Electrostatic Lithium Recovery for Selective Powder Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium recovery processes for all-solid-state batteries collect both small and large lithium particles together, leading to increased complexity, device size, and decreased efficiency, necessitating additional post-processing.
Innovation Solution
A lithium recovery device utilizing a recovery body with alternating first and second electrodes, applying a voltage to generate an electric field for selective collection of small lithium powder, combined with a powder separation unit to separate lithium powder efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional collection methods (evaporation, condensation, sublimation with filters) are used, then lithium powder can be collected, but both small and large particles are collected together, requiring additional post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the collection mechanism from physical filtration to electrostatic attraction by applying voltage to electrodes. This parameter change (from mechanical to electrical field) enables selective collection of small lithium particles while large particles are naturally repelled or unaffected, eliminating the need for post-processing separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (filters, condensers) with an electrical field-based collection system using electrodes. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical post-processing equipment while achieving selective particle collection based on size-dependent electrostatic interaction
2Productivity
If conventional collection methods are used, then lithium powder can be collected, but the device size increases due to additional post-processing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the post-processing separation equipment from the overall system by implementing selective collection at the source. The electrostatic field method collects only desired small particles during the initial collection phase, removing the need for separate post-processing units and reducing total device volume
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional collection methods are used, then lithium powder can be collected, but additional post-processing is required to separate small lithium powder from larger particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the separation action preliminarily during the collection phase itself. By applying electrostatic field before collection, small particles are selectively attracted to electrodes while large particles are excluded, achieving both high purity and single-step collection without subsequent separation processes
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
The device enables compact size and improved lithium powder collection efficiency without the need for additional post-processing, reducing costs and enhancing collection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage applied by the voltage applying unit generates an electric field between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, thereby collecting gaseous sulfide lithium as lithium powder
Implementation Method 2
a first powder separation unit that applies vibration to the first electrode and the second electrode to separate the lithium powder
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The lithium recovery device according to an embodiment comprises: the recovery body that provides an internal path through which gaseous lithium sulfide passes; the plurality of first electrodes installed in the recovery body and positioned spaced apart from each other; the plurality of second electrodes installed in the recovery body and alternately arranged with the plurality of first electrodes; and the voltage applying unit connected to the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes to apply voltage, wherein an electric field is generated between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes by the voltage applied from the voltage applying unit, thereby collecting the gaseous lithium sulfide as lithium powder.