Method and device for recycling lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for recycling lithium-ion accumulators comprising one or more cells (13), wherein the cells (13) each contain electrode stacks (15) with strip-like electrodes (16, 19), and the strip-like electrodes (16, 19) each comprise an electrically conductive carrier strip (18, 21) coated with an active material (17, 20).

Description

[0001] METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECYCLING

[0002] OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

[0003] The invention relates to the field of battery recycling. It concerns a method and a device for recycling (reusing) lithium-ion batteries, in particular lithium-ion accumulators.

[0004] Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular among rechargeable batteries due to their comparatively high specific energy.

[0005] In the context of this patent application, a battery is understood to be a storage device for electrical energy on an electrochemical basis. An accumulator is understood to be a rechargeable battery.

[0006] In addition to their use in mobile electronic devices such as laptops, digital cameras, mobile phones, tablets or other mobile devices such as flashlights or cordless power tools, the use of lithium-ion batteries is increasing rapidly, particularly in the growth sector of electromobility.

[0007] Significance. Lithium-ion batteries are used in electromobility as energy storage devices, e.g., for electric cars, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other electric vehicles.

[0008] The rising demand for electric vehicles is also leading to a sharp rise in demand for lithium-ion batteries. The future restrictions on the approval of combustion engines, already planned in some countries, will further accelerate this development. Lithium-ion batteries is a collective term for batteries in which an active material containing lithium, e.g., a lithium metal oxide or a lithium-doped metal oxide, is used on the positive electrode (cathode). The active material is applied in the form of a coating to a current-carrying conductor (carrier), which can be made of (pure) aluminum, for example. The active material is embedded, for example, in a carrier material, which also serves as a binder in the coating of the electrical conductor.

[0009] The active material of the negative electrode (anode) comprises, in particular, elemental carbon. The active material comprises, in particular, graphite or consists of it. The active material is also applied in the form of a coating on a current-carrying conductor (carrier) of the anode, such as copper.

[0010] The active materials include the chemically active substances that are responsible for energy storage in batteries and which are optionally applied to the current-carrying conductor (carrier) via binding agents.

[0011] The carrier can be coated with the active material, for example, by means of a printing process such as screen printing. The carrier can also be coated with the active material via a so-called "slot-die coating" or by means of a dry coating process such as lamination.

[0012] In particular, an electrically insulating layer is provided between the anode and the cathode.

[0013] A separator is arranged to prevent direct electrical contact between the anode and cathode. The separator is typically made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene. The separator can also be made of or contain a ceramic material. The arrangement of cathode, separator, and anode is surrounded by an electrolyte, which ensures the movement of the lithium ions between the anode and cathode. The electrolyte is typically fluid or liquid.

[0014] Lithium-ion batteries are characterized by the fact that the lithium ions are stored between the anode and the

[0015] The lithium ions can move between the cathode and the separator. This means that when the battery is charged, positively charged lithium ions move from the cathode through the separator to the anode, where they accumulate. During discharging, the lithium ions move back through the separator to the cathode.

[0016] For example, lithium cobalt dioxide batteries, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC batteries) and lithium iron phosphate batteries or lithium ferrophosphate batteries (LFP batteries) are known.

[0017] The battery can contain one or more cells. Lithium-ion batteries, which are designed for high voltages and / or power levels, are typically composed of a large number of individual cells connected in series (higher voltage) and / or parallel (higher capacity).

[0018] A cell is the smallest electrochemical, power-producing unit of a battery or accumulator, containing two electrodes, an electrolyte, and possibly its own housing. Technically speaking, the individual cell can function as a standalone battery energy source.

[0019] A cell contains at least one electrode stack, each with at least one cathode, at least one anode, and the associated electrical conductors, as well as, in particular, one or more separators. A cell can be constructed from one or more electrode stacks. A cell can each have one or more anodes or cathodes.

[0020] The electrode packages are housed in a cell housing, which also contains the electrolyte in which the electrode package is usually immersed.

[0021] The housing can be made of plastic or metal, such as aluminum. A metal housing has the advantage that the electrolyte cannot diffuse through it.

[0022] In common battery or cell types, the cathode, anode, and separator are layered materials, such as strips. The strips are formed, for example, as foils.

[0023] The electrode package, i.e. the arrangement of anode, separator and cathode, can be wound or layered or stacked or folded

[0024] In stacked electrode packages, the individual electrode foils are stacked in a repeating arrangement of anode, separator, cathode, separator, etc.

[0025] Guarded electrode packages can be manufactured, for example, using the so-called Z-folding process. In the Z-folding process, the individual electrode foils are inserted alternately from the left and right into separator pockets of a folded separator belt.

[0026] In a common cell design, the electrode stack is housed as a coil in a cylindrical housing. This means that the individual layers or strips forming the anode, cathode, and separators are rolled into a coil, installed in a housing, usually a cylindrical one, and impregnated with a liquid electrolyte.

[0027] The cell housing and thus also the wound, stacked or folded electrode package do not necessarily have to be circular cylindrical, but can also have a different cylindrical shape.

[0028] Lithium-ion batteries cannot be regenerated when they reach the end of their service life (due to ageing, loss of electrolyte) or when a defect occurs (e.g., due to deep discharge). Instead, they must be disposed of. Because lithium-ion batteries, like other types of batteries, contain substances that are essential to the environment, they must be disassembled into their original components and the individual components recycled or processed separately. For this purpose, certain countries also have legal regulations requiring battery recycling.

[0029] Since lithium-ion batteries contain valuable energy, especially in the active materials

[0030] Since the metals contain raw materials such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, graphite, titanate, sulfur and especially lithium, as well as aluminum and copper, it is desirable to separate the individual raw materials in the greatest possible purity and to recycle them.

[0031] The individual raw materials should be recovered in a purity that allows their reuse in new batteries, if possible without complex processing steps.

[0032] In battery recycling, a distinction is made between mechanical, thermal, and chemical (processing) processes, which can be used in various combinations. In a mechanical (processing) process, the stacked, folded, or wound foils of the electrode packs are mechanically separated with very high separation efficiency.

[0033] Shredders are typically used for this purpose, which break the batteries or cells into small pieces that then need to be sorted and further processed. However, this process also changes the morphology of the raw materials, which is why additional processing steps are necessary to recover the raw materials at the high purity required for reuse. With a mechanical processing process, it is fundamentally possible to recover all of the battery's raw materials in their pure form and feed them into a closed battery cycle for reuse in new batteries. However, the effort involved is comparatively high.

[0034] In a thermal (processing) process, also known as pyrometallurgy, the metallic components are melted by applying heat. In baths, e.g., of liquid copper or lead, the metals can form alloys at very high temperatures of, for example, over 1200°C, which are then separated into the individual pure metals (such as copper, cobalt, and nickel). Plastic battery components, e.g., housing parts or separators, as well as the flammable electrolyte fluid or, in some cases, the anode material graphite, are burned or serve as fuel. The metals lithium and aluminum enter the slag in oxidized form and are recycled in this form, e.g., as aggregate in the concrete industry. Alternatively, the lithium and aluminum oxides can be

[0035] (reduction) to pure metals. Since the thermal process involves incineration of the combustible components, among other things, a closed battery cycle is not possible. Furthermore, since the thermal (processing) process is highly energy-intensive and, due to the non-recyclability of many raw materials, also not resource-efficient, this process is rarely used as a primary option.

[0036] In the chemical (processing) process, also known as hydrometallurgy, the active material on the electrodes is separated with high purity using solvents, acids, and electricity without melting. However, the use of chemicals can pollute the environment. Furthermore, chemical processes are comparatively complex, as they require professional handling of the chemicals, which must not be released into the environment and pose no health risks to employees. Furthermore, a chemical (processing) process requires mechanical pretreatment, such as shredding, including the separation of heavy and light metals. All in all, the processing of active materials for use in new batteries is very complex and requires a multi-stage process.

[0037] In so-called direct battery recycling, the raw materials' properties are not changed, so that they can be directly reintroduced into the battery cycle. Therefore, in direct battery recycling, mechanical (preparation) processes are in the foreground, whereby the use of shredders is avoided.

[0038] In direct battery recycling, the cell casing is opened and the electrode pack is removed. The individual components (e.g., strips or foils) of the electrode pack are then separated. This means that the individual components of the cell, such as the casing and strips of the electrode packs, are first mechanically separated.

[0039] The components of the electrode package refer to its (solid) components, which include the electrodes and separators. The active materials on the electrode strips (cathode, anode) are then detached or separated from the carrier layer using a solvent, such as a polar or non-polar solvent. The solvent can be, for example, water, an aqueous solution, an acid, or an alkali.

[0040] This process allows virtually all cell components to be recovered in pure form in an environmentally friendly, low-emission, and low-energy manner. The active materials, in particular, are not damaged and can be easily recycled.

[0041] However, the choice of the appropriate recycling process depends not only on the battery type but also on the condition of the battery or cell, i.e. on the history of the battery itself.

[0042] Although battery recycling is often financed or at least financially supported through recycling fees, the focus in this industry is also on maximizing the cost-effectiveness of the process. The cost-effectiveness of a recycling process depends, among other things, on the following factors:

[0043] - Application of the correct procedure depending on the condition of the cell;

[0044] - high throughput per unit of time;

[0045] - high degree of automation / little manual work;

[0046] - high purity of the separated starting materials.

[0047] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a device and an associated device for recycling batteries or their cells, for example, with wound, stacked, or folded electrode packs, that meets the above-mentioned requirements. Furthermore, the device and the associated method should be as simple as possible, as well as resource-efficient and environmentally friendly, and also require as little energy as possible.

[0048] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to achieve the highest possible recycling rate of, for example, up to over 90%.

