We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries—Technologies, Environmental, Human Health, and Economic Issues—Mini-Systematic Literature Review
Summary
This review examines the environmental and health challenges of recycling lithium-ion batteries, which are central to modern electronics and electric vehicles. Traditional recovery methods like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy carry environmental risks, and emerging approaches like membrane processes and bioleaching show promise but face scaling challenges. The authors highlight that improving lithium recovery efficiency is critical for both preventing environmental contamination and securing sustainable supplies of this essential resource.
Global concerns about pollution reduction, associated with the continuous technological development of electronic equipment raises challenge for the future regarding lithium-ion batteries exploitation, use, and recovery through recycling of critical metals. Several human and environmental issues are reported, including related diseases caused by lithium waste. Lithium in Li-ion batteries can be recovered through various methods to prevent environmental contamination, and Li can be reused as a recyclable resource. Classical technologies for recovering lithium from batteries are associated with various environmental issues, so lithium recovery remains challenging. However, the emergence of membrane processes has opened new research directions in lithium recovery, offering hope for more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. These processes can be integrated into current industrial recycling flows, having a high recovery potential and paving the way for a more sustainable future. A second method, biolexivation, is eco-friendly, but this point illustrates significant drawbacks when used on an industrial scale. We discussed toxicity induced by metals associated with Li to iron-oxidizing bacteria, which needs further study since it causes low recycling efficiency. One major environmental problem is the low efficiency of the recovery of Li from the water cycle, which affects global-scale safety. Still, electromembranes can offer promising solutions in the future, but there is needed to update regulations to actual needs for both producing and recycling LIB.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Lithium batteries safety, wider perspective
This review assessed human and environmental risks associated with the full life cycle of lithium-ion batteries, from raw material extraction through use and disposal. The authors found that while batteries enable clean energy transition, inadequate recycling infrastructure and disposal of battery materials pose toxicological and environmental contamination risks.
Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries for a sustainable future: recent advancements
This review examines methods for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries, which are critical for recovering valuable metals like cobalt and lithium and preventing environmental pollution. The paper compares approaches including direct recycling, high-heat processing, and biological methods, evaluating their environmental impact and cost-effectiveness for a more sustainable circular economy.
Research on Pollution Control in the Recycling of Spent Lithium-ion Batteries
This review examines pollution control challenges in the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), covering the release of heavy metals, electrolyte solvents, and fluorinated compounds during processing. It calls for integrated pollution control across all recycling stages to prevent environmental contamination as LIB volumes surge.
Lithium-ion battery recycling: a source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment?
Researchers reviewed the use of fluorinated substances, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in lithium-ion batteries and the risks posed by battery recycling processes. The study suggests that while high-temperature pyrometallurgy can mineralize PFAS, the increasingly popular lower-temperature hydrometallurgy approach may lead to incomplete degradation and release of persistent fluorinated substances.
Lithium: an emerging environmental challenge for coastal ecosystems
This review examines the emerging environmental threat of lithium contamination in coastal ecosystems, driven by surging demand from electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. The authors note that lithium inputs to the ocean now exceed natural riverine contributions, with recycling rates below 5%, raising concerns about ecotoxicological effects on marine organisms.