Lithium ion battery recycling methods A research team at Rice University, led by James Tour, the T. Nov 29, 2023 · Used lithium-ion batteries from cell phones, laptops and a growing number of electric vehicles are piling up, but options for recycling them remain limited mostly to burning or chemically dissolving shredded batteries. In 2005, Lupi et al. 27 Pyrometallurgical methods are likely used because they allow flexibility in battery feedstock (the Umicore method is used for both lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride batteries) and due to fixed investment in existing facilities. The industry is expected to grow to $98 billion worldwide by 2025 [1], even with unresolved challenges for lithium-ion lifetime limitation [2, 3] and end-of-life liability for disposal/recycling. , 2023, Kim et al. Waste Manag. pyrometallurgical methods are used to process lithium-ion batteries today (Table 2). Its advantages in universality, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and metal recovery rates make it an ideal choice for a sustainable clean energy future. The high value of metals like cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and lithium (Li) makes cathode recycling a top priority. Lithium is a key component of LIBs with very limited natural resources and reserves. Recycling Li from spent LIBs can maximize the Li Pyrometallurgical recycling of lithium batteries can be classified into two steps, and it is a well-established method for recovering NiMH and spent lithium-ion batteries . Nov 6, 2019 · Chen, H. Jul 28, 2024 · Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to recycle lithium-ion batteries by using a magnetic separation technique that efficiently purifies battery materials, maintaining their structural integrity and functionality. 766 - 771 , 10. What is the best method for recycling lithium-ion batteries? In conclusion, electro-hydrometallurgy stands out as the most promising solution for lithium-ion battery recycling. In this article, we will explore the importance of battery recycling, examine the lithium-ion battery recycling process, and discuss the role of battery recycling companies in the industry. Dec 1, 2023 · Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as the dominant energy solutions for electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs) due to their favorable characteristics, such as high energy density, high power density, cycling stability, and cost-effectiveness [[1], [2], [3]]. Process overview, left to right: Fast charge of the lithium-ion battery. Sep 1, 2018 · Within the last two decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) technology has been extensively applied in wide-scale electric storage instruments, such as portable electronics, renewable power systems, and electric vehicles (EVs) because of their outstanding characteristics of small size, high voltage and energy density, long cycle life, and low self-discharge (Nitta et al. 4(a)(24) and/or 40 CFR 261. Sep 8, 2022 · Repurposing (or cascade utilization) of spent EV batteries means that when a battery pack reaches the EoL below 80% of its original nominal capacity, [3, 9] individual module or cell can be analyzed to reconfigure new packs with specific health and a calibrated battery management system (BMS) so that they can be used in appropriate applications with the same or lower power requirements (grid Dec 1, 2022 · Power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are an important component of carbon neutrality in the transportation sector. Most direct regeneration approaches become the specialized process of repairing individual materials due to the different degraded levels of spent materials. Workshop on Lithium-Ion Batteries in the Waste Stream. 1016/J. introduced a multistage approach for recovering nickel and cobalt from spent batteries. The first batches of batteries have reached their end-of-life, and the need for their recycling will usher in a continuous and increasing need for recycling in the future [4, 5]. Jun 29, 2023 · Lithium Resources and Reserves. Therefore, efficient and eco-friendly recycling methods for these batteries are needed. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2023, 11 (26) , 9662-9673. Considering the environmental perspective Feb 17, 2023 · Historically, lithium-ion battery recycling has been limited by the volatile pricing of raw materials, lack of recycling plants, and absence of regulations. 9, 10 Spent LIBs are classified as hazardous substances since they include several toxic metals like Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Al, and Cu, as well as compounds such as flammable fluorine-containing electrolytes. Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are certainly one of the important alternatives to lessen the dependence on fossil fuel resources. Proper disposal strategies are required, and sustainable and environmental impacts need to be considered Jun 1, 2024 · Rechargeable secondary batteries with high efficiencies, high energy and power densities, and simple and flexible operation, have been seen as promising for use in electrified transportation and large-scale electricity grid energy storage, including lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) [6,7], sodium-sulfur batteries [8,9], flow batteries [10,11], lead Oct 16, 2019 · Favorable properties of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) including a high energy density, low memory effect, good cycle life, high cell voltage, low self-discharge, wide temperature domain of use, long storage life, safety, and