LIBRA: An open framework for techno-economic and environmental assessment of lithium-ion battery recycling under evolving battery chemistries

Abstract The transition towards circular battery supply chains is changing the requirements for lithium-ion battery recycling. The rising share of lithium iron phosphate batteries and battery-to-battery recycling concepts require frameworks capable of evaluating evolving recycling technologies, yet existing models remain focused on conventional routes and fixed battery chemistries. Here, we present LIBRA, an open, process-level framework for the integrated techno-economic and environmental assessment of lithium-ion battery recycling, combining mass-flow modelling, equipment sizing, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment within an interactive web-based platform. LIBRA represents conventional pyrometallurgical-hydrometallurgical recycling alongside chemistry-specific mechanical-hydrometallurgical pathways for NMC, LFP, and mixed feedstocks. Case studies show that increasing LFP penetration reduces the competitiveness of conventional recycling, while chemistry-specific mechanical-hydrometallurgical recycling remains favourable across the feedstock range, with profits up to 3.7 USD kg⁻¹ at 75% LFP. Benchmarking against established frameworks confirms consistency, positioning LIBRA as a transparent, open framework for future circular battery value chains.