Cited by 1,038Extraction and Separation ProcessesAdvanced Battery Technologies ResearchAdvancements in Battery Materials

Toward sustainable and systematic recycling of spent rechargeable batteries

Zhang, Xiaoxiao, Li, Li, Fan, Ersha, Xue, Qing, Bian, Yifan, Wu, Feng, Chen, Renjie·2018·Chemical Society Reviews

Abstract

Ever-growing global energy needs and environmental damage have motivated the pursuit of sustainable energy sources and storage technologies. As attractive energy storage technologies to integrate renewable resources and electric transportation, rechargeable batteries, including lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and lithium-ion batteries, are undergoing unprecedented rapid development. However, the intrinsic toxicity of rechargeable batteries arising from their use of toxic materials is potentially environmentally hazardous. Additionally, the massive production of batteries consumes numerous resources, some of which are scarce. It is therefore essential to consider battery recycling when developing battery systems. Here, we provide a systematic overview of rechargeable battery recycling from a sustainable perspective. We present state-of-the-art fundamental research and industrial technologies related to battery recycling, with a special focus on lithium-ion battery recycling. We introduce the concept of sustainability through a discussion of the life-cycle assessment of battery recycling. Considering the forecasted trend of a massive number of retired power batteries from the forecasted surge in electric vehicles, their repurposing and reuse are considered from economic, technical, environmental, and market perspectives. New opportunities, challenges, and future prospects for battery recycling are then summarized. A reinterpreted 3R strategy entailing redesign, reuse, and recycling is recommended for the future development of battery recycling.

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Crossref · 10.1039/c8cs00297e

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388 of 388 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Zhang, X., Li, L., Fan, E., Xue, Q., Bian, Y., Wu, F., & Chen, R.
Affiliations
Beijing Institute of Technology (CN)
Corresponding author
Chen, Renjie
Venue
Chemical Society Reviews
Published
2018
Volume
47
Issue
19
Pages
7239-7302
ISSN
  • 0306-0012 (ISSN-L)
  • 1460-4744
OpenAlex
W2888372254
Cited by
1,038
References
388
Citations by year
2026: 106 · 2025: 161 · 2024: 166 · 2023: 157 · 2022: 153 · 2021: 131 · 2020: 92 · 2019: 72
FWCI
9.34
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Chemical Society Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Natural Science Foundation of China (51772030, U1564206)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Extraction and Separation Processes
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Advanced Battery Technologies Research
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Advancements in Battery Materials
Keywords
battery recycling, lithium-ion battery recycling, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, life cycle assessment, battery repurposing, electric vehicles, 3Rs, resource constraints, toxic materials, sustainable energy storage

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