Closed-Loop recovery of spent lithium-ion batteries based on preferentially selective extraction of lithium strategy

From the perspective of sustainable energy utilization and green economic development, efficient and closed-loop recovery of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is imperative. This work has developed a closed-loop recovery process for spent LIBs based on preferentially selective extraction of lithium. After molten salt assisted roasting, the efficiency for preferential extraction of Li⁺ could be high up to 99.3 % after optimization of selectivity. Dilute sulfuric acid alone facilitated the leaching efficiency of valuable metals over 98 %, eliminating the need for reductants. Regeneration of residue into graphite and recovery of NaCl mixed powder could avoid the wastage of residual metals. Compared with the conventional process, this work shows a high recovery efficiency and closed-loop extent, with a profit of $6,820 per ton of recovered spent LIBs. This work provides a more environmentally friendly recovery strategy with higher economic profits and environmental impacts, thereby enhancing the potential for industrial applications.