Electrodialysis and electrolysis for efficient and sustainable recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries

doi:10.1016/j.cjche.2025.07.006

Abstract

Abstract: The recycling and resource utilization of high-value metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a critical challenge for achieving sustainable development. While conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical recycling methods dominate the industry, they suffer from significant drawbacks, including high pollution, excessive energy consumption, and suboptimal metal purity. In contrast, electrochemical recycling technology, leveraging electro-driven chemical reactions and selective ion migration, offers a promising alternative by minimizing acid/alkali usage and simplifying recovery processes, thereby enabling greener, more efficient, and energy-saving metal extraction. Based on the structural integrity of cathode materials during recycling, this review categorizes electrochemical approaches into indirect and direct recycling methods. Key aspects such as production purity, ion separation efficiency, and energy consumption in spent LIB recycling are critically examined. Furthermore, this review systematically evaluates electrodialysis and electrolysis techniques, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Finally, from a green production perspective, we discuss prospects for cost-effective and environmentally benign LIB recycling strategies, providing insights to guide the advancement of sustainable battery recycling technologies.

Key words: Lithium ions battery recycling, Electrodialysis, Electrolysis, Waste treatment, Separation, Membranes

摘要： The recycling and resource utilization of high-value metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a critical challenge for achieving sustainable development. While conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical recycling methods dominate the industry, they suffer from significant drawbacks, including high pollution, excessive energy consumption, and suboptimal metal purity. In contrast, electrochemical recycling technology, leveraging electro-driven chemical reactions and selective ion migration, offers a promising alternative by minimizing acid/alkali usage and simplifying recovery processes, thereby enabling greener, more efficient, and energy-saving metal extraction. Based on the structural integrity of cathode materials during recycling, this review categorizes electrochemical approaches into indirect and direct recycling methods. Key aspects such as production purity, ion separation efficiency, and energy consumption in spent LIB recycling are critically examined. Furthermore, this review systematically evaluates electrodialysis and electrolysis techniques, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Finally, from a green production perspective, we discuss prospects for cost-effective and environmentally benign LIB recycling strategies, providing insights to guide the advancement of sustainable battery recycling technologies.

关键词: Lithium ions battery recycling, Electrodialysis, Electrolysis, Waste treatment, Separation, Membranes

Guangzhong Cao, Kaichen Zhang, Xiao Liu, Shiyi Zhang, Chenxiao Jiang, Tongwen Xu. Electrodialysis and electrolysis for efficient and sustainable recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2025, 86(10): 45-63.

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