[0049] At least one of the objects is achieved by independent claims 1, 20 and 30. The dependent claims as well as the description and the figures contain particular embodiments and developments of the invention.

[0050] Since the discarded batteries or cells are generally not suitable for the recycling process according to the invention in every condition, in particular in the context of preparatory process steps, in particular by means of a

[0051] Testing equipment determines status information about the battery or the cells and evaluates it if necessary.

[0052] Based on the determined condition information, the cells are each assigned to one of at least two condition classes. A first condition class includes deeply discharged, defective cells whose electrode packs, in particular their strip components, are bonded. A second condition class includes non-defective cells whose electrode packs, in particular their strip components, are not damaged.

[0053] The testing device can include a voltage measuring device for determining the battery or cell voltage. The testing device can include a scanning device for determining the internal condition of the cells. The testing device can include a capacity measuring device for determining the capacity of the cells. It has been found that the suitability of the cells for a specific recycling process, such as mechanical disintegration of the components in a direct recycling process, depends, among other things, on the condition of the cell.

[0054] For example, defective cells are known in which, for example, the components of the electrode packs, such as the cathode or anode as well as separators, can no longer be separated or can no longer be separated easily, i.e. without damaging individual components, and in particular can no longer be unwound from the electrode pack as strip components. Such defective cells are usually deeply discharged.

[0055] In defective cells, components such as the cathode or anode and separators, in particular strip components such as cathode, anode, and separator strips of the electrode package, may be glued together, in particular inseparably glued together. The components, in particular strip components, may be glued together in such a way that mechanical separation of the components, in particular strip components, in a way that is non-damage- or non-destructive, is no longer possible, or only possible with great effort, particularly in a direct recycling process. Therefore, for technical and / or economic reasons, such cells can generally no longer be recycled.

[0056] Sticking of components, especially the ribbon components, can occur, for example, when the cell has dried out, i.e., the cell contains little or no electrolyte. It is known that, as the cell ages, the electrolyte diffuses through the plastic cell casing, thus drying out the cell.

[0057] The electrode stack is therefore no longer impregnated with the electrolyte, which supports the mechanical separation of the components, especially the strip components. This is especially the case with old cells, which are usually already deeply discharged. Furthermore, a short circuit in the cell, e.g., due to damage to the separator, can lead to sticking of the components, especially the strip components. The separator can be damaged, for example, due to chemical processes.

[0058] Defective cells can also be characterized by embrittled separators or separator strips, which can no longer be separated as a whole from the electrode package, in particular can no longer be unwound as a strip component.

[0059] Deep discharge of a battery or cell refers to the state after current has been drawn until its capacity is almost completely exhausted, or below a certain voltage, the so-called cut-off voltage. For example, in lithium iron phosphate batteries, deep discharge occurs when the voltage drops below 2 V (volts), especially below 1.5 V. The cut-off voltage is therefore below the maximum voltage achievable during a charging process.

[0060] Deep discharging of cells usually leads to irreparable damage to the cell through chemical processes and, consequently, a loss of capacity. In conventional recycling processes, such as thermal or chemical processing, deep discharging of the cells is not a factor. In fact, completely discharged cells are often desirable.

[0061] However, deep discharge usually results in the active material of the cathode or the binding agent no longer being soluble, or even less readily soluble, using a solvent, especially a water-based one, during direct recycling. Lithium-ion batteries, which are very sensitive to deep discharge, are therefore only discharged to the so-called cut-off voltage during use using a control system to prevent deep discharge. The cut-off voltage is above the critical voltage for deep discharge.

[0062] However, not all deeply discharged cells are so damaged that they can no longer be recycled using a direct recycling process involving mechanical separation. However, as discussed later, such deeply discharged cells can generally only be recycled using a modified direct recycling process.

[0063] Cells with defective electrode packages are specifically sorted out in advance. These are then not sent to a direct recycling process, where they would cause disruptions in the process. Sorting out such cells is particularly important in a fully automated recycling process, where manual intervention should be avoided as much as possible.

[0064] A scanning device, e.g. for determining the internal state of the cells, comprises in particular a scanner for scanning the cell. "Scanning" means the

[0065] Detecting or determining internal components of the cell. Furthermore, the scanning device contains, in particular, an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit serves, in particular, to process the measurement data relating to the detected internal components of the cells.

[0066] The evaluation unit is also used in particular to determine information about the state of the cells based on the detected internal components of the cell.

[0067] The scanner can be operated using X-ray technology, for example. The cells are irradiated with X-rays. X-ray techniques and their functionality are well known and therefore will not be described in detail here. X-ray technology is used, for example, in medical technology and security technology (baggage scanners). If an imaging technique is used, computer tomography can be used, for example.

[0068] The scanner can also be operated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, for example. This technology is also known from the state of the art and will therefore not be described in detail here. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology is used, for example, in medical technology (determination of nuclear spin relaxation times). If an imaging procedure is used, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used.

[0069] The identified cells with defective electrode packages can be recycled, for example, in a pyrometallurgical or, at best, a hydrometallurgical process.

[0070] It is also conceivable for these cells to be opened and the electrode packs to be soaked in a liquid, particularly an electrolyte. If the cells contain an inlet valve, they can also be refilled with a liquid, particularly an electrolyte, via the inlet valve.

[0071] Depending on the condition of the electrode package, the adhesive bonds may come loose again and the electrode package can be recycled, for example, in a modified, direct recycling process

[0072] As part of the aforementioned preparatory process steps, the voltage state of the cells is measured. Cells whose voltage is above a defined final voltage are considered not to be deeply discharged. These cells are, in particular, subjected to a direct recycling process according to a first embodiment.

[0073] Cells whose voltage is below a defined final voltage are considered deeply discharged.

[0074] The deeply discharged cells can, for example, be fed as secondary cells into a direct recycling process according to a second embodiment

[0075] It is possible for certain deeply discharged cells to be recharged to their final voltage, e.g., after treatment. This can be done, for example, after refilling the cell with fluid, such as electrolyte. Refilling can be done, for example, via an inlet valve on the cell.

[0076] Such deeply discharged cells can be charged to the final voltage, opened and also assigned to a direct recycling process

[0077] It is also conceivable to charge these deeply discharged cells to a voltage above the final voltage and then discharge them to the final voltage

[0078] Deeply discharged, non-defective cells that are recharged therefore also correspond to non-deeply discharged cells in the recycling process.

[0079] The specified final voltage depends on the specific battery or cell type. For lithium-ion batteries, the final voltage is typically below 3 volts, and especially 2.5 volts or lower. Furthermore, the final voltage is typically 1.5 volts or higher, and especially 2 volts or higher. For example, the final voltage can be as high as 2 V. This is especially true for lithium iron phosphate batteries.

[0080] It may be intended to test non-deeply discharged cells for their SoH (State of Health) using the test facility. For this purpose, the capacity of the cells is determined in particular. For example, cells whose capacity loss does not exceed a certain threshold can be removed from the recycling process and directly reused. Such cells can be used, for example, for stationary energy storage devices. The threshold can be, for example, 30% capacity loss.

[0081] Cells whose voltage exceeds the final voltage and which are to be subjected to direct recycling are discharged in a discharge process, specifically to the final voltage. The discharge energy can be reused and, if necessary, temporarily stored for later reuse.

[0082] Discharging the cells also serves, among other things, occupational safety. Discharging the cells prevents dangerous short circuits or side reactions when opening the cells and during subsequent cell processing. In particular, excessive heat generation and potential battery fires are prevented.

[0083] The discharge process is, in particular, a preparatory step for the subsequent recycling process. The discharge process is carried out, in particular, before disassembly or before opening the cell. In a battery with multiple cells, the cells are discharged individually, e.g., after cutting the electrical connections within the battery.

[0084] The discharge is particularly active. Active discharge is defined as a controlled, i.e., regulated discharge via a load, such as a resistor.

[0085] The discharge process is typically carried out via a discharge device. The resistance can be, for example, 0.1–10 ohms, especially 0.1–5 ohms.

[0086] After the discharge process is complete (especially to the final voltage), the voltage usually rises again spontaneously, i.e., without external influence, due to relaxation. However, the voltage increase (absolute value) due to relaxation is smaller than the voltage decrease (absolute value) during the preceding discharge step, so the voltage after the discharge step and the subsequent relaxation is lower than before the discharge step. Relaxation can cause a voltage increase of up to 0.8 volts, particularly up to 0.5 volts.

[0087] The relaxation is particularly taken into account when discharging the battery to the final voltage.

[0088] The battery or cell is discharged in several steps, in particular to the desired final voltage. After each discharge step, a relaxation takes place. The subsequent discharge step takes place, in particular, after a partial and, in particular, complete relaxation following the previous discharge step. In particular, a cascade-like discharge takes place, in which the voltage approaches the final voltage in several discharge steps, including the respective relaxation following it.

[0089] Since the discharge steps become smaller and smaller as the final voltage is approached, the relaxation also decreases with each subsequent discharge step until it is no longer significant. The gradual discharge of the battery or cell causes a kind of asymptotic approach of the voltage to the desired final voltage.

[0090] The unloading process as described above can be automated using an unloading device.

[0091] As soon as the desired final voltage is reached with the last discharge step and the subsequent relaxation, the discharge process is terminated

[0092] When the final voltage is reached, the cell has virtually no electrochemical energy left, even though a potential is still present at the final voltage. The final voltage potential is merely a measure of the difference between the voltages of the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent in the cell, and not a measure of the energy remaining inside the cell. In other words, the final voltage corresponds to an apparent voltage, which corresponds to the cell's own electrochemical voltage.

