Ionic Liquid Battery Discharge for Safe Recycling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion battery recycling methods face safety challenges due to the risk of explosions and toxic fume generation, particularly during the discharging process, which is difficult to industrialize and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of an ionic liquid solution with an electrically conductive powder to safely discharge electrochemical generators, preventing chemical reactions and ensuring controlled resistive discharge, thereby avoiding explosions and toxic gas formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional battery recycling methods are used to discharge electrochemical generators, then the batteries can be processed for recycling, but explosions and toxic fume generation occur due to chemical reactions during discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an ionic liquid as the discharge medium which creates an inert environment that prevents explosive chemical reactions between battery components and atmospheric oxygen or water. The ionic liquid solution contains lithium ions that can accept electrons from the battery during discharge without generating harmful byproducts, thus eliminating explosions and toxic fume generation while maintaining reliable discharge process
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional discharge methods are used, then batteries can be discharged, but the process is difficult to industrialize and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic liquid solution serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the discharge medium, provides thermal management through its high heat capacity, and enables safe electron acceptance during discharge. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system design and makes the process more suitable for industrialization while maintaining reliable safety control, as the same medium that enables discharge also manages the safety-critical thermal aspects
3Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are discharged using conventional methods, then energy can be recovered, but thermal management becomes difficult leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the unique thermal parameters of ionic liquids, particularly their high heat capacity and thermal stability, to manage temperature during discharge. The ionic liquid can absorb the heat generated during energy recovery without decomposing or causing safety issues, enabling effective thermal management while maximizing energy recovery from the batteries
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 a safe, controlled, and efficient discharge of lithium-ion batteries, reducing the risk of explosions and toxic gas generation, making the process more industrializable and cost-effective while preserving battery components for recycling.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochemical generator is an electricity-generating device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the electrochemical generator is brought into contact with an ionic liquid solution comprising an ionic liquid solvent and an electrically conductive powder so as to discharge it
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for discharging an electrochemical generator (10) comprising a negative electrode (20) containing lithium or sodium and a positive electrode (30), the method comprising a discharging step during which the electrochemical generator (10) is brought into contact with an ionic liquid solution (100) containing a solvent ionic liquid and an electrically conductive powder so as to discharge the electrochemical generator (10).