Quantifying environmental risks and opportunities for nano-scale LiFePO4 and LiMnO2 cathode battery technologies at end-of-life

1133425 gaustad纳米技术环境、健康和安全影响方面的工作很少是针对复杂纳米材料及其生命周期的。目前的基础研究主要是研究由单一金属、金属氧化物或简单有机部分组成的简单、均质材料。纳米材料在商业上的应用已经远远超出了这些简单的，第一代?材料。本研究旨在研究商业中大量纳米材料的影响，特别是锂离子电池在其整个生命周期中的LiFePO4和LiMnO4，特别关注寿命结束和暴露的可能性。研究人员将优化纳米锂电池的回收和再利用程序，同时使用标准毒性特征浸出程序（TCLP）评估模拟垃圾填埋场颗粒（在回收过程中）和渗滤液的环境排放。到目前为止，还没有明确解决纳米级电池材料对环境影响的工作，尽管认识到相当大的环境不确定性和对寿命结束的担忧。本研究将为两种常用的纳米级阴极化学电池寿命结束时的环境风险量化提供结果和方法指导。该调查将通过创建新的生命周期影响数据、量化电池寿命终止的潜在风险、开发新的回收技术知识以及确定确保纳米级阴极材料的环境健康和安全目标的最佳实践，推进与锂离子电池使用相关的生命周期分析（LCA）知识体系。该研究团队非常适合从生命周期方法和材料科学/分析方法来解决问题。他们包括一名材料工程师、一名环境工程师和一名化学家，他们在锂离子电池化学、生命周期评估、纳米材料和回收方面具有专业知识。该项目对整个社会具有内在的更广泛的影响，因为它将直接导致锂离子电池中纳米颗粒的回收和合成方法的改进。很明显，研究团队的现有行业合作伙伴将从这项研究中受益，这将导致改进的、“更环保”的生产和处置方法。此外，调查人员与RIT的一个可持续发展研究所有联系，这个研究所似乎在推广和教育方面有很强的项目。有明确的计划和程序来增加代表性不足群体的参与。

1133425GaustadLittle work in nanotechnology environment, health and safety implications is directed toward complex nanomaterials and their life cycles. Fundamental studies currently have mainly examined simple, homogeneous materials comprised of a single metal, metal oxide, or a simple organic moiety. Nanomaterials in commerce have moved well beyond these simple, ?first generation? materials. This research is directed toward examining impacts of high volume nanomaterials in commerce, specifically LiFePO4 and LiMnO4 in lithium-ion batteries throughout their life cycle with a particular focus on end of life and the potential for exposure. The investigators will optimize recycling and reuse procedures for nano lithium batteries while simultaneously assessing environmental discharges of particles (during recycling processing) and leachates from modeled landfills using a standard Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) procedure.To date there has been no work that explicitly addresses the environmental implications of nano-scale materials in batteries, despite recognition of considerable environmental uncertainties and concern at end-of life. This research will provide results and methodological guidance for quantifying environmental risks at end-of-life for two commonly used nano-scale cathode chemistry batteries. The investigation will advance the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) body of knowledge related to the use of lithium ion batteries by creating new Life Cycle Impact data, quantifying potential end of life battery risks, developing knowledge on novel recycling techniques, and identifying best practices for ensuring environmental health and safety goals for nano-scale cathode materials.The research team is well-suited to address the problem from both a life cycle approach and a materials science/analytical approach. They include a materials engineer, an environmental engineer and a chemist, with expertise in the chemistry of lithium ion batteries, life cycle assessment, nanomaterials, and recycling.The project has an inherent broader impact on society as a whole, as it should lead directly to improved recycling and synthesis methods for nanoparticles in lithium ion batteries. It is clear that the existing industry partners of the research team will benefit from the research and this will lead to improved, "greener" production and disposal methods. Also, the investigators are associated with a sustainability institute at RIT, and this institute seems to have very strong programs in outreach and education. There are clear plans and procedures to increase participation by underrepresented groups.