Lithium Battery Recycling via Oxygen-Free Pyrolysis and Gas Filtration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium battery recycling technologies are inefficient, costly, and environmentally harmful due to the complexity of processing and the difficulty in handling toxic substances like heavy metals and electrolytes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving oxygen-free pyrolysis of lithium batteries at 400-600°C, followed by gas-solid filtration using corrosion-resistant materials, and subsequent combustion and chemical processing to separate and recycle valuable metals, while minimizing pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing recycling technologies are used, then lithium batteries can be processed, but the treatment process is complicated and recycling efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment steps into a single pyrolysis process that simultaneously handles organic electrolyte decomposition, metal salt conversion, and solid residue formation. This integration eliminates the need for separate treatment stages, reducing process complexity while maintaining high recycling efficiency for metals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs controlled pyrolysis temperature parameters (400-600°C) to optimize the decomposition of electrolyte components and conversion of metal salts. By adjusting temperature as a key parameter, the process achieves efficient separation and recovery of valuable metals while simplifying the overall treatment workflow
2Quantity of substance
If existing recycling methods are applied, then metals can be recovered, but recycling costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful electrolyte components (LiPF6, phenyl compounds, ester compounds) into useful products through pyrolysis. The electrolyte decomposition generates metal salts that can be directly recovered as valuable materials, transforming environmental hazards into economic benefits and reducing overall recycling costs while maximizing metal recovery
3Object-affected harmful factors
If discarded lithium batteries are not treated, then environmental pollution occurs, but treatment processes are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pyrolysis in an inert or controlled atmosphere to decompose toxic electrolyte substances without requiring complex wet chemical treatment processes. This approach effectively neutralizes harmful factors (heavy metals, fluorine pollution, organic pollution) while maintaining relatively simple process equipment and operation procedures
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 method effectively recycles metals like lithium, aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, and cobalt with high efficiency and reduced environmental impact by handling toxic substances in a timely manner and converting them into recyclable forms.
Implementation Method 1
the mixture is subjected to oxygen-free pyrolysis at a pyrolysis temperature of 400-600°C
Implementation Method 2
by using a gas-solid filtration device, gas products from the pyrolysis are separated and outputted
Implementation Method 3
the gas products, output by the gas-solid filtration device in step 3, is sent to a combustion furnace and burned in an oxygen-enriched environment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for recycling lithium batteries, including the following steps: Step 1, pretreating the lithium batteries, Step 2, a mixture after the pretreating includes: positive electrodes of batteries, negative electrodes of batteries, and electrolyte; the mixture is subjected to oxygen-free pyrolysis at a pyrolysis temperature of 400-600°C; Step 3, by using a gas-solid filtration device, gas products from the pyrolysis are separated and outputted, wherein anti-corrosion material(s) is(are) used to form filter element of the gas-solid filtration device; Step 4, taking out solid products from the pyrolysis, so as to recycle metal elements; the metal elements include but are not limited to one or more selected from the following: lithium, aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, cobalt, manganese.