How to Maximize the Value Recovered from Li-Ion Batteries: Hydrometallurgical or Direct Recycling?

Abstract

Technology is available for recycling of Li-ion cells, and it continues to improve. Hydrometallurgical processing will enable recycling of both EOL cells and manufacturing scrap until direct recycling is sufficiently developed to be deployed on large commercial scales. Then the direct process will start to grow, helped by its economic advantage for the rapidly increasing market penetration and subsequent retirement of low-cobalt cathodes. There may still be situations when hydro processing is more economical, especially if direct upcycling proves to be expensive or if technical difficulties are not overcome. However, both will be needed if we are to recycle Li-ion batteries in the United States and to minimize the material that must be imported for the production of new batteries.