Recycling of electrolyte from spent lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries have become the most widely used electrochemical energy storage device due to their excellent cycling performance, safety and stability. The service life of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is generally 3∼5 years. Therefore, a large number of spent lithium-ion batteries will be generated in the future. Spent lithium-ion batteries will cause serious environmental pollution if not processed properly, especially the electrolyte. Nowadays, the recycling of lithium-ion batteries is mainly on the high-value electrode materials containing non-ferrous metals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel. However, due to its volatility, toxicity and flammability, the recycling of electrolyte is less studied. The spent electrolyte reacts with water to form fluoride, which may spread into the air and soil. This will cause serious environmental pollution and endanger human health. And the electrolyte contains a certain concentration of lithium salts and organic solvents, which are worth recovering. They have economic value and can be reused. From the perspective of environmental protection and resource recycling, it is urgent to recycle and utilize electrolyte in a high value way. This paper reviews the current situation of recycling of spent lithium-ion battery electrolyte and its development prospects are prospected.