pressure plate pair can be configured to press against a center 3a of the lithium-ion battery 1, in particular a center 3a of battery cell 3 of the lithium-ion battery 1, especially in the lateral direction B. The pressure plate pair 302B on one side can be configured to press against a side 3b of the lithium-ion battery 1, in particular a side 3b of battery cell 3 of the lithium-ion battery 1 (a left side in Fig. 4), in particular in the width direction B. The pressure plate pair 302C on the other side can be configured to press against another side 3c of the lithium-ion battery 1, in particular another side 3c of the battery cell 3 of the lithium-ion battery 1 (a right side in Fig. 4), especially in the latitudinal direction B.

[0082] The middle pressure plate pair can be arranged in a center 3a of the lithium-ion battery 1, in particular in a center 3a of the battery cell 3 of the lithium-ion battery 1, especially in the lateral direction B. The pressure plate pair 302B on one side can be arranged on a side 3b of the lithium-ion battery 1, in particular on a side 3b of the battery cell 3 of the lithium-ion battery 1 (a left side in Fig. 4), in particular in the lateral direction B. The pressure plate pair 302C on the other side can be arranged on another side 3c of the lithium-ion battery 1, in particular another side 3c of the battery cell 3 of the lithium-ion battery 1 (a right side in Fig. 4), especially in the latitudinal direction B.

[0083] The respective pressure plate pair 302, or in other words the set of pressure plate pairs 302, can be configured to press the lithium-ion battery 1, and in particular the battery cell 3 of the lithium-ion battery 1, according to a position of the respective pressure plate pair 302.

[0084] The lithium-ion battery 1 and in particular the battery cell 3 of the lithium-ion battery 1 can be locally pressed by the several sets of pressure plate pairs 302.

[0085] Next, the reuse of the lithium-ion battery 1 will be described. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the process of reusing the lithium-ion battery 1.

[0086] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, if it is determined that the lithium-ion battery 1, which can be installed in the electrically powered vehicle, is in a deteriorated state, which is particularly unsuitable for primary use, such as use in the electrically powered vehicle, based on the SOH value, a reuse step (step S1) can be carried out, for example.

[0087] In reuse step S1, the lithium-ion battery 1 can be removed from its primary use, for example the electrically powered vehicle, and in particular put to secondary use in the reuse unit 10.

[0088] If it is determined that the lithium-ion battery 1 is in a predetermined degraded state after its second use as an electrical storage device, a lithium deposition step (step S2) can be carried out in the reuse unit 10 after the second use.

[0089] In the lithium deposition step S2, the lithium-ion battery 1 can be charged, for example, while it is pressed under a predetermined pressure condition, particularly in the lamination direction A.

[0090] In the lithium deposition step S2, the battery cell 3 can be charged in a state in which the battery cell 3 is pressed, in particular locally, by actuating at least some or only some pressure plate pairs 302 of the several sets of pressure plate pairs 302.

[0091] Accordingly, in the lithium deposition step S2, the battery cell 3 can be pressed onto at least one or only a part of it, especially in comparison to the remaining section, by applying or increasing the pressure force, particularly in the lamination direction A.

[0092] In order to generate the charging and / or discharging reaction in the lithium-ion battery 1, the battery cell 3 generally needs to be pressed (i.e. fixed) particularly in the lamination direction.

[0093] In lithium deposition step S2, battery cell 3 can be pressed with a force sufficient to generate at least the charging and / or discharging reaction. In other words, in lithium deposition step S2, battery cell 3 can be pressed with a force configured to generate the charging and / or discharging reaction.

[0094] For example, the pressure force is 10 kPa or more and 1 MPa or less.

[0095] “Increasing the pressure force in the lamination direction A on at least a part of it compared to the rest of the section” can also mean that the pressure force in the rest of the section is reduced or eliminated, particularly in a state in which the entire battery cell 3 is pressed down uniformly.

[0096] For example, lithium deposition step S2 includes the partial reduction and / or removal of the pressure in the lithium-ion battery 1, which may be used secondarily in the reuse unit 10 - that is, which is fully and / or evenly pressed.

