Recovery of critical metals and graphite from spent lithium--ion batteries through bio and hydrometallurgy

The recovery of Critical Raw Materials (CRM) has been targeted by the European Union as a priority, to approach concepts such as circular economy and energy transition, to meet sustainable development goals. In this context, CRMs like graphite, cobalt, lithium, nickel, and manganese, which are present in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, essential for the development of electric vehicles, have gained enormous attention. Their recycling from black mass from spent lithium-ion batteries is an excellent opportunity for the recovery of these strategic elements and for the reduction of waste generation.