Scientists revive old cell phone batteries using a chemical method

Japanese researchers have developed a technology that promises to revolutionize the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, extending their useful life to a staggering 80% of their original capacity after they are considered fully exhausted.

Let us remember that the demand for these energy-storing devices is increasing Because of its wide application in electronics and Electric carTherefore, the search for efficient and sustainable ways to regenerate spent batteries has gained crucial importance.

In fact, this progress published in the scientific journal Joule represents a major milestone in the battle Against environmental and economic problems Associated with premature battery disposal.

The team led by Nobuhiro Ogihara, from Toyota’s central R&D laboratories, was responsible for developing this battery regeneration process. By injecting the recovery reagent.

It is a chemical treatment based on lithium naphthalene, a substance that, after testing it with different formulations and concentrations, It has been proven to be able to restore the storage capacity of batteries.

“The effectiveness of the system has been verified not only with small batteries for laboratory use, But also with large batteries for automotive usesaid Ogihara, highlighting the versatility of the technology developed.

Not only does this method promise to restore the batteries’ capacity without deteriorating throughout the cycles, But it also represents the shortest path to renewing the battery, Introducing new options for circular battery systems.

This proposal seeks to rejuvenate batteries by injecting recovered reagents that directly address the loss of carrier ions Avoid going through traditional recycling and recycling procedureswhich significantly reduces energy consumption and environmental impact.

Traditionally, lithium-ion battery recycling It involves dismantling and separating spent batteries, followed by material recovery Through hydrothermal or thermal methods, the electrode materials are ultimately remanufactured. In contrast, the new proposal simplifies these steps by recovering the batteries through a single process.

The research also highlights the use of lithium arenides (Li-arenides) as recovery reagents, whose reaction potential is tuned by the effect of the dielectric constant of the solvent. Prevent deterioration of important battery components such as graphite anode.

Let’s remember that one of the critical aspects of capacity degradation in Li-ion batteries is long range is the loss of carrier ions, They are often exacerbated by extreme temperature conditions and irreversible consumption of Li+ ions due to the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) at the anode.

“Who knows whether our mobile phones will have batteries of this type that work absolutely perfectly in ten years,” he says, expressing cautious optimism about the long-term impact of this research. AndThe team has already applied for a patent for their innovative method It received support from both private companies and public agencies, including the US Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency.

However, scientists realize the limitations in their techniques, This does not apply to batteries that have been damaged due to structural defects. This suggests that this is not a universal solution and that the combinations and concentrations of reagents used must continue to be explored to enable a more complete recovery.

In parallel with this result, a group of researchers from Cornell University reached Discover the potential of indium, a soft metalTo create batteries that do not affect the storage capacity for fast charging.

Although it presents challenges due to its weight, the Cornell team continues to work Looking for lighter alternatives that offer similar featuresWhich could mean complementary progress in developing more efficient, long-lasting battery technologies.