3 ms·
What's the environmental impact of making the batteries?
by tectonic 15y ago
What's the environmental impact of making the batteries?
- yardie 15y agoThe polymer in a li-poly battery is ethylene glycol. It's relatively stable, relatively non-toxic (don't drink it, its can kill you but not the way hydrochloric acid will). Its almost the same stuff used as coolant in ICEs. Unlike NiCad and NiMH its probably the most environmentally friendly battery around. The other anode and cathode is lithium and lithium-manganese. These aren't rare metals (which I find ridiculous when people think they are made of exotic materials) but manufacturing is high because of the cost of research and the quantities produced. As far as recycling is concerned, over time the electrolytes breakdown and need to be replaced. So you delaminate it and attach the anode and cathode to a new PEG laminate. That is basically how a li-poly battery is recycled.