Progress, challenges, and prospects of spent lithium-ion batteries recycling: A review

The recycling and reutilization of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become an important measure to alleviate problems like resource scarcity and environmental pollution. Although some progress has been made, battery recycling technology still faces challenges in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and environmental sustainability. This review aims to systematically review and analyze the current status of spent LIB recycling, and conduct a detailed comparison and evaluation of different recycling processes. In addition, this review introduces emerging recycling techniques, including deep eutectic solvents, molten salt roasting, and direct regeneration, with the intent of enhancing recycling efficiency and diminishing environmental repercussions. Furthermore, to increase the added value of recycled materials, this review proposes the concept of upgrading recycled materials into high value-added functional materials, such as catalysts, adsorbents, and graphene. Through life cycle assessment, the paper also explores the economic and environmental impacts of current battery recycling and highlights the importance that future recycling technologies should achieve a balance between recycling efficiency, economics and environmental benefits. Finally, this review outlines the opportunities and challenges of recycling key materials for next-generation batteries, and proposes relevant policy recommendations to promote the green and sustainable development of batteries, circular economy, and ecological civilization.