(Invited) Science and Technology Endeavors in Lithium Ion Battery Recycling

Abstract

The dominance of lithium-ion batteries in expanding markets such as electric vehicles is driving enormous interests in battery recycling. The growing demand is generating a huge number of spent lithium-ion batteries, thereby urging the development of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable recycling technologies to manage electrode scraps and end-of-life batteries. Currently, liuthium ion battery recycling of end-of-life batteries is still in its infancy, with many fundamental and technological hurdles to overcome. The recycling rate of waste LIBs is projected to be much behind the rapid growth of LIB market because of the complexity of the technology and its use cases. Several recycling strategies, including pyrometallurgical process, hydrometallurgical process, and direct recycling approach, are being adopted on market and under further development by researchers. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of battery recycling by outlining and evaluating the incentives, key issues, and recycling strategies. A direct recycling strategy, which is developed under the US. Advanced Battery Recycling Consortium (ReCell), will be highlighted through discussion of its benefits, processes, and challenges. Perspectives on the future energy and environmental science of this important field will also be discussed.