PEM Researches Battery Cells with High Recycled Content
In the “Kreislauf.IN.NRW” research project, the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University is working with industrial partners on the implementation of a holistic battery cell recycling system. The aim of the project, which is funded by the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, is to investigate the production and functioning of cells with a previously unachieved proportion of more than 80 percent recycled material.
To this end, suppliers and process routes along the entire battery value chain are to be selected that meet the requirements for the respective battery materials and improve the carbon footprint.
PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker, says:
Recyclable components of lithium-ion battery cells have so far only been considered individually and have not been tested for their interaction in new batteries,
However, in order to comply with the requirements of the EU Battery Regulation regarding minimum recycling quotas for cathode active material, the reintroduction of such materials into battery production is considered essential.
The exact behavior of the materials in the battery cell – for example, aging, safety, and the necessary purity – is not fully known.
PEM Management Member Professor Heiner Heimes, says:
The global battery industry already uses some recycled metal salts such as nickel and cobalt sulfate or lithium hydroxide, but the exact behavior of the materials in the battery cell – for example, aging, safety, and the necessary purity – is not fully known,
In particular, graphite anode material from secondary sources has been unattractive to date. This is due to the deteriorated morphology of the active material at the end of its life, increased contamination, for example by binders, as well as technological and economic challenges. The processing of recyclable graphite is considered extremely cost-intensive compared to the use of the primary resource.
Recycling of inactive components also necessary
Other battery components such as the aluminum and copper current collector foils, the separator, and the electrolyte also pose challenges for recycling and re-use. Currently, the focus is mostly on the active materials, as they make up 70 percent of the battery, and the raw materials are precious. However, in order to achieve an effective recycled content in line with the requirements of the circular economy, it is also necessary to recycle inactive components.
Kampker, says:
While the recycling of most battery components is already technically possible, no battery cell has yet been manufactured that contains at least 80 percent recycled content,
Through targeted research, the “Kreislauf.IN.NRW” project aims to succeed in this endeavor and develop a scalable process route. NEUMAN & ESSER, Accurec Recycling, Iondrive EU, and Constantia Patz are participating as partners from the industry.
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PEM Researches Battery Cells with High Recycled Content, source
