A review of new technologies for lithium-ion battery treatment

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in various aspects of human life and production due to their safety, convenience, and low cost, especially in the field of electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, the number of LIBs worldwide is growing exponentially, which also leads to an increase in discarded LIBs. Spent lithium-ion batteries (S-LIBs) contain valuable metals and environmentally hazardous chemicals, necessitating proper resource recovery and harmless treatment of these S-LIBs. Therefore, research on S-LIBs recycling is beneficial for sustainable EVs development. This paper aims to critically review the research progress in the field of S-LIBs recycling, focusing on the recycling technology of cathode materials. First, the article introduces the composition, classification, and working principle of LIB. It then discusses the evaluation and monitoring of batteries that can no longer be used, so that they can be repurposed or dismantled for disposal. Subsequently, introduces that batteries that can no longer be used should undergo evaluation and monitoring for repurposing or dismantling. Emphasize the treatment of cathode materials, including two traditional recycling methods hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy as well as five new direct regeneration technologies and the application of cathode materials in non-battery fields. This work is expected to systematically demonstrate the treatment of S-LIBs and is of great significance for the sustainable EVs development of the LIB industry.