[0093] Actively discharging the cell to the final voltage has the advantage that no side reactions occur with lithium and the other components in the cell. This means that the cell does not enter a state of stress or become damaged. As described below, this is relevant with regard to the separation of the components of the electrode package, in particular the strip components, in a direct recycling process. For example, with active discharging of the cell, the coating (active material) on the cathode, and in particular on the cathode strip, can be removed more efficiently from the carrier material. Likewise, the coating (active material) on the anode side can be removed more easily from the carrier material. However, removing the coating on the anode side is generally easier than removing it on the cathode side.

[0094] The test device can be used to determine the following cell conditions in particular:

[0095] 1. deeply discharged cells with defective electrode packs;

[0096] 2. deeply discharged, non-rechargeable cells whose electrode packs are not damaged;

[0097] 3. cells that are not deeply discharged; and if necessary

[0098] 4. Deeply discharged cells whose electrode packs are not damaged and which can be recharged to a final voltage, if necessary after treatment.

[0099] The cells assigned to a direct recycling process (e.g. direct recycling process according to a first embodiment for non-deeply discharged cells with a final voltage, or direct recycling process according to a second embodiment for deeply discharged cells) are, following the preparatory steps, which may include, for example, determining the cell condition using the test device and, if necessary, discharging or charging the cells to the final voltage, in particular opened and the electrode package is removed from the housing.

[0100] The cells are prepared for the recycling process, possibly after one or more preparatory steps. Preparing the cells includes, in particular, opening the cells and removing the electrode pack from the cell housing.

[0101] The opening of the cells and the removal of the electrode package as well as, if necessary, the removal of the electrolyte is carried out in particular by means of an opening device.

[0102] Opening can be done, for example, without tools or with appropriate tools such as a saw, drill, or milling machine. Opening can be done manually or automatically, e.g., using an opening device such as an opening robot. The tools are, in particular, part of the opening device, which enables the automated opening of the cells.

[0103] A scanning device, as described above, can be provided to determine or detect an optimal opening location on the cell, which is most suitable for opening the cell, e.g., using an opening tool. The detected information regarding a suitable opening location can be transmitted, for example, from the scanning device to the opening device, which, based on this information, positions the opening tool at the appropriate opening location.

[0104] The goal is to avoid damaging the cell's internal structure, and in particular the electrode stack, as much as possible when opening the cell. Using the scanning device, for example, empty spaces between the electrode stack and the cell wall can be detected. Such locations on the cell wall are particularly well suited for opening cells, as the opening tool penetrating the cell interior does not directly impact the electrode stack. The empty spaces are detected indirectly by detecting the solid components of the electrode stack inside the cell and the cell wall. The empty spaces can be filled with an electrolyte or be cavities.

[0105] Since the suitable opening points of the batteries or cells of a battery or cell type are usually always located at the same point on the battery or cell, it is usually sufficient if the suitable opening point is determined only once for each battery or cell type using the scanning device.

[0106] In particular, in the case of cells which are designed in such a way that they can be opened via an existing closure or a predetermined breaking point, an opening device can be provided which enables the automated opening of the cells.

[0107] The opening device may further include a feed device through which the cells to be opened are fed in. The feed device may, for example, have a receiving shaft for receiving the cells.

[0108] The opening and separation of cell components, such as the housing or housing parts, electrolyte and electrode package, can be carried out automatically in the opening device.

[0109] The electrolyte can also be removed automatically, e.g., by using negative or positive pressure. This means that the electrolyte can be removed from the cell using a vacuum or pressurized gas, such as inert gas or compressed air. A cold trap can also be used to recover the electrolyte. The cold trap condenses evaporated or vaporized electrolyte.

[0110] The electrode package can be removed using a gripping device or by means of compressed gas, such as compressed air, from a compressed gas device. For example, the electrode package can be blown out of the housing using compressed gas. However, the compressed gas is particularly inert. The compressed gas is particularly low in oxygen or oxygen-free. The compressed gas can, for example, be an inert gas. This prevents substances in the cell, such as active materials, from reacting with oxygen.

[0111] Furthermore, the electrode package can also be removed or ejected from the housing using a suction cup or a press.

[0112] When the cell is opened, the cells that are not deeply discharged still exhibit a voltage, the so-called apparent voltage. However, for the reasons stated above, this is not problematic for the further recycling process, which includes, among other things, the mechanical separation of the components, especially the strip components of the electrode stack. In fact, as already mentioned, it is actually advantageous.

[0113] The electrolyte, in particular the liquid one, is collected and recycled separately.

[0114] The housing or housing parts are also recycled and, for example, assigned to the collection unit of a collection facility. If necessary, the various materials of the housing parts, such as the containers and lids, can be separated from

[0115] Plastic and metal pole elements are separated and collected separately

[0116] The electrode packages can now each be at least one of the following:

[0117] - wrapped;

[0118] - stacked or

[0119] - folded. The individual components of the electrode package, such as separators and electrodes, are particularly flat. The corresponding electrode carriers are also particularly flat.

[0120] The individual components of the electrode package, such as separators and electrodes, are primarily available as foils. The corresponding electrode carriers are also primarily available as foils.

[0121] Individual or all components of the electrode package, such as electrodes and separators, can be strip-shaped or strip components. The corresponding electrode carriers are also available in particular as electrode carrier strips.

[0122] For example, in wound electrode packs, all components of the electrode pack are designed as strip components. The corresponding electrode carriers are designed as carrier strips.

[0123] In folded electrode packages, for example, only the separators can be designed as strip components, while the electrodes are designed as sheets, for example.

[0124] The direct recycling process begins with singulation, i.e. separation of the components of the electrode package, in particular the strip components of the electrode package, in particular by means of a separation device, in particular a strip separation device.

[0125] The electrode stack is divided into a cathode, in particular a cathode strip, an anode, in particular an anode strip, and in particular at least one separator, in particular a separator strip. These form the components, in particular the strip components, of the electrode stack. The electrode stack contains at least one separator, in particular at least one separator strip. In a coil, for example, there are two separator strips.

[0126] The components, in particular the tape components or their carriers, in particular carrier tapes, are designed in particular as films. The films can, for example, have a thickness of 100 micrometers or less.

[0127] Once the electrode stack is wound, it is unwound before the strip components are separated. Unwinding is carried out, for example, using an unwinding device. The electrode stack is inserted into the unwinding device and held by it.

[0128] The singulation, i.e. separation of the components, in particular the belts or belt components, is carried out in particular by means of a mechanical separating device, in particular a belt separating device.

[0129] The strip cutting device for cutting the strip components of a coil can, for example, comprise a wedge arrangement with individual wedges arranged between the strips to be cut, over which the strips are guided. Thus, with four strip components (anode, cathode, and two separator strips), a total of three wedges can be arranged between the strip components.

[0130] The strip separating device can, for example, have slots through which the individual strip components are separated from one another. For example, with four strip components (anode, cathode, and two separator strips), a total of four slots can be provided. At the beginning of the separation, the ends of the strip components are inserted through the respective slots.

[0131] Individual or all belt components can be redirected during cutting or separating. The belt cutting device can also include a pneumatic device for cutting or separating the belt components using compressed gas. This allows compressed gas, such as compressed air, to be injected between the belts using the pneumatic device. The compressed gas can be injected via compressed gas nozzles.

[0132] However, the compressed gas is particularly inert. The compressed gas is particularly low in oxygen or oxygen-free. The compressed gas can, for example, be an inert gas. This prevents substances in the cell, such as active materials, from reacting with oxygen.

[0133] The belt separating device can also include a hydraulic device for separating the belt components using a liquid jet. A liquid jet, e.g., a solvent such as water, can be sprayed between the belts using the hydraulic device. The liquid jet can be generated via nozzles.

[0134] A pair of rollers can be arranged upstream of the strip cutting device, through whose roller gap the (unwound) strip package of the electrode package is guided. The pair of rollers, in particular, forms a guide for the strip package.

[0135] If the (wound) strip package is unwound from an unwinding device, a drive-driven take-off device is arranged between the unwinding device and the strip cutting device, which unwinds the strip package from the reel. The aforementioned pair of rollers can, for example, be part of the take-off device as a driven take-off roller pair or form it. This means that the strip is advanced via the driven pair of rollers.

[0136] The belt advance occurs primarily at the beginning and not at the end of the belt run. This is because the still unseparated belt package, unlike the individual, separated belt components, has sufficient tensile strength to absorb the tensile forces generated by the drive.

[0137] Following the separation of the electrode package into its individual components, especially strip components, the individual electrode strips can be subjected to a pretreatment to remove electrolyte residues. This pretreatment can be thermal, e.g., using laser beams, infrared radiation, vapor deposition, or another heat source.

[0138] After the electrode package has been separated into its individual components, particularly strip components, particularly following pretreatment to remove electrolyte residues, the active material of the cathode is detached or separated from the carrier or carrier strip of the cathode or cathode strip in a detachment or separation device. The detachment or separation device is therefore located downstream of the separation device in the process direction.

[0139] According to a first embodiment of a direct recycling process, the cathode or cathode strip is treated or brought into contact with a solvent in the detachment or separation device. For this purpose, the cathode, in particular the cathode strip, is immersed in a solvent bath. If the cathode is in the form of a strip, the cathode strip can be continuously guided or transported through a solvent bath.

[0140] The solvent causes the active material (e.g., lithium metal oxide) to detach or separate from the carrier or carrier tape (e.g., aluminum). In particular, the binder of the cathode, which ensures adhesion of the active material to the carrier or carrier tape, dissolves in the solvent. The detachment or separation device contains, in particular, a container that holds the solvent.

[0141] Furthermore, guide means, such as guide rollers, can be provided by means of which a cathode strip is guided through the solvent bath.

