Emily Ajemian, Peyton Carroll, Nicolas Scamardi, Jacob ... 2… · Impact of Tesla Lithium-Ion...
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BE 230 - Spring 2020 Engr. Analysis of Biological Systems Dr. Safferman Proposed Applications of Biohydrometallurgy • Biohydrometallurgy is a process that uses different types of microorganisms to extract certain types of metals from unprocessed ore [15]. • The process has little to no known negative environmental impact and is more efficient and cost effective than other types of metallurgy [15]. • It is possible to use biohydrometallurgy to recycle the primary metals in lithium-ion batteries simply by changing the microorganism used [15]. Hypothesis Using Biohydrometallurgy to recycle Tesla lithium-ion batteries will allow recovery of around 90% of the materials used. Objective To reduce the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries after usage. Task Recycle used metals from the battery and make electric vehicles a cleaner alternative moving towards renewable energy. Process • Studies have been conducted using the bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to extract Li and Co from spent lithium-ion batteries [16]. • Sulfur and ferrous ions are utilized by A. Ferrooxidans to add sulfuric acid and ferric ions to the leaching medium, which then react with LiCoO2 to produce a water solution rich in lithium and cobalt [16]. • The lithium and cobalt are then extracted from the water solution via immobilization [16]. • The most sensitive unit is education on how to properly recycle a lithium-ion battery. • Education is minimal since lithium-ion batteries were implemented just a few years ago, many have not reached the end of their lives. • Statistics say less than 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled, which is extremely bad for the environment [12]. • Lithium inside the batteries is highly reactive and prone to starting fires. For this reason it is crucial for people to properly separate batteries from other trash (see figure #4) [13]. • Cobalt and Nickel are heavy toxic metals, which leads to high environmental pollution and is another reason lithium-ion batteries need to be properly recycled [12]. • Since Lithium is not a heavy toxic metal, many people do not believe it is of utmost importance to recycle. This belief is incorrect and a direct result of the inadequate education surrounding recycling of lithium- ion batteries [12]. • The recycling process is simple and with proper education most batteries could be recycled. It includes the batteries being sent to special facilities that can process the batteries and properly dispose of them [14]. • Many times the facilities will reuse the battery cells in other machines, lessening the environmental harm [12]. • Unfortunately, there are not many facilities that are capable of recycling lithium-ion batteries yet and transportation costs only add to the environmental impact [14]. • Lithium batteries will do more harm to the environment than good if most of them are not recycled, this problem cannot be ignored. • In the future, more facilities for recycling are necessary along with a greater knowledge that lithium-ion batteries do need to be recycled. • The knowledge and education will come when millions of lithium-ion batteries begin reaching the end of their lives and the dire need for recycling is brought to the attention of the public. The product under investigation is a lithium-ion battery. Specifically, one made for a Tesla. Lithium-ion batteries are composed mainly of Nickel, Cobalt and Aluminum and allow a Tesla to drive anywhere from 230 to 370 miles on one charge [1]. The batteries are innovative, allow for a smooth ride and rarely need to be replaced. Despite the many advantages to lithium-ion batteries, there are also disadvantages. There is an environmental cost for lithium-ion batteries. The purpose of this research is to determine the differing environmental impacts lithium-ion batteries present and ways to minimize them. The research provides knowledge as to if the benefits really do outweigh the disadvantages. Also included, through research, is a process description of lithium-ion batteries and a discussion of their most sensitive unit. The research is important to see if lithium-ion batteries are posing a threat to the environment. This topic relates to the article "The End of Trash" because of the article's sections on metals and renewable energy. The article states that metals are infrequently recycled and present many problems when put into the trash [2]. Lithium-ion batteries are composed mainly of metal, indicating that they would have a very negative impact if not recycled. The research provides info regarding the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The article states that converting to renewable energy helps to create a circular economy. A circular economy includes "using resources sparingly and recycling materials endlessly" [2]. Lithium-ion batteries are the perfect example of utilizing renewable energy and minimizing the use of fossil fuels. The research investigates how to recycle lithium-ion batteries “endlessly”, as the article says. 1. Yoney, D. “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Tesla Batteries.” Internet: https://insideevs.com/news/338743/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-tesla-batteries/, Aug. 07, 2018 [April 1, 2020]. 