[0097] As described above, in a case where the lithium deposition step S2 is carried out using the pressure device provided in the secondary lithium-ion battery 1, it is possible to perform the work efficiently without requiring time and effort for the attachment, compared to a case where the lithium deposition step S2 is carried out by separately attaching the pressure device to the lithium-ion battery 1.

[0098] In lithium deposition step S2, the lithium-ion battery 1 can be charged in order to deposit lithium, in particular on the material 35 of the negative electrode, especially in the state in which the battery cell 3 is pressed locally, for example by the pressure device 301.

[0099] In a particular embodiment, lithium is deposited especially on the material 35 of the negative electrode, for example by charging the lithium-ion battery 1 by means of fast charging.

[0100] In particular, fast charging involves charging with a high current, which selectively generates lithium in material 35 of the negative electrode during charging. In other words, fast charging can include charging with a current configured to generate or deposit lithium, specifically in material 35 of the negative electrode, particularly during charging.

[0101] If, for example, the lithium-ion battery 1 is a so-called capacitive type (also referred to as energy type) that can be installed in an electric vehicle, it can preferably be charged with a current of, for example, 2 C or more.

[0102] If, on the other hand, the lithium-ion battery 1 is a so-called high-throughput type (also referred to as a high-performance type) that can be installed in a hybrid vehicle, it can preferably be charged with a current of, for example, 10 C or more.

[0103] A current of 1 C represents the current required to fully charge each of the lithium-ion batteries in one hour.

[0104] Continuous fast charging, especially over a predetermined time, can, for example, deposit lithium particularly on material 35 of the negative electrode.

[0105] In the present patent specification, the lithium-ion battery 1 of capacitive type particularly means a case in which the energy density of the same is 600 Wh / l or more.

[0106] If the lithium-ion battery 1 is of the high-throughput type, this additionally or alternatively means in particular that its power density is 4000 kW / L or more.

[0107] If the charging current becomes excessively high during fast charging, adverse side reactions may occur due to heat generation, such as gasification of the electrolyte solution 39 and / or deformation and / or damage to the individual components.

[0108] For energy-saving reasons, an excessive charging current may therefore not be advisable.

[0109] If, for example, the lithium-ion battery 1 is a capacitive battery, the upper limit of the charging current can preferably be set at about 3 C.

[0110] If, however, the lithium-ion battery 1 is a high-performance battery, the upper limit of the charging current can preferably be set at about 20 C.

[0111] Additionally or alternatively, when charging the lithium-ion battery 1, the pressure force is increased on at least part of the battery.

[0112] In this way, the charging reaction can be accelerated (concentrated), particularly in material 35 of the negative electrode, which corresponds in particular to such a part.

[0113] This allows the charging current to be concentrated at one point, for example at a point where the charging reaction is accelerated.

[0114] This allows for partial fast charging and / or facilitates local lithium deposition.

[0115] For example, lithium can be deposited on the entire surface of the material 35 of the negative electrode, in particular by charging, while the location or place where the pressure force is increased is sequentially changed, in particular by sequentially changing the location or place where the pressure force is increased according to the position of a pressure plate pair 302 or (only) some of the pressure plate pairs 302.

[0116] Furthermore, lithium can be efficiently deposited in the section where the electrolyte solution remains, particularly by increasing the pressure force in that section.

[0117] In the lithium deposition step S2, only the lithium-ion battery 1 needs to be charged in the pressed-on state.

[0118] A pressing step of the lithium-ion battery 1 by the pressing device 301 and the charging of the lithium-ion battery 1 by the charging device 12 can be started simultaneously, or one of them can be started first.

[0119] This means that after the pressing step has been carried out by the pressure device 301, the loading device 12 can start or carry out a loading step, in particular while the pressed state can be maintained by the pressure device 301.

[0120] Next, the lithium-ion battery 1 can be removed from the reuse unit 10 and / or a battery disassembly step (step S3) can be performed by the disassembly device 21.

[0121] In battery disassembly step S3, the lithium-ion battery 1 is disassembled, in particular into components such as the material 31 of the positive electrode, the separator 34, the material 35 of the negative electrode and / or the housing 40.