[0142] The separation or detachment process of the active material typically takes around 30 seconds. The separated active material is suspended in the solvent, especially water. Thus, a suspension of solvent and active material is formed.

[0143] The separated active material is separated or separated from the solvent, in particular via a separation device, and collected separately, in particular, in a collection unit of a collection device. The separation device is in particular a mechanical separation device. Thus, the active material can be separated by sieving using a sieve device, filtering using a filter device, or centrifuging using a centrifuge. Before the separated active material is fed to the collection unit or for further processing, it can be dried.

[0144] However, chemical deposition of the active material from the solvent is also conceivable, although not preferred.

[0145] The separation of the active material from the solvent can be carried out in a closed circuit, which includes the return of the solvent, e.g., into the solvent bath, after the separation of the active material.

[0146] The solvent can be a polar or non-polar solvent. The solvent is, in particular, water-based. The water-based solvent can be an aqueous solution. The water-based solvent consists, in particular, of water. The water can, in particular, be pure water, i.e., treated water, such as drinking water. This can contain minerals such as calcium, sodium, or magnesium. The water can, in particular, also be ultrapure water. Ultrapure water contains virtually no foreign substances such as minerals. Ultrapure water can, for example, be deionized water.

[0147] It is also conceivable that the solvent is an acid or alkali. However, in cells that still have a final voltage, i.e., are not deeply discharged, and which have been discharged to the final voltage or, if applicable, charged according to the process described above, experience has shown that the active material of the cathode can be easily separated from the carrier or carrier tape using water, such as ordinary drinking water.

[0148] Thanks to the preparation of the cells for a final voltage and in particular thanks to the discharge process described above, the binder by means of which the active material of the cathode adheres to the carrier or carrier tape becomes or remains water-soluble.

[0149] It is assumed that the lithium contained in the active material reacts with the water, forming gases, particularly hydrogen. This can lead to the formation of bubbles between the carrier and the active material, which in turn accelerates the detachment process. In addition, this reaction also produces lithium hydroxide, which dissolves in the water.

[0150] The use of water as a solvent represents a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and resource-saving method for recovering the active material of the cathode.

[0151] Water used as a solvent can be purified and released into the environment using relatively simple measures. If the solvent is run in a closed cycle, purification of the solvent (water) is only necessary when it is removed from the cycle.

[0152] After separation of the active material, the carrier or carrier strip is present in particular as pure metal or metal strip (e.g. aluminum strip) and is collected separately in particular in the collection unit of the collection device.

[0153] A carrier tape can be wound up, for example, using a winding device. The winding device can, for example, contain a reel. The winding device can include a drive for winding up the carrier tape. The rolls are deposited, for example, in a collecting unit of the collecting device.

[0154] However, a carrier tape does not need to be wound up if its further processing does not require winding up.

[0155] According to a further development of the invention, the separation of a cathode strip from the strip package until the winding of the carrier strip after the separation of the active material from the carrier or carrier strip is a continuous process in which the cathode or carrier strip is continuously guided or transported from the strip separation device or from the unwinding device to the winding device. For this purpose, the cathode or carrier strip can be guided, for example, via deflection and / or tension rollers as well as sliding elements.

[0156] The separation or detachment of the active material from the cathode or cathode strip, e.g., in a solvent bath, occurs in particular automatically, i.e., without mechanical action. In principle, the detachment or separation device can contain a mechanical separation device to support the separation or detachment of the active material, for example, to accelerate the separation or detachment process. The mechanical separation device can, in particular, introduce hydrodynamic energy into the solvent bath. This means that the separation of the active material from the carrier or carrier strip can be accelerated or supported by the movement of the solvent.

[0157] For example, an ultrasonic transducer can be provided, by means of which ultrasonic vibrations are introduced into the solvent bath. Furthermore, stirring can also be achieved by means of a stirrer or vibrations by means of a

[0158] Vibration device hydrodynamic energy is introduced into the solvent bath.

[0159] The mechanical separating device may comprise at least one mechanical

[0160] Separation tool included The at least one mechanical separation tool is designed in particular to separate the active material from the carrier or carrier belt by means of mechanical movements The separation tool can comprise, for example, a brush, a scraper, a stripper, a vibration element, a liquid pressure jet, a gas pressure jet or a stirrer (of an agitator).

[0161] The at least one separating tool can act mechanically on the cathode, in particular the cathode strip, or on the active material coating, particularly in the solvent bath, e.g., when passing through a cathode strip in the solvent bath. However, it is also conceivable for the at least one separating tool to act on the cathode or the cathode strip after the solvent bath and outside the solvent bath.

[0162] Furthermore, a heating device can be provided for heating the solvent or the solvent bath to an optimal process temperature.

[0163] After the electrode package has been separated into its individual components, particularly strip components, particularly following pretreatment to remove electrolyte residues, the active material of the anode is detached or separated from the anode carrier or carrier strip in a detachment or separation device. The detachment or separation device is therefore located downstream of the separation device in the process direction.

[0164] According to a first embodiment of a direct recycling process, the anode or anode strip is treated or brought into contact with a solvent in the stripping or separation device. For this purpose, the anode or anode strip is immersed, in particular, in a solvent bath. An anode strip can, in particular, be continuously guided or transported through a solvent bath.

[0165] The solvent causes the active material (e.g., graphite) to detach or separate from the carrier or carrier tape (e.g., copper). In particular, the anode's binder, which ensures adhesion of the active material to the carrier or carrier tape, dissolves in the solvent.

[0166] The separation or detachment process of the active material can take, for example, around 30 seconds. The separated active material is suspended in the solvent, especially water. Thus, a suspension of solvent and active material is formed.

[0167] For this purpose, the detachment or separation device contains in particular a container which holds the solvent.

[0168] Furthermore, guide means, such as guide rollers, can be provided by means of which an anode strip is guided through the solvent bath.

[0169] In principle, separating or detaching the graphite from the anode support material using a solvent is easier than separating the lithium metal oxide from the cathode support material, and works perfectly, especially in deep-discharge situations. For example, the anode's binder, which ensures adhesion of the active material to the support or carrier tape, is usually highly water-soluble.

[0170] The separated active material is separated or separated from the solvent, in particular via a separation device, and collected separately, in particular, in a collection unit of a collection device. The separation device is in particular a mechanical separation device. Thus, the active material can be separated by sieving using a sieve device, filtering using a filter device, or centrifuging using a centrifuge. Before the separated active material is fed to the collection unit or for further processing, it can be dried.

[0171] However, chemical deposition of the active material from the solvent is also conceivable, although not preferred.

[0172] The separation of the active material from the solvent can be carried out in a closed circuit, which includes the return of the solvent, e.g., into the solvent bath, after the separation of the active material.

[0173] The solvent can be a polar or non-polar solvent. The solvent is, in particular, water-based. The water-based solvent can be an aqueous solution. The water-based solvent consists, in particular, of water. The water can, in particular, be pure water, i.e., treated water, such as drinking water. This can contain minerals such as calcium, sodium, or magnesium. The water can, in particular, also be ultrapure water. Ultrapure water contains virtually no foreign substances such as minerals. Ultrapure water can, for example, be deionized water.

[0174] It is also conceivable that the solvent is an acid or alkali. The use of water as a solvent represents a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and resource-saving method for recovering the anode's active material.

[0175] Water used as a solvent can be purified and released into the environment using relatively simple measures. If the solvent is run in a closed circuit, purification of the solvent (water) is only necessary when it is removed from the circuit.

[0176] The carbon-containing active material, such as graphite, present in the water reacts with the solvent to form hydrogen. This can lead to the formation of bubbles between the carrier and the active material, which in turn accelerates the detachment process.

[0177] The hydrogen is removed, for example, by means of a removal device. The removed hydrogen can be collected or stored in a storage container, such as a pressure vessel.

[0178] The hydrogen can be reused. For example, hydrogen can be

[0179] Combustion produces heat. For example, hydrogen can be used to heat the solvent or the solvent bath for the cathode or anode, or the cathode or anode strip. Hydrogen is used in particular for

[0180] Heating of the cathode-side solvent or solvent bath.

[0181] Furthermore, the hydrogen can also be used to generate heat for the heat treatment of the cathode or the cathode strip according to the direct recycling process described below according to a second embodiment. The hydrogen can be used, in particular, for heating the heat treatment device for the cathode or the cathode strip according to the direct recycling process according to a second embodiment. After separation of the active material, the carrier or the carrier strip is present, in particular, as a pure metal or metal strip (e.g., copper strip) and is collected separately in a collection unit of the collection device.

[0182] A carrier tape can be wound up, for example, using a winding device. The winding device can, for example, contain a reel. The winding device can include a drive for winding up the carrier tape. The rolls are deposited, for example, in a collecting unit of the collecting device.

[0183] However, a carrier tape does not need to be wound up if its further processing does not require winding up.

[0184] According to a further development of the invention, the separation of an anode strip from the strip stack until the winding of the carrier strip after separating the active material from the carrier or carrier strip is a continuous process in which the anode or carrier strip is continuously guided or transported from the strip separation device or from the unwinding device to the winding device. For this purpose, the anode or carrier strip can be guided, for example, via deflection and / or tension rollers as well as sliding elements.

[0185] The detachment of the active material from the anode or anode strip, e.g. in a solvent bath, occurs in particular automatically, i.e. without mechanical action. In principle, the detachment or separation device can contain a mechanical separation device to assist the separation. This means that the separation of the active material from the anode or anode strip can also be assisted here by means of mechanical movement acting on the active material, for example to accelerate the separation process. The mechanical movement can be generated by means of a mechanical separation device. The mechanical separation device can in particular introduce hydrodynamic energy into the solvent bath. This means that the separation of the active material from the carrier or carrier strip can be accelerated or assisted by movement of the solvent.

