Method and system for separating layers of a laminate

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for separating layers of a laminate. In the method, a laminate is provided which contains or consists of a first layer comprising a metal and a second layer comprising a binder material, wherein the binder material connects the second layer to the first layer. In the region of the first layer of the laminate, an alternating magnetic field is generated by at least one coil which is supplied with alternating current from an electrical voltage source, in order to inductively heat the first layer of the laminate to a temperature which is below the melting temperature of the first layer of the laminate, wherein the second layer is separated from the first layer during the process or thereafter. The electrical voltage source is adjusted in such a way that it supplies the at least one coil with alternating current with an oscillation frequency in the range of ≥ 1 MHz. The invention further relates to a corresponding system for separating layers of a laminate.

Description

[0001] Fraunhofer Society...eV

[0002] Method and system for separating layers of a laminate

[0003] A method for separating layers of a laminate is provided. In this method, a laminate is provided that contains or consists of a first layer comprising a metal and a second layer comprising a binder material, the binder material bonding the second layer to the first layer. In the region of the first layer of the laminate, an alternating magnetic field is generated by at least one coil supplied with alternating current from an electrical voltage source. This field inductively heats the first layer of the laminate to a temperature below its melting point, during or after this heating process, separating the second layer from the first. The electrical voltage source is adjusted to supply the at least one coil with alternating current at an oscillation frequency in the range of > 1 MHz.Furthermore, a suitable system for separating the layers of a laminate is provided. An incredible variety of substrates – regardless of their application – are coated today with some other material, i.e., a laminate is produced from the substrate and the coating material. This is done for a wide range of reasons, such as creating special properties and functions, improving durability, or simply for aesthetic reasons. Little thought is given to the subsequent separation of the laminate for recycling or reuse of the individual layers, especially regarding efficient methods for providing the individual layers of the laminate in the cleanest and most non-destructive form possible (e.g., in pure form).

[0004] In the recycling of battery laminates (e.g., from a secondary battery), a preliminary process typically involves separating the battery casing, electronic components, and foil materials to collect these materials and concentrate the core battery components (i.e., the battery laminate, which plays a central role in the charging and discharging process). Battery laminates typically contain metallic conductive layers and active material layers, which contain binder materials, or optionally, binder material layers sandwiched between the metallic conductive layers and the active material layers.

[0005] To recover the individual materials of a battery laminate layers for recycling or reuse, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes are currently the primary methods employed. In pyrometallurgical processes, all battery components are initially decomposed at high temperatures without prior separation, and subsequently, some of the components are recovered, albeit with considerable effort. In hydrometallurgical processes, batteries are first disassembled and shredded, and then, in complex processes using solvents, starting materials for the re-synthesis of the processed materials are chemically recovered. Direct recycling processes, which are still under development, recover battery components non-destructively so that they can be directly reintroduced into the production of new batteries (Neumann, J. et al., Adv. Energy Mater., 12:2102917, 2022).

[0006] It is known in the art to inductively strip a battery laminate. In this process, an alternating magnetic field is generated in the metallic conductor layer of the battery laminate using a coil supplied with alternating current from an electrical voltage source. This causes the metallic conductor layer and a binder layer of the laminate, which contacts the metallic conductor layer, to be heated intensely. Heating continues until the binder layer thermally decomposes, thereby breaking its bond to the metallic conductor layer and to an electrode active material layer of the laminate, which also contacts the binder layer. This inductive method allows the metallic conductor layer of the laminate to be separated from the electrode active material layer of the laminate (CN 115 945 505 A and Zhu, X. et al., Waste Management, 166:70-77, 2023).However, this well-known method has the disadvantage that the electrode active material layer also heats up considerably during the process and can therefore suffer thermally induced damage. For example, thermally induced cracks can occur in the electrode active material layer, material from the electrode active material layer can detach, and / or material from the electrode active material layer can evaporate by conversion into a gaseous oxidation product (e.g., oxidation of carbon-containing components of the electrode active material layer to CO2).

[0007] The significant heating of the electrode active material layer during the known process is due, among other things, to the fact that this layer of the laminate is also electrically conductive, which induces eddy currents in this layer as well, directly heating it inductively. Furthermore, the electrode active material layer has a higher electrical resistance than the metallic conductor layer and regularly contains a ferromagnetic material (e.g., nickel, cobalt, and / or iron), which contributes to the significant heating. Both of these properties make the electrode active material layer susceptible to being heated intensely in an alternating magnetic field (high efficiency during inductive heating).This problem with the separation of layers of a laminate can also occur if a second layer of the laminate is not electrically conductive, but contains or consists of a ferromagnetic material (e.g. ferrite) and / or a ferroelectric material (e.g. PVDF), since in this case, unwanted heating of the second layer of the laminate and associated thermal damage to said second layer can occur.

[0008] Based on this, the object of the present invention was to provide a method and a system for separating layers of a laminate (e.g., a battery laminate) that overcomes at least one disadvantage of the prior art. Preferably, the method and / or system should make it possible to separate as many layers of a laminate as possible from one another in a simple, fast, and, if possible, damage-free manner (i.e., reducing the risk of thermally induced damage). In particular, it should be possible, in the case of a battery laminate, to separate at least a metallic conductor layer and an electrode material layer, and optionally also a binder material layer, from one another in this manner.

[0009] The problem is solved by the method with the features of claim 1 and the system with the features of claim 10. The dependent claims describe advantageous further developments.

[0010] According to the invention, a method for separating layers of a laminate is provided, comprising or consisting of: a) providing a laminate containing or consisting of a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer contains or consists of a metal and the second layer contains or consists of a binder material, the binder material bonding the second layer to the first layer; b) generating an alternating magnetic field in the region of the first layer of the laminate with at least one coil supplied with alternating current from an electrical voltage source to inductively heat the first layer of the laminate to a temperature below the melting temperature of the first layer of the laminate; and c) separating the second layer of the laminate from the first layer of the laminate during or after step b).characterized in that the electrical voltage source is adjusted to supply the at least one coil with alternating current at an oscillation frequency in the range of > 1 MHz.

[0011] The inventive method makes it possible to separate the second layer of the laminate from the first layer of the laminate in a simple, quick and damage-free manner (i.e., reducing the risk of thermally induced damage).

[0012] This is because the electrical voltage source in the process is set to supply at least one coil with alternating current at an oscillation frequency in the range of > 1 MHz. This generates a high-frequency, inductively acting alternating magnetic field (f > 1 MHz) characterized by a shallow penetration depth into the laminate. In short, such an alternating magnetic field acts only very close to the surface (i.e., it has a strong "skin effect"), meaning that primarily the first layer of the laminate is exposed to the inductively acting alternating magnetic field, and only to a small extent, if at all, to the second layer. The risk of inductive heating of the second layer of the laminate and the resulting risk of thermal damage to the second layer (e.g., thermally induced mechanical and / or oxidative damage) is thus greatly reduced.This applies particularly if the second layer of the laminate contains an electrically conductive and thermosensitive material and is located on the side of the laminate facing away from the at least one coil. However, the second layer of the laminate can also be located on the side of the laminate facing the at least one coil. If, in this case, the second layer contains an electrically conductive and thermosensitive material, it is advantageous if the second layer has only low electrical conductivity (i.e., contains only a small percentage by weight of an electrically conductive material) or, alternatively, if the second electrical layer consists of thermally stable materials.