2. National Geographic. “The End of Trash.” Magazine: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2020/03/ , Mar. 2020 [March 9, 2020]. 3. Vinci, T. “The Truth About Tesla Model 3 Batteries.” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdUqQZC2dcE&t=400s , Aug. 18, 2018 [April 10, 2020]. (used to create Figure #1) 4. Karlis, N. “Electric Cars Are Still Better For the Environment. But Lithium Mining Has Some Problems.” Internet: https://www.salon.com/2019/06/17/lithium-mining-for-green-electric-cars-is-leaving-a-stain-on-the-planet/, Jun. 17, 2019 [April 10, 2020]. 5. The Environmental Literacy Council. “ Aluminum.” Internet: https://enviroliteracy.org/special-features/its-element- ary/aluminum/ , [April 10, 2019]. 6. Vickstrom, K. “Environmental Impacts of Nickel Mining and Processing.” Internet: https://everlingjewelry.com/blogs/news/environmental-impacts-of-nickel-mining-and-processing, Apr. 29, 2018 [April 10, 2020]. 7. Whoriskey, P. “In your Phone, In Their Air.” Internet: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/batteries/graphite- mining-pollution-in-china/, Oct. 2, 2016 [April 10, 2020]. 8. Stoker, C. “Nasa Ames Research Center.” Internet: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/releases/2003/03images/tinto/tinto.html , Jul. 2002 [April 19, 2020]. 9. “Maules Creek Mine Fined $15,000 For Road Dust.” Internet: https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/4679015/maules- creek-coal-mine-fined-15000-for-road-dust/, May 22, 2017 [April 19, 2020]. 10. Topf, A. “Britain’s CO2 Emissions at Levels Not Seen Before 1894.” Internet: https://www.mining.com/britains-co2-emissions- levels-not-seen-since-1894/, Mar. 7, 2017 [April 19, 2020]. 11. MetroVancouver. “Ecological Health and Metro Vancouver.” Internet: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/regional- planning/conserving-connecting/about-ecological-health/Pages/default.aspx, 2019 [April 19, 2020]. (used to create Figure #3) 12. Rapier, R. “Environmental Implications of Lead- Acid and Lithium-Ion Batteries.” Internet: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2020/01/19/environmental-implications-of-lead-acid-and-lithium-ion- batteries/#7304546d7bf5 , Jan. 19, 2020 [April 10, 2020]. 13. Altraide, D. “Batteries, Recycling, and the Environment.” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKFOqMZmuA8 , Feb. 4, 2019 [April 10, 2020]. 14. MWS. “Tesla and the Environmental Impact of Lithium-Ion Batteries.” Internet: https://digital.hbs.edu/platform- rctom/submission/tesla-and-the-environmental-impact-of-lithium-ion-batteries/, Nov. 13, 2017 [April 05, 2020]. 15. Xin, B. et al. "Bioleaching mechanism of Co and Li from spent lithium-ion battery by the mixed culture of acidophilic sulfur- oxidizing and iron-oxidizing bacteria." Internet: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852409007561via%3Dihub , Aug. 4, 2009 [April 19, 2020]. 16. Mishra, D. et al. "Bioleaching of metals from spent lithium ion secondary batteries using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans." Internet: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X07000402 , Jan. 10, 2007 [April 18, 2020]. 17. Oak Bay News. “Keep Your Fuel Out of the Fire!” Internet: https://www.oakbaynews.com/marketplace/keep-your-fuel-out-of- the-fire-2/, Sep. 2, 2019 [April 20, 2020]. Introduction Process Description Impact on Eco. Services Research References Impact of Tesla Lithium-Ion Batteries on the Environment Emily Ajemian, Peyton Carroll, Nicolas Scamardi, Jacob Soullier Sensitive Unit Figure #4: Landfill fire caused by improper disposal of batteries [17] Figure #2: Pollution caused by mining; water pollution (left) [8], air pollution through dust (top right) [9] and greenhouse gas emissions (bottom right) [10] Impact of mining [4-7]: Water Pollution • Amount of water needed • Chemical leaks • Contamination of water • Acid rain Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Fluorinated gasses • Carbon Dioxide Air Pollution • Dust/powder released • Acid rain Soil Pollution • Chemical leaks • Habitat loss Impact of Battery Use: • Fire risk • Electricity Impact of Disposal: Recycling • Fire risk • Toxic chemicals released • Energy usage • Carbon Dioxide emissions Trash • Chemicals leak • Fire risk Figure #1: Cradle to grave for a Tesla lithium-ion battery [3] Figure #3: Impact of lithium-ion batteries on ecosystem services [11] Figure #5: Bio-hydrometallurgical recycling of lithium ion batteries [16]
Transcript of Emily Ajemian, Peyton Carroll, Nicolas Scamardi, Jacob ... 2… · Impact of Tesla Lithium-Ion...
