Emerging green technologies for recovery and reuse of spent lithium-ion batteries – a review

Abstract

The growing global energy demand and environmental damage are driving the pursuit of sustainable energy and storage technologies. The rechargeable battery technology, as one of the attractive energy storage technologies integrating renewable resources, is experiencing unprecedented rapid development. However, the mass production of batteries consumes a lot of resources. Therefore, battery recycling must be considered while developing battery systems. Here, we systematically outline the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) from a sustainable perspective. We present in detail the state-of-the-art recycling mechanisms and industrial technologies related to spent LIBs and discuss recently developed representative emerging green recycling technologies. We also propose a new evaluation system to evaluate the environmental indicators of different recycling methods. In addition, based on the comparative analysis of the problems existing in the existing technology, the prospects and direction of the recycling of waste lithium are put forward. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of battery recycling in the future are discussed.