Themed collection Energy Materials Redesign, Reuse and Repurpose
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Unlocking sustainable power: advances in aqueous processing and water-soluble binders for NMC cathodes in high-voltage Li-ion batteries
This review addresses the aqueous processing of high-nickel NMC materials and its challenges, including pH elevation and lithium leaching. Tailored binder selection is crucial, offering a strategic pathway for sustainable battery manufacturing.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 2125-2149
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00098F
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Supercritical CO2 technology for the treatment of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries
Supercritical fluid technology is a promising approach for sustainable and efficient resource recovery (especially fluorinated binders and electrolytes) from end-of-life lithium ion batteries with significant economic and environmental perspectives.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 1692-1707
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00044G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Remanufacturing of perovskite solar cells
For improved sustainability, remanufacturing is a vital loop of a circular economy. We detail progress on remanufacturing strategies for perovskite solar cells and highlight key aspects that need advancement to deliver a sustainable technology.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 2057-2068
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00100A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Enhanced electrochemical dissolution of iridium oxide in acidic electrolytes through presence of metal ions: shortened lifetime and hope for recovery
Cyclic deposition and stripping of metal ions (e.g. Cu2+) on Ir-oxides enhance electrochemical dissolution of Ir-oxides, likely due to weakening of the Ir–O–Ir bonds. The phenomenon is influential to IrOx catalyst stability and recovery perspective.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 2225-2238
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00257A
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Reduced graphene oxide from dead Li-ion batteries with β-Co(OH)2 as a potential electrode for enhanced charge storage capabilities
The supercapacitive studies of the composites of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/β-Co(OH)2, in which the source of graphite used for the synthesis of rGO is the graphite recovered from spent Li-ion batteries.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 2199-2212
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00133H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Upcycling of lithium cobalt oxide to LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2
Upcycling of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) into lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC111) cathode material using acetone antisolvent crystallization of citrate leachate followed by sol–gel synthesis with complementary metal acetate or sulfate salts.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 1773-1781
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00131A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Spent graphite from lithium-ion batteries: re-use and the impact of ball milling for re-use
The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries over the last decade, coupled with the limited and geographically confined supply of high-quality battery-grade graphite, underscores the importance of recycling graphite from spent batteries.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 1418-1430
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00094C
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Upcycling of low value end-of-life cathode material into next generation cathode materials
Low value Mn based spinel from an EOL EV battery is selectively leached and upcycled to higher value next generation cathode materials.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 1408-1417
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00041B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Recycling hazardous and energy-demanding piezoelectric ceramics using an oxide–halide perovskite upside-down composite method
Both Pb-based and Pb-free piezoceramics find a new purpose as fillers in upside-down composites fabricated with an ultralow energy budget, providing a second life to sensors and energy harvesters.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 961-974
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00348E
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Optimizing geographic locations for electric vehicle battery recycling preprocessing facilities in California
Optimizing the location of lithium ion battery preprocessing facilities.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 377-389
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00319A
About this collection
As the world moves away from using fossil fuels to produce energy, demand for alternative materials is increasing. In order to ensure a sustainable supply of energy materials in the future, it is vital that they can be recycled and used again. This collection highlights research that aims to make this a reality.