The hazards of used lithium-ion batteries are significant. Due to the incomplete lithium-ion battery recycling industry chain and insufficient awareness of recycling in my country, the recycling rate of used lithium-ion batteries is less than 2% of their total output. Therefore, the resource recovery, harmless treatment, and pollution control of used lithium-ion batteries have become urgent priorities. Maximizing the recovery of valuable materials from lithium-ion power batteries is crucial, with copper and aluminum metal recovery rates reaching as high as 98% and lithium-ion battery cathode materials exceeding 90%.
Lithium-ion battery separation and recycling equipment primarily employs physical recycling methods, supplemented by waste treatment measures. It features green and low-carbon characteristics, energy conservation and environmental protection, and no secondary pollution, while balancing economic and environmental benefits. This equipment not only utilizes valuable components but also harmlessly treats hazardous components. The entire recycling process is fully automated, boasting high recycling efficiency and strong processing capacity. The equipment achieves a recycling rate of over 99% for valuable components from waste lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries contain various toxic substances, exhibiting strong corrosiveness and polluting properties. Furthermore, waste lithium-ion battery electrolytes contain highly toxic, flammable, explosive, and corrosive electrolytes and organic solvents. The electrolytes primarily include substances such as LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4, and LiAsF6, which can react with water or acids, producing toxic gases such as HF and PF5, or other toxic substances, leading to fluoride and arsenic pollution.
Dismantling spent lithium-ion batteries generates pollution such as waste gas, waste liquid, and waste residue, potentially posing environmental risks and even endangering health. Failure to recycle and process these batteries would also waste resources. Therefore, it is crucial to intensify research into key technologies for the dismantling, reassembly, testing, and lifespan prediction of spent lithium-ion batteries. Improving technological maturity, production process safety, automation levels, and recycling efficiency will make the recycling and reuse of lithium-ion batteries both economically feasible and safe.
In addition, a series of pollutants will be generated during the crushing, sorting, and high-temperature pyrolysis pretreatment of waste lithium-ion batteries, such as electrolyte decomposition, plastic film pyrolysis, crushing dust, and waste residue. These pollutants not only cause serious pollution to the atmosphere and water bodies, but also have a serious corrosive effect on equipment.
