Electrochemical Generator Discharge in Ionic Liquid for Explosion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for recycling lithium-ion batteries are hazardous and inefficient, often resulting in explosions and toxic fume generation due to the handling of partially charged cells and reactive metallic lithium, and require costly and difficult-to-implement controlled atmosphere and temperature conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of an ionic liquid solution with an electrically-conductive powder to safely discharge electrochemical generators by immersing them, which prevents chemical reactions and maintains a controlled resistive discharge, avoiding flammability and explosion risks through atmospheric isolation and resistivity control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional recycling methods are used to process partially charged lithium-ion batteries, then material recovery can be achieved, but explosions and toxic fume generation occur due to reactive metallic lithium and flammable electrolyte

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial recoveryVSAvoidexplosion and toxic fume risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inert atmosphere by submerging lithium-ion batteries in an ionic liquid medium that creates a chemically inert environment. The ionic liquid prevents contact between reactive components (metallic lithium, electrolyte) and atmospheric oxygen/water, eliminating explosion and toxic fume risks while enabling safe material recovery through controlled discharge and subsequent recycling processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If controlled atmosphere and temperature conditions are implemented to prevent explosions, then safety is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcontrolled atmosphere system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ionic liquid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the reactive battery components and the external environment. This liquid intermediary provides passive safety through its inherent chemical properties (non-flammability, electrochemical stability) rather than requiring active controlled atmosphere systems, significantly reducing device complexity and operational costs while maintaining high safety levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the processing environment by using ionic liquid with specific properties (high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical stability window, non-flammability). These parameter changes enable safe battery discharge and material recovery under ambient conditions without requiring complex temperature and pressure control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If batteries are ground and processed immediately for recycling, then processing efficiency is improved, but sparks and ignitions occur due to reactive materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsparks and ignitions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing electrochemical discharge of batteries while they are still intact and submerged in ionic liquid before any mechanical processing or grinding. This preliminary discharge removes stored electrical energy and stabilizes reactive materials, preventing sparks and ignitions during subsequent high-speed mechanical processing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for safe and efficient discharge of lithium or sodium-based electrochemical generators, reducing the risk of explosions and toxic fume generation, while being simpler and more cost-effective to implement on an industrial scale, enabling safer handling and recycling processes.

Implementation Method 1

brought into contact with an ionic liquid solution comprising a solvent ionic liquid and an electrically-conductive powder so as to discharge it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive discharge: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an ionic liquid solution comprising a solvent ionic liquid and an electrically-conductive powder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

atmospheric isolation of the electrochemical generator by the ionic liquid prevents access to oxygen, water and/or air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20230378554A1Method for discharging an electrochemical generator

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A method for discharging an electrochemical generator comprising a negative electrode containing lithium or sodium and a positive electrode, the method comprising a step of discharging the electrochemical generator during which the electrochemical generator is brought into contact with an ionic liquid solution comprising a solvent ionic liquid and an electrically-conductive powder so as to discharge it.