Research on green recycling of lithium-ion batteries cathode waste powder

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2024-08, Vol.493, p.152837, Article 152837
• Main Authors: Ding, Guoqing, Liu, Fanfan, Fan, Xiaomeng, Gao, Xinyue, Cao, Guoqin, Ban, Jinjin, Li, Zhenzhen, Hu, Junhua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Failure mechanism; Recycling; Spent cathode material; Spent lithium-ion batteries
• ISSN: 1385-8947
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.152837

This work reviews national and international treatment methods of cathode materials commercially available in recent years, such as hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and direct regeneration, supplemented by studies of innovative external field processes and electrochemical method. Analyzing the recycling characteristics and failure mechanisms provides a valuable reference for the recycling research of lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] •The failure mechanisms and recycling characteristics of three LIBs types (LFP, NCM, LMO) are described in detail.•The applications of main recycling methods for different LIBs are summarized.•Differences in LIBs recycling methods were systematically analyzed from recycling effectiveness, economy, and environment.•Optimal solutions for various LIBs recycling methods are pointed out, and insights for future development are provided. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have brought undeniable technological innovation to electronic devices, and the widespread use of these batteries has led to significant production of raw materials. However, these materials need to be properly treated to eliminate the negative environmental impact of toxic raw materials. Recycling of such batteries requires necessary and appropriate solutions. Therefore, this work reviews national and international treatment methods of cathode materials commercially available in recent years, such as hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and direct regeneration, supplemented by studies of external field process and electrochemical method, which are innovative and environmentally friendly methods of recycling. It also includes the recycling characteristics and failure mechanism of spent LiFePO4, LiNixCoyMnz (x + y + z = 1), and LiMxO2x (x = Ni, Co, Mn), respectively. Additionally, considering the future challenges and opportunities of post-consumer LIBs recycling, this work aims to provide a valuable reference for LIBs recycling.