[0122] If only lithium is to be recovered, at least material 35 of the negative electrode can be decomposed. In other words, if specifically lithium is to be recovered, only or at least material 35 of the negative electrode can be decomposed.

[0123] The disassembly device 21 can be any suitable device that automatically disassembles the lithium-ion battery 1 or is configured to automatically disassemble it.

[0124] The lithium-ion battery 1 can be disassembled manually using a tool or the like, in particular without using the disassembly device 21.

[0125] Next, a lithium extraction step (step S4) can be performed. In lithium extraction step S4, lithium is extracted specifically from the (decomposed) material 35 of the negative electrode.

[0126] In lithium extraction step S4, particularly after washing the material 35 of the negative electrode with water, or in other words, particularly after leaching the material 35 of the negative electrode with water, the extraction device 22 can filter the material 35 of the negative electrode to remove the current collector 36 of the negative electrode and / or the active material 37 of the negative electrode, and can thereby extract an aqueous solution containing lithium ions.

[0127] In lithium extraction step S4, lithium can be selectively extracted, in particular from the section of the (disassembled) material 35 of the negative electrode and / or where lithium was deposited locally on the material 35 of the negative electrode, particularly in lithium deposition step S2.

[0128] This means that lithium can be selectively extracted, in particular, from the section of material 35 of the negative electrode, which corresponds in particular to the section that has been pressed down or subjected to increased pressure, for example by the pressure device 301.

[0129] Which material 35 of the negative electrode of the several disassembled materials 35 of the negative electrode corresponds to the part described above can be visually identified and / or can be identified based on the section pressed by the pressure device 301.

[0130] This enables further efficient extraction of lithium.

[0131] Finally, a lithium recovery step (step S5) can be carried out. In lithium recovery step S5, lithium is recovered from the aqueous solution, which contains, in particular, lithium ions.

[0132] In lithium recovery step S5, particularly after the lithium has been subjected to solution treatment with, for example, carbonated water, the recovery device 23 can filter the solution and recover lithium as lithium carbonate.

[0133] In a particular embodiment, the case in which the pressure plate pair 302 is subdivided in the lateral direction B of the battery cell 3 has been described as an example. Additionally or alternatively, however, it can also be subdivided in a vertical direction C perpendicular to the lamination direction A and / or to the lateral direction B of the battery cell 3, and / or can be further subdivided in both the lateral direction B and the vertical direction C.

[0134] That is, the battery processing method according to a specific embodiment is a battery processing method for processing the lithium-ion battery 1, which includes the material 31 of the positive electrode and the material 35 of the negative electrode and is configured by laminating the material 31 of the positive electrode and the material 35 of the negative electrode in the lamination direction A, and in particular includes the lithium deposition step S2 in which the lithium-ion battery 1 is charged, in particular by or during an increase in the pressure force, especially in the lamination direction A, on at least a part of the battery compared to the rest of the section, in order to deposit lithium, in particular on the material 35 of the negative electrode.

[0135] Since the material of the negative electrode 35 can generally be formed by laminating graphite onto the current collector foil, such as copper, in the form of a layer, it contains fewer types of valuable substances than the material 31 of the positive electrode, which has several types of valuable substances, for example cobalt, nickel and manganese.

[0136] Accordingly, the stepwise solvent extraction of several types of valuable metals, in contrast to a case where lithium is recovered from material 31 of the positive electrode, does not require a great deal of time and effort.

[0137] Thus, lithium can be efficiently recovered from the material 35 of the negative electrode.

[0138] Additionally, by increasing the pressure force on at least one part of the lithium-ion battery, 1 lithium is easily and locally deposited on the corresponding material 35 of the negative electrode, which corresponds to the part in question.

[0139] This allows lithium to be recovered even more efficiently.

[0140] The lithium deposition step S2 may include reducing or (completely) eliminating the pressure force, particularly in the remaining section, especially in the state where the entire lithium-ion battery 1 is pressed down particularly uniformly.

