Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Product in the Preparation of the Manganese-Based MAX-Phase

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in response to the growing popularity of electric vehicles and other battery-powered devices. These batteries have become the main power source for most portable devices and electric vehicles. One such vehicle is the Nissan Leaf. However, the increasing LIB production and consumption raise the question of the efficient production and environmentally safe recycling of spent LIBs. The recycling of spent LIBs comprises the recovery of their valuable components such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The efficient recycling of cathode materials becomes particularly important as it both provides the reuse of these metals in new battery production and reduces the need for resource mining. Manganese (Mn), which can be recovered during LIB recycling, plays a crucial role in battery production and can also serve as a basis for preparing new materials, such as the Mn₃AlC MAX phase. Manganese MAX phases constitute a class of two-dimensional materials whose unique properties attract increasing attention from researchers. Thus, LIB recycling not only solves the waste disposal problem but also creates opportunities for new materials design.