Investigation of Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Processes and Its Challenges

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are higher portable than other commercial energy storage devices due to low self-discharge, long lifespan, and high energy density. Moreover, with rapid advancements in microprocessor technology and continuous upgrades, the product update period for consumer electronics has been dramatically shortened, leading to increase production and fast consumption of LIBs from consumer electronics waste. Lack of suitable materials and post-treatment of used lithium-ion batteries is expected to cause severe consequences such as environmental and resources pollution. Furthermore, significant increases in the production of electric machines will increase the number of consumed LIBs soon. Since they are precious metals and harmful substances, their proper recycling is essential. Many recycling processes have been developed to recover metal quantities from used LIBs, and some anodes have been industrialized. The ideal recycling process should recover all consumed LIB components with low energy consumption and without environmental pollution. Therefore, recycling LIBs is highly desirable, and recycling technologies and regulations should be developed to create a complete recycling system for used LIBs. This report highlights recent advances in recycling technologies for used lithium-ion batteries, including the development of recycling processes, recycled products, and the effects of recycling on environmental loads. In addition, the remaining challenges and prospects are highlighted.