Recycling technologies of spent lithium-ion batteries and future directions:A review

Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)are the most popular energy storage devices due to their high energy density,high operating voltage,and long cycle life.However,green and effective recycling methods are needed because LIBs contain heavy metals such as Co,Ni,and Mn and organic compounds inside,which seriously threaten human health and the environment.In this work,we review the current status of spent LIB recycling,discuss the traditional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recovery processes,and summarize the existing short-process recovery technologies such as salt-assisted roasting,flotation processes,and direct recycling.Finally,we analyze the problems and potential research prospects of the current recycling process,and point out that the multidisciplinary integration of recycling will become the mainstream technology for the development of spent LIBs.

Study of lithium/polypyrrole secondary batteries with Lithium as cathode and polypyrrole anode

Lithium/polypyrrole （Li/PPy） batteries were fabricated using lithium sheet as cathode, PPy as anode, microporous membrane polypropylene/polyethylene/polypropylene （PP/PE/PP） composite as separator and LiPF6/ethylene carbonate-dimethyl carbonate-methyl ethyl carbonate （EC-DMC-EMC） as electrolyte. Polypyrrole was prepared by chemical polymerization. Certain fundamental electrochemical performances were investigated. Properties of the batteries were characterized and tested by SEM, galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry （CV）, and a.c. impedance spectroscopy. The influences of separator, morphology, and conductivity of PPy anode, cold-molded pressure, and electric current on the performances of the batteries were studied. Using PP/PE/PP membranes as separator, the battery showed good storage stability and cycling property. The conductivity of materials rather than morphology affected the behavior of the battery. The higher the conductivity, the better performances the cells had. Proper cold-molded pressure 20 MPa of the anode pellet would make the properties of the cells good and the fitted charge/discharge current was 0.1 mA. The cells showed excellent performance with 97%-100% coulombic efficiency. The highest discharge capacity of 95.2 mAh/g was obtained.

Functional porous carbon-based composite electrode materials for lithium secondary batteries

The synthetic routes of porous carbons and the applications of the functional porous carbon-based composite electrode materials for lithium secondary batteries are reviewed. The synthetic methods have made great breakthroughs to control the pore size and volume, wall thickness, surface area, and connectivity of porous carbons, which result in the development of functional porous carbon-based composite electrode materials. The effects of porous carbons on the electrochemical properties are further discussed. The porous carbons as ideal matrixes to incorporate active materials make a great improvement on the electrochemical properties because of high surface area and pore volume, excellent electronic conductivity, and strong adsorption capacity. Large numbers of the composite electrode materials have been used for the devices of electrochemical energy conversion and storage, such as lithium-ion batteries （LIBs）, Li-S batteries, and Li-O2 batteries. It is believed that functional porous carbon-based composite electrode materials will continuously contribute to the field of lithium secondary batteries.

Employment of encapsulated Si with mesoporous TiO_2 layer as anode material for lithium secondary batteries

Silicon composite of nano-capsule type is newly applied as an active anode material for lithium ion batteries.TiO2-encapsulated silicon powders were synthesized by a sol-gel reaction with titanium ethoxide.Silicon nanoparticles were successfully embedded into porous titanium oxide capsules that played as a buffer layer against drastic volume changes of silicon during the charge-discharge cycling,consequently leading to the retardation of the capacity fading of intrinsic silicon materials.The electrochemical and structural properties of silicon nanocomposites with different surface areas of encapsulating TiO2 layer were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),nitrogen gas adsorption analysis by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET) equation,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and galvanostatic charge-discharge experiments.

Physical and Electrolytic Properties of Monofluorinated Ethyl Acetates and Their Application to Lithium Secondary Batteries

Ethyl acetate (EA) shows low viscosity for its relative permittivity. Monofluorinated organic solvents exert the polar effect on the various properties. We have investigated the effect of position isomerism on the physical and electrochemical properties of two monofluorinated carboxylates: 2-fluoroethyl acetate (2FEA) and ethyl fluoroacetate (EFA). Relative permittivity of 2FEA was lower than that of EFA, whereas viscosity of 2FEA was higher. Electrolytic conductivity of a LiPF6 solution in 2FEA was lower than that in EFA, but higher than that in EA at high temperatures. The use of 2FEA as a co-solvent improved cycling efficiency and suppressed fading of discharge capacity of a Li|LiCoO2 coin cell at high cycle numbers.