[0186] For example, an ultrasonic transducer can be provided, which introduces ultrasonic vibrations into the solvent bath. Furthermore, hydrodynamic energy can be introduced into the solvent bath by stirring with an agitator or by vibrations using a vibration device.

[0187] Furthermore, a mechanical separation device with at least one, in particular mechanical, separation tool can be provided. The at least one mechanical separation tool is designed, in particular, to detach the active material by means of mechanical movements. The separation tool can comprise, for example, a brush, a scraper, a stripper, a vibration element, a liquid pressure jet, a gas pressure jet, or a stirrer (of an agitator).

[0188] The at least one separating tool can act mechanically on the anode or the anode strip, or on the active material coating, particularly in the solvent bath, e.g., when passing through an anode strip in the solvent bath. However, it is also conceivable for the at least one separating tool to act on the anode or the anode strip after the solvent bath and outside the solvent bath.

[0189] Furthermore, a heating device can be provided for heating the solvent or the solvent bath to an optimal process temperature.

[0190] Following the separation of the electrode stack into its individual components or strip components, the at least one separator or the at least one separator strip is collected or deposited in a separate collection unit. For example, the at least one separator strip can be wound using a winding device. The winding device can contain a reel, for example. The winding device can include a drive for winding the at least one separator strip. The coils are deposited, for example, in a collection unit of the collection device.

[0191] However, a separator belt does not need to be wound up if its further processing does not require winding up.

[0192] According to a further development of the invention, the separation of the at least one separator belt from the belt package until the winding of the at least one separator belt is a continuous process in which the at least one separator belt is continuously guided or transported from the separating device or from the unwinding device to the winding device. For this purpose, the at least one separator belt can be guided, for example, via deflection and / or tensioning rollers as well as sliding elements.

[0193] If two or more than two separator belts are used, each separator belt can be wound up separately. However, it is also possible to combine several separator belts and, for example, place them on top of each other and wind them up onto a common reel using a common winding device.

[0194] The continuous guidance or transport of the individual belts is achieved, in particular, via appropriate drives. The drives can be located, in particular, in the aforementioned take-off device before the belt separation or in the take-up device. A combination of a driven take-off device and a driven take-up device is also conceivable.

[0195] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that after the active material has been separated from the carrier tape and before the carrier tape is wound up or laid down in a collecting unit, a drive, such as a driven pair of rollers, is provided for driving the carrier tape.

[0196] Since the foil-like belt components are susceptible to mechanical stress, especially tensile stress, and tend to tear, a guide device can be provided to guide the web components. As already described above, the guide device can include, for example, passively or actively driven guide rollers.

[0197] According to a particular embodiment, the guide device can comprise support belts which guide the belt components along their transport path, in particular over a large area, and in particular also support them, e.g., support them against the bottom. To avoid friction, the support belts can be moved actively (e.g., by means of a drive) or passively with the belt components.

[0198] The individual components of the electrode package, such as the active material of the cathode, the carrier or carrier strip of the cathode, the active material of the anode, the carrier or carrier strip of the anode, and the separator or separator strip(s), are collected, as mentioned, in separate collection units of a collection facility. The components collected in these collection units can then be recycled.

[0199] The collection device can also contain collection units for collecting the housings or housing parts (such as housing bodies, covers) made of plastic as well as the (metallic) pole elements on the housing

[0200] The collection units can be containers such as boxes or containers.

[0201] As already mentioned, all components of the electrode package—the anode, cathode, and separators—can be in the form of strip components, as is the case with a coil, for example. These can be treated as strips in a continuous process by unwinding and, if necessary, rewinding.

[0202] However, only individual components can be present as strip components, such as the separator strip of a folded electrode stack. In this case, only the individual strip components, such as the separator strip, can be treated in a continuous process by unwinding and, if necessary, rewinding.

[0203] According to a further development of the invention, the cathode carrier, in particular the cathode carrier strip, is coated again with active material on a coating device after the active material has been detached or separated from the cathode carrier, in particular from the cathode carrier strip.

[0204] According to a further development of the invention, the anode carrier, in particular the anode carrier strip, is coated again with active material on a coating device after the active material has been detached or separated from the anode carrier, in particular from the anode carrier strip.

[0205] In particular, both electrode carriers, in particular both electrode carrier strips, are coated again with active material.

[0206] The electrode carriers, especially electrode carrier strips, that have been recoated with active material are used in battery production. This ensures that the electrode carrier, especially the electrode carrier strip, remains in a closed battery cycle. The coating of the electrode carrier, especially the electrode carrier strip, is typically carried out inline in the recycling plant where the electrode or electrode strip is processed.

[0207] Inline means, in particular, a continuous process within a system. A continuous process includes, in particular, the removal or separation of the active material and its recoating with active material, as well as, if necessary, the unwinding of the carrier tape or electrode tape beforehand and, if necessary, the subsequent winding of the electrode tape in the process line.

[0208] If an electrode carrier strip is recoated, the coating is carried out in particular before the previously unwound electrode strip is wound up.

[0209] The newly coated electrode carrier can also be further processed directly, i.e., inline, in battery production or in a pre-processed process. Thus, the electrode carrier can be further processed inline together with other components to create new electrode packs, especially wound electrode packs.

[0210] The coating device can be arranged in the plant for the direct recycling process (e.g. according to the first or second embodiment) between the detaching or separating device for the active material and the winding device for the electrode carrier tape or the electrode strip.

[0211] However, the coating can also take place in a separate system in which the electrode carrier strip is unwound on an unwinding device, freed from the active material on a separating device, coated again with active material on a coating device and wound up as

[0212] The electrode strip is rewound. The direct recycling process according to the first embodiment is particularly suitable for cells that are not deeply discharged and have a final voltage.

[0213] The direct recycling process according to the second embodiment is particularly suitable for deeply discharged cells whose electrode packages are not defective, ie for cells which are in particular not rechargeable.

[0214] The direct recycling process according to the second embodiment corresponds in essential features to the direct recycling process according to the first embodiment described above.

[0215] The direct recycling process according to the second embodiment differs from the direct recycling process according to the first embodiment in the treatment of the cathode or cathode strip in the detachment and separation device. Regarding the other common process and device features, reference is made to the above description of the direct recycling process according to the first embodiment.

[0216] In the direct recycling process according to the second embodiment, the electrode package is also separated into a cathode or a cathode strip, an anode or an anode strip and at least one separator or separator strip.

[0217] In deeply discharged cells whose electrode stacks are not yet damaged, however, the active material of the cathode or cathode strip can often no longer be removed or separated from the carrier or carrier strip using a solvent, e.g., a water-based solvent, compared to non-deeply discharged cells. As mentioned above, this is due to chemical processes in the active material or coating, which are triggered by the deep discharge.

[0218] However, it has been shown that the active material can be released from the carrier or carrier tape using heat treatment. This occurs without the use of a solvent, i.e., solvent-free. As already mentioned, the binder bonds the active material to the carrier or carrier tape. The binder usually contains organic compounds. During heat treatment, the binder or its organic compounds are degraded or decomposed. Accordingly, the binder loses its effectiveness, and the active material detaches from the carrier or carrier tape. Under certain circumstances, this detachment can occur even with minimal mechanical stress.

[0219] The detachment and separation device accordingly contains a heat treatment device for performing the heat treatment on the cathode or the cathode strip. The heat treatment device can, for example, be a furnace.

[0220] The heat treatment device can also include a calender. The calender contains a pair of rollers through whose nip the cathode strip is guided. The pair of rollers can be driven. At least one of the rollers, in particular both rollers, is heated and ensures heat input into the cathode strip. The cathode strip is then moved through the nip of the pair of rollers and is heated or subjected to heat treatment.

[0221] The heat treatment can take place in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free atmosphere. In particular, the heat treatment can take place in an inert atmosphere.

[0222] The heat treatment takes place in particular at a temperature greater than 300°C, in particular greater than 400°C, and especially greater than 450°C. The heat treatment takes place in particular at a temperature below the melting temperature of the carrier and the active material. The heat treatment takes place in particular at a temperature less than 600°C, in particular less than 550°C.

[0223] The heat treatment can take place particularly at a temperature of 450°C - 480°C.

[0224] The high temperatures may also eliminate impurities.

[0225] For example, the hydrogen produced when the active material is detached from the anode support material can be used to heat the heat treatment device.

[0226] It is also possible that the electrical energy released when batteries or cells are discharged during recycling preparation is used to operate, i.e. to heat, the heat treatment device.

[0227] The duration of the heat treatment may, for example, be at least half an hour, in particular at least one hour.

[0228] The duration of the heat treatment can, for example, be a maximum of nine hours, in particular a maximum of five hours.

[0229] The duration of the heat treatment can be one to four hours.

[0230] The detachment or separation of the (heat-treated) active material can occur automatically, for example, by gravity and / or by moving the carrier or carrier belt. However, it can also be provided that the detachment or separation of the (heat-treated) active material takes place via a (mechanical) separation device or is assisted by such a device.

[0231] The active material can be mechanically detached or separated from the carrier or carrier tape during the heat treatment by means of a mechanical separation device.

[0232] The active material can be used after and especially immediately after the

[0233] Heat treatment can be mechanically removed from the carrier or carrier tape using a separating device.

[0234] The active material can also be mechanically detached from the carrier or carrier tape by means of a separating device both during the heat treatment and after, in particular immediately after, the heat treatment.