BE 230 - Spring 2020Engr. Analysis of Biological SystemsDr. Safferman
Proposed Applications of Biohydrometallurgy• Biohydrometallurgy is a process that uses different
types of microorganisms to extract certain types of metals from unprocessed ore [15].
• The process has little to no known negative environmental impact and is more efficient and cost effective than other types of metallurgy [15].
• It is possible to use biohydrometallurgy to recycle the primary metals in lithium-ion batteries simply by changing the microorganism used [15].
HypothesisUsing Biohydrometallurgy to recycle Tesla lithium-ion batteries will allow recovery of around 90% of the materials used.ObjectiveTo reduce the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries after usage. Task Recycle used metals from the battery and make electric vehicles a cleaner alternative moving towards renewable energy.Process • Studies have been conducted using the
bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to extract Li and Co from spent lithium-ion batteries [16].
• Sulfur and ferrous ions are utilized by A. Ferrooxidansto add sulfuric acid and ferric ions to the leaching medium, which then react with LiCoO2 to produce a water solution rich in lithium and cobalt [16].
• The lithium and cobalt are then extracted from the water solution via immobilization [16].
• The most sensitive unit is education on how to properly recycle a lithium-ion battery.
• Education is minimal since lithium-ion batteries were implemented just a few years ago, many have not reached the end of their lives.
• Statistics say less than 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled, which is extremely bad for the environment [12].
• Lithium inside the batteries is highly reactive and prone to starting fires. For this reason it is crucial for people to properly separate batteries from other trash (see figure #4) [13].
• Cobalt and Nickel are heavy toxic metals, which leads to high environmental pollution and is another reason lithium-ion batteries need to be properly recycled [12].
• Since Lithium is not a heavy toxic metal, many people do not believe it is of utmost importance to recycle. This belief is incorrect and a direct result of the inadequate education surrounding recycling of lithium-ion batteries [12].
• The recycling process is simple and with proper education most batteries could be recycled. It includes the batteries being sent to special facilities that can process the batteries and properly dispose of them [14].
• Many times the facilities will reuse the battery cells in other machines, lessening the environmental harm [12].
• Unfortunately, there are not many facilities that are capable of recycling lithium-ion batteries yet and transportation costs only add to the environmental impact [14].
• Lithium batteries will do more harm to the environment than good if most of them are not recycled, this problem cannot be ignored.
• In the future, more facilities for recycling are necessary along with a greater knowledge that lithium-ion batteries do need to be recycled.
• The knowledge and education will come when millions of lithium-ion batteries begin reaching the end of their lives and the dire need for recycling is brought to the attention of the public.
The product under investigation is a lithium-ion battery. Specifically, one made for a Tesla. Lithium-ion batteries are composed mainly of Nickel, Cobalt and Aluminum and allow a Tesla to drive anywhere from 230 to 370 miles on one charge [1]. The batteries are innovative, allow for a smooth ride and rarely need to be replaced. Despite the many advantages to lithium-ion batteries, there are also disadvantages. There is an environmental cost for lithium-ion batteries. The purpose of this research is to determine the differing environmental impacts lithium-ion batteries present and ways to minimize them. The research provides knowledge as to if the benefits really do outweigh the disadvantages. Also included, through research, is a process description of lithium-ion batteries and a discussion of their most sensitive unit. The research is important to see if lithium-ion batteries are posing a threat to the environment.
This topic relates to the article "The End of Trash" because of the article's sections on metals and renewable energy. The article states that metals are infrequently recycled and present many problems when put into the trash [2]. Lithium-ion batteries are composed mainly of metal, indicating that they would have a very negative impact if not recycled. The research provides info regarding the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The article states that converting to renewable energy helps to create a circular economy. A circular economy includes "using resources sparingly and recycling materials endlessly" [2]. Lithium-ion batteries are the perfect example of utilizing renewable energy and minimizing the use of fossil fuels. The research investigates how to recycle lithium-ion batteries “endlessly”, as the article says.
1. Yoney, D. “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Tesla Batteries.” Internet: https://insideevs.com/news/338743/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-tesla-batteries/, Aug. 07, 2018 [April 1, 2020].
2. National Geographic. “The End of Trash.” Magazine: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2020/03/, Mar. 2020 [March 9, 2020].