[0141] Therefore, in comparison to a case where the lithium deposition step S2 is carried out by separately attaching the printing device to the lithium-ion battery 1, it is possible to perform the work efficiently without requiring time and effort for the attachment. [Second embodiment]

[0142] A second embodiment differs in particular in that a second lithium deposition step S12 is used instead of the lithium deposition step S2 according to the first embodiment.

[0143] In the second lithium deposition step S12, a central section of the battery cell 3 is pressed, for example with the predetermined pressure force, particularly in the lateral direction B and / or the vertical direction C, especially in the lamination direction A.

[0144] Referring to Fig. 1, a reuse system 200 according to the second embodiment includes in particular the printing device 301 similar to the reuse system 100 according to the first embodiment, and the lithium-ion battery 1 can be provided to the reuse unit 10 in the form of the battery cell 3.

[0145] In the second embodiment, a situation is assumed in which the deterioration of the lithium-ion battery 1 progresses in comparison to the lithium-ion battery 1 of the first embodiment and, in particular, the electrolyte solution 39 is depleted, especially in a peripheral edge section 3z of the battery cell 3.

[0146] In the second lithium deposition step S12, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, only a central section 3a is pressed, particularly in the lateral direction B of the battery cell 3, by actuating only the central pressure plate pair 302A of the several sets of pressure plate pairs 302, which is arranged particularly in the central section in the lateral direction B and / or the vertical direction C of the battery cell 3.

[0147] Accordingly, in the second lithium deposition step S 12, the battery cell 3 can be charged by or during the increase of the pressure force, particularly in the lamination direction A, on the middle section 3a in a plane perpendicular to the lamination direction A, particularly in comparison to the remaining sections 3b, 3c.

[0148] This leads to the electrolyte solution in both side sections 3b and 3c of battery cell 3 likely flowing outwards from the peripheral edge section 3z and thus being used up.

[0149] Since the central section 3a is separated from the peripheral marginal section 3z, the electrolyte solution 39 is likely to remain there.

[0150] By increasing the pressure force in the middle section 3a, where the electrolyte solution 39 is likely to remain, lithium can be easily and efficiently deposited on the material 35 of the negative electrode, which corresponds to the middle section 3a.

[0151] The reuse systems 100, 200 of the lithium-ion battery 1 according to the present disclosure are not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment and various modifications can be made to them.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the description was given using the example where the lithium-ion battery is of the laminated type, but it is not limited to this.

[0153] For example, a lithium-ion battery can be used in a cylindrical or polygonal shape, which can be formed by winding a ribbon-shaped laminated electrode body in which a ribbon-shaped material of the positive electrode, a ribbon-shaped separator and / or a ribbon-shaped material of the negative electrode are laminated in the lamination direction A in a cylindrical or square shape.

[0154] In the case of a cylindrical or polygonal shape, the lamination direction can correspond to a radial direction orthogonal to the winding direction.

[0155] Although the description is based on a cell-to-cell basis, it can also be implemented on a module-to-module or battery-pack-to-battery-pack basis. In the case of a battery-pack-based implementation, the printing device can, in particular, be pre-installed in the battery pack.

[0156] Fast charging may not be performed in lithium deposition step S2.

[0157] This means that if it is a capacitive battery, the lithium-ion battery 1, for example, can be charged with a current of less than 2 C.

[0158] If it is a high-throughput type, the lithium-ion battery 1, for example, can be charged with a current of less than 10 C. [Additional comments]

[0159] According to the reuse systems 100, 200 of the lithium-ion battery 1 according to the invention, the following aspects are provided. [First aspect]

[0160] A battery processing method for processing a lithium-ion battery, which includes a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material and is configured such that the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material are laminated in one lamination direction, wherein the battery processing method includes: a lithium deposition step in which the lithium-ion battery, in particular by or during the application or increase of a compressive force in the lamination direction in at least one part or exclusively there, especially in comparison to the rest of the section, it is charged in order to deposit lithium, particularly on the material of the negative electrode.

[0161] In other words, the first aspect can be applied to a battery processing method for processing a lithium-ion battery, which includes a positive electrode material and a positive electrode material, wherein the positive electrode material and the material of the negative electrode can be laminated in one lamination direction, the battery processing method comprising: a lithium deposition step in which the lithium-ion battery, in particular by or during the application or increase of a pressure force in the lamination direction in at least one part or exclusively there, in order to deposit lithium on the material of the negative electrode.

