Lithium Battery Recycling

Dear Colleagues,

As the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) continues to surge, it opens new opportunities to enhance recycling processes, paving the way for sustainable battery production and effective management of end-of-life batteries. By focusing on the recycling of critical materials such as lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and graphite from spent LIBs, it is possible to tackle the environmental challenges associated with their extraction. This approach prioritises reducing dependency on virgin materials and minimising ecological impact.

Traditional commercial recycling involves mechanically shredding spent LIBs, followed by pyrometallurgy to recover valuable metals and hydrometallurgy to dissolve active materials in acid. While high-value metals like cobalt and nickel are prioritised, less valuable materials, such as lithium and graphite, are often overlooked.

Emerging direct recycling techniques represent a positive shift, by aiming to preserve battery components for reuse, reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency.

The complexity of recycling processes can vary based on battery chemistry, which calls for customised approaches for different types like lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) or lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NCM).

Moreover, the recycling of spent LIBs plays a crucial role in fostering a circular economy by repurposing batteries from portable electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) for second-life applications. This constructive approach not only supports sustainability but also encourages innovation in battery technology and resource management.

In this Special Issue, we are addressing the following topics related to recycling of Li-ion batteries:

• Direct Recycling Techniques for Li-ion Batteries;
• Effect of Battery Chemistry on the Recycling and Repurposing Potential;
• Closed-Loop Recycling of Li-ion Batteries;
• Next-Generation Li-ion Battery Recycling;
• Upcycling, downcycling and repurposing of materials from spent Li-ion batteries;
• LCA of recycling schemes of Li-ion batteries;
• New processes for battery recycling;
• Li-ion battery re-use and re-purposing: from different feedstocks, i.e., portable electronic devices, and EV batteries.

Dr. Dominika Gastol
Guest Editor

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• Li-ion battery recycling
• upcycling
• direct recycling techniques
• closed-loop recycling
• battery repurposing
• negative electrode recovery
• positive electrode recovery
• life cycle assessment (LCA)
• materials remanufacturing
• next-generation recycling