Luqman Azhari

Bio: Luqman Azhari is an academic researcher from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Battery recycling & Battery (electricity). The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 9 citations.

Recycling for All Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract: Summary All solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are expected to be the future for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, recycling aspects for ASSBs are underexplored and would be critical as supply/demand projections will eventually result in unprecedented amounts of disposed LIBs, especially from the automotive sector. The current state of LIB recycling is inadequate, and the incorporation of lithium-metal anodes and solid electrolyte chemistries in ASSBs will pose additional challenges. Therefore, recycling viability and waste management should have a guiding role in ASSB development toward commercialization. In this work, we touch upon the leading solid-state electrolyte chemistries, differences between ASSBs and conventional LIBs from a recycling aspect, and the viability of various recycling processes with respect to ASSBs. We further propose a general design for ASSB recycling, utilizing hydrometallurgy and direct recycling methods. Finally, we discuss the value of legislation and automation toward the realization of large-scale ASSB recycling, and future directions of study.

Effects of Extended Aqueous Processing on Structure, Chemistry, and Performance of Polycrystalline LiNixMnyCozO2 Cathode Powders.

Abstract: The prospect of aqueous processing of LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) cathodes has significant appeal to battery manufacturers for the reduction in materials cost, toxicological risk, and environmental impact compared to conventional N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)-based processing. However, the effects of aqueous processing of NMC powders at industrial timescales are not well studied, with prior studies mostly focusing on relatively brief water washing processes. In this work, we investigate the bulk and surface impacts of extended aqueous processing of polycrystalline NMC powders with different compositions. We demonstrate that at timescales of several hours, polycrystalline NMC is susceptible to intergranular fracture, with the severity of fracture scaling with the NMC nickel content. While bulk crystallinity and composition are unchanged, surface sensitive techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that the exposure of water leads to a level of delithiation, nickel reduction, and reconstruction from the layered to rock-salt structure at the surface of individual grains. Dynamic single NMC microparticle compression testing suggests that the resulting mechanical stresses weaken the integrity of the polycrystalline particle and increases susceptibility of intergranular fracture. The initially degraded surfaces along with the increased surface area lead to faster capacity fade and impedance growth during electrochemical cycling. From this work, it is demonstrated that NMC powders require surface or grain boundary modifications to make industrial-scale aqueous cathode processing viable, especially for next-generation nickel-rich NMC chemistries.

Laser Ablation Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) Analysis on Lead-Acid Battery System: Development of Evaluation Method of Sub-ppm Metal Impurity Elements

Abstract: In Lead-acid batteries, there are significant efforts to enhance battery performance, mainly by reducing metal impurities that negatively affect battery performance. Currently implemented impurity analysis requires significant time and effort. Wet chemical preparation method is not only hazardous due to the extensive use of acids, but generates environmental pollutants and hazardous waste which require more costly and comprehensive disposal processes. In industry, it is desirable to reduce sample processing and analysis time to improve productivity and efficiency. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) is a technique that has the potential to overcome the above issues. In this work, we demonstrate an analysis of impurities (Cu, As, Cd, Co, Se, and Te) in lead-based samples at the ppm/sub-ppm level by the LA-ICP-MS method and verify with matrix matching an accurate quantification of the impurity concentrations of interest. The resulting data, which determines to reduce analysis time more than 50% due to simple preparation step while not as accurate concentration as traditional ICP-MS with at least two times increment of relative standard deviation, provides a reasonable level of accuracy and precision in a substantially quick, cost-effective method that is viable for a high throughput industrial setting.

From Materials to Cell: State-of-the-Art and Prospective Technologies for Lithium-Ion Battery Electrode Processing.

Abstract: Electrode processing plays an important role in advancing lithium-ion battery technologies and has a significant impact on cell energy density, manufacturing cost, and throughput. Compared to the extensive research on materials development, however, there has been much less effort in this area. In this Review, we outline each step in the electrode processing of lithium-ion batteries from materials to cell assembly, summarize the recent progress in individual steps, deconvolute the interplays between those steps, discuss the underlying constraints, and share some prospective technologies. This Review aims to provide an overview of the whole process in lithium-ion battery fabrication from powder to cell formation and bridge the gap between academic development and industrial manufacturing.

Toward practical lithium-ion battery recycling: adding value, tackling circularity and recycling-oriented design

Abstract: Environmental pollution from critical materials loss from spent automotive lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a major global concern. Practical LIBs recycling obviates pollution, saves resources and boosts sustainability. However, despite increasing...

A Roadmap for Transforming Research to Invent the Batteries of the Future Designed within the European Large Scale Research Initiative BATTERY 2030+

Abstract: This roadmap presents the transformational research ideas proposed by “BATTERY 2030+,” the European large‐scale research initiative for future battery chemistries. A “chemistry‐neutral” roadmap to advance battery research, particularly at low technology readiness levels, is outlined, with a time horizon of more than ten years. The roadmap is centered around six themes: 1) accelerated materials discovery platform, 2) battery interface genome, with the integration of smart functionalities such as 3) sensing and 4) self‐healing processes. Beyond chemistry related aspects also include crosscutting research regarding 5) manufacturability and 6) recyclability. This roadmap should be seen as an enabling complement to the global battery roadmaps which focus on expected ultrahigh battery performance, especially for the future of transport. Batteries are used in many applications and are considered to be one technology necessary to reach the climate goals. Currently the market is dominated by lithium‐ion batteries, which perform well, but despite new generations coming in the near future, they will soon approach their performance limits. Without major breakthroughs, battery performance and production requirements will not be sufficient to enable the building of a climate‐neutral society. Through this “chemistry neutral” approach a generic toolbox transforming the way batteries are developed, designed and manufactured, will be created.