Electrochemical characteristics of phosphorus doped Si-C composite for anode active material of lithium secondary batteries

Phosphorus doped silicon-carbon composite particles were synthesized through a DC arc plasma torch.Silane(SiH4) and methane(CH4) were introduced into the reaction chamber as the precursor of silicon and carbon,respectively.Phosphine(PH3) was used as a phosphorus dopant gas.Characterization of synthesized particles were carried out by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffractometry(XRD),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) and bulk resistivity measurement.Electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic test and electrochemical voltage spectroscopy(EVS).In the experimental range,phosphorus doped silicon-carbon composite electrode exhibits enhanced cycle performance than intrinsic silicon and phosphorus doped silicon.It can be explained that incorporation of carbon into silicon acts as a buffer matrix and phosphorus doping plays an important role to enhance the conductivity of the electrode,which leads to the improvement of the cycle performance of the cell.

Advanced high-voltage and super-stable sodium-zinc hybrid ion batteries enabled by a hydrogel electrolyte

Aqueous secondary batteries are promising candidates for next-generation large-scale energy storage systems owing to their excellent safety and cost-effectiveness.However,their commercialization faces considerable challenges owing to a limited electrochemical stability window and lower energy density.In this study,we present a rationally designed hydrogel electrolyte,featuring a distinctive polymer network and reduced free water content,created using a UV-curing method.This innovation results in an impressive ionic conductivity of 43 mS cm-1,high mechanical strength and an enhanced electrochemical stability window of up to 2.5 V(vs.Zn/Zn2+).The hybrid electrolyte demonstrates impressive viability and versatility,enabling compatibility with various cathode materials for use in both aqueous Na–Zn hybrid batteries and Zn-ion batteries.Notably,when paired with a Prussian blue cathode,the assembled hybrid batteries show remark-able cyclability,enduring over 6000 cycles with a minimal capacity decay of only 0.0096%per cycle at a high current density of 25 C.Additionally,the Zn||Na2MnFe(CN)6 full battery using the synthesized hydrogel elec-trolyte achieves a high energy density of approximately 220 Wh kg-1 and outstanding rate performance reach-ing up to 5 C.This research provides important insights for designing aqueous hybrid electrolytes that combine both high ionic conductivity and an expansive electrochemical stability window.

A Novel Application of Lithium Heteropoly Blue as Non-aqueous Electrolyte in Polyacenic Semiconductor-Li Secondary Batteries

Lithium heteropoly blue(Li 5PW Ⅵ 10 W Ⅴ 2O 40 ) was used as a non aqueous electrolyte in the polyacenic semiconductor (PAS) Li secondary battery instead of LiClO 4. The properties of the PAS Li secondary battery, especially the effect of Li 5PW Ⅵ 10 W Ⅴ 2O 40 on the capacity, the cycle property and the self discharging of the battery have been investigated. The results indicate that not only Li 5PW Ⅵ 10 W Ⅴ 2O 40 can overcome the disadvantages of LiClO 4, which is apt to explode when heated or rammed, but also the PAS Li secondary battery assembled with the novel electrolyte has a larger capacity and smaller self discharging than that assembled with LiClO 4. Therefore, it is believed that lithium heteropoly blue is a better and novel electrolyte for the PAS secondary battery and exhibits significant and practical application.

Ni0.85 Se hexagonal nanosheets as an advanced conversion cathode for Mg secondary batteries

Mg secondary batteries are promising scalable secondary batteries for next-generation energy storage.However,Mg-storage cathode materials are greatly demanded to construct high-performance Mg batteries.Electrochemical conversion reaction provides plenty of cathode options,and strategy for cathode selection and performance optimization is of special significance.In this work,Ni0.85Se with nanostructures of dispersive hexagonal nanosheets(D-Ni0.85Se)and flower-like assembled nanosheets(F-Ni0.85Se)is synthesized and investigated as Mg-storage cathodes.Compared with F-Ni0.85Se,D-Ni0.85Se delivers a higher specific capacity of 168 mAh g^-1 at 50 mA g^-1 as well as better rate performance,owing to its faster Mg^2+-diffusion and lower resistance.D-Ni0.85Se also exhibits a superior cycling stability over 500cycles.An investigation on mechanism indicates an evolution of Ni0.85Se towards NiSe with cycling,and the Mg-storage reaction occurs between NiSe and metallic Ni^0.The present work demonstrates that advanced conversion-type Mg battery cathode materials could be constructed by soft selenide anions,and the electrochemical properties could be manipulated by rational material morphology optimization.