[0013] The second layer of the laminate and its binder material are thus heated solely by heat transfer from the first layer to the second layer. However, this heat transfer—especially during short processes—essentially only causes heating at the contact surface between the second and first layers. This means the heat cannot spread rapidly across the entire thickness of the second layer, thus better protecting it from thermal damage.

[0014] Heating the second layer at its interface with the first layer causes the binder material of the second layer, which bonds the two layers, to soften (low heating temperature) or even decompose (high heating temperature), depending on the degree of heating. Softening of the binder material at this interface can be sufficient to separate the second layer of the laminate from the first. In this case, the second layer can, for example, be peeled off the first layer and recovered as an undamaged second layer.

[0015] Should softening the binder material not be sufficient to separate the laminate layers, the first layer is heated more intensely, thus increasing the temperature gradient to the second layer and heating the contact surface to the second layer more significantly, if necessary until the binder material at the contact point decomposes. At that point, the second layer can be easily separated from the first. In this case, for example, the second layer can simply detach from the first.

[0016] In this process, the first layer of the laminate can thus be inductively heated to a temperature suitable at least for softening the binder material of the second layer, and optionally for decomposing the binder material of the second layer. This temperature can, for example, be in the range of > 40 °C, preferably > 60 °C, particularly preferably > 80 °C, most preferably > 100 °C, and particularly preferably > 120 °C.

[0017] In this method, the second layer of the laminate can be arranged on the side of the laminate facing the at least one coil, and the first layer of the laminate can be arranged on the side facing away from the at least one coil. To minimize the risk of thermal damage to the second layer during the method, it is advantageous if the second layer has only low electrical conductivity. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferred that the method according to the invention includes dissipating heat from the second layer by bringing the second layer into contact with a liquid or gaseous medium. The liquid medium can be, for example, water. The gaseous medium can be, for example, air or nitrogen.It is particularly preferred to guide the liquid or gaseous medium past the second layer in a fluid flow, as this maximizes the cooling effect. Furthermore, it is preferred that the second layer be porous, since the porosity maximizes the surface area of ​​the second layer and enhances heat dissipation (i.e., the cooling effect). Each of the described measures ensures that the heat input with skin effect occurs exclusively at the interface between the second and first layers, minimizing or even eliminating the risk of temperature-related damage to the second (and first) layer. Choosing an evaporating liquid medium (such as water) offers the additional advantage that heat-induced evaporation of the liquid medium at an interface between the second and first layers can promote the separation of the second layer from the first.

[0018] Furthermore, in this method, the first layer of the laminate can be arranged on one side of the laminate facing the at least one coil, and the second layer of the laminate can be arranged on one side facing away from the at least one coil. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for second layers containing high electrical conductivity and a thermally sensitive material, since, due to the greater distance to the at least one coil and the strong "skin effect" of the alternating magnetic field, the second layer heats up less, thus minimizing or even completely preventing thermally induced damage to such second layers.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, step a) of the method provides a laminate, the first layer of which contains or consists of a metallic battery current collector, preferably a metallic current collector of a secondary battery. The metallic current collector may contain or consist of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, nickel, stainless steel, and combinations thereof.

[0020] Furthermore, in step a) of the process a laminate can be provided, the first layer of which has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 pm, preferably in the range of 2 to 40 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 5 to 30 pm, especially in the range of 10 to 20 pm.

[0021] Apart from this, in step a) of the process a laminate can be provided whose first layer is designed as a film, fiber layer or network layer, wherein the film, fiber layer or network layer is optionally structured.

[0022] Furthermore, in step a) of the procedure, a laminate can be provided whose first layer has an electrical conductivity of at least 1-10 4 S / cm, preferably at least 1-10 5 S / cm. The advantage of electrical conductivity in this area is that the first layer experiences strong inductive heating due to the alternating magnetic field.

[0023] In step a) of the procedure, a laminate can be provided whose first layer has a coating at least in some areas.

[0024] The coating can be arranged between the first and second layers of the laminate. Furthermore, the coating can contain or consist of carbon, wherein the carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of amorphous carbon, graphitic carbon, nitrogen-doped carbon, oxygen-doped carbon, graphyne, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, conductive carbon black, and combinations thereof. The amorphous carbon is particularly preferably carbon nanospheres, and / or the graphitic carbon is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of graphene, reduced graphene oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0025] Furthermore, the coating may contain or consist of a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, tungsten, lithiophilic metal and combinations thereof, wherein the lithiophilic metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, tin, nickel and combinations and alloys thereof.

[0026] Apart from that, the coating may contain or consist of metal nanoparticles containing or consisting of a metal, the metal being preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, iron and combinations and alloys thereof.

[0027] Furthermore, the coating can be a metal compound with the formula M x A ycontaining or consisting of, wherein M is a metal and A is an anion, wherein M is preferably selected from the group consisting of titanium, zinc, lithium and silver and / or the anion is preferably selected from the group consisting of O 2- , S 2- and N 3- .

[0028] Furthermore, the coating can contain or consist of a passivation material, wherein the passivation material preferably contains or consists of chromate.

[0029] Furthermore, the coating can contain or consist of an electrically conductive polymer, wherein the electrically conductive polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon nitride polymer, poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, polyaniline, polyparaphenylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, and combinations thereof. In addition, the coating can contain or consist of a non-electrically conductive organic material, wherein the non-electrically conductive organic material is preferably selected from the group consisting of non-electrically conductive polymer, triphenyl phosphate, 1,3-benzenedisulfonyl fluoride, and combinations thereof. The non-electrically conductive polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and combinations thereof.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, in step a) of the method a laminate is provided, the second layer of which contains or consists of a binder material of a battery, preferably a binder material of a secondary battery.

[0031] Furthermore, in step a) of the process, a laminate can be provided whose second layer contains or consists of a polymer, wherein the polymer is most preferably selected from the group consisting of fluoropolymer, carboxymethylated cellulose, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyamide, polyimide, polyacrylic acid, alginate, lignin, and combinations thereof. The fluoropolymer is most preferably polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0032] Furthermore, in step a) of the process, a laminate can be provided whose second layer contains or consists of an electrically conductive material. In the case of such a second layer, the process according to the invention is particularly advantageous, since thermally induced damage to the second layer can be prevented more effectively than with known processes.

[0033] For example, in step a) of the process a laminate can be provided whose second layer contains carbon, wherein the carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon, graphene, graphyne, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, conductive carbon black and combinations thereof.

[0034] Apart from that, in step a) of the process a laminate can be provided whose second layer has a thickness in the range of 10 to 250 pm, preferably in the range of 15 to 200 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 20 to 150 µm, especially in the range of 25 to 100 µm, optionally 40 to 60 µm.

[0035] Furthermore, in step a) of the process a laminate can be provided whose second layer is designed as a film, fiber layer or network layer, wherein the film, fiber layer or network layer is optionally structured.

[0036] Furthermore, in step a) of the process, a laminate can be provided whose second layer has an electrical conductivity of at most 1-10 3 S / cm, preferably a maximum of 1-10 2 S / cm, particularly preferably a maximum of 10 S / cm, most preferably a maximum of 1 S / cm, in particular a maximum of 1-10 1 S / cm, optional maximum 1-10' 2The second layer exhibits a conductivity of S / cm. The advantage of electrical conductivity in this range is that the second layer experiences only minimal inductive heating from the alternating magnetic field. The electrical conductivity of the second layer can therefore be at least ten times lower than that of the first layer. As a result, the second layer is inductively heated significantly less by the alternating magnetic field than the first layer, thus reducing the risk of thermally induced damage to the second layer.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, in step a) of the method a laminate is provided, the second layer of which contains or consists of an active material of a battery.