[0162] In contrast to the part of the lithium-ion battery that is at least or exclusively pressed down or subjected to increased pressure, this may not be the case for the remaining section of the lithium-ion battery.

[0163] The remaining section can therefore be described as a part, or in other words, a section of the lithium-ion battery or the lithium-ion battery cell, that differs from the part or section where the pressure force is (locally) applied or increased.

[0164] Additionally or alternatively, in the remaining section, particularly in comparison to the part where the pressure force can be applied or increased, a pressure force can be at least partially reduced or (completely) eliminated, in particular by the pressure device. [Second aspect]

[0165] The battery processing method according to the first aspect, in which The lithium deposition step includes reducing the pressure force in the remaining section, in a state where, in particular, the entire lithium-ion battery is pressed down particularly evenly.

[0166] In other words, in the lithium deposition step, a pressure force in the remaining section can be reduced or eliminated, in particular completely eliminated.

[0167] The reduction or removal can occur in particular while the part of the lithium-ion battery that is at least or exclusively pressed down remains pressed down or continues to be subjected to increased pressure.

[0168] The reduction or lifting can be carried out in particular when the lithium-ion battery, especially the entire lithium-ion battery, is in a compressed state, especially in a uniformly compressed state. [Third aspect]

[0169] The battery processing method according to the first or second aspect, wherein in the lithium deposition step the lithium-ion battery is charged by or during the increase of the pressure force in the lamination direction on a central section of the lithium-ion battery, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the lamination direction, particularly in comparison to the remaining section. [Fourth aspect]

[0170] The battery processing method according to one of the first to third aspects, whereby The lithium-ion battery also includes an electrolyte solution.

[0171] In the lithium deposition step, the lithium-ion battery can be charged by or during the increase of the pressure force, particularly in the lamination direction, on the middle section in a plane perpendicular to the lamination direction, especially in comparison to the rest of the section. [Fifth aspect]

[0172] The battery processing method according to one of the first to fourth aspects, further including: a battery disassembly step in which at least or exclusively the material of the negative electrode is removed from the lithium-ion battery, in particular after the lithium deposition step; and a lithium extraction step for extracting lithium, in particular from the material of the negative electrode, especially from the disintegrated material of the negative electrode. [Sixth Aspect]

[0173] The battery processing method according to one of the first to fifth aspects, whereby the pressure force is adjusted by means of a pressure device, wherein the pressure device includes several sets of pressure plate pairs, each of the several sets of pressure plate pairs being provided as a pair on both sides of the lithium-ion battery in the lamination direction, and each of the at least one set of pressure plate pairs being subdivided in a width direction.

[0174] The lithium-ion battery can be charged in a state in which the lithium-ion battery is pressed (locally) by means of at least one or (exclusively) some of the several sets of pressure plate pairs.

[0175] In other words, the battery processing method of the sixth aspect can be based on any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the pressure force is applied by a pressure device, the pressure device including several sets of pressure plate pairs, one or more, two or more, three or more, or each set being provided as a pair on both sides of the lithium-ion battery, particularly in the lamination direction. wherein the multiple sets of pressure plate pairs are subdivided or separated, in particular in the lateral direction of the lithium-ion battery, in particular in the lateral direction of a battery cell of the lithium-ion battery, where optionally, particularly in the lithium deposition step, the lithium-ion battery is charged by or during the (local) pressing of the lithium-ion battery, for example with (only) some of the several sets of pressure plate pairs. [Seventh aspect]

[0176] The battery processing method according to one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the pressure force is applied by a pressure device, the pressure device including several sets of pressure plate pairs, wherein the multiple sets of pressure plate pairs include a middle pressure plate pair for pressing down a middle section of the lithium-ion battery, in particular for pressing down a middle section of a battery cell of the lithium-ion battery, in particular in the lateral direction, a pressure plate pair on one side for pressing down on one side of the lithium-ion battery, in particular for pressing down on one side of the battery cell of the lithium-ion battery, in particular in the lateral direction, and a pressure plate pair on the other side for pressing down on another side of the lithium-ion battery, in particular for pressing down on another side of the battery cell of the lithium-ion battery, in particular in the lateral direction.

