Advances in Recycling of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

Dear Colleagues,

The widespread use and tremendous increase in lithium-ion battery (LIB) production for energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and various portable devices have generated increasing attention to the recycling of end-of-life LIBs. The lifespan of most LIBs is about 5–8 years, and the anticipated sharp rise in electric vehicle adoption will lead to a substantial influx of battery waste in the coming years. The development of economically viable recycling strategies and technologies with low energy consumption and environmental friendliness is of great importance. 

The complexity of battery cells, modules, and assembly design underscores the importance of developing pre-treatment for LIB recycling and advanced recycling processes. Among them are residual-voltage discharge, cell dismantling, organic component removal, and collection and regeneration of the electrodes' active material. Conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical recycling methods, as well as direct regeneration strategies, have been extensively studied for spent LIBs, particularly for the cathode materials. Direct regeneration of spent cathode materials is considered an ideal recycling strategy.

In this Special Issue, we welcome articles that focus on (i) the pre-treatments involving the pack-to-module, pack-to-cell, and cell debonding–disassembling, (ii) organic components removal, (iii) active material separation, and (iv) active material regeneration.  Furthermore, articles discussing the temporal, efficiency, economic, and environmental aspects of recycling and regeneration strategies are welcome. The study of the existing challenges of current recycling methods and proposals of potential solutions for large-scale industrialization is of great importance.

Dr. Volf Leshchynsky
Guest Editor

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