[0038] The battery's active material may contain or consist of a cathode active material.

[0039] The cathode active material can contain or consist of a lithium-containing transition metal oxide, a lithium-containing transition metal phosphate, a sodium-containing transition metal oxide, a sodium-containing transition metal fluoride, or a sodium-containing polyanionic compound. The transition metal of the lithium-containing transition metal oxide and / or the lithium-containing transition metal phosphate is preferably selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, and combinations thereof. The transition metal of the sodium-containing transition metal oxide is preferably selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Sn, Ni, Mn, Ti, Cu, Fe, Zn, Co, Cr, V, Ru, and combinations thereof.

[0040] Furthermore, the cathode active material may contain or consist of a lithium cobalt complex oxide, lithium nickel complex oxide, lithium manganese complex oxide, lithium iron phosphate or lithium cobalt phosphate, in which the transition metal atoms are optionally partially substituted by other atoms selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Li, Al, Zn, Mg, Ga, Zr, Nb and Si.

[0041] Furthermore, the cathode active material can be selected from the group consisting of lithium nickel manganese mixed oxide, lithium nickel cobalt manganese mixed oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum mixed oxide, lithium manganese aluminum mixed oxide, lithium titanium mixed oxide and combinations thereof.

[0042] Apart from that, the cathode material may be selected from the group consisting of sodium-containing polyanionic phosphates, sodium-containing polyanionic fluorophosphates, sodium-containing polyanionic pyrophosphates, sodium-containing polyanionic mixed phosphates, sodium-containing polyanionic sulfates, sodium-containing polyanionic fluorosulfates, sodium-containing polyanionic carbon phosphates, sodium-containing polyanionic cyanides, sodium-containing organic compounds, Prussian blue analogues and combinations thereof.

[0043] Furthermore, the battery's active material may contain or consist of an anode active material.

[0044] The anode active material may contain or consist of carbon. The carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphite, graphene, hard carbon, carbon nanotubes, and combinations thereof.

[0045] Furthermore, the anode active material can contain or consist of a metalloid, preferably silicon. Additionally, the anode active material can contain or consist of a metal. The metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of lithium, germanium, tin, antimony, aluminum, magnesium, silver, and combinations thereof.

[0046] Apart from this, the anode active material may contain or consist of a compound of a material selected from the group consisting of lithium, arsenic, germanium, phosphorus, antimony, lead, boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, bismuth, titanium, sodium, chlorine, niobium, cobalt, iron, tin, copper, molybdenum, nickel, manganese, tungsten, and combinations thereof, wherein the compound is preferably an oxide, phosphide, nitride, fluoride, carbide, sulfide, selenide, telluride, oxalate, niobate, and / or hydroxide. The compound may be a metal oxide.

[0047] In this process, the at least one coil used in step b) to generate an alternating magnetic field can be a flat coil. The advantage of using a flat coil is that it can not only be variably and individually adapted to the geometry of the laminate being treated, but can also be positioned closer to the laminate. This reduces the electrical power required for layer separation, making the process more energy-efficient and therefore more economical. Furthermore, using a flat coil allows for a simpler implementation of a roll-to-roll process. The flat coil can be made of a hollow metal tube, preferably containing or consisting of copper.

[0048] In the process, the at least one coil used in step b) to generate an alternating magnetic field can have 1 to 7 turns, preferably 2 to 6 turns, particularly preferably 3 to 5 turns, and especially 3 to 4 turns. Due to the small number of turns, the coil exhibits lower electrical resistance for a given geometry than a coil with a comparable geometry and more turns. This avoids unnecessary losses of electrical energy and excessive heating of the coil. In step b) of the process, the at least one coil can be cooled with water. This has the advantage of preventing excessive heating of the coil and the associated loss of power in generating an alternating magnetic field.

[0049] Furthermore, in step b) of the method, the electrical voltage source can be set or adjusted to supply the at least one coil with alternating current at an oscillation frequency in the range of 1 to 3 MHz, preferably in the range of 1.05 to 2.5 MHz, particularly preferably in the range of 1.1 to 2 MHz, and especially in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 MHz. The higher the oscillation frequency, the lower the penetration depth of the alternating magnetic field into the laminate (i.e., the stronger the "skin effect") and the lower the risk of thermally induced damage to the second layer of the laminate.

[0050] Furthermore, in step b) of the process, the electrical voltage source can be set or adjusted to supply the at least one coil with an electrical power in the range of 50 W to 2 kW, preferably 60 W to 1 kW, particularly preferably 70 to 500 W, most preferably 80 to 200 W, and especially 90 to 110 W. The lower the electrical power, the lower the energy consumption and the more cost-effective the process.

[0051] Furthermore, in step b) of the method, the electrical voltage source can be set or adjusted to supply the at least one coil with an electric current in the range of 1 to 80 A, preferably in the range of 2 to 60 A, particularly preferably in the range of 3 to 40 A, most preferably in the range of 4 to 20 A, and especially in the range of 5 to 10 A. The lower the current, the less the coil heats up during operation (less heat energy is generated, which increases with the square of the current). This allows the coil to be cooled with less cooling energy, making the method more economical.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the method, in step b), each surface section of the first laminate layer is inductively heated for a period of only 0.1 to 55 seconds, preferably 0.2 to 30 seconds, particularly preferably 0.5 to 10 seconds, and most preferably 1 to 5 seconds. The shorter the duration, the lower the risk of thermally induced (mechanical and / or oxidative) damage to the second laminate layer. This is because the heated first laminate layer is given only a short time to transfer its heat to the second laminate layer via the contact surface.

[0053] Furthermore, in step b) of the process, a distance between the at least one coil and the first layer of the laminate can be set or adjusted in the range of 1 to 10 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm. A distance within this range can be maintained during step b) (e.g., controlled by a control unit and / or by fixing the laminate). The smaller the distance, the lower the strength of the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil can be, i.e., the more economically the process can be carried out.

[0054] In step b) of the process, at least two coils, preferably at least three coils, and particularly preferably at least four coils can be used for inductive heating.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, in step b), the laminate is guided through the alternating magnetic field generated by the at least one coil via a roll-to-roll process. The alternating magnetic field is optionally generated by at least two coils, preferably at least three coils, and particularly preferably at least four coils, which are arranged, in particular, along a transport direction of the laminate in the roll-to-roll process. This embodiment allows for a particularly high throughput in the separation of the laminate layers and is therefore particularly economical.

[0056] The process can include inductive heating of the first layer of the laminate until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially softened, preferably with the at least partially softened binder material of the second layer being separated in step c). This embodiment is particularly energy-efficient and economical.

[0057] Apart from this, the method can include inductive heating of the first layer of the laminate until at least partial decomposition of the binder material of the second layer, preferably with the separation of the at least partially decomposed binder material of the second layer in step c). This embodiment may be necessary if mere softening of the binder material is insufficient for the separation of the binder material or the second layer.

[0058] Furthermore, the process can include contacting the second layer of the laminate with a liquid until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially dissolved in the liquid, wherein the liquid preferably contains or consists of water, and wherein, preferably in step c), the binder material of the second layer, at least partially dissolved in the liquid, is separated. This embodiment has the advantage that a binder material dissolved in a liquid is provided and can be separated in this form.

