The strategy for comprehensive recovery and utilization of the graphite anode materials from the end-of-life lithium-ion batteries: Urgent status and policies

Abstract

Spent graphite anode (SGA), a hazardous solid waste discharges from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, indicating the most significant disadvantages are continuous emission and hard to handle. No effective technical solution for harmless resource utilization of SGA is currently available due to its complex composition. In general, SGA can only be disposed of by stacking or high-temperature incineration, leading to a massive waste of resources and severe environmental pollution. There is a serious shortage of graphite resources, and their prices have continued to increase due to the explosive growth of new energy vehicles. Graphite resources have become an indispensable material for developing strategic emerging industries in the 21st century. Therefore, reasonably utilizing high-quality graphite and reusing valuable resources in the SGA can transform them into usable items. Green recycling will be an urgent and critical task to achieve a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. In reaching the carbon neutrality goal, discovering the regeneration of the SGA can maximize the comprehensive utilization of hazardous solid waste to replace natural mineral resources and the synergistic effect on carbon reduction; it has significant social and economic benefits.