The ramp-up of new production infrastructure for lithium-ion battery manufacturing in electric vehicles is progressing rapidly. In the initial phase, particularly during the ramp-up of gigafactories, significant amounts of production scrap are generated, which, ideally, should be directly recycled. Current recycling methods primarily rely on pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical processes, which are not only energy- and cost-intensive but also pose environmental challenges.
Direct recycling of production scrap offers an efficient and sustainable alternative. This presentation will explore laser-based ablation processes for direct recycling, providing an in-depth analysis of process-related aspects and demonstrating different laser parameter configurations.
Beyond production scrap, end-of-life (EOL) batteries are also a critical factor in battery recycling. After being discharged, these batteries must be disassembled—a process currently hindered by the vast variety of battery models, making automation challenging. Laser-based cutting technologies can enhance the efficiency and productivity of battery disassembly.
In summary, this presentation will introduce innovative laser-based processes for both production scrap and EOL battery recycling, offering a comprehensive overview of current laser applications in this field.