Co-pyrolysis of Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ cathodes and polyvinyl chloride plastics for enhanced lithium-ion battery recycling

As the production and consumption of electronic products increasingly rely on ternary lithium-ion batteries, the need for effective recycling and disposal methods for these batteries becomes crucial. This study introduces a novel, efficient co-pyrolysis method for recycling Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ (NCM) cathode materials from spent ternary lithium-ion batteries. Employing a 1.0:0.35 mass ratio of NCM: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in an oxygen-free environment, high recovery rates of Li (91.3 %), Ni (93.5 %), Co (93.6 %), and Mn (94.5 %) metals are achieved. The NCM cathode materials begin to decompose at temperatures below 500℃ and are fully reduced and segregated into Ni-Co alloy, MnO, and Li₂CO₃ at 550℃ in this process. Notably, the decomposition and reduction temperature of 550℃ is significantly lower than those reported in other studies. Moreover, the NCM cathode material, were regenerated from the pyrolysis products through a straightforward high-temperature solid-phase process, and the regenerated NCM demonstrates remarkable electrochemical properties with strong cycling and rate performance. This method significantly contributes to environmental conservation, offering a green solution for recycling ternary battery waste while also addressing the challenge of waste PVC plastics. This dual-faceted approach mitigates environmental burden and resource wastage, marking a stride towards sustainable waste management and circular economy.