Separation Of NMC And Carbon Nanoparticles Via Sedimentation For Lithium-Ion Battery Direct Recyclin
Date
2022-05
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries are used in a variety of electronics today and are
expected to increase in usage with the rise in electric vehicles. However, the recycling
processes of these batteries must be improved to reduce or eliminate the
environmental harm created by them. This thesis features the separation of cathode
active material in water through the use of a sedimentation pool. The settling behavior
of NMC and carbon nanoparticles is characterized by a set of graduated cylinder
experiments, where it was found that carbon nanoparticles will typically float in water
if they do not form large agglomerates. Observations from this set of trials align with
the principles of Stokes’ Law and the interparticle collision theory. Operating
parameters of the constructed sedimentation pool were determined through flow
visualization and NMC displacement trials. In the NMC region of the sedimentation
pool, 92 wt.% of the collected particles were determined to be NMC through the use
of thermogravimetric analysis. In the carbon region of the pool, 60 wt.% of the sample
collected was NMC. The large amount of NMC collected in the carbon region is
suspected to be a result of the formation of carbon agglomerates which trap the metal
oxide. The conclusion of the report discusses design recommendations.
Description
Keywords
Batteries, Recycling, NCM, Carbon nanoparticles