[0177] The middle pair of pressure plates can be arranged centrally in the width direction, in particular centrally in the width direction of the lithium-ion battery, and especially centrally in the width direction of a battery cell of the lithium-ion battery. The pair of pressure plates on one side can be arranged in the width direction on one side, in particular in the width direction on one side of the lithium-ion battery, and especially in the width direction on one side of the battery cell of the lithium-ion battery. The pair of pressure plates on the other side can be arranged in the width direction on the opposite side, in particular in the width direction on the opposite side of the lithium-ion battery, and especially in the width direction on the opposite side of the battery cell of the lithium-ion battery.

[0178] The pressure plate pair on the other side can be arranged opposite the pressure plate pair on one side, particularly in the width direction, especially with respect to the middle pressure plate pair. [Eighth Aspect]

[0179] The battery processing method according to the first aspect, wherein the pressure force is adjusted by means of a pressure device which includes several sets of pressure plate pairs, each of the several sets of pressure plate pairs being provided as a pair on both sides of the lithium-ion battery, the pressure device further including a middle pressure plate pair which is substantially located in the middle in the width direction, a pressure plate pair on one side which is located on one side in the width direction, and a pressure plate pair on the other side which is located on the other side in the width direction, compared with the pressure plate pair on one side.

[0180] During the lithium deposition step, at least some of the pressure plate pairs cannot be actuated.

[0181] In other words, when pressing the lithium-ion battery, particularly in the lithium deposition step, at least some of the pressure plate pairs of the multiple sets of pressure plate pairs are not actuated, or in other words, not operated. [Ninth aspect]

[0182] A battery processing system, including: a charging device that charges or is configured to charge a lithium-ion battery, comprising a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material, and configured by laminating the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material in one lamination direction; and / or a pressure device that compresses the lithium-ion battery by applying or Increasing the pressure, especially in the lamination direction, to at least a part of it, especially compared to the rest of the section.

[0183] In other words, the ninth aspect be directed towards a battery processing system, including: a charging device configured to charge a lithium-ion battery comprising a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material, wherein the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material are laminated in one lamination direction; and / or a pressure device configured to press the lithium-ion battery into at least one or exclusively one part of the lithium-ion battery by applying or increasing the pressure force, particularly in the lamination direction.

[0184] In other words, the pressure device can be configured to press the lithium-ion battery (only) locally, in particular to press (only) one battery cell of the lithium-ion battery locally, especially in the lamination direction.

[0185] Pressing down the lithium-ion battery may involve applying or increasing a pressure force, in particular applying or increasing a pressure force locally, especially in comparison to the rest of the section. [Tenth aspect]

[0186] The battery processing system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the printing device includes several sets of pressure plate pairs, wherein the multiple sets of pressure plate pairs include a middle pressure plate pair configured to press a middle section of the lithium-ion battery in the lateral direction, a A pair of pressure plates on one side configured to apply pressure laterally to one side of the lithium-ion battery, and a pair of pressure plates on the other side configured to apply pressure laterally to the other side of the lithium-ion battery.

[0187] The battery processing system described herein may refer in particular to the reuse system described herein, or the reuse system described herein may, for example, include the battery processing system described herein.

[0188] The battery processing method described herein may refer in particular to the method described herein for the reuse of a lithium-ion battery, or the method described herein for the reuse of a lithium-ion battery may, for example, include the battery processing method described herein.

[0189] Aspects, characteristics and effects described in relation to the battery processing method apply equally to the battery processing system and vice versa. [List of reference symbols] 1 lithium-ion battery 3 battery cells 4 battery modules 10 reuse units 12 Charging device 20 recycling units 21 Disassembly device 22 Extraction device 23 Recovery device 31 Material of the positive electrode 34 Separator 35 Material of the negative electrode 38 laminated electrode bodies 39 Electrolyte solution 40 cases 100 reuse system 301 Printing device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022 - 049 831 A

[0004]

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