Electrochemical Generator Opening in Ionic Liquid for Safe Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recycling lithium-based electrochemical generators face challenges such as explosive risks due to electrolyte leakage, toxic fumes, and high energy consumption, particularly during the opening and securing phases, which are difficult to industrialize and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving immersion in an ionic liquid solution with a redox species that discharges the generator safely, using an electrically-insulating element to open the generator, avoiding heat treatments and aqueous solutions, and employing a redox pair for controlled discharge and securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal or cryogenic treatments are used to secure and open lithium-based electrochemical systems, then the reactivity of metallic lithium is controlled, but the process becomes difficult to industrialize and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the treatment medium from water-based or cryogenic agents to an organic solvent system. Specifically, it uses solvents like dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, or dimethoxyethane that can control lithium reactivity without requiring extreme temperatures or complex industrial infrastructure, thereby improving both safety and industrializability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inexpensive, readily available organic solvents that can be easily disposed of or regenerated after use. These solvents replace expensive and complex cryogenic or thermal treatment systems, making the process more economically viable for industrial application while maintaining safety
2Productivity
If grinding of charged accumulators is performed, then recycling can proceed, but sparks and ignitions occur causing explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by immersing the accumulators in an organic solvent system before grinding. This pre-treatment step replaces the electrolyte with a non-flammable solvent, eliminating the explosion hazard that would otherwise occur during the subsequent grinding operation, thereby enabling safe and efficient recycling
3Ease of manufacture
If damaged cells with metallic lithium deposits are opened, then recycling can proceed, but contact with air or water causes violent reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses an organic solvent system as an intermediary medium between the reactive metallic lithium and the environment. The solvent acts as a protective barrier that allows safe handling and opening of damaged cells, preventing direct contact between lithium and air or water, thus eliminating toxic fume generation and explosive atmosphere formation while enabling access to recoverable materials
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 ensures safe and efficient opening and recycling of electrochemical generators, reducing the risk of explosions and toxic emissions, while minimizing energy consumption and water usage, allowing for quick and cost-effective access to recoverable materials.
Implementation Method 1
immersing the electrochemical generator in an ionic liquid solution comprising a solvent ionic liquid and, preferably, a redox species able to be reduced on the negative electrode so as to discharge the electrochemical generator
Data Source
AI summary
A method for securing an electrochemical generator comprising a negative electrode containing lithium or sodium and a positive electrode, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) immersing an electrochemical generator, in an ionic liquid solution comprising a solvent ionic liquid and, possibly, a so-called oxidant redox species able to be reduced on the negative electrode so as to discharge the electrochemical generator, b) opening the electrochemical generator with an electrically-insulating element, opening being carried out in the ionic liquid solution.