Recycling of solid-state batteries—challenge and opportunity for a circular economy?

Abstract

The tremendous efforts made in the research field of solid-state Li-ion batteries has led to considerable advancement of this technology and first market-ready systems can be expected in the near future. The research community is currently investigating different solid-state electrolyte classes (e.g., oxides, sulfides, halides and polymers) with a focus on further optimizing the synthesis and electrochemical performance. However, so far, the development of sustainable recycling strategies allowing for an efficient backflow of critical elements contained in these batteries into the economic cycle and thus a transition from a linear to a circular economy lags behind.
In this contribution, resource aspects with respect to the chemical value of crucial materials, which are used for the synthesis of solid-state electrolytes are being discussed. Furthermore, an overview of possible approaches in relation to their challenges and opportunities for the recycling of solid-state batteries with respect to different solid-state electrolyte classes by means of pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy and direct recycling/dissolution-based separation processes is given. Based these considerations and with reference to previous research, it will be shown that different solid-state electrolytes will require individually adapted recycling processes to be suitably designed for a circular economy, and that further improvements and investigations will be required.

Environmental Aspects and Recycling of Solid-State Batteries: A Comprehensive Review

“…Factors influencing this include: i) Fluctuating demand and prices [98,99]: The demand for materials like lithium is projected to grow as the electric vehicle market expands, but this demand can be volatile and subject to economic cycles, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Prices for lithium and other critical materials recovered from SSBs can fluctuate significantly, impacting the profitability and sustainability of recycling operations; ii) Quality and purity of recovered materials [100]: The economic return on recycled materials also depends on their purity and the cost of processing them to a usable quality. Materials recovered from SSBs often require additional purification steps to reach the quality standards demanded by battery manufacturers, adding to the complexity and cost of recycling [94].…”