Methods and devices for electrochemical relithiation of lithium-ion batteries
Among other things, the present disclosure relates to re-purposing used lithium-ion batteries. The present disclosure includes treating an electrode using a solvent prior to electrochemically relithiating the electrode. In some embodiments, the relithiation may be done using a roll-to-roll device, wherein the electrode may be secured on a first pin and a second pin, then it may be unwound and submerged in an electrolyte solution. Lithium ions may be inserted into the electrode using a voltage. The layer of lithium may provide lithium ions to the electrode.
1. A method for repurposing a lithium-ion battery, the method comprising, in order:
removing at least a portion of the cathode of the lithium-ion battery;
mixing the portion of the cathode with a ketone;
separating the ketone from the portion of the cathode;
recasting the portion of the cathode; and
relithiating the cathode; wherein:
the ketone comprises at least one of acetone, benzophenone, or acetophenone.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the removing comprises at least one of scraping, cutting, pulling, grating, or detaching the cathode from the lithium-ion battery.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lithium-ion battery comprises a coin cell or pouch cell.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mixing comprises at least one of sonicating, stirring, or soaking the portion of the cathode in the ketone.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the lithium-ion battery comprises a layer of foil, and
the recasting comprises at least one of placing or attaching the cathode on the layer of foil.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lithium-ion battery comprises a wound or jelly roll design.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the relithiating comprises at least one of hydrothermal, hydrothermal-ultrasonic, solid-phase sintering, ionothermal, or electrochemical relithiation.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
rinsing the cathode; wherein:
the rinsing is performed after the relithiation.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein:
the rinsing comprises using an electrolytic solvent to remove a salt from the cathode.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein:
the electrolytic solvent comprises at least one of diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), or ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC).
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein:
the salt comprises crystallized lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6 ).
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the separating comprises drying the portion of the cathode.