New molten salt restore course of recycles high-performance electrical car batteries
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Oct 31, 2025
Researchers at Huazhong College of Science and Know-how have developed a molten salt method that restores the construction and efficiency of used high-nickel lithium-ion battery cathodes. This strategy repairs degraded supplies present in end-of-life batteries, permitting them to be reused in new batteries. Not like customary recycling, which recovers metals however destroys atomic construction, this technique regenerates the unique crystal order and capability.
The group studied LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811), a cathode materials used for its excessive vitality density in electrical autos. Over time, NCM811 loses lithium and accumulates defects that scale back cost capability. The brand new course of makes use of a ternary molten salt combination of lithium hydroxide, lithium nitrate, and lithium salicylate. Heated, this combination turns into a liquid and permits lithium ions to penetrate the broken cathode materials, reorganizing atoms to their preliminary construction.
Microscopic analyses confirmed that the regenerated materials achieved a uniform single-crystal construction. The undesirable floor rock salt layer was eradicated. The recycled cathode delivered an preliminary discharge capability of 196 mAh/g and retained 76 p.c of that capability after 200 cycles, outperforming many present recycling strategies.
“This course of successfully heals the inner and floor harm of the cathode materials,” stated Fangshu He. “It not solely replaces the misplaced lithium but additionally restores the ordered layered construction that’s key to lengthy battery life.”
The molten salt method operates at comparatively low temperatures and avoids acids or poisonous solvents, making it vitality environment friendly and environmentally secure. The researchers recommend it might allow closed-loop battery recycling, changing used batteries immediately into high-quality supplies for brand new cells.
Present outcomes are primarily based on laboratory analysis. The group plans to optimize the strategy for industrial use and consider its full environmental affect. This strategy might assist decrease each the associated fee and environmental footprint of battery recycling.
Analysis Report:Molten salt regeneration of single-crystal LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 from end-of-life cathodes
Associated Hyperlinks
Shenyang Agricultural University
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
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