Improving Recycling Efficiency of Portable Electronics by Automating Battery Disassembly

This project proposes to develop an automated and integrated battery disassembly process for EOL PCEs using a modular approach, as well as design and develop a component disassembly and battery removal process using a combination of mechanical (e.g., robotic disassembly, water-jet cutting), chemical, and thermal approaches to increase EOL PCE materials recover and processes throughputs

Upon completion, this project will design a prototype system, built and operated to confirm system effectiveness. This project will increase secondary materials by 0.03 million metric tons (MMT) of e-waste, 3.6 PJ energy reduction, 0.180MMTCO2e. Assumptions based on recovery of 20% of 150,000 metric tons per year of PCE discarded.