Review of Research on Li-Ion Batteries Waste Management

Abstract

Li-ion batteries (Libs) are a mature technology widely used for energy storage in various electronic devices. Nowadays, this technology has become a leading candidate for the portable electronics market and for electric vehicles due to its good performance. As a result, the demand for Libs containing critical metals, rare earth elements and precious metals is increasing day by day with the accelerated upgrades of consumer electronics, which promotes the supply risk of many mining resources. In addition, the problems associated with the production of end-of-life Lib are increasing on a global scale. Used Libs are e-waste containing significant levels of critical raw materials (such as Co, Li, Mn and Ni) along with harmful substances. Without proper management of Lib waste, these precious metals and toxic substances may end up in nature and cause environmental and public health problems. In order to preserve nature, ensure sustainable resource management and stimulate the circular economy, it has become crucial to properly manage and recycle end-of-life Li-ion batteries. By the way, conventional methods focusing on pyrometallurgical treatments combined with hydrometallurgical treatment are widely studied to recover design metals from Libs waste. It is in this context that we have conducted this bibliographic synthesis, focusing on the efficiency of the solvents employed and their competitiveness for a more environmentally friendly economic management. In this manuscript, recent leaching, solvent extraction, electrodeposition and precipitation strategies to recover precious metals from end-of-life Li-ion battery designs are reviewed and the evolution of these processes is discussed.