A novel method to recycle mixed cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

TLDR

The lithium‑ion battery market grew from $11.8 billion in 2011 to an expected $50 billion by 2020, yet recycling remains limited because it is not economically justified, despite the high demand from consumer electronics and electric vehicles. This study proposes a low‑temperature, high‑efficiency recycling method that is economically viable and commercially feasible for batteries with diverse cathode chemistries. The method focuses on separating and synthesizing cathode materials—the most valuable component—from recycled battery components. Experimental results demonstrate high recovery efficiencies, indicating that the process is practical and suitable for commercial adoption.

Abstract

The rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery market was $11.8 billion in 2011 and is expected to increase to $50 billion by 2020. With developments in consumer electronics as well as hybrid and electric vehicles, Li-ion batteries demand will continue to increase. However, Li-ion batteries are not widely recycled because currently it is not economically justifiable (in contrast, at present more than 97% lead-acid batteries are recycled). So far, no commercial methods are available to recycle Li-ion batteries with different cathode chemistries economically and efficiently. Considering our limited resources, environmental impact, and national security, Li-ion batteries must be recycled. A new low temperature methodology with high efficiency is proposed in order to recycle Li-ion batteries economically and thus commercially feasible regardless of cathode chemistry. The separation and synthesis of cathode materials (the most valuable material in Li-ion batteries) from the recycled components are the main focus of this study. The results show that the developed recycling process is practical with high recovery efficiencies, and that it is viable for commercial adoption.