Methods and devices for electrochemical relithiation of lithium-ion batteries

US12199252B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC · US

Inventors

• Kandler Smith · Golden, US
• Shriram SANTHANAGOPALAN · Broomfield, US
• Nathaniel Alexander Sunderlin · Golden, US
• Andrew Colclasure · Morrison, US
• Chunmei Ban · Golden, US
• Xuemin Li · Golden, US
• Judy C. Netter · Westminster, US
• Donal Patrick FINEGAN · Golden, US
• Kaitlin Elizabeth FINK · Lakewood, US
• Jaclyn Elizabeth Coyle · Westminster, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 5, 2023
• Grant date: Jan 14, 2025
• Expiry date: Dec 5, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02W30/84
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Among other things, the present disclosure relates to re-purposing used lithium-ion batteries. The present disclosure includes treating an electrode using a solvent prior to electrochemically relithiating the electrode. In some embodiments, the relithiation may be done using a roll-to-roll device, wherein the electrode may be secured on a first pin and a second pin, then it may be unwound and submerged in an electrolyte solution. Lithium ions may be inserted into the electrode using a voltage. The layer of lithium may provide lithium ions to the electrode.