Journal of Energy Chemistry ›› 2023, Vol. 79 ›› Issue (4): 118-134.DOI: 10.1016/j.jechem.2022.08.005

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Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries as a sustainable solution to obtain raw materials for different applications

V.M. Leal, J.S. Ribeiro, E.L.D. Coelho, M.B.J.G. Freitas*   

  1. Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Electrochemistry and Electrochemistry, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Vitória, ES 29075-910, Brazil
  • Received:2021-12-31 Revised:2022-07-24 Accepted:2022-08-03 Online:2023-04-15 Published:2023-05-30
  • Contact: * E-mail address: marcos.freitas@ufes.br (M.B.J.G. Freitas).
  • About author:Vitor Leal has a master’s degree in science from Federal University of Espírito Santo Vitória, Brazil and works in the area of electrochemistry and electroanalysis. His current field placement revolves around lithium-ion batteries and its recycling processes.
    Jessielem Ribeiro has a master’s degree in science and is a doctoral student in science at the Federal University of Espírito Santo Vitória, Brazil. She works in the area of materials synthesis and electrochemistry. Her current field placement revolves around the recycling processes of Li-ion batteries, synthesis of new materials, and their applications in electronic devices.
    Edson Lucas Dosval Coelho is undergraduate student in chemistry at the Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil. and works in the area of materials and electrochemistry. His research work focuses on the synthesis of materials recycled from spent lithium-ion batteries for advanced energy/environmental applica-tions.
    Marcos Benedito José Geraldo de Freitas obtained a doctorate in science from the Federal University of São Carlos and is an adjunct professor at the Federal University of Espirito Santo acting in the areas: Recy-cling of Li-ion batteries, metal nickel hydride, zinc-manganese oxide and nickel cadmium as a form of development sustainable; Synthesis, characterization and application of materials; Catalysis, Corrosion and inhibitors; Electrodeposition; Electrochemistry of pet-roleum.

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) containing graphite as anode material and LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, and LiNixMnyCozO2 as cathode materials are the most used worldwide because of their high energy density, capacitance, dura-bility, and safety. However, such widespread use implies the generation of large amounts of electronic waste. It is estimated that more than 11 million ton of LIBs waste will have been generated by 2030. Battery recycling can contribute to minimizing environmental contamination and reducing production costs through the recovery of high-value raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The most com-mon processes used to recycle spent LIBs are pyrometallurgical, biometallurgical, and hydrometallurgical. Given the current scenario, it is necessary to develop environmentally friendly methods to recycle batteries and synthesize materials with multiple technological applications. This study presents a review of indus-trial and laboratory processes for recycling spent LIBs and producing materials that can be used in new bat-teries, energy storage devices, electrochemical sensors, and photocatalytic reactions.

Key words: Li-ion batteries, Recycling, Cathode, Battery, Hydrometallurgical, Pyrometallurgical