Environmental Impact Analysis of Waste Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Recycling

This study introduces the current status of recycling technology for waste lithium-ion batteries, with a focus on the environmental impact during the recycling process of waste lithium-ion battery cathode materials. Composition of lithium-ion battery was analyzed in order to estimate which components are potentially dangerous to the environment. Heavy metals are main pollutants and change the pH of the environment; also, organic solvent actively reacts with oxidants and reducing agents in the environment. Other parts of waste battery mainly impact an air during the combustion or thermal decomposition generating toxic lithium, cobalt oxides, other gases. Sources of air, water, noise pollution, solid waste, and toxic chemicals generated in the recycling process were identified. Air pollutants generated at every stage of the process of positive electrode materials recycling include dust, acidic gases, and organic gases. The wastewater is generated mainly from the discharge pretreatment and cathode recovery processes (leaching and extraction). Although the wastewater volume is relatively small, its composition is complex, poorly biochemical and toxic (lithium compounds, organic solvents, etc.). In the dismantling process, plastic connectors, circuit boards, high-voltage wiring, powders, collectors and pool electrode material casings are generated as solid waste. Corresponding pollution prevention and control measures are suggested to prevent environmental pollution during the recycling process of waste lithium-ion battery cathode materials.