Technologies for Sustainable Recycling and Disposal of LiB for EVs

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is important for mitigating the issue of global warming. Greenhouse gas emissions by road transportation which is 11.9% of all sectors is significantly reduced by electric vehicle usage. The increasing need of lithium ion batteries (LiB), arise from the growing usage of EVs, underscores the predominant requirement of sustainable and efficient LiB recycling framework. Estimates suggest that only 5% to 8% of LiB batteries are currently recycled worldwide and 95% of them are going to land fill. This comprehensive work examines the overall state of Li-ion battery recycling from the perspective of LiB recycling technologies, environmental aspect, regulatory frameworks, recycling challenges, opportunities and economic considerations. It covers existing recycling methods such as mechanical, pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical processes, and electrochemical along with their benefits. The environmental implications such as resource depletion, greenhouse gases release and release of hazardous substance at the end of battery life are assessed. Regulatory frameworks of LiB recycling are analyzed for their strengths, weaknesses, and improvement areas. The critical aspects of recycling which includes market dynamics, value recovery, collection of batteries, logistics, battery design complexity, and the need for standardized processes are discussed. This work also explores innovation opportunities, collaboration, and the integration of circular economy principles into recycling practices. The insights into the current Li-ion battery recycling landscape, knowledge gaps, future research directions, and the importance of holistic approach for societal benefit is discussed.