Enhancing anode active material hydrophobicity from spent lithium-ion batteries using ultrasonic and micro-nanobubble techniques: A technical note

Abstract

The sustainable recovery of valuable materials from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has garnered significant attention in recent years. This technical note investigates the enhancement of hydrophobicity in anode active materials (AM) derived from spent LIBs through the application of ultrasonic and micro-nanobubble (MNB) techniques. A range of analytical methods, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements, were utilized to assess the samples. The results demonstrated that the combination of pyrolysis with ultrasonic-MNBs treatment significantly improved the hydrophobicity of the AM. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the graphite purity in the concentrate exceeded 96 ± 3 % following the cleaning processes, while the recovery rate achieved was above 82 ± 2 %. This approach paves the way for more efficient recycling processes that can minimize environmental impact and promote resource circularity.