THE MISSING LINK BETWEEN RECYCLING OF USED LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES : CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

This mini-review provides a comprehensive understanding on topics ranging from the historical perspective of the emissions from fossil-fuel-powered automobiles, and its link with the electrification of mobility options. In recent years, Li-ion battery technology, so far, seems to be the right fit for the growing needs of the rechargeable battery demands. However, in a somewhat coherent fashion, a significant spurt in battery production has resulted in improved supply chain protocol, the management of the used batteries is being recognized as a critical bottleneck, primarily due to the skewed global availability of metallic deposits meant for the best-performing electrode chemistries. In this regard, recycling of used batteries can be a savior to the brewing silent crisis of supply deficit of raw materials both environmentally and economically. This mini-review surveys and presents a comprehensive picture of the causes and factors governing the raw material ecosystem of the lithium-ion battery technology while simultaneously highlighting the prevalent practices, concerns and methods of battery recycling, citing a few laboratory and industrial examples of the real-time scenarios.