[0235] For example, a vibration device can be provided which introduces vibrations or oscillations into the cathode or the cathode strip, which lead to the separation of the active material

[0236] Furthermore, the separation device can comprise at least one detachment or separation tool, such as a brush, a scraper, a stripper or a compressed gas jet (e.g. inert gas or compressed air), which acts on the coating with the active material. The compressed gas can be released under pressure via nozzles.

[0237] Furthermore, the separating device can also comprise a stirrer (agitator) for stirring the cathode or the cathode strip in a container. The container can

[0238] Be part of the heat treatment device. The mechanical detachment or separation of the active material can take place after the heat treatment, e.g., outside the heat treatment device. The mechanical separation of the active material can also take place during the heat treatment, e.g., within the heat treatment device.

[0239] The cathode or cathode strip can be treated in batches

[0240] (Heat treatment, separation of the active material). For example, a cathode strip can be heat-treated as a flat strip section or coil, especially as a loose coil, in a heat treatment device.

[0241] For this purpose, a cathode strip separated from an unwound coil of an electrode package can be rewound, for example, before heat treatment.

[0242] However, it is also possible for the (unwound) cathode strip to be guided or transported through a continuous furnace and heat-treated in a continuous process. In this case, the cathode strip is moved, particularly continuously, through the continuous furnace.

[0243] The mechanical separation device can be arranged, for example, in the continuous furnace or downstream of the continuous furnace. The mechanical removal or separation of the active material also occurs continuously. Thus, the removal or separation tools of the separation device can act on the cathode strip, which is continuously guided or transported past the removal or separation tools.

[0244] Following heat treatment and separation of the active material from the carrier tape, the carrier tape can be wound onto the cathode using a winding device, provided it is not already in a coil when the active material is separated. The possible design of the winding device has already been described in connection with the direct recycling process according to the first embodiment.

[0245] The carrier tape of the cathode can, for example, be fed as a reel to the collecting unit of a collecting device.

[0246] However, a carrier tape does not need to be wound up if its further processing does not require winding up.

[0247] The detachment or separation of the active material from the carrier material of the anode is generally unproblematic, even in the case of deeply discharged cells whose electrode packages are not damaged, and, compared to the direct recycling process for non-deeply discharged cells with a final voltage, generally does not require any adaptation of the process or the associated system.

[0248] However, within the scope of the direct recycling process according to the second embodiment, it can be provided that the active material of the anode or the anode strip is detached or separated from the carrier or carrier strip analogously to the active material of the cathode or the cathode strip by means of a heat treatment and, if appropriate, additionally by means of a separating device or by means of a mechanical detachment or separation tool.

[0249] In this context, the above disclosure regarding the separation of the active material from the cathode or cathode strip by means of heat treatment, including the upstream and downstream steps regarding handling of the cathode or cathode strip, as well as the corresponding devices, also applies to the anode. To prevent oxidation of the active material, such as graphite, heat treatment in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free or inert atmosphere is also advantageous here.

[0250] It is now possible for both the cathode and the anode to be recycled using a direct recycling process according to the first embodiment. It is also possible for both the cathode and the anode to be recycled using a direct recycling process according to the second embodiment. It is also possible for the cathode to be recycled using a direct recycling process according to the second embodiment and the anode to be recycled using a direct recycling process according to the first embodiment. The latter applies in particular if the condition of the previous cell no longer permits the active material to be removed from the cathode.

[0251] With the two direct recycling processes described above for non-defective, non-deep-discharged and deep-discharged cells, a recycling rate of over 50%, in particular over 80% and in some cases even over 90% is achieved.

[0252] It is also conceivable that both non-deeply discharged and deep-discharged batteries or cells are recycled in a direct recycling process according to the second embodiment of the type described above, i.e. in particular by means of heat treatment. This means that it is conceivable that all (non-defective) cells are recycled in a direct recycling process according to the second embodiment of the type described above, i.e. in particular by means of heat treatment.

[0253] In particular, all electrodes, i.e. both the anode and the cathode, can be recycled in a direct recycling process according to the second embodiment of the type described above, i.e. in particular by means of heat treatment. It can be provided that cells whose electrode packages cannot be separated into the individual components, such as deeply discharged, defective cells, in particular with glued electrode packages, are recycled in a first plant or a first processing line of a plant. Cells whose electrode packages can be separated into the individual components, such as non-defective, non-deeply discharged cells, are recycled in at least one further, in particular a second plant or at least one further, in particular a second processing line of a plant.

[0254] The electrode packages of the first plant or the first processing line are subjected to a heat treatment of the type described above in order to separate the active material, particularly as a whole, i.e. unseparated.

[0255] The electrode packages of the at least one further, in particular second, system or the at least one further, in particular second, processing line are separated, in particular, into the individual components, such as the anode or anode strip, the cathode or cathode strip, and the separators or separator strip. The cathode or cathode strip and the anode or anode strip are each treated separately in a detachment or separation device for the purpose of separating the active material from the carrier, where they are subjected, for example, to a heat treatment of the type described above.

[0256] It is of course also possible that the electrode packages of all cells as a whole, i.e. undivided, are subjected to a heat treatment of the type described above in order to remove the active material.

[0257] The cell or battery casing and the electrolyte can be collected separately, as already mentioned elsewhere. The strip components of the cathode, the anode, and / or the separator of a, particularly previously wound, electrode stack can be guided or transported through the system in webs in the direct recycling process according to both the first and second embodiments.

[0258] The strip components of the cathode, anode, and / or separator can be guided or moved through the system, particularly in a continuous strip-feed process. The system includes a corresponding strip-feed device.

[0259] In a further development of the automated, direct recycling process, for example, the trailing ends of running, already separated belt components in one cell can be connected to the leading ends of corresponding, yet-to-be-separated, trailing belt components in a subsequent cell. This allows the belt components to be transported endlessly through the system as webs.

[0260] The direct recycling process according to the first and second embodiments takes place in particular in one plant, from the separation of the components or strip components or from the unwinding of the electrode package to the collection of the separated components of the cell, such as active material, carriers or carrier strips and separators or separator strips.

[0261] The direct recycling process according to the first and second embodiments can be carried out in separate, i.e. spatially separated, plants

[0262] However, it is also conceivable that the direct recycling process according to the first and second embodiments be carried out in a common plant. In this case, the plant can, for example, have two processing lines for the cathode or the cathode strip. Within the plant, cathodes or the cathode strips of non-deeply discharged cells from a first processing line and cathodes or the cathode strips of deep-discharged cells with non-defective

[0263] Electrode packages are fed or assigned to a second processing line.

[0264] The first processing line contains a detachment or separation device as described above for treating the cathodes or cathode strips with a solvent and the second processing line contains a detachment or separation device as also described above for heat-treating the cathode or cathode strips.

[0265] However, a common processing line for the cathode or the cathode strip with a detaching or separating device for heat treatment of the cathode or cathode strips according to the second embodiment can also be provided.

[0266] The anode or anode strip can be treated in a processing line with a stripping or separating device for treating the anodes or anode strips with a solvent according to the first embodiment of the recycling process.

[0267] The direct recycling process according to the first and / or second embodiment can take place under an oxygen-poor and in particular an oxygen-free, ie inert, atmosphere. The associated plant is equipped accordingly for this purpose.

[0268] A low-oxygen or oxygen-free, or inert, atmosphere reduces or prevents oxidative processes during battery or cell recycling. This allows the raw materials of the batteries or cells to be recovered in their chemically unaltered form, eliminating the need for subsequent, complex processing steps.

[0269] Furthermore, the opening of the cells and the removal of the electrode packs can also take place in an oxygen-poor and, in particular, oxygen-free, i.e., inert atmosphere. The opening of the cells and the removal of the electrode packs can be integrated into the above-mentioned system with the associated equipment.

[0270] It should be noted that, in principle, non-deeply discharged cells can also be recycled using the direct recycling process according to the second embodiment. This means that both non-deeply discharged and deep-discharged cells that are not defective can, in principle, be recycled using the same direct recycling process according to the second embodiment.

[0271] The direct recycling process according to the second embodiment with heat treatment has the advantage that no solvents need to be provided, and the active material detached from the carrier or carrier tape does not need to be separated from the solvent, nor does any solvent need to be regenerated. However, heat treatment requires more energy.

[0272] It may be provided that the cathode or cathode strip is treated with a non-water-based solvent, such as dimethyl carbonate (DMC), or another suitable solvent before the active material is detached or separated from the carrier or carrier strip, thus dissolving the lithium salt from the active material. The dissolved lithium salt, present in pure form, is further recycled separately.

[0273] It is conceivable that individual steps for recycling preparation, such as scanning, voltage measurement, discharging or charging the cells as well as sorting or assigning the cells to the appropriate recycling process and opening the cells (preparation steps) are integrated into a recycling system as part of an automation of the processes.

[0274] A further aspect of the invention therefore also concerns a recycling system. This system includes a testing device, such as a scanning device, and at least one system as described above. Furthermore, the recycling system or testing device can include a voltage measuring device for measuring the cell voltage and a discharge device for discharging the cells to a final voltage. Furthermore, the recycling system can include an opening device for opening the cells.

[0275] The processes in the recycling system are particularly fully or at least partially automated.

[0276] With the two direct recycling processes and the corresponding facilities described above, lithium-ion batteries or their cells can be disassembled into their components without the use of harmful chemicals, presses, mills, and the like, as well as without the use of large amounts of energy, such as those required for melting in pyrometallurgical processes.

[0277] The inventive method and the associated system are suitable, for example, for recycling lithium-ion batteries with a cathode or cathode carrier strip made of aluminum and an anode or anode carrier strip made of copper, as well as with an active material containing or consisting of graphite. The inventive method and the associated system are suitable, for example, for recycling LFP batteries.

