Deactivation of Various Types of Lithium-ion Batteries by Submerged Crushing in Lime Water in Inert Atmosphere

Submerged crushing of the cells of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for hybrid electric vehicles and small home appliances in approximately 250 L of lime water, saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution, in inert N2 atmosphere has been investigated with an aim to establish a safe deactivation process of the spent LIBs even at the charged state. Analysis of hydrogen concentration just above the water surface and at the outlet of the equipment, observation of the crushing, and pH measurement of the lime water were conducted. In the crushing of LIBs for small home appliances, many viscous foams were generated on the water surface, and a large amount of white smoke was emitted as the foam broke up. A processing capacity about 20 kg/h for the LIB cells for hybrid electric vehicles and 200 kg/h for the mobile battery were achieved. Various issues for the industrialization were found through the tests.