Recycling characteristics of lithium iron phosphate batteries

1.Rapid growth, large amount of scrap

Since the development of the electric vehicle industry, China has been the world's largest consumer market for lithium iron phosphate brttery. In particular, it has grown at a rate of nearly 200% from 2012 to 2013. In 2013, the sales volume of lithium iron phosphate in China was about 5797t, accounting for more than 50% of global sales.
In 2014, 75% of lithium iron phosphate cathode materials were sold to China. The theoretical life of lithium iron phosphate batteries is 7-8 years (calculated based on 7 years). It is expected that about 9,400 tons of lithium iron phosphate will be scrapped by 2021. If the huge amount of waste is not treated, it will not only bring about environmental pollution, but also energy waste and economic losses.

2.Significant harm

LiPF6, organic carbonate, copper and other chemical substances contained in lithium iron phosphate batteries are all included in the national hazardous waste list. LiPF6 is highly corrosive and easily decomposes to produce HF when exposed to water; organic solvents and their decomposition and hydrolysis products can cause serious pollution to the atmosphere, water, and soil, and harm the ecosystem; heavy metals such as copper accumulate in the environment and eventually Harm humans themselves through the biological chain; once phosphorus enters lakes and other water bodies, it is very easy to cause eutrophication. It can be seen that if the discarded lithium iron phosphate battery is not recycled, it will be extremely harmful to the environment and human health.

3.Immature recycling technology

Existing data indicate that there are two types of recycling processes for waste lithium iron phosphate batteries: one is recycling metal, and the other is regenerated lithium iron phosphate cathode material.