Review of Ultrasound-Assisted Recycling and Utilization of Cathode Materials from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: State-of-the-Art and Outlook

Abstract

The recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries can not only reduce the potential harm caused by solid waste piles to the local environment but also provide raw materials for manufacturing new batteries. Power ultrasound is one of the effective means to enhance the resourceful recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries, and the unique physical and chemical effects are the main mechanisms that lead to the enhancement. A large number of studies reported the recycling and utilization of cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries with the assistance of ultrasound. In this paper, first, we discuss the pathway of ultrasonic enhancement of the resource-based recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries regarding the introduction of ultrasonic cavitation theories; second, we systematically review the research of ultrasonic applications in the separation of metal collectors from, the recovery of, and the regeneration of cathode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries; finally, shortcomings of the ultrasound-assisted technology in industrial applications are discussed, and prospects of industrial ultrasonic applications in the resource recycling and utilization of spent lithium-ion batteries are proposed.

A systematic review of efficient recycling for the cathode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries: process intensification technologies beyond traditional methods

“…26,27 However, the present focus has been on technologies based on hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, 28,29 along with some representative recovery technologies. 30,31 Hu et al 32 summarized the latest progress of hydrometallurgy in the field of LIB cathode material recovery, focusing on key steps, such as leaching, separation, and purification, and proposed sustainability assessments and optimization methods for the recovery process. Lei et al 33 further reviewed the development of solvent extraction technology in the field of LIB recovery in terms of principle, technology, and industrialization and discussed the challenges and opportunities in the recovery and utilization of valuable metal ions in cathode materials.…”

Highly Selective Extraction of Lithium from Spent NCM Cathode Powder Reconstructive Electrode by Acid-Free Electrochemical Process

“…At present, there are three primary methods for recovering valuable metals from spent LIBs: hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and biohydrometallurgy . Hydrometallurgical treatment is currently the most mature and widely adopted process for recycling spent LIBs . This procedure involves the use of reducing agents to extract valuable metals through acid or alkali leaching.…”

Enhancement Mechanism of the Difference of Hydrophobicity between Anode and Cathode Active Materials from Spent Lithium-Ion Battery Using Plasma Modification

“…With the state's strong support for the development of new energy vehicles, China's new energy vehicle production and new energy vehicle sales have been rising explosively. 1 By the end of 2022, the cumulative ownership of new energy vehicles in China exceeded 13.1 million. As the main energy storage element of new energy vehicles, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have many advantages such as high energy density, low self-discharge rate, high potential difference, and long cycle life.…”

“…With the continuous promotion of China’s “dual carbon” strategy, China’s new energy vehicle industry will be immersed in a leapfrog development in the next 20 years. With the state’s strong support for the development of new energy vehicles, China’s new energy vehicle production and new energy vehicle sales have been rising explosively . By the end of 2022, the cumulative ownership of new energy vehicles in China exceeded 13.1 million.…”