Nanocarbons and their hybrids as catalysts for non-aqueous lithium–oxygen batteries

Rechargeable lithium-oxygen (Li–O2) batteries have been considered as the most promising candidates for energy storage and conversion devices because of their ultra high energy density. Until now, the critical scientific challenges facing Li–O2batteries are the absence of advanced electrode architectures and highly efficient electrocatalysts for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which seriously hinder the commercialization of this technology. In the last few years, a number of strategies have been devoted to exploring new catalysts with novel structures to enhance the battery performance. Among various of oxygen electrode catalysts, carbon-based materials have triggered tremendous attention as suitable cathode catalysts for Li–O2batteries due to the reasonable structures and the balance of catalytic activity, durability and cost. In this review, we summarize the recent advances and basic understandings related to the carbon-based oxygen electrode catalytic materials, including nanostructured carbon materials (one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers, 2D graphene nanosheets, 3D hierarchical architectures and their doped structures), and metal/metal oxide-nanocarbon hybrid materials (nanocarbon supporting metal/metal oxide and nanocarbon encapsulating metal/metal oxide). Finally, several key points and research directions of the future design for highly efficient catalysts for practical Li–O2batteries are proposed based on the fundamental understandings and achievements of this battery field. © 2016 Science Press

In-situ/operando characterization techniques in lithium-ion batteries and beyond

Nowadays,in-situ/operando characterization becomes one of the most powerful as well as available means to monitor intricate reactions and investigate energy-storage mechanisms within advanced batteries.The new applications and novel devices constructed in recent years are necessary to be reviewed for inspiring subsequent studies.Hence,we summarize the progress of in-situ/operando techniques employed in rechargeable batteries.The members of this large family are divided into three sections for introduction,including bulk material,electrolyte/electrode interface and gas evolution.In each part,various energy-storage systems are mentioned and the related experimental details as well as data analysis are discussed.The simultaneous strategies of various in-situ methods are highlighted as well.Finally,current challenges and potential solutions are concluded towards the rising influence and enlarged appliance of in-situ/operando techniques in the battery research.

Electrochemical performance of a nickel-rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material for lithium-ion batteries under different cut-off voltages

A spherical-like Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2(OH)2precursor was tuned homogeneously to synthesize LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. The effects of calcination temperature on the crystal structure, morphology, and the electrochemical performance of the as-prepared LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2were investigated in detail. The as-prepared material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis, charge–discharge tests, and cyclic voltammetry measurements. The results show that the spherical-like LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2material obtained by calcination at 900°C displayed the most significant layered structure among samples calcined at various temperatures, with a particle size of approximately 10 μm. It delivered an initial discharge capacity of 189.2 mAh•g−1at 0.2C with a capacity retention of 94.0% after 100 cycles between 2.7 and 4.3 V. The as-prepared cathode material also exhibited good rate performance, with a discharge capacity of 119.6 mAh•g−1at 5C. Furthermore, within the cut-off voltage ranges from 2.7 to 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 V, the initial discharge capacities of the calcined samples were 170.7, 180.9, and 192.8 mAh•g−1, respectively, at a rate of 1C. The corresponding retentions were 86.8%, 80.3%, and 74.4% after 200 cycles, respectively. © 2017, University of Science and Technology Beijing and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Three-in-one fire-retardant poly(phosphate)-based fast ion-conductor for all-solid-state lithium batteries

The development of flame retardant or nonflammable electrolytes is the key to improve the safety of lithium batteries,owing to inflammable organic solvents and polymer matrix in common liquid and polymer electrolytes regarded as the main cause of battery fire.Herein,a series of solid-state polyphosphate oligomers(SPPO)as a three-in-one electrolyte that integrated the roles of lithium salt,dissociation matrix,and flame retardant were synthesized.The well-designed SPPO electrolytes showed an optimal ionic conductivity of 5.5×10^(-4)S cm-1at 30℃,an acceptable electrochemical window up to 4.0 V vs.Li/Li+,and lithium ion transference number of 0.547.Stable Li-ion stripping/plating behavior for 500 h of charge-discharge cycles without internal short-circuit in a Li|SPPO|Li cell was confirmed,together with outstanding interface compatibility between the SPPO electrolyte and lithium foil.The optimal Li|SPPO|LiFePO4cell presented good reversible discharge capacity of 149.4 mA h g-1at 0.1 C and Coulombic efficiency of 96.4%after 120 cycles.More importantly,the prepared SPPO cannot be ignited by the lighter fire and show a limited-oxygen-index value as high as 35.5%,indicating splendid nonflammable nature.The SPPO could be a promising candidate as a three-in-one solid-state electrolyte for the improved safety of rechargeable lithium batteries.

