In a groundbreaking development that marries environmental sustainability with innovative technology, researchers have devised a method to transform spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and tobacco stems biomass into highly efficient water treatment catalysts. This novel approach not only addresses the pressing issue of e-waste but also enhances water purification processes, offering significant commercial implications for the energy and environmental sectors.
The study, led by Teng Guo from the Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering at Kunming University of Science and Technology, introduces a tobacco stems biomass-assisted strategy that converts spent LiCoO2 batteries into advanced Co-based catalysts. These catalysts, known as CoONAl-C, achieve nearly 100% peroxymonosulfate (PMS) utilization efficiency, a remarkable feat that surpasses existing water treatment systems by 2–42 times in terms of persulfate per mass pollutants normalized kinetic rate constant.
The process involves doping the Co-based catalyst with metal (Al) and non-metal (C and N) elements through biomass pyrolysis. This co-doping strategy shortens the bond length between PMS and Co-O and shifts the d-band center close to the Fermi-level, enhancing the electronic distribution of Co active sites. “The alteration of Co active sites’ electronic distribution via Co-N coordination, combined with loading and reduction of biomass pyrolysis, significantly promotes Co(II)/Co(III) redox cycles,” explains Guo. This synergy boosts PMS adsorption-activation and Fenton-like catalytic activity, driving the generation of reactive oxygen species that efficiently degrade emerging contaminants.
The practical applicability of CoONAl-C catalysts is further supported by their high stability over seven cycles, minimal ion leaching, reduced toxicity of intermediates, and effective operation in real water samples. This research not only addresses the high PMS consumption bottleneck in water treatment but also contributes to the sustainable utilization of spent LIBs and waste biomass.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the demand for LIBs continues to grow, so does the volume of spent batteries requiring safe and efficient disposal. This innovative method provides a viable solution for recycling these batteries while simultaneously enhancing water treatment technologies. The commercial potential lies in the dual benefits of reducing environmental pollution and improving water purification processes, which are critical for both industrial and municipal applications.
Published in the journal ‘Resources, Environment and Sustainability’ (translated to English as ‘资源·环境·可持续性’), this research opens new avenues for future developments in the field. It highlights the importance of integrating waste management with advanced technological solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. As Guo notes, “This study addresses the high PMS consumption bottleneck in water treatment, contributing to the sustainable utilization of spent LIBs and waste biomass.”
The research not only offers a practical solution to current environmental challenges but also sets a precedent for future innovations that combine waste recycling with advanced water treatment technologies. The energy sector stands to benefit significantly from these developments, as the integration of sustainable practices becomes increasingly crucial in the global push towards environmental stewardship.