Safe discharge of end of life batteries prior to storage or recycling
Technology
For small lithium batteries (for example handheld, small cell batteries) a wet discharge bath makes the units safe prior to disposal. This technology is designed to not interfere with downstream materials-recovery processes.
For larger units (for example electric vehicle, hybrid or household PV storage batteries) a discharge technology which collects the energy and feeds into the grid to power the site or other grid requirements has been developed.
Applications
The technologies are applicable to safe end of life battery storage, battery recycling and end of life battery transport.
Intellectual property
CSIRO has relevant know-how and knowledge is will assist industry and partners to transition this into industrial practices.
The team
CSIRO started conducting battery research in the 1970s. Since then the team has developed and commercialised new technologies such as the UltraBattery, new electrolytes for lithium batteries, flexible batteries and supercapacitors. The team also has experience in developing Standards for the battery industry. Currently the team is using its extensive understanding of battery technologies to develop state-of-the-art technology for lithium battery recycling to capture high value materials and provide an economic benefit to the battery manufacturing industry.