Extraction Methods and Innovations for Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and Manganese Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Review

The remarkable growth of the electric vehicle sector has brought about an increasing number of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This development presents an important opportunity to promote efficient and sustainable methods for the extraction and recycling of valuable metals, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Traditional recycling techniques, including pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, face certain challenges, such as high energy consumption, potential environmental impacts, and limitations in metal recovery efficiency. Considering these challenges, this study seeks to explore a range of extraction methods, contrasting traditional approaches with innovative sustainable alternatives such as bio-extraction and microbial metal recovery, which are aligned with the principles of a circular economy. This review aims to provide a thoughtful analysis of various selective extraction methods, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of each in relation to sustainable development and circular economic practices. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significant paradigm shift toward biotechnological solutions, particularly bioleaching, which offers promising environmental advantages. The adoption of sustainable extraction technologies is vital for enhancing the global recycling efficiency of LIBs. This approach not only aims to mitigate supply chain risks for essential battery metals but also reduces reliance on primary mining, thereby supporting broader efforts toward decarbonization and sustainability on a global scale.