lightweight have gradually led to use of them in the global rechargeable battery market as an alternative of the Ni–MH and Ni–Cd batteries [1,2,3,4]. JPOWSOUR. F The development of efficient separation techniques of waste lithium ion batteries into processable waste streams is needed to reduce material loss during recycling. Energy saving and effective recycling solutions for lithium-ion batteries can reduce the carbon footprint of the production of lithium-ion batteries significantly. Aug 27, 2024 · It does not require chemicals or heat and allows scientists to recover more lithium from spent batteries than other recycling methods. Therefore, the high added value of recycling lithium batteries makes the process imperative, and should significantly reduce the cost of fresh raw materials. hydrometallurgical and direct cathode recycling methods Jan 22, 2024 · This paper provides a comprehensive review of lithium-ion battery recycling, covering topics such as current recycling technologies, technological advancements, policy gaps, design strategies, funding for pilot projects, and a comprehensive strategy for battery recycling. The stages are divided into the pre-treatment stage and lithium extraction stage, while the latter is divided into three main methods: pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and electrochemical Mar 28, 2023 · & He, Y. If they’re mixed with Jun 1, 2024 · Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with the advantage of a lower cost are being developed to replace LIBs, but there are still barriers to their large-scale commercial application. & Shen, J. For instance, in 2023, over 31% of the lithium-ion battery market was driven by consumer electronics, while medical applications saw rising demand due to technological advancements and aging populations. The complexity of lithium ion batteries with varying active and inactive material chemistries interferes with the desire to establish one robust recycling procedure for all kinds of lithium ion batteries. Jul 22, 2024 · The widespread use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in recent years has led to a marked increase in the quantity of spent batteries, resulting in critical global technical challenges in terms of resource scarcity and environmental impact. With a rapidly expanding market projected to exceed $23 billion by 2030, the recycling industry is at the forefront of sustainability efforts. Here we show a rapid and simple method for removing the active material from composite electrodes using high powered ultrasound in a continuous flow process. However, a significant gap exists between academic research and industrial application. Typical methods for recycling these batteries require harsh liquid chemicals or heat to complete the process. Frequent Questions on Lithium-ion Batteries. Figure 4. 133 Hydrometallurgical methods for recycling lithium-ion and lithium–polymer batteries containing LiCoO 2 and LiCo x Ni (1-x) O 2 cathode materials involve several steps, including cathodic paste leaching, nickel–cobalt separation Dec 3, 2020 · The Methods of Recovering Lithium Ion Batteries. and W As a consequence of raising component prices, recycling spent batteries could significantly reduce material costs, which take up a great deal of resource value. [44] This article focuses on the technologies that can recycle lithium compounds from waste lithium-ion batteries according to their individual stages and methods. 1–7 Lithium is attracting attention as it is a key element of Dec 1, 2019 · Lithium-ion batteries provide power for applications from electric vehicles (EVs) to energy storage systems to smart phones. 663 , 10. Thus, an evaluation of the performance of these technologies is critical for stakeholders in politics, industry, and research. Apr 17, 2025 · As the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy soars, the need for effective lithium-ion battery recycling methods has become more critical than ever. May 8, 2025 · The lithium-ion battery recycling process is more complex than other types of e-waste. The recycling methods for spent LIBs include hydrometallurgy May 28, 2022 · Lithium-ion batteries have become a crucial part of the energy supply chain for transportation (in electric vehicles) and renewable energy storage systems. [20] [41] As of 2022, several facilities are operating and under construction, [42] including Fredrikstad in Norway [43] and a black mass facility in Magdeburg, Germany in 2023. 4 days ago · Yes, lithium batteries can be recycled under the definition of solid waste recycling exclusion at 40 CFR 261. 64 , 219 Lithium-ion battery recycling plays a crucial role in supporting sustainability, resource recovery, and circular economy initiatives. However, few review articles have been published in the research domain of Nov 25, 2024 · Lithium-ion battery recycling is the process of recovering valuable materials from spent lithium-ion batteries. Recycling for LIBs usually involves both physical and chemical processes (Harper et al. As a process interacting upstream and downstream, LIB recycling must consider the impact of the application of modeling approaches on the allocation of environmental benefits and Feb 28, 2025 · All the current recycling methods of lithium-ion batteries have advantages and disadvantages concerning environmental impact, efficiency, and economic viability. Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University. , 2019). As shown in Fig. Feb 11, 2019 · Finding scalable lithium-ion battery recycling processes is important as gigawatt hours of batteries are deployed in electric vehicles. and W. 05. Therefore, sustainable recycling technologies must be implemented to construct a cyclic economy for the lithium-ion battery market and help alleviate the severity of these environmental consequences. Oct 1, 2022 · Demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) increased from 0. Extraction of Li from mineral ore deposits is expensive and energy-intensive. The three main recycling methods are pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and direct recycling. The team has pioneered a new method to extract purified active materials from battery waste as detailed in the journal Nature Communications on July 24 Dec 8, 2022 · Because of the advantages of the pyrometallurgical processes, there are tendencies to use this process for lithium-ion battery recycling (despite lithium being wasted as slag in this route). We evaluate 209 publications and compare three major recycling routes. May 20, 2022 · This review discusses physical, chemical, and direct lithium-ion battery recycling methods to have an outlook on future recovery routes. Today, new lithium-ion battery-recycling technologies are under development while a change in the legal requirements for recycling targets is under way. 133 Hydrometallurgical methods for recycling lithium-ion and lithium–polymer batteries containing LiCoO 2 and LiCo x Ni (1-x) O 2 cathode materials involve several steps, including cathodic paste leaching, nickel–cobalt separation Mar 7, 2025 · Cathode kings: The critical role of cathode recycling in lithium-ion batteries. An important aspect of this review is that we Apr 1, 2021 · The purpose of this article is to study a new method, microwave pyrolysis of the shells of macadamia nuts, for efficient recycling of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. These maximise recovery while minimising waste. However, advances in recycling methods, high growth potential, and a fixed amount of rare metals have made recycling more attractive as market size projections could reach $13B by 2030 . LIB refurbishing & repurposing and recycling can increase the useful life of LIBs and constituent Sep 1, 2023 · Considering the remaining volume of end-of-life Lithium-ion batteries from Electric vehicles (80 %, 6700 cycles) and the new models and specifications provided by EV manufacturers to boost marketing, Lithium-ion batteries recycling, and remanufacturing for additional-lifetime submissions is a promising new economic potential [54]. Aug 30, 2024 · Lithium-ion battery (LIB) waste management is an integral part of the LIB circular economy. Efficient and closed-loop battery recycling strategies are Apr 17, 2025 · Among various recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) methods, direct recycling consumes far less energy and fewer chemical agents. A degradation-based sorting method for lithium-ion battery reuse. According to Ikenna Nlebedim, a scientist at Ames Lab and leader of the research team, the three typical methods for lithium-ion battery recycling are hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and direct recycling. 09@gmail. Introduction Discussions regarding lithium-based technology have dominated the field of energy research in recent years. The technology has inherent advantages compared to lead-acid, nickel–metal hydride, and nickel–cadmium storage technologies due to its high energy density [3], high life cycle [4], and low self-discharge [5]. Jan 1, 2025 · Influence of cell opening methods on electrolyte removal during processing in lithium-ion battery recycling Metals , 12 ( 2022 ) , p. This process involves dismantling the batteries and extracting components such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite for reuse in new batteries or other applications. , 2021), (ii) cost-effective recycling technologies (Miao et al. These processes can produce toxic byproducts and require large amounts of energy. This article explores technologies for recycling lithium from waste lithium-ion batteries, highlighting innovative methods and advancements in sustainable energy solutions. 1. Physical and chemical processes are employed to treat cathode active materials which are the greatest cost contributor in the production of lithium batteries. Oct 13, 2024 · In 2005, Lupi et al. From the first commercialization in 1991, the lithium-ion battery has been a core energy technology and it has been continuously researched for several decades for the development of the future energy market. The significant deployment of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) within a wide application field covering small consumer electronics, light and heavy means of transport, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles (EVs), or energy storage stationary systems will inevitably lead to generating notable amounts of spent batteries in the coming years. 