Abstract:
Background The rapid growth of the new energy vehicle industry has led to a surge in retired lithium-ion batteries. Efficient separation of electrode sheets and separators is crucial for high-quality material recovery, yet electrostatic adhesion formed during long-term storage significantly hinders this process. Existing mechanical and chemical separation methods suffer from material damage, high cost, or environmental risks, creating a demand for cleaner and more efficient technologies.
Purpose This study investigates a non-contact electrostatic elimination method based on ion wind and evaluates its effectiveness in reducing electrostatic adhesion between electrode sheets and separators in lithium battery recycling.
Methods An electro-hydrodynamic–particle coupled numerical model was established using a sequential multiphysics coupling strategy. The model integrates corona discharge, turbulence, fluid flow, particle tracking, and electrostatic field interactions. Simulations were conducted at applied voltages of 10 kV, 13 kV, and 15 kV with a discharge duration of 20 s to analyze ion wind velocity, particle migration, surface charge decay, and electrostatic attraction force.
Results Ionic wind velocities reached 0.089 m/s, 0.65 m/s, and 1.97 m/s at 10 kV, 13 kV, and 15 kV, respectively. The generated ion wind transported charged particles toward oppositely charged electrode sheets, promoting charge neutralization. Within 20 s, the positive surface charge decreased from 1 μC to 0.851 μC, 0.789 μC, and 0.770 μC, while the negative charge decreased from −1 μC to −0.872 μC, −0.800 μC, and −0.782 μC. The electrostatic attraction force correspondingly declined from 0.127 N to 0.093 N, 0.079 N, and 0.076 N.
Conclusions Ionic wind generated by corona discharge effectively reduces electrostatic adhesion between electrode sheets and separators, and its neutralization performance improves with increasing discharge voltage. The findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing electrostatic control in lithium battery recycling processes.
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