Modeling Framework for Optimization of the Life Cycle Sustainability of Lithium-Ion Batteries by Nickel Manganese Cobalt Recycling Process

• Published in: Computer Aided Chemical Engineering Vol. 53; pp. 1105 - 1110
• Main Authors: Kim, Minseong, Kim, Jeongdong, Kim, Junghwan, Yoon, Hyungjoon, Nachtergaele, Pieter, Moon, Il
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Bayesian Optimization; Circular Economy; Life Cycle Assessment Automation; Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Process; Techno-economic Analysis; Bayesian Optimization; Circular Economy; Techno-economic Analysis; Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Process; Life Cycle Assessment Automation
• ISBN: 9780443288241; 0443288240
• ISSN: 1570-7946
• DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-28824-1.50185-X

The increasing utilization of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NCM) batteries has led to a greater demand for the retrieval of cathode materials to support sustainable battery recycling. This is essential due to the finite availability of metals and the need to reduce the adverse environmental consequences associated with battery disposal. Despite attempts to enhance the sustainability of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB) life cycle, few studies have comprehensively addressed both economic and environmental aspects. Several end-of-pipe chemical processes for recycling LIB have been proposed, along with their techno-economic analyses, without considering their environmental sustainability. Thus, this study introduces multi-objective optimization considering economic profit and life cycle environmental performance simultaneously by applying it to optimize the NCM battery recycling process. A hydrometallurgical intensified process model of LIB recycling was developed using a process simulator Aspen Plus, transforming LIB waste into NCM hydroxide. A model of the cradle-to-gate life cycle of LIBs was developed in the LCA software OpenLCA. Following, based on multi-objective Bayesian optimization, the optimal pareto points were identified. The results of this study make decisions on selecting and optimizing battery recycling processes, contributing to achieving both economic viability and sustainability while closing the material loop of LIBs. Also, this is the first study which interconnects Aspen Plus with OpenLCA to perform optimization, thereby contributing to the potential development of automated life cycle assessments.