Challenges in Ecofriendly Battery Recycling and Closed Material Cycles: A Perspective on Future Lithium Battery Generations

Abstract

The global use of lithium-ion batteries of all types has been increasing at a rapid pace for many years. In order to achieve the goal of an economical and sustainable battery industry, the recycling and recirculation of materials is a central element on this path. As the achievement of high 95% recovery rates demanded by the European Union for some metals from today’s lithium ion batteries is already very challenging, the question arises of how the process chains and safety of battery recycling as well as the achievement of closed material cycles are affected by the new lithium battery generations, which are supposed to enter the market in the next 5 to 10 years. Based on a survey of the potential development of battery technology in the next years, where a diversification between high-performance and cost-efficient batteries is expected, and today’s knowledge on recycling, the challenges and chances of the new battery generations regarding the development of recycling processes, hazards in battery dismantling and recycling, as well as establishing a circular economy are discussed. It becomes clear that the diversification and new developments demand a proper separation of battery types before recycling, for example by a transnational network of dismantling and sorting locations, and flexible and high sophisticated recycling processes with case-wise higher safety standards than today. Moreover, for the low-cost batteries, recycling of the batteries becomes economically unattractive, so legal stipulations become important. However, in general, it must be still secured that closing the material cycle for all battery types with suitable processes is achieved to secure the supply of raw materials and also to further advance new developments.

Digital battery passports to enable circular and sustainable value chains: conceptualization and use cases

“…It is further assumed that technical and safety requirements are prioritized rather than sustainability-and circularity-related performances (Hirz and Brunner, 2015;Mayyas et al, 2019;Slater et al, 2019). The presented use case "support of recycling efforts" was developed by consulting information by policymakers (European Commission, 2020a), and literature with a focus on lithium-ion batteries and recycling (e.g., Doose et al, 2021;Slater et al, 2019;Velázquez-Martínez et al, 2019). In addition, provided by policymakers (European Commission, 2020a), and literature with a focus on lithium-ion batteries and recycling (e.g., Doose et al, 2021;Slater et al, 2019;Velázquez-Martínez et al, 2019) served as sources of inspiration…”

“…In addition, information on employed hazardous substances are beneficial to ensure safe EVB handling (cf. Doose et al, 2021;Velázquez-Martínez et al, 2019), which the recycler may access through the main information categories battery and sustainability and circularity (cf. Fig.…”

“…8), which allows to quickly derive battery health-related information (e.g., SoC, DoD) (cf. Doose et al, 2021). In addition, the recycler may benefit from the proposed concept by consulting the main information categories battery, and sustainability and circularity (cf.…”

“…In case of EVBs, this is mirrored by information on battery performance-related properties (e.g., driving range, lifespan), electrical engineering-related specifications (e.g., energy density, power density), and the EVB's structure with respect to cell, module, and pack level (e.g., number total cells and modules, employed assembly processes) (cf. Chen et al, 2020;Cusenza et al, 2019;Doose et al, 2021;Stampatori et al, 2020). The need of product-related information has also been discussed by DPP-related literature (cf.…”

Ultrathin and Ultralight Zn Micromesh‐Induced Spatial‐Selection Deposition for Flexible High‐Specific‐Energy Zn‐Ion Batteries

“…[ 1 ] Lithium‐ion batteries have been most widely applied in consumer electronics, internet of things, and portable devices, while the high cost and limited reservoir of lithium, and environmental concerns thwart the further broader implementation. [ 2 ] In this regard, rechargeable Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have rapidly developed among the aqueous rechargeable batteries (e.g., Mg, Ca, Al) profiting from the appealing merits of low potential (−0.762 V vs standard hydrogen electrode), high security and capacity (theoretical capacity of 820 mAh g −1 and volumetric capacity of 5851 mAh cm −3 ), and abundant natural resources. [ 3,4 ] Recent years have witnessed the extensive efforts in the exploration and optimal regulation of cathodes and electrolytes for ZIBs.…”