EV car batteries are recycled through a process that involves high-temperature treatment to recover valuable metals. Here's a breakdown of the typical recycling process:
-
Heating to Burn Off Electrolyte: The battery is initially heated to a temperature range of 350-600°C. This high heat is used to burn off the electrolyte materials present in the battery.
-
Melting Metals into Alloy: Subsequently, the battery is heated further to an even higher temperature range, approximately 1200-1450°C. This intense heat melts the various metals contained within the battery, combining them into a metal alloy.
-
Off-Gas Treatment: Due to the burning of the electrolyte and the melting process, toxic gases are released. Recyclers implement off-gas treatment systems to manage and neutralize these harmful emissions, ensuring environmental safety.
-
Metal Alloy Recovery: The resulting metal alloy typically contains valuable metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, and iron. These recovered metals can then be refined and reused in the production of new batteries or other products.
In summary, the recycling process utilizes high temperatures to separate and recover valuable materials from EV batteries, while also addressing the environmental concerns related to toxic gas emissions.
