Innovative Solvent-Induced Precipitation for Efficient LiPF6 Recovery and Purification
Session Number
1
Advisor(s)
Zhengcheng (John) Zhang, Ting-Wei (Tim) Hsu, Argonne National Laboratory
Location
A115
Discipline
Chemistry
Start Date
15-4-2026 10:15 AM
End Date
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density. Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) is a widely-used key component in LIB electrolytes, which provides stable electrochemical performance. However, LiPF₆ is highly sensitive to moisture and can decompose into hazardous byproducts such as PF₅ and HF, creating challenges for purification and recycling. Current precipitation systems used to purify LiPF₆ often struggle to effectively remove impurities while maintaining the quality of the lithium salt. As the number of spent LIBs increases, improving LiPF6 purification methods has become increasingly important for enabling safer and more sustainable electrolyte recycling processes. This study focuses on improving the solvent precipitation system for LiPF6 by evaluating different solvent classes that influence solubility and precipitation behavior. In particular, ether solvents, hydrocarbon solvents, aromatic solvents, and eutectic solvents are investigated as potential antisolvents for LiPF6 purification. These solvent systems interact differently with LiPF6 molecules, which can affect how the LiPF6 salt gets isolated from impurities during the precipitation process. By systematically examining how LiPF6 behaves in these solvent environments, this research identifies conditions that promote selective precipitation and improve purification efficiency. Optimizing precipitation systems could enhance electrolyte recovery and support more sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling.
Innovative Solvent-Induced Precipitation for Efficient LiPF6 Recovery and Purification
A115
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density. Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) is a widely-used key component in LIB electrolytes, which provides stable electrochemical performance. However, LiPF₆ is highly sensitive to moisture and can decompose into hazardous byproducts such as PF₅ and HF, creating challenges for purification and recycling. Current precipitation systems used to purify LiPF₆ often struggle to effectively remove impurities while maintaining the quality of the lithium salt. As the number of spent LIBs increases, improving LiPF6 purification methods has become increasingly important for enabling safer and more sustainable electrolyte recycling processes. This study focuses on improving the solvent precipitation system for LiPF6 by evaluating different solvent classes that influence solubility and precipitation behavior. In particular, ether solvents, hydrocarbon solvents, aromatic solvents, and eutectic solvents are investigated as potential antisolvents for LiPF6 purification. These solvent systems interact differently with LiPF6 molecules, which can affect how the LiPF6 salt gets isolated from impurities during the precipitation process. By systematically examining how LiPF6 behaves in these solvent environments, this research identifies conditions that promote selective precipitation and improve purification efficiency. Optimizing precipitation systems could enhance electrolyte recovery and support more sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling.