The graphite electrode plays a vital role in the overall performance of Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the electrochemical degradation of its graphite electrode and the mechanical damage it sustains during battery life is one of the major causes of system failure. There is therefore a need to improve waste management.
At present, there are a number of ways to recycle graphite. However, most of these methods have a number of drawbacks. These methods, for example, require large quantities of water, an electrolyte which is toxic and flammable and metal contaminants. In addition, the process is energy intensive. To counter these shortcomings, researchers have developed processes that reduce the amount metals, chemicals, or water contaminants in final products.
These developments have the ability to improve the sustainability of LIB in terms of both economics and the environment. These developments also offer important clues to boosting the recycling graphite end-of life, and they can help strengthen circular approach in the steel sector.
Acid leaching is the most common method of recycling discarded graphite. This involves immersing carbon in an aqueous hydrofluoric acid or sulfuric acid for a certain period of time. This process is able to remove most of the metal contamination in discarded battery graphite.
Pyrolysis is another way to recycle graphite. This involves heating carbon at high temperatures in the presence oxygen. This process removes most organic materials such as the polyvinylidenefluoride (PVdF), binder and conductive additive found in LIB graphite. It can also separate the spheroidal Graphite particles and the copper foil.
Lastly, it's possible to reuse the regenerated regenerated Graphite in other ways, for example, dual-ion, sodium-ion, and NIB batteries. Recycled graphite used in these systems could reduce cost and complexity.
Recently, there have been a number of developments in the field of recycling and reusing graphite from spent LIBs. These developments can reduce the costs and environmental impact associated with LIBs while promoting sustainable battery production. The actual regenerated Graphite must be evaluated to determine its electrochemical property. It should be compared to commercial graphite which has undergone rigorous testing on full-cell electrochemical cell.
In this article, we have reviewed the different recycling and activation methods that are currently available. Additionally, stoichiometric simulations of these processes have been conducted to demonstrate their feasibility as well as guide future industrial-scale application. A range of future uses for recycled graphite has also been identified. This includes its use in electrochemical energy storage (EES) and in the preparation of functional materials, such as adsorbents and catalysts. Finally, the potential of regenerated graphite for enhancing the performance of graphene in Li-ion batteries is also discussed.
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