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Lithium-ion battery recycling: a source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment?
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Researchers reviewed the use of fluorinated substances, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in lithium-ion batteries and the risks posed by battery recycling processes. The study suggests that while high-temperature pyrometallurgy can mineralize PFAS, the increasingly popular lower-temperature hydrometallurgy approach may lead to incomplete degradation and release of persistent fluorinated substances.
Recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a rapidly growing industry, which is vital to address the increasing demand for metals, and to achieve a sustainable circular economy. Relatively little information is known about the environmental risks posed by LIB recycling, in particular with regards to the emission of persistent (in)organic fluorinated chemicals. Here we present an overview on the use of fluorinated substances - in particular per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - in state-of-the-art LIBs, along with recycling conditions which may lead to their formation and/or release to the environment. Both organic and inorganic fluorinated substances are widely reported in LIB components, including the electrodes and binder, electrolyte (and additives), and separator. Among the most common substances are LiPF6 (an electrolyte salt), and the polymeric PFAS polyvinylidene fluoride (used as an electrode binder and a separator). Currently the most common LIB recycling process involves pyrometallurgy, which operates at high temperatures (up to 1600 °C), sufficient for PFAS mineralization. However, hydrometallurgy, an increasingly popular alternative recycling approach, operates under milder temperatures (<600 °C), which could favor incomplete degradation and/or formation and release of persistent fluorinated substances. This is supported by the wide range of fluorinated substances detected in bench-scale LIB recycling experiments. Overall, this review highlights the need to further investigate emissions of fluorinated substances during LIB recycling and suggests that substitution of PFAS-based materials (i.e. during manufacturing), or alternatively post-treatments and/or changes in process conditions may be required to avoid formation and emission of persistent fluorinated substances.
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Researchers monitored pollution released during the industrial recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries and found microplastics, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds at various stages of the process. Microplastics were widespread in ground dust and air within the recycling facility, with smaller particles remaining airborne for extended periods. This study reveals that battery recycling, while important for sustainability, creates an occupational exposure risk to microplastics and other pollutants for workers.
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