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Grave-to-cradle photothermal upcycling of waste polyesters over spent LiCoO2

Author

Listed:
  • Xiangxi Lou

    (Soochow University
    Harbin Engineering University)

  • Penglei Yan

    (Soochow University)

  • Binglei Jiao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qingye Li

    (Soochow University)

  • Panpan Xu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lei Wang

    (Soochow University)

  • Liang Zhang

    (Soochow University)

  • Muhan Cao

    (Soochow University)

  • Guiling Wang

    (Harbin Engineering University)

  • Zheng Chen

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Qiao Zhang

    (Soochow University)

  • Jinxing Chen

    (Soochow University)

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and plastics are pivotal components of modern society; nevertheless, their escalating production poses formidable challenges to resource sustainability and ecosystem integrity. Here, we showcase the transformation of spent lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathodes into photothermal catalysts capable of catalyzing the upcycling of diverse waste polyesters into high-value monomers. The distinctive Li deficiency in spent LCO induces a contraction in the Co−O6 unit cell, boosting the monomer yield exceeding that of pristine LCO by a factor of 10.24. A comprehensive life-cycle assessment underscores the economic viability of utilizing spent LCO as a photothermal catalyst, yielding returns of 129.6 $·kgLCO−1, surpassing traditional battery recycling returns (13–17 $·kgLCO−1). Solar-driven recycling 100,000 tons of PET can reduce 3.459 × 1011 kJ of electric energy and decrease 38,716 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. This work unveils a sustainable solution for the management of spent LIBs and plastics.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiangxi Lou & Penglei Yan & Binglei Jiao & Qingye Li & Panpan Xu & Lei Wang & Liang Zhang & Muhan Cao & Guiling Wang & Zheng Chen & Qiao Zhang & Jinxing Chen, 2024. "Grave-to-cradle photothermal upcycling of waste polyesters over spent LiCoO2," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-47024-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47024-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Junxiong Wang & Kai Jia & Jun Ma & Zheng Liang & Zhaofeng Zhuang & Yun Zhao & Baohua Li & Guangmin Zhou & Hui-Ming Cheng, 2023. "Sustainable upcycling of spent LiCoO2 to an ultra-stable battery cathode at high voltage," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(7), pages 797-805, July.
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