Ionic liquids-mediated recovery of metals from spent batteries

Abstract

Tremendous efforts are being made toward electrification of the transport sector. Accordingly, next-generation recycling technologies to tackle the large volumes of spent batteries must be urgently innovated. Herein, ionic liquids and the promising ionometallurgy that can overcome some issues of traditional recycling methods are discussed. Ionic liquids-mediated recovery of metals from spent batteries represents a sustainable strategy, featured with new fundamental chemistries. The opportunities for regeneration and reuse of ionic liquids are promising toward a cost-levelized recycling process. The unique chemical environment of ionic liquids also allows the development of coupled electrochemical procedures and upcycling. Future development requires the assessment of continuous operation and holistic process efficiency, technoeconomic and environmental aspects.