Recycling Prospects for Future Advanced Batteries

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. 

Estimated processing costs were deemed acceptable at 6 to 10/kWh of batteries based on a 5,000 (metric) ton per year plant size. This compares favorably to the 40 to 60/kWh incineration cost. The relatively low value of the recovered materials prevents this recycling process from being completely self-supporting. Other more valuable forms of sulfur could be recovered with a modified process, but markets for them may 

A specification was drawn up for a pilot recycling plant (250 tons/year) that would meet German safety and environmental standards, but the plant was not constructed because the quantity of returned batteries was insufficient to support it. Analyses of solution from laboratory-scale recycling were carried out for chromium, which is regulated for toxieity, and levels were found to be below EPA limits. TCLP tests on cells also show amounts of leachable chromium that are within EPA standards. 

Mechanically rechargeable, zinc-air batteries have been tested in Europe in postal trucks 

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