Cathode materials separation

CMI researchers at Idaho National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Achievement

  • Higher cathode material recovery in various molten salt systems is enhanced in higher melting point salts. 
  • Evaluated surface characteristics (e.g. composition, crystal structure, and particle size) of recycled active material after molten salt treatment.

Significance and impact

  • Established the feasibility of using lithium molten salts to recover cathode materials.
  • The LiOAc-LiNO3 system is preferred as it also does not introduce other cations.LiOAc-LiNO3 processing leads to uniform particle size (~20nm) and minimal destruction of crystal structure while decomposing PVDF binder.
  •  Pristine cathode electrode XRD spectra can be used to monitor structure changes after treatments and confirm components of cathode electrode.

Details and next steps

  • Quantitatively determine the composition of recycled cathode materials: residues of PVDF, acetylene black, and active materials.
  • Characterize recycled cathode materials via XRD and evaluate structure stability.
SEM images of recycled LiNi1/3/Mn1/3Co1/3O2 and LiMn2O4 powders: (top) LiOAc-LiNO3 system @300?
SEM images of recycled LiNi1/3/Mn1/3Co1/3O2 and LiMn2O4 powders: (top) LiOAc-LiNO3 system @300? and ( bottom) calcination at 500?
SEM images of recycled LiNi1/3/Mn1/3Co1/3O2 and LiMn2O4 powders: (top) LiOAc-LiNO3 system @300? and (bottom) calcination at 500?