ASSB Recycling With Passivation for Lithium and Electrolyte Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current recycling methods for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are inadequate and economically unviable, particularly for all solid-state batteries (ASSBs), which pose additional challenges due to the incorporation of lithium-metal anodes and solid electrolytes, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards in waste management and resource recovery.

Innovation Solution

A novel recycling method for ASSBs involves introducing a passivating substance, such as a reducing or inert gas, to neutralize harmful reactions during disassembly, followed by mechanical agitation and selective dissolution in appropriate solvents to recover valuable materials, including the solid-state electrolyte, while generating beneficial products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If current LIB recycling methods are applied to ASSBs, then some metal recovery may be achieved, but the solid-state electrolyte and lithium metal anode cannot be effectively recovered, leading to significant material losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloss of electrolyte and lithiumVSAvoidrecycling process feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a passivating substance before mechanical agitation to neutralize reactive charge materials. This pre-treatment step prevents adverse reactions during subsequent processing, enabling safe and effective recovery of solid-state electrolyte and lithium metal anode without compromising process feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The passivating substance acts as an intermediary that mediates between the reactive charge materials and the recycling process. It temporarily neutralizes the reactivity of lithium metal anodes and other charge materials, allowing them to be processed safely while preserving their recoverability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If mechanical agitation is used to liberate charge materials, then recovery efficiency improves, but adverse reactions and safety hazards increase due to reactive charge materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecovery efficiencyVSAvoidadverse reactions from charge materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a passivating substance that counteracts the harmful reactivity of charge materials before mechanical agitation begins. This pre-neutralization allows high-speed mechanical processing to proceed safely without triggering adverse reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The passivating substance creates an inert chemical environment that protects reactive charge materials from undergoing unwanted reactions during mechanical agitation. This inert atmosphere enables efficient liberation of materials while eliminating safety hazards associated with reactive lithium metal and other charge materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Loss of substance

If conventional recycling processes are used, then some materials can be recovered, but significant waste and greenhouse gas emissions are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial recovery rateVSAvoidwaste and greenhouse gas emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful reactivity of charge materials into a benefit by using the passivating substance to guide reactions toward beneficial products. The reactive charge materials that once caused safety issues and waste are now transformed into recoverable valuable materials through controlled passivation and selective recovery processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables safe and efficient recycling of ASSBs with high recovery rates and low environmental impact, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods by producing valuable lithium compounds and maintaining the integrity of the solid-state electrolyte.

Implementation Method 1

the passivating substance combines with the agitated batteries for generating a beneficial product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12620643B2Recycling all solid-state batteries (ASSBs) and anode recovery

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 ASCEND ELEMENTS INC

AI summary

A method for recycling All solid state batteries (ASSBs), the method including: receiving a recycling stream of ASSBs comprising an electrolyte comingled with at least one charge material; introducing a passivating substance for neutralizing an undesired reaction or discharge of the charge materials from the batteries defining the recycling stream; agitating the batteries in the recycling stream in the presence of the passivating substance for liberating the charge materials and electrolyte stored therein; and recovering the charge material and the electrolyte from the agitated batteries, and such that the passivating substance combines with the agitated batteries for generating a beneficial product thereby recycling ASSBs.