| Abstract Scope |
The rapid rise of electric vehicles and portable electronics has increased demand for lithium-ion batteries, highlighting the need for sustainable recycling strategies. Cathode materials contain valuable metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum, and lithium, making them key targets for recovery. Conventional hydrometallurgical methods use aggressive acids, oxidants, and large water volumes, generating significant waste and environmental risks. This study explores an alternative method using low-melting-point molten salts to recover metals directly via electrodeposition. This approach avoids leaching, neutralization, and purification, reducing process steps and simplifying operation. The absence of hazardous chemicals and water minimizes environmental impact and waste generation, offering a cleaner, simpler, and potentially scalable solution for lithium-ion battery recycling.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under the award number DE-EE00010974. Kristi Danley-Pysh serves as program manager. |