Researchers Developing 15-Minute Method to Recycle Nearly All Lithium in Electric Vehicle Batteries
Researchers are experimenting with ways to improve electric vehicle battery recycling, and testing a new method that could recycle nearly 100% of lithium within a battery, according to Inside EVs.
These methods were explored in a lab experiment conducted by multiple Chinese universities, including Central South University in Changsha, Guizhou Normal University, and the National Engineering Research Center of Advanced Energy Storage Materials.
Using a special method, the researchers were able to 99.99% of the lithium, 97% of the nickel, 92% of the cobalt, and 91% of the manganese from a used battery, as part of a process that takes just 15 minutes.
Rather than using traditional extraction methods—which contain harmful amino acids—researchers implemented “natural leaching,” substituting harsh chemicals with a neutral, environmentally-friendly solution.
A simpler amino acid, called glycine, is used instead to extract lithium efficiently, followed by a process that prevents additional chemical reactions. The researchers said this reduces harmful byproducts and the cost of recycling.
Such research could have potential not only for EVs, but for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well, in addition to several other uses including energy storage, robots, and drones.
