New technologies emerge to regenerate lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new recycling method for lithium-ion batteries called Direct Electrode-to-Electrode Regeneration (DEER). Unlike traditional recycling processes—such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy—which use extreme heat and chemicals to break batteries down into raw materials, the DEER technique chemically removes the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer from electrodes. This process can restore spent batteries to 95% of their original capacity without destroying the battery cells.

In a separate development, the Colombian company Rock and Ride has introduced BATTSAVER, a portable device designed to regenerate lead-acid batteries using solar energy. The device uses a precision electronic circuit and a foldable solar panel to perform a desulfation process on the internal lead plates. This technology aims to reverse sulfation, a primary cause of premature battery failure, thereby extending the lifespan of batteries used in vehicles and motorcycles.