Recycling technologies of spent lithium-ion batteries and future directions: A review

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most popular energy storage devices due to their high energy density, high operating voltage, and long cycle life. However, green and effective recycling methods are needed because LIBs contain heavy metals such as Co, Ni, and Mn and organic compounds inside, which seriously threaten human health and the environment. In this work, we review the current status of spent LIB recycling, discuss the traditional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recovery processes, and summarize the existing short-process recovery technologies such as salt-assisted roasting, flotation processes, and direct recycling. Finally, we analyze the problems and potential research prospects of the current recycling process, and point out that the multidisciplinary integration of recycling will become the mainstream technology for the development of spent LIBs.