[0059] Furthermore, the process can include contacting the second layer of the laminate with an oxidizing gas until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially oxidized by the oxidizing gas, wherein the oxidizing gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, and combinations thereof, and wherein, preferably in step c), the binder material of the second layer, at least partially oxidized by the oxidizing gas, is separated. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the binder material or the second layer cannot be separated without oxidizing the binder material.

[0060] Furthermore, the process can include contacting the first layer of the laminate with a protective gas, wherein the protective gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, noble gases, and combinations thereof. This embodiment is advantageous because it protects the first layer of the laminate from potential oxidative damage during the execution of the process and thus better ensures that the first layer of the laminate is provided in the highest possible quality after its separation from the second layer.

[0061] According to the invention, a system for separating layers of a laminate is further provided, comprising or consisting of: a) a laminate comprising or consisting of a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises or consists of a metal and the second layer comprises or consists of a binder material, the binder material bonding the second layer to the first layer; b) at least one coil suitable for generating an alternating magnetic field in the region of the first layer of the laminate; c) an electrical voltage source suitable for supplying the at least one coil with alternating current; and d) a control unit;wherein the control unit of the system is configured to control the at least one coil of the system such that it generates an alternating magnetic field in the region of the first layer of the laminate, and to control the system such that it inductively heats the first layer of the laminate to a temperature below the melting temperature of the first layer of the laminate, wherein the control unit of the system is configured to control the system such that, during or after the inductive heating of the first layer, the second layer of the laminate is separated from the first layer of the laminate; characterized in that the control unit of the system is configured to control the electrical voltage source of the system such that it supplies the at least one coil with alternating current at an oscillation frequency in the range of > 1 MHz.

[0062] The system offers the same advantages as the method according to the invention. The system's control unit can be configured to inductively heat the first layer of the laminate to a temperature suitable at least for softening the binder material of the second layer, and optionally for decomposing the binder material of the second layer. This temperature can, for example, be in the range of > 40 °C, preferably > 60 °C, particularly preferably > 80 °C, most preferably > 100 °C, and particularly preferably > 120 °C.

[0063] The first layer of the laminate of the system can contain or consist of a metallic battery current collector, preferably a metallic current collector of a secondary battery. The metallic current collector can contain or consist of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, nickel, stainless steel, and combinations thereof.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the first layer of the laminate has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 pm, preferably in the range of 2 to 40 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 5 to 30 pm, especially in the range of 10 to 20 pm.

[0065] Furthermore, the first layer of the laminate can be designed as a film, fiber layer or network layer, with the film, fiber layer or network layer optionally being structured.

[0066] Apart from that, the first layer of the laminate can have an electrical conductivity of at least l-10 4 S / cm, preferably at least 1-10 5 S / cm, exhibit.

[0067] The first layer of the laminate may have a coating, at least in some areas.

[0068] The coating can be placed between the first and second layers of the laminate.

[0069] Furthermore, the coating can contain or consist of carbon, wherein the carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of amorphous carbon, graphitic carbon, nitrogen-doped carbon, oxygen-doped carbon, graphyne, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, conductive carbon black, and combinations thereof. The amorphous carbon is particularly preferably carbon nanospheres, and / or the graphitic carbon is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of graphene, reduced graphene oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0070] Furthermore, the coating may contain or consist of a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, tungsten, lithiophilic metal and combinations thereof, wherein the lithiophilic metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, tin, nickel and combinations and alloys thereof.

[0071] Apart from that, the coating may contain or consist of metal nanoparticles containing or consisting of a metal, the metal being preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, iron and combinations and alloys thereof.

[0072] Furthermore, the coating can be a metal compound with the formula M x A y containing or consisting of, wherein M is a metal and A is an anion, wherein M is preferably selected from the group consisting of titanium, zinc, lithium and silver and / or the anion is preferably selected from the group consisting of O 2- , S 2- and N 3- .

[0073] Furthermore, the coating can contain or consist of a passivation material, wherein the passivation material preferably contains or consists of chromate.

[0074] Furthermore, the coating may contain or consist of an electrically conductive polymer, wherein the electrically conductive polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon nitride polymer, poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, polyaniline, polyparaphenylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene and combinations thereof.

[0075] Apart from this, the coating may contain or consist of a non-electrically conductive organic material, wherein the non-electrically conductive organic material is preferably selected from the group consisting of non-electrically conductive polymer, triphenyl phosphate, 1,3-benzene disulfonyl fluoride, and combinations thereof. The non-electrically conductive polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and combinations thereof.

[0076] The second layer of the laminate of the system can contain or consist of a binder material of a battery, preferably a binder material of a secondary battery.

[0077] Furthermore, the second layer of the laminate can contain or consist of a polymer, wherein the polymer is most preferably selected from the group consisting of fluoropolymer, carboxymethylated cellulose, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyamide, polyimide, polyacrylic acid, alginate, lignin and combinations thereof, wherein the fluoropolymer is most preferably polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0078] In addition, the second layer of the laminate can contain or consist of an electrically conductive material.

[0079] For example, the second layer of the laminate may contain carbon, wherein the carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon, graphene, graphyne, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, conductive carbon black and combinations thereof.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the second layer of the laminate has a thickness in the range of 10 to 250 pm, preferably in the range of 15 to 200 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 20 to 150 pm, especially in the range of 25 to 100 pm, optionally 40 to 60 pm.

[0081] Apart from that, the second layer of the laminate can be designed as a film, fiber layer, or network layer, with the film, fiber layer, or network layer optionally being structured. Furthermore, the second layer of the laminate can have an electrical conductivity of up to 1-10 Ω. 3 S / cm, preferably a maximum of 1-10 2S / cm, particularly preferably a maximum of 10 S / cm, most preferably a maximum of 1 S / cm, in particular a maximum of 1 10 1 S / cm, optional maximum 1-10' 2 S / cm, exhibit.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the second layer of the laminate contains or consists of an active material of a battery.

[0083] The battery's active material may contain or consist of a cathode active material.

[0084] The cathode active material can contain or consist of a lithium-containing transition metal oxide, a lithium-containing transition metal phosphate, a sodium-containing transition metal oxide, a sodium-containing transition metal fluoride, or a sodium-containing polyanionic compound. The transition metal of the lithium-containing transition metal oxide and / or the lithium-containing transition metal phosphate is preferably selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, and combinations thereof. The transition metal of the sodium-containing transition metal oxide is preferably selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Sn, Ni, Mn, Ti, Cu, Fe, Zn, Co, Cr, V, Ru, and combinations thereof.

[0085] Furthermore, the cathode active material may contain or consist of a lithium cobalt complex oxide, lithium nickel complex oxide, lithium manganese complex oxide, lithium iron phosphate or lithium cobalt phosphate, in which the transition metal atoms are optionally partially substituted by other atoms selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Li, Al, Zn, Mg, Ga, Zr, Nb and Si.

[0086] Furthermore, the cathode active material can be selected from the group consisting of lithium nickel manganese mixed oxide, lithium nickel cobalt manganese mixed oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum mixed oxide, lithium manganese aluminum mixed oxide, lithium titanium mixed oxide, and combinations thereof. In addition, the cathode material can be selected from the group consisting of sodium polyanionic phosphates, sodium polyanionic fluorophosphates, sodium polyanionic pyrophosphates, sodium polyanionic mixed phosphates, sodium polyanionic sulfates, sodium polyanionic fluorosulfates, sodium polyanionic carbon phosphates, sodium polyanidic cyanides, sodium organic compounds, Prussian blue analogues, and combinations thereof.