2 days ago · Despite prior presentations by researchers regarding the review of spent lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling, emphasizing the necessity for (i) pretreatment processes to enhance metal recovery efficiency (Yu et al. Jan 11, 2024 · Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can play a crucial role in the decarbonization process that is being tackled worldwide; millions of electric vehicles are already provided with or are directly powered by LIBs, and a large number of them will flood the markets within the next 8–10 years. Unlike paper or plastic, lithium-ion batteries can pose a significant fire risk if damaged or improperly handled due to its reactivity. , 2015). Due to the complex assembly process of LIBs and the wide variety of electrodes, it brings great danger for the recovery of battery. Jan 1, 2023 · With increasing the market share of electric vehicles (EVs), the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as the critical energy power sources have e… A Review of Recycling Methods for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Environmental and Economic Perspectives Ankita Patwa Karmaveer Kakasaheb Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research, Nashik – 422003, India ankitapatwa. Jan 22, 2024 · This paper provides a comprehensive review of lithium-ion battery recycling, covering topics such as current recycling technologies, technological advancements, policy gaps, design strategies Dec 1, 2022 · Lithium (Li) is primarily found in mineral resources, brines, and seawater. 3390/met12040663 Improving the “recycling technology” of lithium ion batteries is a continuous effort and recycling is far from maturity today. Jul 24, 2024 · A research team at Rice led by James Tour is tackling the environmental issue of efficiently recycling lithium ion batteries amid their increasing use. 11 Because of the environment's . Aug 16, 2024 · Scientists are developing improved ways to recycle and recover some of that lithium. 2020). Cathodes of lithium-ion batteries are mostly stable compounds, and it is difficult to degrade them without using a reductant (Golmohammadzadeh et al. Open in a new tab Jul 24, 2024 · A research team is tackling the environmental issue of efficiently recycling lithium ion batteries amid their increasing use. com Abstract: The advent of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has helped in the successful development and wide Apr 30, 2025 · Lithium-ion batteries play a pivotal role in powering industries like medical devices, robotics, and consumer electronics. [[1], [2], [3]]. 3, very few countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, China, Australia, and the USA have large resources and reserves of Li. This review discusses physical, chemical, and direct lithium-ion battery recycling methods to have an outlook on future recovery routes. 2013. Recycling is considered one of the most effective ways for recovering the materials for spent LIB streams and circulating the material in the critical supply chain. Oct 28, 2024 · The Essential Processes in Lithium Battery Recycling. 5 GWh in 2010 to approximately 526 GWh in 2020 and is expected to reach 9,300 GWh by 2030 [1, 2]. Processes for dismantling and recycling lithium-ion battery packs from scrap electric vehicles are outlined. Sep 12, 2023 · While biotechnological methods, like bioleaching, show promise for recycling lithium-ion batteries, their application at an industrial scale is still in the preliminary phases, and additional research and development are required to enhance their performance and potential for expansion to large-scale battery recycling facilities. Jan 15, 2025 · Demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is increasing owing to the expanding use of electrical vehicles and stationary energy storage. A research team at Rice University led by James Tour, the T. Lithium battery recycling involves reclaiming valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from used batteries. T. The choice of recycling method depends on the battery components and recovered materials. 4(a)(25) (for recycling occurring domestically and after export, respectively) as long as (1) both the state that the batteries are generated in and the state in which the recycling takes place have adopted Jan 19, 2022 · Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries: Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide and a Dosing Method on the Leaching of LCO, NMC Oxides, and Industrial Black Mass. Oct 14, 2024 · For more information on lithium-ion battery recycling, check out the following resources: EPA Resources: Lithium-ion Battery Recycling FAQs. , 2018), and (iv) government Mar 16, 2021 · In particular, when end-of-life lithium-ion batteries are incorrectly landfilled, pollution to groundwater and soil occurs. The rapid growth of the LIB recycling industry is driven by various factors, such as resource scarcity. Oct 10, 2021 · E-waste generated from end-of-life spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is increasing at a rapid rate owing to the increasing consumption of these batteries in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage worldwide. Used Lithium-Ion Batteries. Lithium recycling and cathode material regeneration from acid leach liquor of spent lithium-ion battery via facile co-extraction and co-precipitation processes. Universal Waste Webpage: Batteries section. Dec 1, 2024 · Characteristics of wet and dry crushing methods in the recycling process of spent lithium-ion batteries J. This complexity can make it challenging to find local recycling centers equipped to handle them. , 2022), (iii) analysis of LIB leachate in landfills (Winslow et al. Power Sources , 240 ( 2013 ) , pp. 009 View PDF View article View in Scopus Google Scholar Jan 27, 2025 · Lithium (Li) plays a crucial role in Li-ion batteries (LIBs), an important technology supporting the global transition to a low-carbon society. Feb 28, 2025 · Lithium ion batteries have become the most widely used energy storage devices for electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, etc. The current state of the art methods can pose environmental challenges and be difficult to make economical at the industrial scale. efsrkzq wtief yudazy fbgg xlxhzp hpoqjcq nhyao tum cjnkdou wffc