Recent improvements in Salt-Assisted and Microwave-Assisted recovery methods for sustainable metal extraction from NCM cathodes in spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: A review

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles has generated a pressing need for sustainable management of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly those utilizing nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes (NCM). This review critically examines recent advancements in recycling technologies, focusing on innovative methods such as salt-assisted roasting and microwave-assisted thermal treatments, as well as their combined applications. These approaches demonstrate promising potential to enhance the selective recovery of critical metals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese, while addressing environmental and economic challenges. Additionally, the review highlights sustainability assessments and identifies key gaps in the current literature, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact. By providing a comprehensive analysis of these emerging recovery methods, this work aims to guide future research and industrial adoption, contributing to a circular economy for LIBs.