Research on Pollution Control in the Recycling of Spent Lithium-ion Batteries

In response to the energy crisis and to achieve low-carbon goals, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have rapidly become widespread in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. This leads to a surge in the number of spent lithium-ion batteries (S-LIBs). However, if S-LIBs are not handled properly, this will pose serious environmental and health risks. This review highlights the critical need for integrating pollution control into S-LIBs recycling processes to achieve sustainable resource recovery and critically examines pollution control strategies across S-LIBs recycling processes. Pretreatment (discharge, disassembly, separation) releases microplastics, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fluorine/phosphorus gases from decomposed LiPF6. Hydrometallurgy generates acidic wastewater, while pyrometallurgy emits CO2, NOx, SO2, and heavy metal aerosols. Direct regeneration risks secondary pollution via chemical residues. These guidelines contribute to enhancing S-LIBs recycling techniques and advancing sustainable development within the field. In conclusion, achieving sustainable S-LIBs recycling involves the development of cost-efficient, non-toxic leaching agents, such as organic acids, and implementing closed-loop processes to minimize waste.