Advanced battery systems recycling

A closer examination of hazardous waste characteristics of battery materials does reveal differences between battery chemistries. The toxicity of conventional battery materials such as lead, antimony and cadmium are well known, and therefore they are usually recovered as much as possible rather than disposing of them. Strict emission controls are required to prevent their release into the air or water. The problems with advanced battery systems in this regard are not quite so severe, but there still may be reactive, corrosive, or toxic materials present that must be dealt with during the recycling process. 

Another conventional battery technology that has been considered for EVs is Ni/Cd. Although capable of somewhat better performance than lead-acid in some respects, this battery is also more costly and does not equal the performance levels possible with advanced battery systems. It is unlikely to see widespread use in EV applications in the U.S. although there are reported to be more than 10,000 EVs using Ni/Cd batteries presently on the road in Europe [23]. Because of the toxicity of cadmium, which precludes disposal, and the value of the nickel, there are well-developed processes for recycling of Ni/Cd batteries. Most of the facilities in Europe are dedicated Ni/Cd battery recycling plants. 

RECYCLING PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE ADVANCED BATTERY SYSTEMS Sodium/Sulfur (Na/S)... 

Much of the effort to develop the Na/S battery was aimed at its use in electric vehicles. Current applications of this advanced battery system are now mainly in the stationary battery area, but feasibility studies were done on the recycling of this system before the EV development efforts were suspended. Sodium/sulfur batteries contain reactive and corrosive materials, but not toxic ones. By treatment of the battery waste, the reactivity problems can be removed. 

Some older facilities operate with no recycle, and transfer of water occurs as either batch advance or continuous advance. Most commonly, the systems are continuous advance where the water is moved by a small pump attached to each steep tank (Figure 9.8). In older batch advance systems, one large pump serves an entire battery. 

Reynolds, R M, Hudson, E K and Olper, M, 1990. Advances in lead acid battery recycling Engitec s automated CX Breaker system, in Proceedings Lead-Zinc 90 Symposium, Anaheim, pp 1001-1022 (The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS) Warrendale). 

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