Supercritical carbon dioxide technology in synthesis, modification, and recycling of battery materials

Abstract

For pursuing the ambitious goals in the burgeoning electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy storage sectors, Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered as one of the most promising electrochemical power sources because of their high energy density and moderate cost. Particularly, the improvement of battery materials and recycling of spent LIBs are receiving great attention since the sustainable approaches for the synthesis, modification, and recycling of battery materials are the crucial factors to the successful large-scale implementation of LIBs. In this regard, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂), which possesses many merits, such as environmentally friendly, low-cost, individual chemical environment, and especially its unique physical properties, has been employed as solvent and reaction medium in the synthesis and modification of diverse functional materials. In this review, we mainly aim at compiling the applications of SC-CO₂ technology in the synthesis and modification of electrode materials as well as the recycling of LIBs. First, the unique properties and principles of SC-CO₂ technology are highlighted. Second, the latest progresses of the electrode materials design and recycling with the assistance of SC-CO₂ technique are summarized. Finally, the challenges, future directions, and perspectives on the design and development of battery materials and battery recycling by SC-CO₂ technology are proposed.