Scientists at the University of Leicester have developed an innovative technique for recycling lithium-ion batteries. This new methodology uses recycled cooking oil and water to extract valuable metals from used batteries , improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
What is the lithium battery recycling process?
The process, which uses nanoemulsions of oil created by ultrasound, purifies battery waste known as “black matter.” This waste, a mixture of graphite and metals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt, is processed more efficiently than traditional methods, which use heat and corrosive acids.
By using this technology at room temperature, the crystalline structure of the metals is not altered, which facilitates their direct reuse in new battery cells .
Innovation in battery recycling
The oil emulsion technique reduces the use of harmful chemicals and contributes to a circular economy, recovering high-quality materials for the manufacture of future batteries. This breakthrough could represent a significant change in the electric vehicle industry and other technological applications that rely on lithium batteries, such as mobile phones and laptops.
In a world increasingly reliant on lithium batteries , the need for sustainable and cost-effective recycling methods has never been more urgent. Research led by Professor Andy Abbott and Dr Jake Yang, in collaboration with the Faraday Institution, opens the door to a future where battery recycling is not only viable, but also beneficial for the environment.
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Source: University of Leicester
Photo: Shutterstock
