Spent graphite from end-of-life Li-ion batteries as a potential electrode for aluminium ion battery

Graphite is central in almost all commercial Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and possesses attractive physical and chemical properties such as good ionic conductivity and layered graphitic structure. In this communication, we have demonstrated the recycling of graphite from end-of-life LIBs and the re-purposing of the recovered material for positive electrodes in next-generation aluminium-ion-batteries (AIBs). The recovered graphite possesses enlarged interlayer spacing which is shown to effectively boost Al-ion insertion/de-insertion during the charge/discharge processes. Excellent Al-ion storage performance is achieved with the capacity reaching 124 mAh g(-1) at 50 mA g(-1). The material retained a capacity of 55 mAh g(-1) even after the applied current was increased to 500 mA g(-1), showing its capability to deliver high rate performance. The charge/discharge cycling further revealed that the graphite retains 81% of its initial capacity even after 6700 cycles at a high rate of 300 mA g(-1). This excellent aluminium ion storage performance makes the recovered graphite a promising positive electrode material, providing a possible solution for the recycling of huge amounts of LIB scrap. At the same time, this material aids the development of alternative sustainable battery technology, as an alternative to LIBs. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.