Towards Zero Waste Recovery of Li-Ion Battery

Abstract

The proliferation of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has prompted a critical exploration of sustainable waste management strategies within the battery life cycle. This abstract focuses on waste materials generated during LIB recycling, specifically emphasizing waste water, including the presence of lithium ions, which is most generated at delamination and leaching process, and waste graphite.Waste water, a significant outcome of LIB recycling, often contains valuable lithium ions. Efficient extraction and purification of lithium ions from waste water not only recovers a precious resource but also mitigates the ecological consequences of improper disposal. Advanced methodologies such as solvent extraction, hydrometallurgy and membrane filtration demonstrate promising avenues for selectively recovering lithium ions from waste water streams.Furthermore, addressing the disposal of waste graphite electrodes presents an imperative challenge. Graphite, a cornerstone of LIBs, holds substantial potential for reclamation. Innovations encompassing thermal and chemical processes have been explored for graphite extraction from discarded electrodes. In this study, the recycled graphite after heat treatment direct reuse in batteries is performed. This approach aligns with the principles of a circular economy, promoting resource efficiency and reducing the dependence on primary graphite sources.In conclusion, the recycling of lithium-ion batteries generates waste materials, with a particular focus on waste water enriched with lithium ions and waste graphite electrodes. Confronting these challenges mandates the implementation of advanced recycling techniques. By harnessing valuable materials and alleviating environmental pressures, the LIB recycling sector can lead the transition toward sustainable practices, significantly contributing to a greener and more resource-conscious energy landscape.