Scientists at University of Muenster in Germany and MEET Battery Research Center, have joined forces and come up with an interesting idea. They have a new method for dry processing anodes for scrap recycling, subsequently. Their brain wave holds potential for cheaper batteries, including electric vehicles. Anything that can help us achieve these goals, certainly deserves a second look.
Producing Dry-Processed Anodes Suitable for Recycling
The overall goal of the researchers was to develop a more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly battery. They wished to avoid the use of expensive and partly toxic solvents, with the over-arching goal of improving lithium-ion batteries. Although their discovery should have wider applications too.
The team began by investigating innovative materials. These needed to be practical for blending, and battery manufacturing too. Finally they narrowed their focus to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder, because:
- PHTE is a high-temperature binder that can be plastically deformed and defibered
- It can then bond the electrode composites together in a similar fashion to a cobweb.
The team from University of Muenster and MEET Battery Research Center, began by mixing the active material, conductive carbon black, and binder into a granulate form. Then they applied this composition to a current collector, using pressure.
This process enabled them – with input from other partners – to upscale their idea to the point it is suitable for mass-producing double-sided electrodes. These refinements require less binder content, rendering it suitable for high energy applications.
Recycling Battery Electrodes Made This Way
The assembly of battery materials dry-bonded with PFTE, lends itself naturally to recycling. After dry processing anodes for scrapping later, the researchers milled them – and similar cathode materials – from the current collectors. They were then able to granulate the residue, and separate the individual components.
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Preview Image: Dry Processing and Recycling
