Recycling Potential of Rare Earth Elements and Cobalt in WEEE-Batteries

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Objectives
• Background information
• Rare earth elements
• Cobalt
• WEEE-batteries
• Nickel cadmium batteries
• Nickel metal hydride batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Materials and methods
• System boundaries
• Calculation model
• Data acquisition
• Data estimation and uncertainties
• Theoretical recycling potential
• Material composites
• Battery systems
• Battery mass fraction
• WEEE generation
• Recycling path
• WEEE collection
• WEEE treatment
• Battery sorting
• Battery recycling
• Results

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This diploma thesis investigates the recycling potential of rare earth elements (REE) and cobalt from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) batteries. The primary objective is to quantify the theoretical recycling potential and the actual recovered amounts of these metals from WEEE batteries originating from private households in Germany in 2011. A calculation model was developed and used to analyze this, incorporating data from various sources.

• Recycling potential of REE and cobalt in WEEE batteries.
• Analysis of current recycling practices and recovery rates.
• Identification of key factors hindering higher recovery rates.
• Assessment of market trends in battery technology and their impact on recycling.
• Recommendations for improving REE and cobalt recovery from WEEE batteries.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of REE and cobalt recycling, highlighting the growing global demand for these materials and the associated supply risks. It emphasizes the importance of recycling batteries as a significant source of these critical raw materials. The chapter sets the stage for the subsequent chapters by outlining the thesis's objectives and methodology.

Background information: This chapter provides crucial background information on rare earth elements, cobalt, and WEEE-batteries. It delves into the properties and applications of REE and cobalt, explaining their significance in various industries, particularly in the context of battery technology. A detailed overview of different battery types (NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion) and their respective REE and cobalt content is presented, laying the groundwork for understanding the composition of the waste materials analyzed in the study. The chapter establishes a firm understanding of the materials involved and their relevance to the overall recycling process.

Materials and methods: This chapter details the methodology employed in the study, including the definition of system boundaries, the development of the calculation model, and the various data acquisition methods used. This section explains the process of data collection, encompassing literature reviews, market research, plant visits, expert interviews, and experimental surveys. It further elaborates on data estimation techniques and uncertainty analyses, ensuring transparency and rigor in the research methods. The chapter describes the development of a comprehensive model to assess the theoretical recycling potential and actual recovery of REE and cobalt from WEEE batteries in the German consumer sector. The different steps involved in the recycling path are explained, from WEEE collection and treatment to battery sorting and recycling. This detailed explanation of the methodology is crucial for understanding the results and conclusions drawn in subsequent chapters.

Results: This chapter presents the findings of the study, including the calculated theoretical recycling potential of REE and cobalt in WEEE batteries and the actual recovered quantities. It discusses the significant discrepancies between the potential and the actual recovery rates, highlighting the key factors responsible for the low recovery rates.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Rare earth elements (REE), cobalt, recycling, WEEE batteries, waste electrical and electronic equipment, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, supply risk, critical raw materials, recovery rates, recycling technologies, economic feasibility, collection rates, material flow analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions: Recycling Potential of Rare Earth Elements and Cobalt from WEEE Batteries

What is the main topic of this document?

This document is a comprehensive preview of a diploma thesis investigating the recycling potential of rare earth elements (REE) and cobalt from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) batteries, specifically focusing on those originating from private households in Germany in 2011.

What are the main objectives of the thesis?

The primary objective is to quantify the theoretical recycling potential and the actual recovered amounts of REE and cobalt from WEEE batteries. Secondary objectives include analyzing current recycling practices and recovery rates, identifying factors hindering higher recovery rates, assessing market trends impacting recycling, and recommending improvements to REE and cobalt recovery.

What types of batteries are included in the study?

The study considers several battery types, including Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium-ion batteries.

What data sources were used in the research?

Data acquisition methods included literature reviews, market research, plant visits, expert interviews, and experimental surveys. The study also involved developing a calculation model to analyze the data.

What aspects of the recycling process are covered?

The study covers the entire recycling path, from WEEE collection and treatment to battery sorting and recycling, considering material composites, battery systems, battery mass fraction, and WEEE generation.

What are the key findings of the study (as previewed)?

The results section will present the calculated theoretical recycling potential of REE and cobalt and the actual recovered quantities. It will likely highlight significant discrepancies between potential and actual recovery rates and identify contributing factors to low recovery rates.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

Key themes include the recycling potential of REE and cobalt in WEEE batteries, the analysis of current recycling practices and recovery rates, and the identification of factors hindering higher recovery rates. Market trends in battery technology and their impact on recycling are also considered.

What are the key words associated with this research?

Key words include: Rare earth elements (REE), cobalt, recycling, WEEE batteries, waste electrical and electronic equipment, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, supply risk, critical raw materials, recovery rates, recycling technologies, economic feasibility, collection rates, and material flow analysis.

What is the structure of the thesis?

The thesis is structured with an introduction, background information on REE, cobalt, and various battery types, a detailed explanation of materials and methods (including the calculation model and data acquisition), and a results section presenting the findings. Chapter summaries are provided in the preview.