Intellectual property analysis of recycling technologies for spent power lithium-ion batteries

The rapid expansion and increasing adoption of electric vehicles have significantly amplified the demand for power batteries, making the recycling and treatment of spent power lithium-ion batteries a critical issue for environmental protection and resource conservation. Actively pursuing the development of eco-friendly recycling technologies and enhancing the regulatory frameworks governing the disposal of spent power lithium-ion batteries are concerns worldwide. This paper places a particular emphasis on the role of intellectual property protection in the advancement of spent power lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. By classifying the key technologies in the recycling process, reviewing recent policies and regulations, and conducting a comprehensive analysis of patent applications related to these technologies, this study applies intellectual property analysis to systematically investigate the global trends in technology development, the main technological players, and the key fields of innovation in spent power lithium-ion battery recycling over the past two decades. The findings underscore the crucial influence of intellectual property protection on fostering technological innovation and driving the global advancement of recycling technologies. Finally, the paper summarizes the technical characteristics, focal areas, challenges, and future prospects of spent power lithium-ion battery recycling technologies in the context of global energy transformation and sustainable development, providing strategic guidance for future industrialization, technological innovation, and research directions in this critical field.