Charactering and optimizing cathode electrolytes interface for advanced rechargeable batteries:Promises and challenges

With the advancement of secondary batteries,interfacial properties of electrode materials have been recognized as essential factors to their electrochemical performance.However,the majority of investigations are devoted into advanced electrode materials synthesis,while there is insufficient attention paid to regulate their interfaces.In this regard,the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)at anode part has been studied for 40 years,already achieving remarkable outcomes on improving the stability of anode candidates.Unfortunately,the study on the cathode electrolyte interfaces(CEI)remains in infancy,which constitutes a potential restriction to the capacity contribution,stability and safety of cathodes.In fact,the native CEI generally possesses unfavorable characteristics against structural and compositional stability that requires demanding optimization strategies.Meanwhile,an in-depth understanding of the CEI is of great significance to guide the optimization principles in terms of composition,structure,growth mechanism,and electrochemical properties.In this literature,recent progress and advances of the CEI characterization methods and optimization protocols are summarized,and meanwhile the mutually-reinforced mechanisms between detection and modification are explained.The criteria and the potential development of the CEI characterization are proposed with insights of novel optimization directions.

Superfast and solvent-free core-shell assembly of sulfur/carbon active particles by hail-inspired nanostorm technology for high-energy-density Li-S batteries

The demand on low-carbon emission fabrication technologies for energy storage materials is increasing dramatically with the global interest on carbon neutrality.As a promising active material for metal-sulfur batteries,sulfur is of great interest due to its high-energy-density and abundance.However,there is a lack of industry-friendly and low-carbon fabrication strategies for high-performance sulfur-based active particles,which,however,is in critical need by their practical success.Herein,based on a hail-inspired sulfur nano-storm(HSN)technology developed in our lab,we report an energy-saving,solvent-free strategy for producing core-shell sulfur/carbon electrode particles(CNT@AC-S)in minutes.The fabrication of the CNT@AC-S electrode particles only involves low-cost sulfur blocks,commercial carbon nanotubes(CNT)and activated carbon(AC)micro-particles with high specific surface area.Based on the above core-shell CNT@AC-S particles,sulfur cathode with a high sulfur-loading of 9.2 mg cm^(-2) delivers a stable area capacity of 6.6 mAh cm^(-2) over 100 cycles.Furthermore,even for sulfur cathode with a super-high sulfur content(72 wt%over the whole electrode),it still delivers a high area capacity of 9 mAh cm^(-2) over50 cycles in a quasi-lean electrolyte condition.In a nutshell,this study brings a green and industryfriendly fabrication strategy for cost-effective production of rationally designed S-rich electrode particles.

复合固态电解质的电镜截面样品制备方法

复合固态电解质是固态锂金属电池的重要组成之一,其性能的好坏对固态电池能否发挥其良好的优势起着重要的作用。电子显微镜是获取复合固态电解质界面微观结构信息的重要工具。由于复合固态电解质的电镜截面样品制备过程复杂且成功率低,因而影响了样品在电子显微镜下的观察效果。本文在对复合固态电解质截面样品进行超薄切片时,采用“二次包埋”的方法,并优化切片技术参数制备出高质量的电镜截面样品,实现了样品特定区域从微米到纳米尺度的连续表征。

THE ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOUR OF THE NEW VANADIUM BRONZE (Li_3V_5O_(15)) CATHODE IN SECONDARY LITHIUM BATTERY

A new kind of vanadium bronze with rich lithium (Li_5V_5O_(15))was prepared from Li_2CO_3 and V_2O_5 at 680℃ for 24 hrs. The charge and discharge curves of bronze electrode were determined in organic electrolyte. One mole of this material could be incorporated up to 4 mole lithium at 0.2mA/cm^2 and 1.0V cut-off voltage, corresponding capacity about 340Ah/kg. Compared with the cell of Li/Li_(1+x)V_3O_5 the cell of Li/new bronze had higher capacity, smoother discberge curve, but lower plateau voltage (about 1.8V). The cycling behaviour of this material was good. The electrode insertion reaction was controlled by the lithium diffusion process in the bronze. This new bronze could be used for low voltage rechargeable lithium battery.

