The method of gripping the edge of the cathode sheet of a lithium-ion battery between electrodes and using high-voltage electrical pulsed discharge to separate and recover the cathode active material from the aluminum foil is an effective recycling method to reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact. In this method, the cathode active material layer is a resistance component between the aluminum foil and electrode. By comparing the results of discharging onto a sheet with a cathode active material layer coated on both sides of the aluminum foil and discharging onto a sheet with aluminum foil exposed on one and both sides, we found that the cathode active material layer between the electrode and aluminum foil acts as a resistor to reduce overheating and vaporization of aluminum, leading to appropriate separation. Conversely, the electrical energy loss is minimized when aluminum and the electrode are in direct contact. As a result, it is suggested that further reduction in the energy consumption of a high-voltage electrical pulsed discharge is possible.