3. Vinci, T. “The Truth About Tesla Model 3 Batteries.” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdUqQZC2dcE&t=400s, Aug. 18, 2018 [April 10, 2020]. (used to create Figure #1)
4. Karlis, N. “Electric Cars Are Still Better For the Environment. But Lithium Mining Has Some Problems.” Internet: https://www.salon.com/2019/06/17/lithium-mining-for-green-electric-cars-is-leaving-a-stain-on-the-planet/, Jun. 17, 2019 [April 10, 2020].
5. The Environmental Literacy Council. “ Aluminum.” Internet: https://enviroliteracy.org/special-features/its-element-ary/aluminum/, [April 10, 2019].
6. Vickstrom, K. “Environmental Impacts of Nickel Mining and Processing.” Internet: https://everlingjewelry.com/blogs/news/environmental-impacts-of-nickel-mining-and-processing, Apr. 29, 2018 [April 10, 2020].
7. Whoriskey, P. “In your Phone, In Their Air.” Internet: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/batteries/graphite-mining-pollution-in-china/, Oct. 2, 2016 [April 10, 2020].
8. Stoker, C. “Nasa Ames Research Center.” Internet: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/releases/2003/03images/tinto/tinto.html, Jul. 2002 [April 19, 2020].
9. “Maules Creek Mine Fined $15,000 For Road Dust.” Internet: https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/4679015/maules-creek-coal-mine-fined-15000-for-road-dust/, May 22, 2017 [April 19, 2020].
10. Topf, A. “Britain’s CO2 Emissions at Levels Not Seen Before 1894.” Internet: https://www.mining.com/britains-co2-emissions-levels-not-seen-since-1894/, Mar. 7, 2017 [April 19, 2020].
11. MetroVancouver. “Ecological Health and Metro Vancouver.” Internet: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/conserving-connecting/about-ecological-health/Pages/default.aspx, 2019 [April 19, 2020]. (used to create Figure #3)
12. Rapier, R. “Environmental Implications of Lead- Acid and Lithium-Ion Batteries.” Internet: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2020/01/19/environmental-implications-of-lead-acid-and-lithium-ion-batteries/#7304546d7bf5, Jan. 19, 2020 [April 10, 2020].
13. Altraide, D. “Batteries, Recycling, and the Environment.” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKFOqMZmuA8, Feb. 4, 2019 [April 10, 2020].
14. MWS. “Tesla and the Environmental Impact of Lithium-Ion Batteries.” Internet: https://digital.hbs.edu/platform-rctom/submission/tesla-and-the-environmental-impact-of-lithium-ion-batteries/, Nov. 13, 2017 [April 05, 2020].
15. Xin, B. et al. "Bioleaching mechanism of Co and Li from spent lithium-ion battery by the mixed culture of acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing and iron-oxidizing bacteria." Internet: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852409007561via%3Dihub, Aug. 4, 2009 [April 19, 2020].
16. Mishra, D. et al. "Bioleaching of metals from spent lithium ion secondary batteries using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans." Internet: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X07000402, Jan. 10, 2007 [April 18, 2020].
17. Oak Bay News. “Keep Your Fuel Out of the Fire!” Internet: https://www.oakbaynews.com/marketplace/keep-your-fuel-out-of-the-fire-2/, Sep. 2, 2019 [April 20, 2020].
Introduction
Process Description
Impact on Eco. Services Research
References
Impact of Tesla Lithium-Ion Batteries on the EnvironmentEmily Ajemian, Peyton Carroll, Nicolas Scamardi, Jacob Soullier
Sensitive Unit
Figure #4: Landfill fire caused by improper disposal of batteries [17]
Figure #2: Pollution caused by mining; water pollution (left) [8], air pollution through dust (top right) [9] and greenhouse gas emissions (bottom right) [10]
Impact of mining [4-7]:Water Pollution
• Amount of water needed
• Chemical leaks
• Contamination of water
• Acid rain
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions• Fluorinated gasses
• Carbon Dioxide
Air Pollution • Dust/powder released
• Acid rain
Soil Pollution
• Chemical leaks
• Habitat loss
Impact of Battery Use:• Fire risk
• Electricity
Impact of Disposal:
Recycling• Fire risk
• Toxic chemicals released
• Energy usage
• Carbon Dioxide
emissions
Trash• Chemicals leak
• Fire risk
Figure #1: Cradle to grave for a Tesla lithium-ion battery [3]
Figure #3: Impact of lithium-ion batteries on ecosystem services [11]
Figure #5: Bio-hydrometallurgical recycling of lithium ion batteries [16]
