Electrochemical lithium recycling from spent batteries with electricity generation

Weiping Wang, Zaichun Liu, Zhengxin Zhu, Yirui Ma, Kai Zhang, Yahan Meng, Touqeer Ahmad, Nawab Ali Khan, Qia Peng, Zehui Xie, Zuodong Zhang and Wei Chen ()
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Weiping Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Zaichun Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Zhengxin Zhu: University of Science and Technology of China
Yirui Ma: University of Science and Technology of China
Kai Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Yahan Meng: University of Science and Technology of China
Touqeer Ahmad: University of Science and Technology of China
Nawab Ali Khan: University of Science and Technology of China
Qia Peng: University of Science and Technology of China
Zehui Xie: University of Science and Technology of China
Zuodong Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Wei Chen: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Sustainability, 2025, vol. 8, issue 3, 287-296

Abstract: Abstract Lithium (Li) plays a crucial role in Li-ion batteries (LIBs), an important technology supporting the global transition to a low-carbon society. Recycling Li from spent LIBs can maximize the Li resource utilization efficiency, promote the circularity of the Li cycle and improve the sustainability of LIBs. However, conventional methods generally require substantial chemicals and energy inputs. Here we show an electrochemical method enabling simultaneous Li recycling from spent LIBs and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) capture from waste gas, producing electricity and high-purity (>99%) lithium nitrate (LiNO3). This method is waste-free and requires no massive chemical consumptions or energy inputs, while achieving high lithium recovery efficiencies of up to 97% and realizing considerable energy output of 66 Wh per kilogram of treated electrode. The potential controlled NO2 reduction reaction enables selective NO2 capture from industrial waste gas. Our work makes Li recycling more environmentally friendly and economically feasible, paving the way to a more sustainable Li cycle that would contribute to realize the circular economy.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01505-5

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