[0087] Furthermore, the battery's active material may contain or consist of an anode active material.

[0088] The anode active material may contain or consist of carbon. The carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphite, graphene, hard carbon, carbon nanotubes, and combinations thereof.

[0089] Furthermore, the anode active material can contain or consist of a semimetal, preferably silicon.

[0090] Furthermore, the anode active material may contain or consist of a metal. The metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of lithium, germanium, tin, antimony, aluminum, magnesium, silver, and combinations thereof.

[0091] Apart from this, the anode active material may contain or consist of a compound of a material selected from the group consisting of lithium, arsenic, germanium, phosphorus, antimony, lead, boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, bismuth, titanium, sodium, chlorine, niobium, cobalt, iron, tin, copper, molybdenum, nickel, manganese, tungsten, and combinations thereof, wherein the compound is preferably an oxide, phosphide, nitride, fluoride, carbide, sulfide, selenide, telluride, oxalate, niobate, and / or hydroxide. The compound may be a metal oxide. The at least one coil of the system may be a flat coil, preferably a flat coil made of a hollow metal tube, wherein the metal particularly preferably contains or consists of copper.

[0092] Furthermore, the at least one coil of the system can have 1 to 7 turns, preferably 2 to 6 turns, particularly preferably 3 to 5 turns, especially 3 to 4 turns.

[0093] The control unit of the system can be configured to control the system in such a way that at least one coil is cooled with water from a water source of the system.

[0094] Furthermore, the control unit of the system can be configured to control the electrical voltage source of the system in such a way that it supplies the at least one coil with alternating current of an oscillation frequency in the range of 1 to 3 MHz, preferably in the range of 1.05 to 2.5 MHz, particularly preferably in the range of 1.1 to 2 MHz, especially in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 MHz.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit of the system can be configured to control the electrical voltage source of the system in such a way that it supplies the at least one coil with an electrical power in the range of 50 W to 2 KW, preferably 60 W to 1 kW, particularly preferably 70 to 500 W, most preferably 80 to 200 W, and in particular 90 to 110 W.

[0096] Apart from that, the control unit of the system can be configured to control the electrical voltage source of the system in such a way that it supplies the at least one coil with an electric current in the range of 1 to 80 A, preferably in the range of 2 to 60 A, particularly preferably in the range of 3 to 40 A, most preferably in the range of 4 to 20 A, and especially in the range of 5 to 10 A.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit of the system can be configured to control the system such that each surface area of ​​the first layer of the laminate is inductively heated for a period of only 0.1 to 55 seconds, preferably 0.2 to 30 seconds, particularly preferably 0.5 to 10 seconds, and most preferably 1 to 5 seconds. The distance between the at least one coil of the system and the first layer of the laminate can be in the range of 1 to 10 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm. The control unit of the system can also be configured to control the system such that a distance of 1 to 10 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm, is maintained between the at least one coil and the first layer of the laminate. This distance can also be maintained by holding the laminate in place with a fixture of the system.

[0098] The control unit of the system can be configured to control the system in such a way that at least two coils, preferably at least three coils, and particularly preferably at least four coils, of the system are used for inductive heating. The aforementioned configuration of the control unit with respect to the at least one coil can also apply to these additional coils.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the system is configured to guide the laminate through the alternating magnetic field generated by the system's at least one coil via a roll-to-roll process. Optionally, the system is configured to generate the alternating magnetic field using at least two coils, preferably at least three coils, and particularly preferably at least four coils, which are arranged in the system, in particular, along a transport direction of the laminate.

[0100] The control unit of the system can be configured to control the system in such a way that inductive heating of the first layer of the laminate occurs until at least partial softening of the binder material of the second layer, and preferably the at least partially softened binder material of the second layer is separated.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit of the system can be configured to control the system such that inductive heating of the first layer of the laminate occurs until at least partial decomposition of the binder material of the second layer, and preferably the at least partially decomposed binder material of the second layer is separated. Additionally, the control unit of the system can be configured to control the system such that the second layer of the laminate is contacted with a liquid from a liquid source of the system until at least partial dissolution of the binder material of the second layer in the liquid occurs, and preferably the binder material of the second layer, now at least partially dissolved in the liquid, is separated. The liquid of the liquid source of the system preferably contains or consists of water.

[0102] Furthermore, the control unit of the system can be configured to control the system such that the second layer of the laminate is contacted with an oxidizing gas until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially oxidized by the oxidizing gas, and preferably, the binder material of the second layer that has been at least partially oxidized by the oxidizing gas is separated. The oxidizing gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, and combinations thereof.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit of the system can be configured to control the system in such a way that the first layer of the laminate is contacted with a protective gas, the protective gas being preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, noble gas and combinations thereof.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the system according to the invention is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. Preferably, the control unit of the system is configured to cause the method according to the invention to be carried out.

[0105] The following figures and examples are intended to explain the subject matter of the invention in more detail, without limiting it to the specific embodiments shown here.

[0106] Figure 1 schematically shows a system according to the invention. The laminate, consisting of the first layer 2 and the second layer 1, is arranged at the bottom of a container 6. The container 6 is filled with a liquid medium 5 (e.g., water). A fixing element (e.g., a ceramic component) is arranged on the laminate, which holds the laminate to the bottom of the container 6 and maintains a specific distance from the spool 3, which is arranged below the container 6. Any binder material that detaches from the laminate can dissolve in the liquid medium.

[0107] Figure 2 schematically shows another apparatus according to the invention, which essentially corresponds to the apparatus according to the invention shown in Figure 1. One difference is that the laminate here has a different arrangement relative to the coil 3 than the laminate in Figure 1. In the laminate in Figure 1, the second layer 1 faces the coil 3, and in Figure 2, the first layer 2 faces the coil.

[0108] Figure 3 schematically shows another apparatus according to the invention, which essentially corresponds to the apparatus according to the invention shown in Figure 1. One difference is that the container 6 has an inlet and an outlet, and the liquid medium 5 (e.g., water) flows through the container in a liquid stream. This allows a binder material detached from the laminate and dissolved in the liquid medium to be transported out of the container 6 and thus separated from the separated components of the laminate.

[0109] Figure 4 schematically shows another apparatus according to the invention, which essentially corresponds to the apparatus according to the invention shown in Figure 3. One difference is that the laminate here has a different arrangement relative to the coil 3 than the laminate in Figure 3. In the laminate in Figure 3, the second layer 1 faces the coil 3, and in Figure 4, the first layer 2 faces the coil.

[0110] Figure 5 schematically shows another apparatus according to the invention, which essentially corresponds to the apparatus according to the invention shown in Figure 4. One difference is that the container 6 contains a gaseous medium 7 (e.g., nitrogen) instead of a liquid medium. A binder material detached from the laminate and dispersed in the gaseous medium can be transported from the container 6 as an aerosol and thus separated from the separated components of the laminate. Figure 6 shows a photograph of a laminate after carrying out the method according to the invention described in Example 4. It can be seen that at the point of action of the alternating magnetic field by the coil, the second layer 1 (= cathode active material layer 1) of the laminate has completely detached from the underlying first layer 2 (= metallic conductor layer 2).

[0111] Figure 7 shows an implementation of the inventive method using a roll-to-roll process. The laminate 10 is unwound from a first roll 8 and guided over several deflection coils 11 towards a second roll 9. A coil 3 is arranged along the path to the second roll 9, through which an alternating magnetic field is generated. This field acts on the first layer of the laminate 10 and inductively heats it. Due to the heating of the first layer of the laminate 10, the second layer of the laminate, which contains or consists of a binder material, can be easily separated from the first layer. This is achieved using a coating stripper 12, which is arranged opposite one of the deflection rolls 11. Thus, only the first layer of the laminate is wound onto the second roll.

