Method for separating cathode-active materials from used lithium-ion batteries improves battery recycling

Argonne scientists Jeffrey Spangenberger and Bryant Polzin collaborated with Lei Pan and Tinuade Ololade Folayan of Michigan Technological University to develop a method to separate individual cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries. The technique, called froth flotation, involves placing mixed cathode-active materials in water with a collector chemical to selectively hydrophobize one type of material while leaving the other components hydrophilic. The hydrophobized material then floats to the surface in a froth and is collected. This process is run several times to achieve the desired purity and yield of the separated cathode.

The method gives new life to components that are environmentally taxing to mine and potentially hazardous if released to landfills, while providing materials to create more of the world’s most effective batteries.

Folayan is now with DuPont.