Abstract Scope |
Understanding the thermal properties of Li-ion battery cathodes is essential for developing thermodynamic models and designing high-temperature recycling processes. Accurate thermal measurement data, such as specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, phase transition temperatures, reaction enthalpies, and evolved gas compositions, enable reliable predictions of material behavior during pyrometallurgical treatment. However, there are very limited available data for both current and emerging cathode materials, and a lack of consistency in measurement methods further complicates modelling efforts. This paper studies the systematic generation of high-quality thermal data and the comprehensive analysis of the resulting thermodynamic simulations to address these gaps. Data are generated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD), and gas chromatography (GC). By integrating robust experimental measurements with modelling, this work provides insights to optimize process parameters, enhance metal recovery efficiency, and reduce environmental impact, highlighting the critical role of thermal characterization in sustainable battery recycling. |