[0112] Example 1 - Inventive method

[0113] A battery laminate (more precisely, a battery cathode) was provided, consisting of a first layer and a second layer, and having a diameter of 16 mm. The first layer of the laminate was an electrical conductor layer made of aluminum with a thickness of 20 pm. The second layer of the laminate was a cathode active material layer consisting of a binder material, specifically carboxymethylcellulose, the active material nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide, and the conductive additive carbon black, and was applied to the first layer.

[0114] The laminate was placed in a beaker filled with 20 mL of demineralized water and weighted down with a ceramic component to hold it in place during magnetic fields. A water-cooled flat coil with an outer diameter of 38 mm and 3 turns was used as the coil, positioned below the beaker. In a first experiment, a high-frequency alternating voltage (f = 1.1 MHz) was applied to the coil for 60 seconds at a power of 100 W, and the concentration of the cathode-active material layer in the water of the beaker was measured. In a second, separate experiment, no alternating voltage was applied to the coil (= reference experiment), and the concentration of the cathode-active material layer in the water of the beaker was measured after 60 seconds.

[0115] It was observed that in the first experiment, there was 13 times more cathode active material layer in the water of the beaker than in the second experiment (i.e., the concentration of cathode active material layer in the water was 13 times higher in the first experiment than in the second experiment). As a result, in the first experiment, the second laminate layer detached significantly more from the metallic conductor layer.

[0116] Example 2 - Further inventive method

[0117] A battery laminate (more precisely, a battery anode) was provided, consisting of a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, and having a diameter of 16 mm. The first layer of the laminate was an electrical conductor layer made of copper with a thickness of 10 pm. The second and third layers of the laminate comprised an anode active material layer consisting of a binder material, specifically a mixture of carboxymethylcellulose and styrene-butadiene rubber, and the active material graphite and the conductive additive carbon black. The second layer was applied to one side of the first layer, and the third layer was applied to the other (opposite) side of the first layer.

[0118] The laminate was placed in a beaker filled with 20 mL of demineralized water and weighted down with a ceramic component to hold it in place during magnetic fields. A water-cooled flat coil with an outer diameter of 38 mm and 3 turns was used as the inductor and positioned below the beaker. In a first experiment, a high-frequency alternating voltage (f = 1.1 MHz) was applied to the coil for 60 seconds at a power of 100 W, and the concentration of the anode-active material layer in the water of the beaker was measured. In a second, separate experiment, no alternating voltage was applied to the coil (= reference experiment), and the concentration of the anode-active material layer in the water of the beaker was measured after 60 seconds.

[0119] It was observed that in the first experiment, there was 24.5 times more of the anode-active material layer in the water of the beaker than in the second experiment (i.e., the concentration of the anode-active material layer in the water was 24.5 times higher in the first experiment than in the second). This resulted in a significantly greater detachment of the anode-active material layer from the metallic conductor layer of the laminate in the first experiment.

[0120] Example 3 - Further inventive method

[0121] The procedure was identical to Example 1, with the following difference:

[0122] The procedure was performed twice. The battery laminate used always consisted of a first layer of aluminum, and in one case, a second layer containing nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide as the active material. In the second case, a second layer containing lithium iron phosphate was used. The laminate had a diameter of 40 mm and was weighted with a 3D-printed tripod to keep it stationary during magnetic fields. The amount of demineralized water was reduced to 10 mL. A high-frequency alternating voltage (f = 1.1 MHz) was applied to the coil for a period of 10–30 seconds, with the electrical power increased to up to 500 W.

[0123] Complete separation of the cathode active material layer from the metallic current collector layer was observed here (partially by the aid of gentle scraping). Example 4 - Further method according to the invention

[0124] A battery laminate (more precisely, a battery cathode) was provided, consisting of a first layer and a second layer, with an area of ​​40 x 40 mm. The first layer of the laminate was an electrical conductor layer made of aluminum and 20 pm thick. The second layer of the laminate was a cathode active material layer, consisting of a binder mixture of carboxymethylcellulose and styrene-butadiene rubber, and active material, specifically lithium iron phosphate and conductive carbon black, and was applied to the first layer.

[0125] The laminate was weighted down on two opposite sides with a glass plate to hold it in place during magnetic fields. The laminate was surrounded by air, i.e., an oxygen-containing atmosphere. A water-cooled flat coil with an outer diameter of 19 mm and two turns was used as the magnetic coil, positioned 10 mm above the laminate.

[0126] An alternating voltage in the high-frequency range (f = 1.1 MHz) was applied to the coil for a period of 10 seconds, with an electrical power of 175 W.

[0127] It was observed that under the oxygen-containing atmosphere (i.e., air), the cathode active material layer could be completely separated from the metallic conductor layer (see Figure 6).

[0128] 1: second layer of the laminate;

[0129] 2: first layer of the laminate;

[0130] 3: Coil;

[0131] 4: Fixing for laminate;

[0132] 5: liquid medium or liquid (e.g. water);

[0133] 6: Container;

[0134] 7: gaseous medium or gas (e.g. nitrogen);

[0135] 8: first roller; : second roller; 0: laminate; 1: deflection roller; 2: coating scraper.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for separating layers of a laminate, comprising: a) providing a laminate containing or consisting of a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer contains or consists of a metal and the second layer contains or consists of a binder material, the binder material bonding the second layer to the first layer; b) generating an alternating magnetic field in the region of the first layer of the laminate with at least one coil supplied with alternating current from an electrical voltage source to inductively heat the first layer of the laminate to a temperature below the melting temperature of the first layer of the laminate; and c) separating the second layer of the laminate from the first layer of the laminate during or after step b).characterized in that the electrical voltage source is adjusted to supply the at least one coil with alternating current at an oscillation frequency in the range of > 1 MHz.

2. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in step a) a laminate is provided, the first layer i) of which contains or consists of a metallic current collector of a battery, preferably a metallic current collector of a secondary battery, wherein the metallic current collector preferably contains or consists of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminium, copper, nickel, stainless steel and combinations thereof; and / or ii) has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 µm, preferably in the range of 2 to 40 µm, particularly preferably in the range of 5 to 30 µm, and especially in the range of 10 to 20 µm; and / or iii) is configured as a film, fiber layer, or network layer, wherein the film, fiber layer, or network layer is optionally structured; and / or iv) has an electrical conductivity of at least 1-10 4 S / cm, preferably at least 1-10 5 S / cm, exhibits.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step a) a laminate is provided, the first layer of which has a coating at least in certain regions, wherein the coating is preferably i) arranged between the first layer and the second layer of the laminate; and / or ii) contains or consists of carbon, wherein the carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of amorphous carbon, graphitic carbon, nitrogen-doped carbon, oxygen-doped carbon, graphyne, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, conductive carbon black and combinations thereof, wherein the amorphous carbon is particularly preferably carbon nanospheres and / or the graphitic carbon is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of graphene, reduced graphene oxide and combinations thereof;and / or iii) contains or consists of a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, tungsten, lithiophilic metal and combinations thereof, wherein the lithiophilic metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, tin, nickel and combinations and alloys thereof; and / or; iv) containing or consisting of metal nanoparticles, wherein the metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, iron and combinations and alloys thereof; and / or v) a metal compound having the formula M x A y containing or consisting of, wherein M is a metal and A is an anion, wherein M is preferably selected from the group consisting of titanium, zinc, lithium and silver and / or the anion is preferably selected from the group consisting of O 2- , S 2- and N 3-; and / or vi) contains or consists of a passivation material, wherein the passivation material preferably contains or consists of chromate; vii) contains or consists of an electrically conductive polymer, wherein the electrically conductive polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon nitride polymer, poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, polyaniline, polyparaphenylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene and combinations thereof; and / or viii) contains or consists of a non-electrically conductive organic material, wherein the non-electrically conductive organic material is preferably selected from the group consisting of non-electrically conductive polymer, triphenyl phosphate, 1,3-benzyl isothiocyanate and combinations thereof, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyvinylpyrrolidone and combinations thereof.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step a) a laminate is provided, the second layer of which i) contains or consists of a battery binder material, preferably a secondary battery binder material; and / or ii) contains or consists of a polymer, wherein the polymer is most preferably selected from the group consisting of fluoropolymer, carboxymethylated cellulose, styrene-butadiene- Rubber, polyamide, polyimide, polyacrylic acid, alginate, lignin, and combinations thereof, wherein the fluoropolymer is particularly preferably polyvinylidene fluoride; and / or iii) contains or consists of an electrically conductive material; and / or iv) contains carbon, wherein the carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon, graphene, graphyne, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, conductive carbon black, and combinations thereof; and / or v) has a thickness in the range of 10 to 250 pm, preferably in the range of 15 to 200 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 20 to 150 pm, especially in the range of 25 to 100 pm, optionally 40 to 60 pm; and / or vi) is configured as a film, fiber layer, or network layer, wherein the film, fiber layer, or network layer is optionally structured; and / or vii) has an electrical conductivity of at most 1-10 3 S / cm, preferably a maximum of 1-10 2S / cm, particularly preferably a maximum of 10 S / cm, most preferably a maximum of 1 S / cm, in particular a maximum of 1 10' 1 S / cm, optionally a maximum of 1-10' 2 S / cm, exhibits.

5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step a) a laminate is provided, the second layer of which contains or consists of an active material of a battery, wherein the active material of the battery preferably contains or consists of i) a cathode active material, wherein the cathode active material particularly preferably contains or consists of a lithium-containing transition metal oxide, a lithium-containing transition metal phosphate, a sodium-containing transition metal oxide, a sodium-containing transition metal fluoride, or a sodium-containing polyanionic compound, wherein the transition metal of the lithium-containing transition metal oxide and / or the lithium-containing transition metal phosphate is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Cr and combinations thereof and / or the transition metal of the sodium-containing transition metal oxide is most preferably selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Sn, Ni, Mn, Ti, Cu, Fe, Zn, Co, Cr, V, Ru and combinations thereof; or ii) contains or consists of an anode active material, wherein the anode active material preferably contains or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon, metalloid, metal, compound of lithium, arsenic, germanium, phosphorus, antimony, lead, boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, bismuth, titanium, sodium, chlorine, niobium, cobalt, iron, tin, copper, molybdenum, nickel, manganese and / or tungsten, and combinations thereof.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one coil used in step b) to generate an alternating magnetic field is i) a flat coil, preferably a flat coil made of a hollow metal tube, wherein the metal particularly preferably contains or consists of copper; and / or ii) has 1 to 7 turns, preferably 2 to 6 turns, particularly preferably 3 to 5 turns, in particular 3 to 4 turns.

7. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step b) i) the at least one coil is cooled with water; and / or ii) the electrical voltage source is or is set such that it supplies the at least one coil with alternating current of an oscillation frequency in the range of 1 to 3 MHz, preferably in the range of 1.05 to 2.5 MHz, particularly preferably in the range of 1.1 to 2 MHz, especially in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 MHz; and / or iii) the electrical voltage source is or is set such that it supplies the at least one coil with an electrical power in the range of 50 W to 2 kW, preferably 60 W to 1 kW, particularly preferably 70 to 500 W, most preferably 80 to 200 W, and in particular 90 to 110 W; and / or iv) the electrical voltage source is or is set such that it supplies the at least one coil with an electric current in the range of 1 to 80 A, preferably in the range of 2 to 60 A, particularly preferably in the range of 3 to 40 A, and most preferably in the range of 4 to 20 A, and in particular in the range of 5 to 10 A; and / or v) each surface section of the first layer of the laminate is inductively heated for a period of only 0.1 to 55 seconds, preferably 0.2 to 30 seconds, particularly preferably 0.5 to 10 seconds, and most preferably 1 to 5 seconds;and / or vi) a distance between the at least one coil and the first layer of the laminate in the range of 1 to 10 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm, is set or is set; wherein optionally in step b) at least two coils, preferably at least three coils, particularly preferably at least four coils are used for inductive heating.; 8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step b) the laminate is guided through the alternating magnetic field generated by the at least one coil via a roll-to-roll process, wherein the alternating magnetic field is optionally generated by at least two coils, preferably at least three coils, particularly preferably at least four coils, which are arranged in particular along a transport direction of the laminate in the roll-to-roll process.

9. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises: i) Performing inductive heating of the first layer of the laminate until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially softened, preferably separating the at least partially softened binder material of the second layer in step c); and / or ii) Performing inductive heating of the first layer of the laminate until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially decomposed, preferably separating the at least partially decomposed binder material of the second layer in step c); and / or iii) Contacting the second layer of the laminate with a liquid until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially dissolved in the liquid, the liquid preferably containing or consisting of water, preferably separating the binder material of the second layer that is at least partially dissolved in the liquid in step c).and / or iv) contacting the second layer of the laminate with an oxidizing gas until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially oxidized by the oxidizing gas, wherein the oxidizing gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen and combinations thereof, wherein preferably in step c) the binder material of the second layer that has been at least partially oxidized by the oxidizing gas is separated; and / or v) contacting the first layer of the laminate with a protective gas, wherein the protective gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, noble gas and combinations thereof.

10. Apparatus for separating layers of a laminate, comprising or consisting of: a) a laminate comprising or consisting of a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer contains a metal o- which consists of a second layer containing or consisting of a binder material, wherein the binder material connects the second layer to the first layer; b) at least one coil suitable for generating an alternating magnetic field in the region of the first layer of the laminate; c) an electrical voltage source suitable for supplying the at least one coil with alternating current; and d) a control unit;wherein the control unit of the system is configured to control the at least one coil of the system such that it generates an alternating magnetic field in the region of the first layer of the laminate, and to control the system such that it inductively heats the first layer of the laminate to a temperature below the melting temperature of the first layer of the laminate, wherein the control unit of the system is configured to control the system such that, during or after the inductive heating of the first layer, the second layer of the laminate is separated from the first layer of the laminate; characterized in that the control unit of the system is configured to control the electrical voltage source of the system such that it supplies the at least one coil with alternating current at an oscillation frequency in the range of > 1 MHz.

11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the first layer of the laminate i) contains or consists of a metallic current collector of a battery, preferably a metallic current collector of a secondary battery, wherein the metallic current collector preferably contains or consists of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminium, copper, nickel, stainless steel and combinations thereof; and / or ii) has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 µm, preferably in the range of 2 to 40 µm, particularly preferably in the range of 5 to 30 µm, and especially in the range of 10 to 20 µm; and / or iii) is configured as a film, fiber layer, or network layer, wherein the film, fiber layer, or network layer is optionally structured; and / or iv) has an electrical conductivity of at least 1-10 4 S / cm, preferably at least 1-10 5 S / cm, exhibits.

12. Plant according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the first layer of the laminate has a coating at least in certain regions, wherein the coating is preferably i) arranged between the first layer and the second layer of the laminate; and / or ii) contains or consists of carbon, wherein the carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of amorphous carbon, graphitic carbon, nitrogen-doped carbon, oxygen-doped carbon, graphyne, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, conductive carbon black and combinations thereof, wherein the amorphous carbon is particularly preferably carbon nanospheres and / or the graphitic carbon is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of graphene, reduced graphene oxide and combinations thereof;and / or iii) contains or consists of a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, tungsten, lithiophilic metal and combinations thereof, wherein the lithiophilic metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, tin, nickel and combinations and alloys thereof; and / or iv) contains or consists of metal nanoparticles containing or consisting of a metal, wherein the metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, iron and combinations and alloys thereof; and / or; v) a metallic compound with the formula M x A y containing or consisting of, wherein M is a metal and A is an anion, wherein M is preferably selected from the group consisting of titanium, zinc, lithium and silver and / or the anion is preferably selected from the group consisting of O 2- , S 2- and N 3-; and / or vi) contains or consists of a passivation material, wherein the passivation material preferably contains or consists of chromate; vii) contains or consists of an electrically conductive polymer, wherein the electrically conductive polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon nitride polymer, poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, polyaniline, polyparaphenylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene and combinations thereof; and / or viii) contains or consists of a non-electrically conductive organic material, wherein the non-electrically conductive organic material is preferably selected from the group consisting of non-electrically conductive polymer, triphenyl phosphate, 1,3-benzyl isothiocyanate and combinations thereof, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyvinylpyrrolidone and combinations thereof.

13. System according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the second layer of the laminate i) contains or consists of a battery binder material, preferably a secondary battery binder material; and / or ii) contains or consists of a polymer, wherein the polymer is most preferably selected from the group consisting of fluoropolymer, carboxymethylated cellulose, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyamide, polyimide, polyacrylic acid, alginate, lignin and combinations thereof, wherein the fluoropolymer is most preferably polyvinylidene fluoride; and / or iii) contains or consists of an electrically conductive material; and / or iv) contains carbon, wherein the carbon is preferably selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon, graphene, Gryphyn, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, conductive carbon black and combinations thereof; and / or v) has a thickness in the range of 10 to 250 pm, preferably in the range of 15 to 200 pm, particularly preferably in the range of 20 to 150 pm, especially in the range of 25 to 100 pm, optionally 40 to 60 pm; and / or vi) is configured as a film, fiber layer or network layer, wherein the film, fiber layer or network layer is optionally structured; and / or vii) has an electrical conductivity of at most 1-10 3 S / cm, preferably a maximum of 1-10 2 S / cm, particularly preferably a maximum of 10 S / cm, most preferably a maximum of 1 S / cm, in particular a maximum of 1 10' 1 S / cm, optionally a maximum of 1-10' 2 S / cm, exhibits.

14. System according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the second layer of the laminate contains or consists of a battery active material, wherein the second layer particularly preferably (i) contains or consists of a cathode active material, wherein the cathode active material particularly preferably contains or consists of a lithium-containing transition metal oxide, a lithium-containing transition metal phosphate, a sodium-containing transition metal oxide, a sodium-containing transition metal fluoride, or a sodium-containing polyanionic compound, wherein the transition metal of the lithium-containing transition metal oxide and / or the lithium-containing transition metal phosphate is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ti, V, Cr and combinations thereof, and / or the transition metal of the sodium-containing transition metal oxide is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Sn, Ni, Mn, Ti, Cu, Fe,Zn, Co, Cr, V, Ru and combinations thereof; or, ii) contains or consists of an anode active material, wherein the anode active material preferably contains or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon, metalloid, metal, compound of lithium, arsenic, germanium, phosphorus, antimony, lead, boron, aluminium, gallium, indium, bismuth, titanium, sodium, chlorine, niobium, cobalt, iron, tin, copper, molybdenum, nickel, manganese and / or tungsten, and combinations thereof.

15. System according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the at least one coil i) is a flat coil, preferably a flat coil made of a hollow metal tube, wherein the metal particularly preferably contains or consists of copper; and / or ii) has 1 to 7 turns, preferably 2 to 6 turns, particularly preferably 3 to 5 turns, in particular 3 to 4 turns.

16. System according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the control unit of the system is configured to: i) control the system such that the at least one coil is cooled with water from a water source of the system; and / or ii) control the electrical voltage source of the system such that it supplies the at least one coil with alternating current of an oscillation frequency in the range of 1 to 3 MHz, preferably in the range of 1.05 to 2.5 MHz, particularly preferably in the range of 1.1 to 2 MHz, especially in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 MHz; and / or iii) control the electrical voltage source of the system such that it supplies the at least one coil with an electrical power in the range of 50 W to 2 kW, preferably 60 W to 1 kW, particularly preferably 70 to 500 W, most preferably 80 to 200 W, particularly 90 to 110 W; and / or iv) to control the electrical voltage source of the system such that it supplies the at least one coil with an electric current in the range of 1 to 80 A, preferably in the range of 2 to 60 A, particularly preferably in the range of 3 to 40 A, most preferably in the range of 4 to 20 A, and especially in the range of 5 to 10 A; and / or v) to control the system such that each surface section of the first layer of the laminate is inductively heated only for a period of 0.1 to 55 seconds, preferably 0.2 to 30 seconds, particularly preferably 0.5 to 10 seconds, and most preferably 1 to 5 seconds; and / or vi) to control the system such that a distance between the at least one coil and the first layer of the laminate in the range of 1 to 10 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm, is maintained;wherein the control unit of the system is optionally configured to control the system in such a way that at least two coils, preferably at least three coils, particularly preferably at least four coils of the system are used for inductive heating.

17. System according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the system is configured to guide the laminate through the alternating magnetic field generated by the at least one coil of the system via a roll-to-roll process, wherein the system is optionally configured to generate the alternating magnetic field by at least two coils, preferably at least three coils, particularly preferably at least four coils, which are arranged in the system in particular along a transport direction of the laminate.

18. Plant according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the control unit of the plant is configured to control the plant in such a way that i) inductive heating of the first layer of the laminate is carried out until at least partial softening of the binder material of the second layer, and preferably the at least partially softened binder material of the second layer is separated; and / or ii) inductive heating of the first layer of the laminate is carried out until at least partial decomposition of the binder material of the second layer, and preferably the at least partially decomposed binder material of the second layer is separated; and / or iii) the second layer of the laminate is contacted with a liquid from a liquid source of the system until at least partial dissolution of the binder material of the second layer in the liquid, wherein the liquid of the liquid source of the system preferably contains or consists of water, and preferably the binder material of the second layer dissolved at least partially in the liquid is separated;and / or iv) the second layer of the laminate is contacted with an oxidizing gas until the binder material of the second layer is at least partially oxidized by the oxidizing gas, wherein the oxidizing gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen and combinations thereof, and preferably the binder material of the second layer, at least partially oxidized by the oxidizing gas, is separated; and / or v) the first layer of the laminate is contacted with a protective gas, wherein the protective gas is preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, noble gas and combinations thereof.

19. System according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the system is suitable for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein preferably the control unit of the The system is configured to cause the method to be carried out according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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