New Science Based Concepts for Increased Efficiency in Battery Recycling 2023

This Special Issue features 24 articles on current topics, exploring key conditions for effective battery recycling. It covers various battery types and processes, examining steps from initial crushing and mechanical pretreatment to material separation. Some studies investigate the use of air classifiers to separate battery foils and sensors for sorting components by material type. Other studies look into how different battery types affect these mechanical steps and the impact of thermal pretreatment on materials like NMC 622 black mass. Thermal pretreatment is highlighted as a critical step for removing organic compounds and breaking down materials, enabling more efficient recycling. Several studies focus on this process, including sulfuric roasting for LCO-rich black mass and safe lithium recovery from LiS cells. After pretreatment, hydrometallurgical processes are typically applied to further recover valuable materials. Researchers aim to optimize these steps, enhancing lithium leaching efficiency and reducing process-disrupting viscosity. Organic acids like gluconic and acetic acids are considered environmentally friendly alternatives for extracting elements such as cobalt and nickel. This Special Issue also includes broader reviews addressing topics like the role of LIBs in sustainable energy and minimizing losses in recycling steps. Together, these studies provide a comprehensive overview of advancements and future directions for efficient, sustainable battery recycling.