Research Progress in Lithium Recycling: A Mini Review

Abstract

The execution of the dual carbon strategy has expedited the swift advancement of the new energy sector, resulting in a substantial rise in the demand for lithium resources. The process of lithium recycling can mitigate the environmental challenges associated with lithium extraction, thereby underscoring the growing importance of lithium recycling. This paper focuses on the essential technologies utilized for the recovery of lithium and other metals from diverse categories of waste lithium-ion batteries. These technologies include pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and bio-metallurgy. Additionally, the paper delineates the various stages involved in the recycling process. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of various technologies used for lithium recovery, examining their respective processes, advantages and disadvantages, efficiency in lithium recovery, associated costs, environmental implications, and degree of commercialization. While there is a growing concern regarding the advancement of various lithium recycling technologies, the current efficiency of lithium recycling remains significantly constrained. It is anticipated that this paper will further stimulate interest in the field of lithium recycling.