Numerical Simulation of Interaction Mechanisms Between Lithium Dendrites and Cavitation Bubbles Reveals Critical Insights for Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Researchers from Northeastern University have conducted a comprehensive study on the interaction mechanisms between lithium dendrites and cavitation bubbles in lithium-ion battery recycling. The study utilized a full cycle model of ultrasonic cavitation bubble lithium dendrite interaction in the flow field, which was constructed through finite volume method (FVM) numerical simulation. Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and other institutions, the research aimed to address the problem of insufficient stripping efficiency of electrode materials and current collectors in lithium-ion battery recycling.

Key Takeaways:

• The finite volume method (FVM) numerical simulation result was used to verify each other and construct a full cycle model of ultrasonic cavitation bubble lithium dendrite interaction in the flow field.
• The research derived the calculation formula of natural frequency of small bubbles, which are more affected by surface tension, through the dynamic theoretical formula obtained from the Keller-Miksis equation.
• The results show that the evolution process of cavitation bubbles is affected by ultrasonic pressure, fluid inertia momentum, bubble surface tension, and the flow resistance effect when the fluid flows through lithium dendrites.
• A coupled two-mode vibration was found between the forced vibration dominated by ultrasonic pressure and the intrinsic vibration of its own natural frequency.
• The primary shock wave and the secondary shock wave generated by Rayleigh collapse produce double pulse loads on lithium dendrites.
• The double pulse peaks are coupled and decoupled by the adjustment of ultrasonic pressure amplitude and frequency.
• The research has significant implications for the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, as it provides critical insights into the interaction mechanisms between lithium dendrites and cavitation bubbles.

Statistics:

• The study utilized a full cycle model of ultrasonic cavitation bubble lithium dendrite interaction in the flow field.
• The finite volume method (FVM) numerical simulation result showed that the evolution process of cavitation bubbles is affected by ultrasonic pressure, fluid inertia momentum, bubble surface tension, and the flow resistance effect.
• The calculation formula of natural frequency of small bubbles was derived through the dynamic theoretical formula obtained from the Keller-Miksis equation.
• The results showed that the coupled two-mode vibration between the forced vibration dominated by ultrasonic pressure and the intrinsic vibration of its own natural frequency produces double pulse loads on lithium dendrites.

Sources:

• Northeastern University, Ministry of Education, Key Lab Vibrat & Control Aeroprop Syst, Qinhuangdao 066004, Hebei, People's Republic of China
• National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
• Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
• Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province
• American Institute of Physics - www.aip.org/
• Physics of Fluids - pof.aip.org/