According to MSN, researchers at the University of Birmingham have published a study in Nature Reviews Clean Technology, highlighting new advancements in lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling to meet the surging demand driven by electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. The study highlights emerging technologies like upcycling and direct recycling, which could reduce costs by up to 40% while minimizing secondary pollution. Additionally, innovations in robotic disassembly, deep eutectic solvents (DES), and bioleaching offer improved efficiency and higher material recovery rates, positioning them as viable alternatives to conventional methods.
The research examines current recycling methods such as hydrometallurgy, which recovers metals using aqueous solutions, and pyrometallurgy, which relies on high-temperature processing. These traditional techniques pose challenges, including high energy consumption, inefficient material recovery, and environmental impact. As global EV sales surpassed 17 million units in 2024, the need for scalable and cost-effective recycling solutions has become urgent. The study emphasizes collaboration between recyclers, battery manufacturers, and policymakers to build a sustainable circular economy for LIBs.
To enhance LIB recycling scalability and sustainability, the study outlines several key recommendations. It calls for automated disassembly processes to improve material recovery and reduce contamination, along with design changes in battery manufacturing to facilitate easier recycling. Expanding direct recycling techniques could help preserve material functionality and reduce reliance on chemical-intensive processes. Furthermore, industry-wide collaboration is crucial to establishing a standardized recycling framework capable of handling evolving battery chemistries. The University of Birmingham’s ReLIB project, the UK’s largest research initiative on lithium-ion battery recycling and reuse, is already working to address these challenges, supported by partnerships with American research institutions.
Reference: Ma, X., et al. (2025). The evolution of lithium-ion battery recycling. Nature Reviews Clean Technology. doi.org/10.1038/s44359-024-00010-4.
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