基于调频信号自适应分解的电池储能辅助二次调频控制策略

以清洁能源发电为代表的零碳机组大规模并入电网,其间歇性和不确定性带来的频率波动愈发凸显。针对电池储能辅助火电机组调频灵活性不足、荷电状态维持效果不理想的问题,提出一种基于调频信号自适应分解的储能辅助二次调频控制策略。首先,综合灵敏度、储能荷电状态、频率偏差状态3个因素,给出区域调节需求信号和区域控制误差信号的切换时机判据;计及火电机组爬坡率限制和储能荷电状态限制,提出自适应调频信号分解策略,构建回报增益与荷电状态之间的规律并将其作为调节参考值,利用频率偏差对参考值进行修正,最后通过状态一致性检测模块判断回报增益的输出,以实现2种调频资源的优势互补。通过单区域系统频率响应模型仿真,验证了本文策略的有效性。结果表明:本文策略能够提高系统的灵活性,使各调频资源形成互补关系。

阴离子密堆二次电池正极材料中离子宿住迁移与能量存蓄机制晶体化学新探索

在二次电池电极材料中,有一类性能优良的材料具有阴离子密堆或近密堆方式构筑的晶体结构。宿住阳离子在密堆留下的空隙空间中宿住、迁移,从而实现能量转换与存储。相关过程微观机理的研究由于涉及原子尺度的微观结构辨析和电子层面的分析,实验研究难度较大。因此,更多是通过晶体学理论分析与晶体场理论和量子力学第一性原理计算结合展开。已有的理论从过渡金属配位体晶体场分析展开,但宿住离子宿住迁移中电子相互作用关注相对不足。本文根据已有的实验事实,在精准描述最具代表性的阴离子(氧离子)面心立方紧密堆积(FCC)结构中空隙空间准确形态和微分几何方法准确解析空腔真实体积的基础上,结合空隙空腔独特形态,对经典晶体学中Pauling第一规则的分析方法作了拓展。根据新的理解,提出了宿住阳离子在空隙空腔宿住和徒迁拓扑形变新模式,及其可能拥有的电子形态学新特征,提出了空隙空腔中宿住阳离子体积与密堆阴离子半径间的新关系。为了进一步说明住宿离子电子形态特征,通过第一性原理计算获得了典型FCC结构LiMn_(2)O_(4)尖晶石中电子密度等势图,构造了锂离子宿住四面体空隙空腔的电子密度等势特征分布的三维形态,与晶体学分析中获得的电子形态新特征变化一致。通过夹在两个密排面间的{110}面族电子云密度分布分析,首次清晰地揭示了LiMn_(2)O_(4)中锂离子的“S”形徒迁途径,及其对附近锰离子配位多面体电子云密度分布的影响。依据宿住离子脱/嵌新特征,提出阴离子拓扑多面体晶体场对宿住阳离子电子云压缩发生拓扑变形实现能量转换储蓄的新思路,据此计算了典型紧密堆积构造的电极材料新的理论能量密度,并和传统方法计算的理论值进行了比较,二者十分接近,为从晶体学和量子力学理解二次电池能量储存提供了新视角。

铝二次电池用RGO-S电极材料制备与性能研究

以氧化石墨烯与硫代硫酸钠为原料,通过一步水热法,制备还原氧化石墨烯-硫(RGO-S)电极,通过XRD、XPS、SEM、TEM、恒流充放电测试等手段对电极进行分析。结果如下:在RGO-S中硫元素主要为单质,单质硫与还原氧化石墨烯之间主要是以物理吸附的方式结合,主要以S2p3形态存在,小部分以S2p1形态存在。硫元素含量越高,初次充放电容量越高,循环性能越差。硫碳质量比为3:7的RGO-S复合材料具有最优性能,经过120次的充放电循环后放电容量回复到92%左右,在高倍率电流密度下放电容量保持在58.83mAh/g。