[0278] The method according to the invention and the associated plant are particularly suitable for recycling lithium-ion accumulators with wound electrode packages, each comprising in particular a cathode strip, an anode strip and separator strips.

[0279] However, the inventive method and the associated system are also suitable for recycling lithium-ion batteries with stacked or folded electrode packages.

[0280] The testing and preparation steps according to the invention, such as scanning, voltage measurement, discharging, etc., with the associated facilities, ensure that only those cells that cannot be recycled in a direct recycling process are actually sorted out and assigned, for example, to a pyrometallurgical process.

[0281] With the direct recycling process, over 50%, in particular over 80% and sometimes over 91% of the raw materials of a recycled cell can be recovered in pure form.

[0282] The recovered active material of the cathode and anode can be processed into ready-to-use active material for new cells using a separate processing method.

[0283] For example, the active material of the anode can be reduced by crushing it into nanometer or

[0284] Micrometer range and by adding additives, it can be processed to such an extent that it can be used again in new cells.

[0285] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures. Each of these figures shows schematically: Figure 1: Process diagram for testing and preparing the cells for a subsequent recycling process;

[0286] Figure 2: a process diagram of a direct recycling process according to a first embodiment;

[0287] Figure 3: a process diagram of a direct recycling process according to a first embodiment;

[0288] Figure 4: Recycling system;

[0289] Figure 5: a process diagram for battery recycling with integrated coating device for the active material.

[0290] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0291] To facilitate understanding of the invention, certain features are not shown in the figures or are shown only in a highly abstract manner. The exemplary embodiments described below are merely examples of the subject matter of the invention.

[0292] According to the process diagram in Figure 1, the returned cells 13 are checked for their condition (SoH, State of Health) in a test facility 2 and divided into at least two condition classes.

[0293] Cells 13 of a first condition class, whose electrode stacks 15 are defective and which therefore can no longer be brought to a final voltage, are subjected to a treatment labeled "C." This can be, for example, a pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical recycling process.

[0294] For cells 13 of a second condition class, whose electrode packages are not damaged, the voltage state is determined.

[0295] Non-defective cells 13 with a voltage equal to or higher than the final voltage are hereinafter referred to as "first-rank cells." These first-rank cells are subjected to a discharge process in a discharge device 5. The cells 13 are actively discharged by the discharge device to the final voltage of, for example, 2 to 2.5 volts.

[0296] The first-rank cells 13 are then opened in an opening device 8.2.

[0297] Following opening, the cells 13 or their wound electrode packages 15 are subjected to a direct recycling process labeled "A", which is described below.

[0298] Non-defective cells 13 with a voltage lower than the final voltage, which are therefore considered to be deeply discharged, are also opened in an opening device 8.1.

[0299] Following opening, the cells 13 or their wound electrode packages 15 are subjected to a direct recycling process labeled "B", which is also described below.

[0300] If necessary, non-defective, deeply discharged cells 13 can be recharged to a final voltage. These cells 13 are charged to the final voltage by means of a charging device 6 and subsequently opened and fed to the direct recycling process labeled "A".

[0301] In order for deeply discharged cells to be recharged to their final voltage, they may need to be pretreated. This can be done, for example, by adding electrolytes to cell 13, e.g., via an inlet valve.

[0302] In the opening devices 8.1, 8.2, the cell housing 14 is opened, and the electrode pack 15 is removed. If necessary, the electrolyte is also removed and collected in a collection unit, such as a container (not shown). The housing 14, which is made of plastic or metal, such as aluminum, for example, or the housing parts, such as the housing body 14.1 and the housing cover 14.2, are collected in the collection unit 9.1, e.g., a container, of a collection device 9. The cell terminals 14.3, which are made of metal, are collected in separate collection units 9.2, 9.3, e.g., containers.

[0303] The first-class cells 13 are now recycled in a direct recycling process "A" according to a first embodiment by means of a recycling plant 25 according to Figure 2.

[0304] In a first step, the electrode package 15 is unwound on an unwinding device 30. For this purpose, the strip assembly of the electrode package 15 is guided through the nip of a driven take-off roller pair 31. The take-off roller pair 31 forms a take-off device that pulls the strip assembly off the roll.

[0305] Following the take-off roller pair 31, the strip composite is separated into the individual strip components 16, 22, 21, 23 in a strip separating device 32.

[0306] The belt separating device 32 contains separating wedges 33, which are arranged between the belt components 16, 22, 21, 23. The belt components 16, 22, 21, 23 are continuously separated from one another as they pass the separating wedges 33 and are fed along separate processing lines for further, individual treatment or processing.

[0307] The two separator strips 22, 23, which electrically insulate the electrode strips 16, 19 from each other in the winding, do not require any special treatment and are therefore each wound up by means of a winding device 37, 38 and deposited as a winding 24 in a collecting container 10.3, 10.6 of a collecting device 10.

[0308] The anode strip 19 is guided through a separation device 50, which comprises a water bath 53 arranged in a separation container 51. The anode strip 19 is guided through the water bath 53 via deflection rollers. Upon contact with water, the active material 20, e.g., graphite, detaches from the anode carrier strip 21, e.g., copper. The active material 20 reacts with the water 53, resulting in the formation of hydrogen 57. The hydrogen 57 is removed by means of a removal device 54 and stored in a storage tank 52. Alternatively, the hydrogen 57 can also be directly recycled, such as incinerated for heating purposes, by means of the removal device 54.

[0309] The active material 20 detached from the anode carrier strip 21 collects in the water 53 and is separated from the water 53 by a separation device 55 and collected in a collecting container 10.4 of the collection device 10. The separation can be carried out by means of a sieve or filter device as part of the separation device 55.

[0310] After the active material 20 has been separated, if necessary after treatment, the water 53 is returned to the container 51 in a closed circuit via a return device 56 and fed to the water bath 53.

[0311] After leaving the separation device 55, i.e. after removal of the coating of active material 20, the (pure) anode carrier strip 21 is wound up by means of a winding device 36 and deposited in a collecting container 10.5 for anode carrier strip rolls 58 of the collecting device 10.

[0312] The cathode strip 16 is also guided through a separating device 40, which comprises a water bath 43 located in a separation container 41. The cathode strip 16 is also guided through the water bath 43 via deflection rollers. Upon contact with water 43, the active material 17 (Li metal oxide) detaches from the cathode strip 18, e.g., aluminum.

[0313] The water bath 43 can be heated by a heating device 44 to heat the water 43 in the separation container 41, for example, to an ideal separation temperature. The heating device can be operated with hydrogen 57, which is generated in the separation device 50 during the separation of the active material 20 from the anode carrier strip 21.

[0314] The active material 17 separated from the cathode carrier strip 18 and present in suspension collects in the water 43 and is

[0315] Separation device 45 separates the wastewater from the water 43 and collects it in a collecting container 10.2 of the collecting device 10. The separation can be carried out by means of a sieve or filter device as part of the separation device 45.

[0316] After the active material 17 has been separated, if necessary after treatment, the water 43 is returned to the container 41 in a closed circuit via a return device 46 and fed to the water bath 43.

[0317] After leaving the deposition device 45, ie after removal of the coating of active material 17, the (pure) cathode carrier tape 18 is wound up by means of a winding device 35 and deposited in a collecting container 10.1 for cathode carrier tape rolls 48 of the collecting device 10.

[0318] The cathode strips of deeply discharged cells 13, which are not defective, are recycled in a direct recycling process according to a second embodiment in a recycling plant 26 according to Figure 3. With the exception of the treatment of the cathode strip 16 in the separating device 60 and the associated separating device 60, the recycling process according to the second embodiment and the associated devices of the recycling plant 26 correspond to the recycling plant 25 according to Figure 2. Therefore, only differences relating to the treatment of the cathode strip 16 are discussed below. Regarding the other features, reference is made to the description of Figure 2.

[0319] Thus, the anode strip is treated in the recycling plant 26 in a direct recycling process according to the first embodiment.

[0320] As already discussed above, the cathode strip 16 of deeply discharged cells 13 is characterized by the fact that the active material 17 (Li metal oxide) cannot be removed from the cathode carrier strip 18 using water or another water-based solvent. Accordingly, a different method is used to separate the active material 17 from the cathode carrier strip 18.

[0321] In a preparatory step, the separated cathode strip 16 is wound into a roll, in particular a loose roll, by means of a winding device 35.

[0322] The separation device 60 contains a furnace 61 in which the cathode strip coils are subjected to heat treatment. The heat treatment takes place, for example, at a temperature of 500°C. The hydrogen generated in the separation device 50 during the detachment or separation of the active material 20 from the anode carrier strip 21 can be used to heat the furnace 61.

[0323] Furthermore, the separating device 60 contains means, such as a vibrating device or stirring device, for mechanically detaching or separating the active material 17 from the cathode carrier strip 18 (not shown). Through the combination of heat treatment and mechanical action on the coating, the coating of active material 17 detaches from the cathode carrier strip 18. The active material 17 is collected in a collecting container 10.2 of the collecting device 10.

[0324] The cathode carrier tape coils 48 freed from the active material 17 are collected in a further collecting container 10.1 of the collecting device 10.

[0325] As an alternative to the separating device 60 shown in Figure 3, a continuous furnace can also be provided, through which the separated (unwound) cathode strip 16 is continuously guided or transported. This method has the advantage that appropriate mechanical separating tools can be used to act directly on the coated surface of the cathode strip 16. After the active material 17 has been detached or separated, the cathode carrier strip 18 is wound into a coil by means of a winding device, analogous to the method shown in Figure 2, and deposited in a collecting container.

[0326] As an alternative to a continuous furnace, the cathode strip 16 can also be

[0327] Roll gap of a heated calender roll pair (not shown).

