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A recent study reveals that aluminum contamination obstructs the recycling of lithium batteries at an atomic level. This discovery comes from the University of Science and Technology of Hong Kong (HKUST), where researchers have found that even traces of aluminum considerably reduce the recovery of metals during recycling. Aluminum replaces cobalt atoms in nickel-cobal-manganese cathods, forming ultra-stable aluminum-oxygen links. This makes the extraction of key materials such as nickel, cobalt and manganese more difficult with acidic solvents typically used in recycling factories.
Hidden chemistry that strikes hard
Scientists have used high -resolution electron microscopy to observe aluminum atoms housed in crystal networks of cathodes. By associating this observation with simulations of the theory of density functional, they understood how these atoms behave at the atomic level. The results have shown that aluminum anchors oxygen atoms and stabilizes the structure, thus blocking the leachate of metals. This seemed to be a minor impurity now changes the behavior of the material from the inside.
Prof. Tsang says: “We have shown that even small amounts of aluminum contamination can fundamentally modify the behavior of NCM materials in recycling systems. This requires a paradigm shift in managing impurities for batteries recycling. This discovery questions the hypotheses established in the recycling of batteries by showing that aluminum contamination is not only a minor discomfort, but a chemical obstacle which interferes with the recovery of metals.
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Rethink the dismantling of batteries
The effect of aluminum varies depending on the solvent used. In formic acid, it slows the release of metals. In ammonia, he accelerates it. In deep eutectic solvents, the result is unpredictable. The implications of this research go beyond the laboratory. While demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage explodes, effective recycling becomes essential.
Extracting more metals from used batteries can reduce the need for mining and reduce the environmental cost of batteries production. The disruptive role of aluminum also raises questions about how used batteries are treated on a large scale. Mechanical shredding, a first common step in recycling, could introduce more contamination than expected.
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Towards optimized management of impurities
Research suggests that recycles must reconsider how they dismantle batteries and adopt treatment methods that limit unwanted interactions with materials. Combined with targeted solvent strategies, these modifications could help create faster and cleaner recycling systems. The study offers industry a clearer for the future.
By following the behavior of impurities and by adjusting solvent systems accordingly, recyclers can improve metal recovery and reduce waste. “We are not just solving problems, we redefine what an effective and aligned recycling on the climate of the batteries looks like,” said Prof. Tsang. Researchers believe that by understanding invisible barriers within used batteries, industry can unlock more intelligent solutions for battery recycling.
Mark the future of sustainable batteries
Researchers’ work also supports wider objectives around clean energy and the circular design of batteries. While the study was put forward in Advanced Science, it also calls on the need for a change in the design and recycling of batteries. The development of new methodologies could not only increase metal recovery rates, but also reduce environmental impacts associated with battery life cycles.
In a world in search of lasting solutions, how can industry overcome these chemical obstacles to transform the recycling of batteries and meet growing energy needs while minimizing the ecological footprint?
This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.
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