Recovery of spent battery materials for reuse in energy storage applications.

The rapid expansion of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems has led to a surge in demand for lithium-ion batteries, raising urgent concerns over raw material scarcity, environmental impact, and end-of-life waste. Necessity of finding sustainable processes for the battery recycling, implementation of recovered materials in the battery loop and reuse of battery components in second-life applications are crucial topics in securing the energy sector for the coming years. This presentation explores the recovery of critical battery components from spent battery cells, with a focus on methods that enable their reuse in energy storage applications.

In our work, we evaluate hydrometallurgical approaches, such as leaching and electrochemical methods of Li-ion and alkaline batteries, to recover valuable resources for their further reuse in battery applications. Emphasis is placed on critical aspects in the recycling technology, such as scalable, low-impact recycling methods that preserve material integrity and performance. We explore the electrochemical behavior of the used batteries under varied conditions, with implementation of bio-based materials and advanced electrochemical techniques to investigate their reuse in novel batteries and secondary-life applications. By aligning material recovery with battery manufacturing needs, this work underscores the potential for a circular economy in battery technology, reducing dependence on natural resources and waste recovery while supporting sustainable energy goals.