[0328] The materials collected in containers 10.1-10.6 of recycling facilities 25 and 26 can subsequently be recycled. This allows them to be used to manufacture lithium-ion batteries.

[0329] Incidentally, it can also be provided that the direct recycling process for the cathode strip according to the second embodiment is integrated into the system 25 according to Figure 2 as a further, separate treatment line for the cathode strip 16. The recycling system 1 shown in Figure 4 corresponds to a compilation of the processes shown in Figures 1 to 3 with the associated facilities or systems in an overview.

[0330] The basic processes according to the invention are summarized below using Figure 4.

[0331] In a testing facility 2, the delivered cells 13 are inspected for their condition and classified into at least two condition classes. Defective cells 13 according to a first condition class are subjected to a treatment labeled "C." The voltage state of non-defective cells 13 according to a second condition class is determined.

[0332] The non-deeply discharged cells 13 with a voltage equal to or greater than 2 volts are discharged to the final voltage, opened, and their electrode packages 15 are subjected to a direct recycling process "A" in the recycling plant 25.

[0333] The deeply discharged, non-rechargeable cells 13 with a voltage of less than 2 volts are also opened, and their electrode packages 15 are subjected to a direct recycling process "B" in the recycling plant 26, in which the cathode strip 16 is treated or recycled by means of a recycling process according to a second embodiment.

[0334] It is also conceivable that the electrode packs can be reprocessed by soaking them in a liquid, such as electrolytes, or by refilling the cells with a liquid, such as electrolytes, to such an extent that they can be reused in a direct recycling process "B." According to the process diagram in Figure 5, the electrode strip 73, which can be the cathode strip or the anode strip, is unwound from a reel 72 in a recycling system 71. Alternatively, an electrode pack can be unwound and subsequently separated into the individual strip components, such as the anode strip, cathode strip, and separator strip.

[0335] In a subsequent step, the active material is separated or detached from the electrode strip in a detachment or separation device 74. The electrode carrier strip 73, freed from the active material, can optionally be cleaned and pretreated for subsequent coating.

[0336] In a subsequent step, the electrode carrier strip 73 is recoated with active material in a coating device 75. The electrode carrier strip 73 coated with active material forms a new electrode strip and, after coating, is rewound onto a reel 76. The electrode strip can now be used in the manufacture of new batteries. Of course, further treatment steps can be provided between the main process steps mentioned above.

[0337] Alternatively, the newly coated electrode carrier strip, ie the electrode strip, can be processed directly, ie inline, in the battery production process or in a prepared process, instead of being wound up after the coating process. This way, the electrode strip can be processed together with other

[0338] Strip components are further processed inline into new electrode packages, especially wound electrode packages.

[0339] The coating process described above or the associated coating device can be integrated in particular into a direct recycling process described above or a modified direct recycling process or into the associated plant

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A method for recycling lithium-ion batteries, in particular lithium-ion accumulators, which comprise one or more cells (13), wherein the cells (13) each contain at least one electrode package (15) with at least one cathode (16) and at least one anode (19), and the at least one cathode (16) comprises an electrically conductive cathode carrier (18) coated with an active material (17) and the at least one anode (19) comprises an electrically conductive anode carrier (18) coated with an active material (17), comprising the following steps: - Providing the cells (13); - Separating the electrode packages (15) into anode (19) and cathode (16); - Separating or detaching the active material (17) from the cathode carrier (18) in a detaching or separating device.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cells (13) are discharged or charged to a final voltage, in particular of at least 1 volt, before opening.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that information about the condition of the cells (13) is determined by means of a testing device, and the cells (13) are each assigned to one of at least two condition classes on the basis of the determined condition information, wherein a first condition class comprises deeply discharged, defective cells (13) whose electrode packages, in particular their strip components (16, 19, 22, 23), are not separable, in particular glued, and a second condition class comprises non-defective cells (13) whose electrode packages, in particular their strip components (16, 19, 22, 23), are separable, in particular unglued.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the non-deeply discharged cells (13) are discharged to the final voltage by means of a discharge device (5).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the non-defective, deeply discharged cells (13), which prove to be rechargeable, for example based on status information, are charged by means of a charging device (6) and brought to a final voltage.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a suitable location for opening the cells (13) is detected by means of a scanning device (3), and the cells (13) are opened at the suitable opening location on the basis of this information.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that one or both of the following properties apply: - the anode is an anode strip and the anode support is an anode support strip; - the cathode is a cathode strip and the cathode carrier is a cathode carrier strip.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrode packages (15) are separated by means of a separating device, in particular a strip separating device, into the individual components, in particular strip components (16, 19, 22, 23), such as anode, in particular anode strip (19) and cathode, in particular cathode strip (16).

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cathode or the cathode strip (16), in particular of cells of the second state class, in a detachment or separation device, with a treated with a water-based solvent (43) and the active material (17) is detached or separated from the cathode carrier, in particular from the cathode carrier strip (18), by the water-based solvent (43).

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the anode or the anode strip (19), in particular of cells of the second state class, is treated with a water-based solvent (53) in a detachment or separation device, and the active material (20) is detached or separated from the anode carrier, in particular from the anode carrier strip (21), by the water-based solvent (53).

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one strip component (16, 19, 22, 23) from the group of anode strip and cathode strip is moved, in particular by means of a drive device, in a strip-passing process through the detaching or separating device.

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cathode or the cathode strip (16), in particular of cells of the second state class, is subjected to a heat treatment in a heat treatment device of the detachment or separation device (61), and the active material (17) is detached or separated from the cathode carrier or cathode carrier strip (18) during and / or after the heat treatment, in particular by additional mechanical action on the cathode or the cathode strip (16).

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the active material (20) of the anode contains or consists of elemental carbon and the hydrogen (57) produced during the treatment of the active material (20) with solvent (53) is used for further collected, and in particular used to generate heat during the treatment of the cathode, in particular the cathode strip (16).

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the anode or the anode strip (16), in particular of cells of the second state class, is subjected to a heat treatment in a heat treatment device of the detachment and separation device (61), and the active material (17) is detached or separated from the anode carrier, in particular the anode carrier strip (18) during and / or after the heat treatment, in particular by additional mechanical action on the anode or the anode strip (16).

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the electrode package (15) is a coil and the electrode package (15) is unwound before being separated into the individual strip components (16, 19, 22, 23), in particular by means of an unwinding device.

16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one strip component (16, 19, 22, 23) from the group of anode strip and cathode strip, and in particular both strip components (16, 19, 22, 23), in particular following the detachment or separation of the active material (17, 20), is / are wound up in each case by means of a winding device (35, 36, 37, 38).

17. Method according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the active material (17, 20) is recovered from the solvent (43, 53) by means of a separation process.

18. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the following substances are recovered and collected separately in a collecting device (9, 10): - Active material (17) of the cathode - Cathode carrier, in particular cathode carrier strip (18) - Active material (20) of the anode - anode carrier, in particular anode carrier strip (21).

19. The method according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least one of the electrode carriers, in particular the electrode carrier strips, from the group of cathode carrier or cathode carrier strip and anode carrier or anode carrier strip, and in particular both electrode carriers or electrode carrier strips, is coated again with active material on a coating device after the detachment or separation of the active material from the electrode carrier or from the electrode carrier strip, in particular is coated inline.

20. Plant (25, 26) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the plant contains a detachment or separation device (40, 60) for detaching or separating the active material (17) from at least one of the two following components: - cathode, in particular cathode strip (16); - Anode, especially anode strip.

21. Plant according to claim 20, characterized in that the plant contains a separating device, in particular a strip separating device (32), for separating the individual components, in particular strip components (16, 19, 22, 23) of the electrode package (15), such as anode, in particular anode strip (19), and cathode, in particular cathode strip (16).

22. Plant according to one of claims 20 to 21, characterized in that the plant contains a first detachment or separation device (40, 60) for detaching or separating the active material (17) from the cathode, in particular from the cathode strip (16) and a second detachment or separation device (50) for detaching or separating the active material (20) from the anode, in particular from the anode strip (19).

23. System according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the system contains an unwinding device (30) arranged upstream of the strip separating device (32) for unwinding a wound electrode package (15).

24. Plant according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the detaching or separating device (40) contains a device for treating the electrode, such as cathode or anode, with a solvent, such as a solvent bath.

25. Plant according to one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the detaching or separating device (60) contains a heat treatment device (61), in particular a furnace, for heat treatment of the electrode, such as cathode or anode.

26. Plant according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the detachment or separation device (40) contains guide means for continuously guiding an electrode strip (16), such as cathode or anode strip, through the detachment or separation device (40), in particular through a solvent bath (43) or a heat treatment device.

27. Plant according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that the first detachment or separation device (60) comprises a heat treatment device (61), in particular a furnace, for heat treatment of the cathode, in particular the cathode strip (16), and the second detaching or separating device (50) contains a device for treating the anode, in particular the anode strip, with a solvent, such as a solvent bath (53).

28. Plant according to one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that the plant (25, 26) contains at least one winding device (35, 36, 37, 38) for winding at least one strip component (16, 19, 22, 23) from the group of anode and cathode strip, optionally after detachment or separation of the active material (17, 20) in the detachment or separation device (40, 50).

29. Plant according to one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that the plant (25, 26) contains a drive (31) and guide device (34) for treating at least one strip component (16, 19, 22, 23) from the group of cathode strip and anode strip in a strip-through process.

30. Recycling system, comprising at least one system (24, 25) according to one of claims 20 to 29 and a testing device for determining and in particular also evaluating status information on the battery or the cells.

31. Recycling system according to claim 30, comprising an opening device (8.1, 8.2) for opening the cells (13).

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