The regeneration of metal components from the cathode of spent lithium-ion batteries using food wastes: a review

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the regeneration of metal components from the cathode of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using food wastes. Design/methodology/approach This review critically explored the use of common food wastes like orange peels (OPs), waste tea, macadamia shells and grape seed waste in regenerating the metal components from the cathodes of expended LIBs that have been pretreated. Additionally, this study explores the economic viability of using food waste for LIB recycling and the outlook for this innovative approach. Findings The reductive potentials of certain food wastes: OPs, waste tea, macadamia shells and grape seed, were evaluated for their abilities to leach metal components from the cathodes of spent LIBs. OP yielded 80%–99% leaching of the important metals: Li, Co, Ni and Mn. Waste tea yielded leaching efficiencies of almost 100% for Ni, Li and Mn and about 90% for Co. Macadamia shell yielded 93.4% leaching of lithium. Grape seed showed that the efficiencies of 99% and 92% could be achieved for Li and Co, respectively. Research limitations/implications This research/method suffers from variabilities in food composition, with amount of extractable useful components differing greatly among different food wastes. Also, the seasonal availability of some foods is also a critical concern. With these limitations, there comes a challenge regarding the scalability of this method. Originality/value This paper presents an original comprehensive review of the regeneration of metal components from the cathode of spent LIBs using food wastes.